UNREST IN ZULULAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2804, 11 December 1907, Page 28

UNREST IN ZULULAND.

OUTLOOK BECOMING GRAVE.

STRONG FORCE OF NATIVES.

AUTHORITIES PREPARING FOR

EMERGENCIES.

PREPARING FOR AN ULTIMATUM.

DINIZULU TO BE ARRESTED.

DURBAN, December 3.

Ten trains full of troops have gone to Ginginghlovlo. Nearly 2000 are participating in the operations in Zululand.

December 4.

Dinizulu is sending emissaries throughout Zululand, Natal, Swaziland, Basutoland, and Pondoland, and, as a result, the Zulus are reported to be mobilising' in small numbers.

Two of the most powerful Natal tribes, totalling 9000 fighters, are restless, and are prepared to co-operate with the Zulus should the latter rebel.

The son of the celebrated "chief John Dunn states that the rebels at Nkandhla are few, while, there is no restlessness among those on the banks of the Uinvolosi River.

Chief Dinizulu is at Usuma (Natal).

A mounted force, with four guns, is, at Ginginhloge, whence Colonel M'Kenzie advances to-day.

Martial law has been proclaimed throughout Zululand.

December 5.

It is stated that the Government has evidence that the recent series of murders

of loyal natives was intended to fore© all the natives into one camp and then signal a general rising. The Government's action took the conspirators by surprise, and saved the lives of other loyalists, including the chief Sibindi, whom the Government is specially protecting owing to his fidelity at a critical period in 1906. Tlie Natal Advertiser's correspondent at Eshcnve states that Dinizulu repeatedly offered to go to Maritzburg whenever required.' He is ill, suffering from swollen legs. Mr Saurklere (Commissioner in Zululand) conferred with Colonel Mackenzie, and accompanied portion of the troops to the front. . Dinizulu telegraphed to the Government expressing surprise at the preparations, and asking why, if it -was thought , that lie was in the wrong, he was not tried and punished if guilty. The telegram is attributed to the presence of 200 police, who are watching • Usuta until the main farcce arrives. The Government acknowledged the message, but has not modified its plane. Colonel Mackenzie tu»S absolute power and discretion with a view of ending the preI sent intolerable situation.

December 6. ! Colonel M'Kenzie does not permit Muss Colenfio to visit Dinizulu. He will send an ultimatum to the lat« r as soon as Eshowe and Melmoth have been garrisoned. The Premier requests the newspapers j

not to publish particulars as to the movements o£ the troooe.

As far as can be ascertained all is quiet in Zululand,

December 8.

A party of five, including Colonels Clarke and Shepston, a doctor, and a magistrate, have started for Usutu to arrest Dinizulu.

Colonel M'Kenzie remains at Mongoma, to be ready in the event of Dinizulu refusing to yield.

Mr Botha, the Transvaal Premier, has promised to help Natal in the events of serious trouble among the Zulus, with the stipulation that the Administration must be reformed in order to remove native dissatisfaction and unrest. The Cape has also promised help. December 9.

The majority of the Zulus appear to be pacific, though some are assisting the rebels with money and mealies.

Tlie Government publishes a list of the murders and outrages perpetrated against loyal native chiefs, and also announces, that it is aware that other outrages are contemplated.

The Courier states that it is reported in Natal that impis numbering 10,000 men are near Dinizulu's -kraal.

No news has been received from the officers sent tp serve the warrant of arrest on Dinizulu»

CAPETOWN, December 9. Lord Selborne, speaking at Benoni, deprecated the censure passed upon the Natal Ministers, who, he said, were no less humane than their Transvaal or

British critics,

LONDON. December 4,

Re.uter .states that the Zulus' fighting strength is estimated at 30,000. They possess many rifles and considerable ammunition, bat the number and- quantity and also Dinizulu's intentions are unknown.

The authorities are preparing for all emergencies, and 1500 troops are ready for Zululand, the Militia being recruited up to its full strength (3500), and the impending mobilisation of all reserves will give a total defence force of 10.000.

Dr Jameson will place a force on the Griqualand border, and the Transvaal and Imperial Governments are ready to assist in case of necessity.

December 6.

The Daily Telegraph asserts that the mobilisation of the Natal militia is due to Dinizulu's refusal last week to assist the police to find concealed rebels.

Two thousand armed Zulus are located near Dinizulu.

The Daily I\"ews (G.) reports that Lord Elgin offered to assist Natal in the Zululand trouble if the Imperial Government were allowed a voice in controlling the situation, but that Natal preferred to appeal to the Transvaal and Cape Colony, who were willing to assist.

It is understood- that steps will be taken to amend the regulation providing for the quarantining of imported do^s. Tho present period is considered unnecessarily long. As tho season for patiki is now current, the Jlaori-s at the Jx)wer Opihi are busy with their spears and torches. When the fla-h their torches the trout antrW takes clown his rod and waits hopefully fey; dark ho are.