§ Mr. MACKARNESSasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet in possession of the full text of the judgment of the special court in Natal which tried Dinizulu; if so, will he say whether the court acquitted Dinizulu on no less than 20 counts, and those the most serious ones of the indictment, including even the charge of inciting to rebellion; and whether he can state what action the Secretary of State proposes to take in regard to the future of Dinizulu?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)Yes, Sir, the text has been received and will shortly be laid before Parliament. The indictment contained 23 counts, and the prisoner was convicted on counts 7, 16, and 5. I do not think that I can usefully make any statement at the present moment.
§ Mr. MACKARNESSIs it a fact that he has been acquitted of all the serious charges in the indictment?
§ Colonel SEELYHe has been acquitted of the more serious charges.
§ Mr. REESDoes it not impair the dignity and authority of a self-governing Colony to be given such assistance in governing one particular subject?
§ Colonel SEELYI think it is very proper that this House should be informed in these matters.