CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 9002 02895 0005 REPORT AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMISSION <>N BASUTOLAND LOSSES. yrcseutrit ta hotjj inusBH nf parliament lux nraiiMuit nf lis fitrllFunj tjjr $imrrmir. 1883. CAPE TOWN: W. A. RICHARDS & SONS, GOVERNMENT PRINTERS, CASTLE-STREET. 1883. [G. 96—'83.]CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. REPORT AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMISSION ON BASUTOLAND LOSSES. fyxmM tn hntjr Itmsw nf ^ariiamrat bij runtmHni Df Mis tire dtariror. 1883. CAPE TOWN: W. A. RICHARDS & SONS, GOVERNMENT PRINTERS, CASTLE-STREET. 1883. [G. 96—'83.]4 No. 829j dated 24th July, 1882, to which hit attention was called, and he was also informed that the date and place of the first meeting of the Commission had been determined. Colonel Griffith was also informed in this letter that he had been appointed Chairman of the Commission, and in that capacity-general instructions were sent to him for the guidance of the Commission in the discharge of its duties, which were as follows:— (a.) The Commission to sit at Maseru, Basutoland, and such other place or places in Basutoland as may be deemed necessary and convenient and then and there, (b.) To take evidence on, inquire into, value, appraise, and report upon the nature and extent of the loss of actual and bona fide property of each " Loyal Basuto" who shall appear before the said Commission and allege that he has sustained loss as above during, or in consequence of, the late Rebellion in Basutoland. (e.) To classify all claims for losses and to keep distinct those made for losses sustained, in consequence of action of Colonial Troops from those made for losses alleged to have been sustained through conduct of the late rebels. (d.) To ascertain, appraise, and value extent and nature of compensation already made to certain loyal Basutos, by the restoration and delivery to them of certain live stock recovered and obtained since the late Rebellion, and of whatever Government property that may be in their possession or use, the value of which is to be deducted from the amount of loss ascertained. (e.) To take evidence on, inquire into, value, appraise, and report upon the nature and extent of actual and bona fide loss of property alleged to have been sustained in Basutoland by traders and other Europeans, not including claims preferred by civil servants, residents in Basutoland during and in consequence of the late rebellion in Basutoland. (/.) To explain to traders and other Europeans as above that inquiry does not necessarily mean that compensation will be made by Government. (g.) To classify and keep distinct claims for losses sustained previous to the commencement of hostilities from those made for losses sustained during hostilities. (,h.) To classify and keep distinct claims for losses alleged to have been sustained in consequence of action of Colonial Forces, from those for losses alleged to have been sustained through the conduct of late rebels. (i.) The evidence should be as complete and the investigation as searching as the circumstances of the case would seem to necessitate. (/.) Against abuses arising out of demands for excessive compensation the Commission will carefully guard in the inquiry, especially where the claimants have been engaged in business, and where, from the destruction of books and other supporting documents, it is not possible to check the statements which may be put in or to judge of the validity of the claims set up. (£.) So far as practicable and convenient you will proceed with the inquiry and investigation relating to the claims of the Basuto uLoyals" before inquiring into the claims of traders and other Europeans. (/.) In the event of an equality of votes the Chairman of the Commission will have a casting vote. (m.) Your report, embodying the result of this inquiry, you will be good enough to transmit as soon as possible after its completion.IV. In compliance with instructions from the Honourable the Secretary for Native Affairs, your Commissioners assembled at "Maseru" on Monday the 21st day of August, 1882, and opened proceedings by addressing a letter to the Acting Governor's Agent in which he was requested to furnish the Commission with all the informarion in his possession bearing upon the claims of the Loyal Basutos and others, and he was also requested to call upon the magistrates of the various districts in Basutoland to have correct returns made out showing the losses sustained by the Loyal Basutos, in their respective districts. The Commission also proceeded, after due inquiry, to frame a scale of the valuation of all kinds of stock, grain, &c., &c., which was to serve as a guide to them, in valuing and appraising the losses of the several claimants throughout Basutoland. Y. "We continued our labours at Maseru from the 21st August to the 7th of September, 1882, during which time we valued and appraised the losses of three hundred and seventy-six Loyal Basutos at £21,311 5s. Od. as per tabulated statements hereunto annexed marked Maseru Nos. 1 to 15 consecutively. VI. On the 11th of September we assembled at Thlotsi Heights the seat of magistracy, in the Leribe District, and the Commission sat there daily up to 31st of October, 1882, and during that time we valued and appraised the losses of seven hundred and eighteen Loyal Basutos, at the sum of £56,937 3s. Od. as per tabulated statements hereunto annexed marked Leribe District Nos. 1 to 29 consecutively. VII. On the 3rd of November we re-assembled at Maseru and inquired into a few claims put in by traders and other Europeans, but these will be found included in the general statement of claims from traders and other Europeans. VIII. On the 9th of November, 1882, the Commission met at Mafeteng and sat there until the 22nd idem, and during that time we valued and appraised one hundred and two claims made by Loyal Basutos, at the sum of £8,433 6s. 9d. as per tabulated statement