Mr. SILVESTER HORNEasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government intends taking measures to secure the abolition of the practices of the Human Leopard and Alligator Societies in Sierra Leone; and whether any number of arrests have already been made of persons alleged to be guilty of crimes in connection with these secret societies?
§ Colonel SEELYYes, Sir, the law dealing with such societies has been strengthened, and an Ordinance has been passed providing for the trial of offenders by a special commission. The Secretary of State understands that over 200 persons have already been arrested and will be brought to trial in due course.