THE ZULU PREMIER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 177, 20 September 1879, Page 3

THE ZULU PREMIER.

John Dunn, “the man who practically rules ZuJuland,” is thus described in a letter to the, ‘Pall Mall Gazette,’ written from Utrecht, Transvaal “He is of stout build, dark complexion, and about forty-three years of age. He has a pleasant face, and a dark keen eye. John Dunn was formerly a clerk in a lawyer’s office. Preferring the free and easy life of a hunter to the drudgery of the desk, he left the civilised parts of South Africa and lived in the field and bush. He gradually adopted Zulu habits and customs, and as gradually separated himself from the outer world. About ten years ago he took an active part in a Zulu civil war between Cetewayo and his brother, and at the sanguinary ar.d decisive battle on the Tugela was conspicuous for his hr every and utter disregard of danger, which, in the Zulu mind, almost amounted to heroism. Defeated by overwhelming numbers he fled for his life and swam the broad Tugela, seeking the protection of Natal. When Cetewayo became king he recollected Dunn’s valour and hiavery, and although he had fought against him, sent for him, and made him an induna, or a ruler over a district, and his confidential adviser, which position be has held up to the present time. He has amassed considerable wealth by securing the monopoly of the gun trade in Zululand entirely for himself, and other judicious trading speculations. Although possessed of considerable influence among Tie Zulus, both by marriage and property, he knows well the x'isk he hourly runs. This may possibly account for one of his houses being placed within half-an-hour’s ride of the Natal bonier. The greater portion of his property is in cattle, which is difficult to realise. Were he to attempt it, the eye of suspicion wou'd be at once on him, and his life enciang rod.