hereunto annexed marked Mafeteng Nos. 1 to 3 consecutively. IX. On the 24th of November the Commission assembled at " Mohali's Hoek" the seat of magistaacy in the " Cornet Spruit District" and continued sitting there until the 28th idem, and during that time claims made by one hundred and seventeen Loyal Basutos were duly valued and appraised at the sum of £4,641 14s. lid. as per tabulated statement hereunto annexed marked Mohali's Hoek Nos. 1 to 5 consecutively. X. From Mohali's Hoek we proceeded to " Alwyns Kop " the seat of Magistracy in the district of " Quthing, " and assembled there on the 30th of November and continued our labour there until the 7th of December, 1882, anc^during that time claims from two hundred and fifty-four Loyal Basutos and Tembus were valued and appraised by us at the sum £9,168 13s. Od. as per tabulated statement hereunto annexed marked Quthing District Nos. 1 to 10 consecutively. XI. It will thus be seen that fifteen hundred and sixty-seven Loyal Basutos and Tembus appeared either in person or by proxy before the Commission and after due inquiry established their claims for compensation, amounting in the aggregate to the sum of £100,492 2s. 8d. as per summary hereunto annexed marked A. XII. Besides the claim submitted by the Chief Jonathan Molapo to the Commission at Thlotsi Heights, for the loss of personal property and which is included in the above sum of £100,492 2s. 8d. he also submitted a claim which we have valued and appraised at £3,664 5s. Od. (but which is not included in the above sum) for stock which was Mafisaed or lent to him by his late father " Molapo " when he (Jonathan) was only chief of a ward, but which stock since the death of his father he claims as his bona fide property. After due inquiry and examination of the " herds " or people in whose charge6 the said stock had been up to the time when they were captured by the Rebel Basutos, it appears to us that Jonathan Molapo has established a claim to the value of this stock, but at the same time as there appears just a doubt in our minds as to whether this said stock is not in some way mixed up with the " Molapo " estate property. We have thought it advisable that this claim should remain in abeyance until a settlement has been arrived at with regard to the stock and other property belonging to the estate of the late Chief Molapo, and Ave wish here to state as our opinion that nothing will tend more to pacify the chiefs in the Leribe District than an early and just settlement of this vexed question. XIII. With the view of having the above matter settled at as early a a date as possible we have already drawn the attention of the Government to it, through the Honourable the Secretary for Native Affairs, in a letter dated Cape Town, 19th of February last, a copy of which is hereunto annexed marked B. XIY. Should it appear after investigation that the above claim of Jonathan Molappo is a bona fide one, and that according to Sesuto custom the stock " Mafisaed" or lent to him by his late father became his personal property at his father's death—then in that case we beg respectfully to recommend that the loyal chief Jonathan Molappo be compensated for the loss of the said stock at the sum at which we have valued and appraised it, namely at £3,664 5s. Od., and that this sum be paid to him as soon as possible after a decision has been arrived at. Tabulated statement hereunto annexed marked C. XV. The tabulated statements annexed to this report have been framed with the view of showing the original losses of the Loyal Basutos and Tembus in each District, the number of stock, &c., recovered from the late rebels, the number received from the Government as compensation,. the value of Government property in possession of each claimant, and the amount of compensation recommended in each case. XVI. We have also drawn up valuation papers for each Loyal Basuto or Tembu whose claim has been investigated and recommended for compensation. These will be found hereunto annexed and numbered froml to 1,567. XVII. Each of the above claims, standing, as it were, on its own merits, had to be separately investigated and inquired into, and this through the medium of interpreters, before it could be valued and appraised. Oral evidence was heard in each case and the claimants' statements were in most cases checked by the returns made up by the magistrates at the outbreak of the Rebellion—the evidence in each case was not taken down in extenso as to do so would ha\ e extended the labours of the Commission for many months longer, but the Commission satisfied itself as to the bona fides of each claim before proceeding to value and appraise it and recommending it for compensation, and as a rule the Commission was much impressed with the honesty and truthfulness of the Loyal Basutos. XVIII. A few cases of quasi-loyals were brought to the notice of the Commission, persons who had left Basutoland and gone into the Free State at the commencement of the Rebellion and remained there until the cessation of hostilities, when they returned to Basutoland and called themselves " Loyal Basutos," and submitted claims for compensation. These claims were inmost cases after due inquiry rejected. XIX. Several of-the Loyal Basuto Chiefs and Headmen included in their Claims for compensation the value of Superior Buildings and for Plantations of trees which were then still standing and in good order. These items have been valued and appraised by us and entered in a separate account which we have called a "Suspense account," as at the time when the claims were broughtbefore us there was every hope that the claimants would be able to re-occupy their former villages and thus .regain possession of their buildings, &c., but should this have be?n found impracticable or that it has not been considered advis-7 able to place the claimants in possession of their former villages, then in that case each one of these persons is entitled to receive the amount of compensation at which