§ 63. Mr. KINGasked whether the offence for which the two Government officials, Taylor and Hall, were recently whipped publicly at Zaria, Northern Nigeria, was committed when the British Resident, Mr. Laing, was passing on horseback; whether their offence was actually committed while Taylor and Hall were in the recreation ground adjoining the market place; whether Mr. Laing summoned Taylor and Hall to come and salute him, and then struck them with his cane because they were slow in their salute; and whether there can be given any reasons why Taylor and Hall were tried by a Native Court, where no evidence is recorded, and not in the Resident's Court, where depositions are taken?
Mr. HARCOURTI have already informed my hon. Friend, on the 16th of 1442 October, that the offence for which these native African clerks were tried and punished took place in a public road and in the market square of the town, and that they were tried in the Court which has jurisdiction in such eases. I am informed that the Resident did not order the clerks to salute him by prostrating themselves, or strike them with his cane.