§ Mr. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a new labour ordinance has been sanctioned for Nyassaland by the Secretary of State, or is now under the consideration of the Colonial Office; and, if so, whether, under the provisions of such ordinance, recruitment is forbidden, while the Governor is empowered to regulate emigration of natives to places outside the Protectorate?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY for the COLONIES (Mr. Seely)An amending and consolidating law relating to the employment of natives within the Protectorate and their engagement for service outside the Protectorate was sanctioned at the beginning of this year. Recruitment of natives for service outside the Protectorate has been prohibited by this law, but a similar provision existed in the earlier law of 1904. The Governor is empowered by the law to regulate the emigration of natives to places outside the Protectorate, but similar, although less stringent, provisions existed in the earlier ordinances.
§ Colonel SEELYYes, Sir. That is just the point. You are not allowed to ask the native to go, but if he insists on going the Government tries to take care of him, and see that he does not come to any harm, which he might do without supervision.
§ Mr. REESMay I inquire whether under the existing regulations encouragement is or is not afforded by the authorities to the inhabitants of Nyassaland to emigrate?
§ Colonel SEELYNo, Sir, there is no encouragement. We find that they insist upon going because of the high wages, and that they die in large numbers. To that extent we have to endeavour to protect them, and put stringent regulations in force to prevent them suffering in health.