we have valued and appraised his buildings or trees as the case maybe. The number of claimants coming under this head are ten and the appraised value of their buildings and trees comes to £5,010 3s. as per account hereunto annexed marked D. Traders and other Europeans. XX. Claims for compensation were submitted to the Commission by seventy-two traders and other Europeans (not including Missionaries) amounting in the aggregate to £57,721 3s. 6d. Of this sum £1,51113s. lid. was claimed for losses and damages sustained in consequence of the action of Colonial Forces, and £56,209 9s. 7d. for losses and damages alleged to have been sustained through the conduct of the late rebels. These claims after investigation were valued and appraised by us at £944 lis. and £37,647 7s. 8d. respectively. XXI. Two of the above claims, namely, that of Mr. Eichard Trower, amounting to £2,893 10s. 6d. for loss and damage to property at Maseru, and that of Messrs. D. and D. H. Fraser, amounting to £8,066 17s. 2d. for loss and damage to property at Diphiring have been regarded by a majority of the Commission as exceptional cases and therefore deserving of the special consideration of the Government, and a majority of the Commission recommend most strongly that these two claims, viz., that of Mr. Trower and that of Messrs. D. and D. H. Fraser, in favour of which latter claim the Chairman gave his casting vote, be paid compensation at the rate at which they have been valued and appraised by us, namely, in the case of Mr. Trower for loss, damage, and destruction to his property at Maseru through the conduct of the late rebels at £2,247 12s. lid. and in the case of Messrs. D. and D. H. Fraser for loss, damage, and destruction to their property at Diphiring through the conduct of the late rebels at the sum of £8,066 17s. 2d. These claims have been- considered by a majority of the Commission as above, to be entitled to special consideration, in consequence of the information given by the Chairman, who was Governor's Agent in Basuto-land at the outbreak of the rebellion, to the effect that had Mr. Trower and the Messrs. Fraser abandoned their respective trading stations at Maseru and Diphiring the residency at Maseru and the magistracy at Mafeteng would also have had to be abandoned, as it was only by the example set by these traders that confidence was given to the other Europeans and Loyal Basutos to rally at Maseru and Mafeteng, and in this way the authorities at those places were enabled to hold out until the arrival of the Colonial Forces sent to relieve them. Another fact brought out in evidence before the Commission was that the stores of Mr. Trower at Maseru, and also these of the Messrs. Fraser at Diphiring were actually in possession of the Colonial Military authorities at the time that they were plundered and destroyed, Mr. Trower's store at Maseru being used as a Dep6t for the Colonial Commisariat supplies, and the stores of the Messrs. Fraser at Diphiring were being used as a Depot for the Colonial Ordnance Department, and the fact of these stores being so occupied was no doubt the reason why the rebel Basutos made such determined attacks upon these places. In the case of Mr. Trower it will also be seen from the evidence before the Commission that the Officer Commanding the Colonial Troops at Maseru directed Mr. Trower, by a written order, to hold and defend his premises, and further placed him in command of the small force of Europeans and Loyal Basutos who were told ofi for its defence. That both Messrs. Trower and Fraser were cognizant of the danger they wore incurring by remaining in Basutoland and had ample opportunity and8 facility of moving out of Basutoland with the bulk of their property. These claims •will he found in annexure (E). XXII. The claims of traders and other Europeans (exclusive of missionaries) for losses alleged to have been sustained in consequence of the action of Colonial troops, amounting to £944 lis. Od., we beg to submit for the favourable consideration of the Government, and recommend that they be compensated. These will also be found in annexure (E). XXIII. The remaining claims of traders and other Europeans for losses alleged to have been sustained through the conduct of the late rebels and which wre have valued and appraised at £37,647 7s. 8d. we beg to submit for the consideration of the Government. These claims will be found in annexure (F). Missionaries. XXIV. Another class of claimants for compensation coming under the head of u Traders and other Europeans" were the missionaries. By these gentlemen ten claims were presented, or sent, in writing, amounting in the whole to the sum of £3,739 7s.; of this sum £1,121 8s. was for losses alleged to have been sustained, in consequence of the action of Colonial troops, and £2,618 19s. for losses alleged to have been sustained through the conduct of the late rebels. These claims we have valued and appraised at £1,121 8s. Os. and £2,603 5s. respectively. The claims for losses through the action of the Colonial forces we beg to submit for the favourable consideration of the Government, and to recommend them for compensation. These will be found in annexure (G). The other claims for losses sustained through the conduct of the late rebels we submit for the consideration of the Government. These will be found in annexure (H). The losses, as far as your Commission has been able to ascertain, have been, in the case of Loyal Basutos as well as in the case of traders and other Europeans, all sustained during hostilities, as your Commission is of opinion that actual hostilities commenced in July 1880 when the rebel Basutos in the Berea district attacked the loyal chief "Tukunya" and others, and compelled the magistrate at Advance Post to abandon his station and fall bacK: for support upon Maseru. XXY. The evidence in each case under investigation has been as complete and as searching as the circumstances of the cases would seem to necessitate. XXYI. In conclusion the Commission accompanies this report and its annexures with the Minutes of Proceedings, the Minutes of Evidence, and various other documents relating to each enquiry. Yours, &c., CHARLES D. GRIFFITH, Chairman. J. A. BURGER. A. AURET. C. J. RHODES (subject to my views expressed in Note attached). East London, 16th May, 1883. Note.