§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that specific charges were brought of maladministration on the part of the Resident Commissioner and his subordinates in the Gilberts; that it is complained that a thorough and impartial investigation into these matters was not held by the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, Sir Evarard im Thurn; and that the latter's statement that there was no ground for the charges of cruelty to the natives and other maladministration brought against the Resident Commissioner was incorrect; and will the Secretary of State for the Colonies have His Excellency's report of his visit to the Gilberts placed upon the Table of the House?
§ Colonel SEELYCertain charges of maladministration in the Gilbert Islands Protectorate were made some years ago. The High Commissioner who visited the Protectorate in 1005 to inquire into these charges made a report which satisfied the Secretary of State that the complaints had no solid foundation. The report contained so much personal and confidential matter that it could not be published.