NATAL CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8073, 31 March 1906, Page 2

NATAL CRISIS.

EXECUTION OF NATIVE REBELS.

POSTPONED BY HOME GOVERNMENT.

SERIOUS CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUE. GREAT INDIGNATION THROUGHOUT THE COLONY. MINISTERS INSTANTLY RESIGN.

Received 80,11.12 p.m. Capetown, Maroh SO.

The Court-Martial which tried the Natal natives was composed of five military officers. The natives were legally represented. The hearing lasted a Week. Evidence of twelve Europeans and twentyone natives I was taken.

Twelve of the prisoners were found guilty of murder, and sentenced to be shot; and six received terms of imprisonment, in addition to various numbers of lashes. Three were discharged.

The Governor-m-Council confirmed the sentences, and the neighboring tribes were ordered to witness the executions.

LORD ELGIN INTERFERES. POSTPONES THE EXECUTIONS Recoiled 30,11.47 p.m. London, March 30. Great indignation h hourly increasing throughout Natal over Lord Elgin telegraphing to the Governor, Colonel Sir H. E. McCallum, to postpone the execution of the twelve natives, fixedjfor to-day.

The Govornor conVeyod the instructions to the Premier, who felt unable to accede. Thereupon the Governor exercised his authority under Letters Patent nnd postponed the execution, ponding consideration of the sentences by the Home Government.

NATAL PREMIER'S PROTEST. INTERFERENCE WITH SELF GOVERNING COLONY. MINISTERS RESIGN. Received 30, 11.47 a.m. Mr Smytlic, Premier of Natal, signed an official statement as follows:

"In view of the importance of the maintenance of the Government's authority at the present crucial juncture, | and the constitutional question involved by Lord Elgin's interference with the decision of the Executive of the Council of a Colony enjoying responsible self-government, the Ministers felt compelled to instantly resign, but at the Governor's request remain in office pending further communication with Lord Elgin." The colony unitedly supports the Premier's action. ,

IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT'S EXPLANATIONS.

THEIR DUTY TO GET INFOR. MATION.

Beccivod 31,12.32 a.m.

London, March 30.

Lord Elgin, in the House of Lords, said he disclaimed any want of sympathy with Natal, or any desire to interfere with a self-governing colony, but the execution of twelve men! by

court-martial was a serious matter. He had to consider it in view bf a

possible request for'military assistance and thought it his duty to ask for in-

formation. i lu the House of Commons, Mr Churchill said it was reasonable to inquire. He did not apprehend any serious constitutional issue, and expected the matter would be dealt with, with composure and good feoling On both sides.