HC Deb 27 July 1908 vol 193 c875
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the effect of Section (b), Clause 1, of the Natal Indemnity Act, confirming all orders made by the supreme chief, will be to legalise Dinizulu's deposition from the chieftainship, which was proclaimed by colonel MacNevil at Usutu last December, when he said Dinizulu would not return; and whether, having regard to the fact that, if this be the true construction of the Indemnity Bill, Dinizulu, even if acquitted, would still be deprived of his chieftainship, the Government propose to take any, and, if so, what, steps in the matter.

COLONEL SEELY

I do not think that Colonel McKenzie can at any time have had authority to issue an order of the supreme chief, nor am I aware that such action was ever taken by him. I do not think, therefore, that there is any reason to apprehend the consequences feared by my hon. friend.