HC Deb 29 October 1908 vol 195 c482
MR. FELL

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information respecting the reported murder of an English settler and his two daughters in the New Hebrides; and whether the same was caused by the recruiting laws in force there under the Conventions.

COLONEL SEELY

A telegram was received on the 22nd instant from the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific reporting that a British settler, Mr. Creig, and his two daughters had been murdered by natives at South Santo on 12th October, and their house pillaged. H.M.S. "Prometheus" and native police (French and British) had been sent to the island. His Majesty's Government have no other information on the subject, but they have telegraphed asking that full particulars may be sent by mail. I fail to attach any meaning to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's Question.

MR. FELL

The hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of my Question.

COLONEL SEELY

I have said I fail to attach any moaning to it.

EARL WINTERTON (Sussex, Horsham)

Will the hon. Gentleman inquire whether in the past similar outbreaks were caused by the recruiting laws?

COLONEL SEELY

I do not see how that arises out of the Question.