THE NATIVE MENACE IN NATAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8108, 31 March 1906, Page 5

THE NATIVE MENACE IN NATAL.

DECISIONS OF THE COURTMARTIAL. TWELVE NATIVES CONDEMNED TO DEATH. Received March 30, 11.12 n.m. CAPETOWN, March 30. - The aourt-marial which tried the Natal natives was composed of five militia offloers. The natives were legally represented at the hearing whioh lasted a week. The evidence of twelve Europeans and twenty-one natives was taken. Twelve prisoners were found guilty of murder and sentenced to be shot. Six others received terms of imprisonment in addition to a various number of lashes each. Three were discharged. The Governor-in-Council con-firmed-the sentences, and the neighbouring tribes were ordered to witness the executions. THE EXECUTIONS POSTPONED. THE GOVERNOR INTERVENES. NATAL MINISTRY RESIGN. Received March 30, 11.47 p.m. CAPETOWN, March 30. There is great indignation—whioh is hourly increasing throughout Natal, over Lord Elgin telegraphing to the Governor, Colonel Sir H. G. MoCallum, to postpone the execution of the twelve native*, fixed for to-day. The Governor conveyed the instructions to the Premier, who felt that he was unable to accede to the request. Thereupon the Governor exercised his authority under letters patent, and postponed the execution, pending consideration of the sentences by the Home Government. The Hon. C. J. Smythe, Premier of Natal, has signed an official statement, as follows'i—'Mn view of the inportanoe of the maintenance of the Natal Government's authority at the present critical juncture, and the constitutional question involved by Lord Elgin's interference with the decision of the Exeoutive Council of a colony enjoying responsible self-government,the Minis ters felt that they are compelled to, instantly resign, but at the Governor's request they will remain in offiae pending further communication with Lord Elgin." The Colony unitedly supports the Premier's action. MINISTERIAL EXPLANATIONS^ Received March 31, 12.32 a.m. LONDON, March 30. Lord Elgin, in the House of Lords, disclaimed any want of sympathy with Natal, or desire to interfere with a self - Governing colony, but the execution of twelve men by courtmartial was a serious matter. He had to consider it in view of the possible request of military assistance. He thought it was his duty to ask for information. In the House of Commons, Mr Winston Churchill, Under Secretary for the Colonics, said it was reason able to inquire into any action taken under courtmartial law as the aot of indemnity must ultimately receive the Royal assent. He did not apprehend any serious constitutional issue. He expeoted that the matter would be dealt with with composure and good feeling on both sides.