—I cannot agree with my fellow Commissioners with respect to their recommendations contained in clause 21 of the above report, and I beg to place on record my reasons for differing from them. In my opinion the cases of Messrs. Trower and Fraser differ in no material respect from that large class of Europeans who during the last 409 years in the history of the Colony, have suffered from native rebellions, and I contend that if once the principle of the liability of the Government for the losses of its subjects owing to rebellion is recognised, it would expose the Colony to an obligation that it has neither the means nor the power to fulfil. The recommendation in Messrs. Trower and Fraser's cases, is based on the fact that their stores were used for the purposes of Colonial defence, but accepting the position that they were loyal subjects of the Crown, I cannot see that the particular defence of their posts by Government forces should entitle them to a speci'al claim for compensation. Great stress was laid by the Messrs. Fraser upon a telegraphic correspondence between themselves and the late Premier, Mr. Sprigg, in reference to the defence of their place of business, but I have failed to find in it anything approaching a special guarantee by Government in the event of the destruction of their property by the rebels. The Select Committee on the Griqualand East petition for compensation in consequence of losses incurred during the recent Basuto rebellion divided the claims into four classes, the third of which was u Traders and others who were ordered to remain at their residences or stations by magistrates or other officials." Even in this case the recommendation is carefully restricted in the following words :—" That the third class of claimants are in the opinion of your Committee, also entitled to compensation in such cases and to such extent as any promise of compensation may have been made to them. by a duly empowered officer." Had Messrs. Fraser and Trower come under this head thej'- would only be entitled to compensation in case of a special promise having been made to them by a duly empowered officer, of which there is no evidence whatever in the correspondence. They come rather under class 4, viz., "Persons who suffered from the unavoidable calamities attending war or rebellion." As to whom the report of the Committee was as follows :—" That they must be held to have suffered from the known risks incidental to all trading operations on the unsettled frontiers of the Colony. These cases are therfore analogous to those of numerous sufferers at other times and places, all of whom are entitled to the serious and generous consideration of the Legislature ; though as any action in the matter must be of a general character, your Committee does not consider it desirable to adopt any recommendation as to what form it should take." In answer to the contention that the Government of a country is liable for the losses of its subjects owing to rebellion, I would quote from a Government proclamation by Sir H. J. Smith, 27th June, 1348, which contains the following words :— "Her Majesty's Government has denied that the people of England are bound to indemnify the inhabitants of this or any other Colony against losses or calamities, whether from war or other causes, to which their situation may expose them." England with all her wealth did not compensate her loyal subjects in India for the losses sustained during the late Indian Mutiny, and I can find no instances on record of such a course being pursued in other countries where rebellions have occurred. For the above reasons, I must place on record my protest against this recommendation for compensation to be paid out of the public funds of a poor and embarrassed Colony, on principles which are not founded on the practice and precedent of the older and richer countries of the world. C. J. EHODES. [G. 96—'83.] c10 [ A. ] SUMMARY OF LOSSES SUSTAINED BY LOYAL BASUTOS DURING THE REBELLION, 1880-1. Stock Returned by Govt, as Compensation Sheep & Goats ..... • Cattle. 05 OO CO 02 ^ CO I—1 I-H CO o CO O ■ 2 Jjfl B'u d O ■S-^ig-Jsao- nd rj-l . . - a a, l-Si^s.3 - o l-gs^ rQ & a)—1 o I—1 00 CO CO I—c r—1 I—1 OO 1—1 00 I—I OO CO CO CO OS TJH CO >—1 1—1 CO 00 OS CO »o § ® fto fl-w Bill Qj ® .B g S ® -e o P > C-l ^ m o o o o o OQ CO CO 1—1 CO T—1 CO OS OS 1—1 CO CO CO CO 00 o 1—1 00 CO c* OS o o o CO CO CO d rO ■sH -u 02 _ rtf W -S-ra-S ■SJS'C SQ CO co CO 2 .a d cS rj m > & " rr Eh o o OS 1—1 o 1-H CO CO 1—1 1> 1—1 1-H 1-H JO OS o os CO 1-H oo o co CO CO OO 00 OS CO © m ® a H ® S 5 2 . ® g o Ph Oi?llC ,!S a £ O PPH CO CO CO 1—1 o 1-H 1-H ^ 1> CO CO 1—t i-H 1—t o lO MO CO os TtH o CO co oo CO CO CO 1—1 i-H H®) Ho CO os CO CO CO ® o CO 1—1 TfH lO 1-H CO i-H id 1-H ^ CO CO 00 00 co CO co 1-H CO CO CO OS 1-H CO co co CO os o co CO CO a CO 00 O0 IQ CM OS co CO os co CO w CO o CO US OO CO OS o CO o CO o CO CO CO o o o o CO OO 00 o CO 00 CO -sH CO CO co o o CO 00 tH co CO CO o 00 t- CO CO e (D CO e3 © rQ ■c fco PI © © «H c3 ci ra o bo I a CO 00 t^ T—I CO b- o »o CO 0 EH Ti 1 f-i N. co »o c3 o o & I—I o a 9 I Pi o Cd12 r b. ] Copy.] No. 58, 1883. Cape Town, 19th February, 1883. To the Honourable the Secretary for Native Affairs, Cape Town. Sir,—The Commission having heard that it is the intention of the Premier and yourself to proceed to Basutoland shortly, we have thought it advisable to submit for your information extracts from the minutes of our proceedings, having reference, first, to a claim made by the Chief Jonathan Molapo for .certain cattle valued at £3,664 5s. Od., and secondly, suggesting a mode of settling the dispute about the property belonging