HC Deb 06 May 1909 vol 4 cc1185-6
Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the case of an Indian labourer named Ramsamy indentured to a Natal planter; whether he is aware that the master first tied up his coolie to a staple nail and whipped him severely, and later to a rafter in the room and lashed him till the Indian's back was a mass of raw flesh; that upon the coolie making his escape to the magistrate he was ordered to return to his master pending an investigation of his complaint; that the protector of Indian immigrants refused to interfere when he learnt of the complaint to the magistrate, and ordered the man to return to his master under penalty of imprisonment; that the man was then arrested as a deserter at the instance of his master and sent to gaol for seven days for refusing to return to him, at the end of which he was sent back to the master under escort; and that the master was eventually fined 10s. for the assault; and, if so, will the Secretary of State make representations to the Government of Natal with regard to such treatment of indentured coolies?

Colonel SEELY

I have seen an account of this case in a leading article in a Colonial paper called "Indian Opinion," which rightly says that the facts are shocking if true. I cannot say whether there is any truth in the account, but inquiry shall be made.

Mr. MYER

What is the difference between the status of these labourers in Natal and that of the negro or the slave in the Southern States of America before 1860?

Colonel SEELY

There is all the difference in the world, of course. Apart from the merits of indentured labour, these Indians become absolutely free men at the end of their period of indenture, and are enabled to continue to reside in the Colony to which they come.

Mr. O'GRADY

Is there any stipulation in the form of the indenture to ensure good treatment of the natives?

Colonel SEELY

Yes; there are very stringent regulations insisted upon by the Indian Government. In this case, if there be any truth in the rumour, all these conditions were transgressed. But, as I say, I will make inquiry into the case.

Mr. BYLES

Will the result of the inquiry be indicated to the House?

Colonel SEELY

If my hon. Friend opposite will put down a further question in a week's time, I will give a reply.