CRISIS IN NATAL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1712, 31 March 1906, Page 2

CRISIS IN NATAL

PUNISHMENT OF MURDERERS

HOME GOVERNMENT INTERFERE

STORM OF INDIGNATION,

By; telegraph, Press Asa’n, Copyright Received 11,12 p.tn., Maroh 80. Capetown, Maroh 80.

The court-maitial which tried the Natal natives waß composed of five militia officers. Tho nativoa were legally represented, The hearing lasted a week. The evidcnco of twelvo Europeans and twentyono natives was taken. Twelve prisoners wore found guilty of murder and sentenced to bo shot. Six recoivcd terms of imprisonment in addition to a various number of lashes. Three wore discharged. The Govornor-in-Counoil confirmed the sentences, and neighboring tribes wore ordered to witness tho oxooutions.

Received 11.47 p.m., March 30.

Thero is great indignation, which is hourly increasing, throughont Natal over Lord Elgin telegraphing to tho Govornor, Co'onel Sir H. E. McCallum, to postpone the execution of twelvo natives fixed for to day, Sit H E. McCallum conveyed tho instructions to tho Premier, who felt unable to accede to them. Thereupon the Governor exercised authority under letters patent and postponed tho execution, pending consideration of tho sentences by the Home Government. Mr Smytbe, Promier of Natal, signod an official statement as follows : la view of the importance of the maintenance of the Government’s authority at tho present crucial juncluro, and tho constitutional question involved by Lord Elgin’s interference with the decision of tho Executive Council of a colony enjoying responsible self government, Ministers felt compelled to instantly resign, but at tho Governor's request remain in offioe pending further oommnnioation with Lord Elgin, It adds: Tho colony unitedly supports the Premier’s action.

OTHER SIDE OF THE QUESTION

By telegraph, Press Ass’n, Copyrigb Received 12.32 am., Maroh 30.

London, March 30, Lord E'gio, in the House of Lords, d

claimed any want of sympathy with Natal, or desire to interfere with a self-governing oolony, but the exeoution of twelve men by court-martial was a serious matter. He had to ooneidor it in view of a possible request for military assistance, and thought it his duty to ask for information. In the House of Ccmmons Mr Churchill said it was reasonable to inquire into any action taken under court-martial law, as the act of indemnity must ultimately receive the Royal assent. He did not apprehend any serious constitutional issue. He expeoted the matter would bo dealt with with oomposure and good feeling on both sides.