to the estate of the late Chief Molapo. I have, &c., CHAELES D. GRIFFITH, Chairman, B. L. Commission. Extract.] Proceedings of Basutoland Losses Commission, Cape Town, 6th February,, 1883. present i Colonel Griffith, Chairman. The Honourable J. A. Burger, M.L.C. ) A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. [ Members. C. J. Ehodes, Esq., M.L.A.) The Commission having assembled, The Secretary submitted for the consideration of the Commission a tabulated statement of (" Mafisaed") stock belonging to the late Chief "Molapo" and placed by him in the hands of his son the Chief Jonathan, amounting in value to £3,664 5s. and which the said Chief Jonathan claims as his own bond ficle property as chief of the ward. Eesolved,—That as this claim appears to the Commission to be somewhat mixed up with the Molapo Estate cattle, it is suggested, that the attention of the Government be drawn to this matter, and that this claim be considered when the claim of the Molapo Estate property is under consideration ; and should it be found upon investigation that these cattle do not belong to the Estate of the late Chief Molapo, that then the Commission would recommend that the Chief Jonathan be compensated for them according to the tabulated statement framed by the Commission, marked Leribe District, No. 28. It was further resolved,—" That with the view of arriving at a satisfactory settlement of the Molapo Estate property, the Government is recommended, in accordance with a suggestion made by the Chief Jonathan, to refer the settlement of the disputed property in the Molapo Estate to the Chief Letsie, to be assisted by two of the Basutoland magistrates, one of whom is to be nominated by the Government, and the other by the Chief Jonathan, and the decision of this court to be final."13 [ C. ] m < < W H fc O Hs w w £ H O H PH cq pf W ffl O Ph <1 o EH OQ » ^ TJ OJ 0> « -s o -w CO Sheep & Goats. Cattle. rh co © .-1 i-h so i-h i-h.-l.-l <£> o i-h Horses. (M I-I O ........ e<3 Total Loss of Property Sustained. Appraised Value of Miscellaneous Property, Houses, Ploughs, &c. Muids Kafir Corn & Wheat. Muids Mealies. 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To His Excellency the Eight Honourable Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, Knight Grand Cross of the most Distinguished Order of Saint 'Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty's Colony of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, and of the Territories and Dependencies thereof; and Her Majesty's High Commissioner. May it Please Your Excellency :— In the General Report which we had the honour to submit to 3'our Excellency on the 16th of May, 1883, we omitted to include two claims for compensation which were brought before us, namely, that of Mr. John Stanton, for £705, and that of Mr. Octavus B. Bowker. for £325, as we considered that these claims were exceptional and deserving of a special report. With regard to the claim filed by Mr. Stanton, hereunto annexed, marked A, it will be seen, on reference to the document annexed to the claim, that Mr. Stanton's losses are entirely due to the active part which he took in defending the seat of magistracy in the Leribe District, and supporting the Government in its endeavours to suppress the rebellion in Basutoland ; that he acted as a loyal British subject, although at the time a resident in the Free State, and in consequence incurred, not only the animosity of the rebel Basutos, but also that of many of his European neighbours, whose sympathies were with the Rebels. The Commission is therefore of opinion that Mr, Stanton's claim for compensation is deserving of the greatest consideration, and taking into account the very valuable services rendered by him, strongly recommend that in lieu of the amount claimed by Mr. Stanton, he be paid as a bonus or gratuity the sum of six hundred pounds sterling as an acknowledgement of his valuable services, or otherwise that he receive an appointment in the Colonial Service in terms of the recommendation made in the Governor's Agent's letter, dated the 18th of July, 1881, a copy of which is annexed to Mr. Stanton's claim. In support of Mr. Stanton's claim, we have annexed to this report, for 3^our Excellency's information, extracts from the Minutes of Proceedings of the Commission at Mafeteng inBasutoland, dated the 18th November, 1882, and at Cape Town, dated 9th February, 1883, marked respectively B and C. The claim of Mr. Octavus B. Bowker is similar to that of Mr. Stanton's. Mr. Bowker, being also a British subject, but a resident in the Free State, did not hesitate to show his loyalty by proceeding to Mohalis Hoek, at the outbreak of the rebellion in Basutoland, and assisting the Magistrate, Mr. Surmon, to hold and defend that place against the attacks of the rebel Basutos. Annexed to this report and marked (D) will be found a letter, dated the 30th November, 1882, from the Resident Magistrate at Mohali's Hoek, submitting Mr. Bowker's claim, and setting forth the valuable services rendered by him in supporting the Government in its endeavours to suppress the rebellion in Basutoland. An extract from the Minutes of Proceedings of the Commission, dated Cape Town, the 19th February, 1883, is hereunto annexed, marked [~E], for your Excellency's information.23 In consideration of the valuable services rendered by Mr. Bowker and his son "Mitford," we beg to recommend this claim for the special consideration of the Government, and ,vith this veiw, we recommend that Mr. Octavus B. Bowker be paid a bonus or gratuity of two hundred and fifty pounds (£250) as an acknowledgement of his valuable services, and in lieu of the amount claimed by him. Yours, &c., CHARLES D. GRIFFITH, Chairman. J. A. BURGER, ) A. AURET, | Members. C. J. RHODES, ) East London, 17th May, 1883. [ Annexure A. J Statement of Losses sustained by Mr. John Stanton during the late Rebellion in Basutoland. 7 English-bred mares ... £50 £350 0 0 .10 Milk Cows with calves... 