§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Bill, passed by the Orange River Colony Legislature, dealing with the employment of natives, their occupation of land and half-profit farming, was considered by this Government, and has received the assent of the Crown.
§ COLONEL SEELYI have seen the terms of the Bill which has been passed and reserved by the Governor for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure, but it has not yet been formally submitted.
§ SIR GILBERT PARKERHave the Government taken into consideration the fact that this Bill will practically compel the natives either to become servants in the Colony, or to retire with their cattle to the already overcrowded reservation? Will that not impede the progress of civilisation?
§ COLONEL SEELYDifferent views are entertained with regard to the effect of this Bill, but I think it would not be wise for me to make a statement on behalf of the Government until the Bill has been submitted here.