BRITISH PRESTIGE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 248, 16 September 1933, Page 7

BRITISH PRESTIGE

BECHUANALAND CASE. SUPPRESSION OF USURPATION. PUNISHMENT EOR CHIEF. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received September 16, 10.55 a.m. RUGBY, Sept. 15. A full report on the Bechuanaland flogging case has been received at the Dominions Office. Important points on constitutional authority are involved and the report makes it clear that Tschekedi, the chief of the Bawangwato tribe, exceeded his powers ih flogging Pliineas Macintosh and that, in claiming tlie right to do so, he was attempting to put himself above the law. The report states: “The chief admitted trying the case and giving sentence. His defence was that, firstly, Macintosh had a bad character and his action was justified; secondly, that he was immune from the section of the proclamation of 1891, which forbids a Native Court to deal with Europeans.” The report adds that the chief’s attitude, as disclosed by the enquiry, made it impossible to deal with him by a fine and rebuke. In official circles in London the view is expressed that, whatever Macintosh’s offence had been, Tsehckedi’s claims could not be allowed and the danger of the usurpation of the power of the Administration had to be averted. Otherwise, the existing difficulties of administering the country would have been greatly increased. PRESS OBSERVATIONS. “A BAD BUSINESS.” LONDON, Sept. 15. The newspapers emphasise that Tsliekedi, the Bechuanaland chief has not been deposed, but suspended during His Majesty’s pleasure. Mr Stanley, the South African High Commissioner, now in London, will have a consultation with Mr J. H. Thomas regarding the matter. The Daily Herald describes the affair as a thoroughly bad business and says: “Doubtless Nazi-minded Britishers will rejoice. Evans of the Broke taught the nigger a lesson, but the decision will long be remembered by the people of Bechuanaland, who once had child-like faith in British justice.” , ■ ■ ■ The News-Chronicle says: the Bechuanaland affair is a bad business. No Englishman will dispute tlie necessity of the white man's prestige being maintained, but tlie remedy seems drastic.”