10 100 0 0 2 Riding Horses...... 15 30 0 0 15 Colonial-bred mares ... 15 225 0 0 Total ......£705 0 0 This stock was taken by the rebel chiefs Masupha and Leshuburu, and is now in their possession. They were taken from the Free State, owing to my having joined the Colonial forces, and fighting against them. I, John Stanton, do solemnly and sincerely declare that the above is a true and faithful statement of my losses sustained during the Basuto rebellion, as above stated, and I make this solemn declaration, conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of the provisions of Ordinance No. of 18 , entitled "An Ordinance for the Suppression of Extra Judicial Oalhs and Affidavits." (Signed) JOHN STANTON. Declared before me at Mafeteng, this 18th day of November, 1882. (Signed) CHARLES D. GRIFFITH, J. P. for the Colony. True copy : Charles D. Griffith, Chairman. 218 f.] Office of the Governor's Agent, Basutoland Maseru, 18th July, 1881. The Governor's Agent, Basutoland, to the Honourable the Secretary for Native Affairs, Morij a. Sir,—I have the honour to enclose for the most favourable consideration of the Government an application (15th July, 1881) from Commandant Stanton24 for fixed employment in one or other of the corps about to be raised for the defence of the Colony. I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude to Commandant Stanton for the valuable aid and assistance which he rendered to the Government in this territory at the commencement of the late rebellion by raising men and coming to our assistance at this place when we were very few in number and in imminent danger of being attacked by the Basuto rebels. Not only did Commandant Stanton render us material help by his own presence, but he also sent his own spiders and horses to Bloemfontein in order to obtain ammunition for us, of which article we were very short. As a cool intrepid commander, I don't think that Commandant Stanton has his equal in the Colony. I have great pleasure in bringing Commandant Stanton to the notice of the Government, and in begging that his gallant services may be rewarded by his receiving an appointment in one of the defence corps about to be raised in the Colony. What Commandant Stanton would be particularly fitted for would be for the commander of the new police force which, it is rumoured, is likely soon to be raised in the Colony. [ Annexure B. ] Extract.] Mafeteng, November 18, 1882. Present : Colonel C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission in deliberation and hearing claims. Mr. John Stanton appeared, and after being duly sworn, states:—I now hand in my claim, amounting to £705 (marked A) for losses sustained during the late rebellion in Basutoland. Previous to the rebellion I resided in the Free State on the borders of Basutoland. The loss which I have suffered is in consequence of my having assisted the Colonial Government in Basutoland. My wife remained on my farm during part of the time that I was stationed at Thlotsi Heights. She was warned by one of the rebel Basutos, an old servant of mine, that, in consequence of my having taken up arms against the rebel Basutos, that it was not safe for her to remain on the farm, and, in consequence of this warning, she moved with all my stock further back into the Free State to a farm called " Fort Savage," belonging to Mr. D. G. Hartrnan, and whilst she was there the rebel Basutos came by night and took the English mares (mentioned in my claim) away into Basutoland. A few nights afterwards they came again and took the Colonial bred mares away, and about a month afterwards the remainder of my stock was taken away. When the Honourable the Secretary for Native Affairs (Mr. Sauer) came up first to Basutoland, after the publication of the Governor's Award, I applied to him to get my stock returned, as it was then all in Masupha's district. The Chief Leshuburu, I know, has some of the imported English mares—one riding horse, which I have claimed, was captured by the rebel Basutos at Thlotsi Heights. The seven imported English and the fifteen Colonial-bred mares were all in foal to an imported English stallion named " Baron"; two of the imported English mares had foals by their sides by 11 Baron." I came to25 Maseru in August, 1880, when Mr. Sprigg and General Clarke were there, and I offered my services to Mr. Sprigg, together with those of some twenty or thirty European volunteers whom I had raised. He accepted our services, and the corps was called " Stanton's Light Horse." We were ordered by the Governor's Agent (Colonel Griffith) to proceed to the Leribe District, together with Mr. Bell, the Magistrate of the Berea District, and the Basutoland Police and loyal people belonging to that district. "We reached Thlotsi Heights on or about the 15th September, 1880, and remained there until the 8th November, 1880, when the rebel Chief Joel, and others, made a most determined attack on the seat of Magistracy. My corps was the only European force that Colonel Bell had to depend upon for several months, until the arrival of relief columns. ****** I now hand in, for the information of the Commission, a copy of a letter dated the 18th July, 1881, No. 21 8f, from the Governor's Agent in Basutoland to the Honourable the Secretary for Native Affairs, submitting for the most favourable consideration of the Government an application from me for fixed employment. Annexed to my letter of the 15th July, 1881, to Colonel Griffith, will be found several letters from Colonel Bell, Commandant Bell, and Dr. Taylor, all having reference to the manner in which I performed my duties at Thlotsi Heights during the time that I was in command of " Stanton's Light Horse." True extract, CHAELES D. GKIFFITH, Chairman. [ Annexure C. ] Extract.] Cape Town, 9th February, 1883. present : Colonel C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. A. Atjbet, Esq., M.L.A. C. J. Rhodes, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission having assembled, ******** The claim of Mr. John Stanton for loss of stock captured by rebel Basutos in the Orange Free State, amounting in value to the sum of £705, was submitted by the Secretary for the consideration of the Commission. After deliberation, it was unanimously resolved :—That, with regard to this claim, the Commission is of opinion that it is one of a most exceptional character; that it appears from the evidence that Mr. Stanton, at a time when the Leribe' Magistracy was in the greatest danger, and he also being, at the time, a Free State Burgher, came forward and offered his services, and through his means the Leribe Magistracy was saved from destruction, and he also appears to have materially assisted in its defence during the rebellion ; that, owing to the part he took, he appears to have incurred the animosity of the rebel Basutos, and also of many of his European neighbours in the Free State, whose sympathies were with the rebels, and there can be [G. 96—'83.] e26 little doubt that his losses are entirely due to the active part which he took in assisting the Colonial Government at a time of great danger; that he appears to have taken every precaution for the protection of his stock by sending them some distance into the Free State, at least fifteen miles from the borders of Basutoland. The Commission is therefore of opinion that Mr. Stanton's claim ^ for compensation is deserving of the greatest consideration, and, taking into account the very valuable services rendered by him, strongly recommend that, in lieu of the amount claimed by him, he be paid, as a bonus or gratuity, the sum of six hundred pounds sterling (£600) as an acknowledgement of his valuable services, or otherwise that he receive an appointment in the Colonial Service, in terms of the recommendation made in the Governor's Agent's letter, dated the 18th July, 1881, to the Honourable the Secretary for Native Affairs. A true extract, CHARLES D. GRIFFITH, Chairman of Commission. [ Annexure D. ] Office of the Resident Magistrate of Cornet Spruit, 30th November, 1882. The Chairman Commission on Loyals' and others Losses in Basutoland, Quthing. Sir,—I have the honour to enclose a statement of losses sustained by Mr. Octavus B. Bowker, during the recent Basuto rebellion, on account of rendering assistance to the Colonial Government at the beginning of the disturbances. "When it became evident the Basutos would fight, Mr. Bowker, knowing the dangerous position I was in, and how few there were here to assist me, came, on the 26th July, 1880, with his son, John Mitford, to my aid, and remained until the garrison was relieved. He brought through a number of tools, and repaired many of the guns that had been surrendered in an unserviceable condition. He also taught the loyal natives with me how to use their fire-arms. During the siege of Mohali's Hoek he rendered material aid to the small garrison, and his presence not only gave the defenders confidence, but also terrified the enemy, who knew by experience in the Free State war, with what deadly effect he uses his rifle. Up to the time this Magistracy was abandoned, Mr. Bowker only drew trooper's pay. After that he served as Lieutenant in the Mohali's Hoek Contingent, in the operations about Mafeteng, till the end of December, 1880, when he was obliged to leave the field on account of the warm weather, as he has had sunstroke, and cannot expose himself on hot days to the heat of the sun, without risking attacks of very serious illness. Enclosed is a letter from the Commandant-General, accepting his resignation. From the 1st of January his son, Mitford, took his place, and served as Captain in the Mohali's Hoek Contingent, till the corps was disbanded in April, 1881. I trust that Mr. Bowker will, at least, be compensated for the direct losses he has suffered through the valuable services he rendered. I have, &c., W. H. SURMON, Resident Magistrate. No. 172.]27 Statement of Losses sustained by 0. B. Bowker, of Champagne, in the Orange Free State, during the late Basuto Rebellion, in consequence of rendering services in the war to the Colonial Government. Description of Lose. Value. £ s. d. Gun-repairing Toole, lost at the abandonment of Mohali's Hoek 15 0 0 2 Horses, stolen by Rebels from the farm, at £15 30 0 0 13 Head of Cattle, taken by Rebels from the farm, at £10 130 0 0 Indirect Loss :— 175 0 0 Loss of grafting season, say 600 grafts, at 5s.. . 150 0 0 Total.......... £325 0 0 Mohali's Hoek, 25th November, 1882. N.B.—The cattle were all well bred cows and large heifers. No. 7,222.] Head-quarters, King William's Town, February 1st, 1881. To the Colonel-Command ant of the Troops, Basutoland. Sir,—I am directed by the Commandant-General of the Colonial Forces to acknowledge the receipt of your communication No. dated the 22nd ultimo, submitting for approval the resignation of Lieutenant O. B. Bowker, Mohali's Hoek Contingent, and to inform you that the Brigadier-General Commanding has accepted Lieutenant Bowker's resignation accordingly, and only regrets that failing health should compel Mr. Bowker to resign a post in which he has done such good service, and which the Brigadier knows he would not have relinquished for any other cause. I have &c., Major J. M. GRANT, 0. C. L. of C. and B. Champagne, via Mohali's Hoek, 18th March, 1882. To The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, Cape Town. Sir,—I have the honour herewith to submit a Statement of Losses sustained by me during the recent Basuto Rebellion, on account of my having rendered service to the Colonial Government, by going at the outbreak to the assistance of the Resident Magistrate, at Mohali's Hoek, by serving during the siege of that Magistracy, and in the field at Mafeteng, which caused the rebels to single me out, and inflict as much injury, upon me as they could. e 228 I most respectfully beg that the Government may be pleased to grant me compensation for the loss, which, to one in my circumstances, is very serious indeed. I would state, in explanation of item No. 5, that part of my yearly income is made by grafting and selling young fruit trees ■ in the beginning of every spring, and that I could not do this in 1880, as I was then aiding in the defence of Mohali's Hoek ; of item No 6, that both I and my son, Mitford, lost the ploughing season of the same year, on account of being in the Government Service, and as our oxen were too poor to work through having to be kept close and kraaled every night; and of item No. 7, that my son's breeding-stallion, also used as a riding-horse, and valued at seventy-five pounds sterling, had one of his fetlock joints seriously injured while being ridden in the Government Service, rendering assistance to the Resident Magistrate of Cornet Spruit, while he was shut up in Mohali's Hoek. I have &c., 0. B. BOWKER. Statement of Losses sustained by 0. B. Bowker, of the farm Champagne, in the Orange Free State, during the Basuto Rebellion, on account of rendering service to the Colonial Government. Ko. Items. Amount. £ 8. d, 1 Gun-repairing Tools, lost at Mohali's Hoek 15 0 0 2 Two Horses, stolen by rebels from the farm, at £15 30 0 0 3 13 Cattle, lost through being stolen by rebels from farm, £10 each 130 0 0 4 Loss on 11 Mares, which slipped their foals through being driven 99 0 0 about and kraaled, at £9 each 5 Loss of 600 Grafts, at 5s. each 150 0 0 6 Loss of Ploughing Season 175 0 0 7 Injury to Breeding-Stallion, used as a riding-horse 30 0 0 Total ........ £629 0 0 I, Octavus B. Bowker, solemnly and conscientiously declare that the above is a true and correct statement of my losses during the Basuto Rebellion of 1880-1, sustained by reason of services rendered to the Colonial Government. 0. B. BOWKER. Champagne, 18th March, 1882. [ Annexure E. ] Extract.] 19th February, 1883, 10 a.m. present : Colonel C. D. Griffith, C.M.G., Chairman. A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission in deliberation.29 The claim of Mr. Octavus Bowker, amounting to £629. This claim was brought before the Commission by Bowker himself, at Mohali's Hoek, when he stated that he had sent in the claim previously to the Government, in a letter to the Colonial Secretary, dated 19th of March, 1882. After deliberation, the Commission resolved that, in consideration of the very valuable services rendered to the Colonial Government by Mr. 0. Bowker and hie son, Mitford (who, being burghers of the Free State, on learning of the difficulties in which the Magistrate of Cornet Spruit was placed, at once went to his assistance and rendered valuable aid throughout the siege at Mohali's Hoek, and afterwards served during the war at Mafeteng), to specially recommend this claim for compensation to the Government. With this view they would recommend that Mr. Bowker receive a bonus of £250 Os. Od., in lieu of the amount claimed by him for damage. True extract, CHARLES D. GRIFFITH, Chairman. Maseru, September 1 st, 1882, 9 a.m. present : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. | A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. Hon. J. A. Burgher, M.L.C. | C. J. Rhodes, Esq., M.L.A. Mr. R. Trower appeared, by virtue of a Power of Attorney made in his favour by Mr. Gad Jeffreys, and filed the claim marked [0], value £504 19s., and informed the Commission that he had purchased the claim for £300,'and that he values the buildings still standing at £200, leaving a balance of £304 19s. Mr. E. Maitin appeared, and stated that he was now in possession, and had spent £40 in putting it in order. He valued cottage destroyed at £30, rondavel £15, kitchen £5. Mr. R. Trower appeared on behalf of Mr. A.. Sidwell, and presented a claim for £5 6, for two horses and two cows, taken from him on the 26th September, 1880, and October 7th, 1882, and being duly sworn, stated : I know Mr. Abel Sidwell, he was in my employ before and during the rebellion. I know that he lost a pair of cart-horses, taken by the rebels from the Free State, the night of the attack on Maseru. The cows were taken from the kraal the same night at Maseru, with all mine. Claim marked [P.] Mr. Brumage, sen., being duly sworn, states : My name is Samuel Brumage, I was managing Mr. Trower's business at Koro-Koro up till the 26th of June. I had been therefor about eight years. I left the Koro-Koro about that date, in consequence of warnings I had received from loyal natives. My son Walter then took my place. I now claim £200 for furniture and effects lost there. Household effects and furniture, £200 ; less £45, recovered by Father Le Bihan; also two horses taken by rebels, valued at £45. The reason I did not remove my furniture when I left, was, that hostilities had not then commenced, and I thought that it was probable that the disturbance would blow over, and that I should be able to return to my place. I have already sent in a detailed list of my furniture to the Government, but, unfortunately, have not kept a copy of it. Claim marked (2). The ^horses lost were a pair of cart-horses.30 [ 0. ] Statement of Losses sustained by Gad Jefferies, in British Basutoland, owing to the Bebellion in 1880-81, Amounting in all to ... ... ... ... ... £504 19s. Od. The claim not being supported by any evidence as to value, &c., as to loud fide loss, is rejected by the Commission. C. J). G. 7th Feburary, 1883. [ ] Particulars op Losses sustained by Mr. A. Sidwell during the present outbreak. £ s. d. To two horses, driven out of the Orange Free State by the rebels on the 7th October, 1880, valued at £20 each 40 0 0 To two cows, captured during the attack on Maseru, on 10th October, 1880, valued at £8 each ...... 16 0 0 56 0 0 Becommended for the consideration of the Government. C. D. G. 7th February, 1883. c [ a i Account of Losses suffered by Mr. S. Brumage, at Koro-Koro, on or about the 22nd July, 1880. £ s. d. £ s. d. Household effects, value 200 0 0 Less, goods re-captured by Father Le Bihan, to amount of 45 0 0 155 0 0 2 Horses, taken by rebels out of Maseru, valued at ... 45 0 0 200 0 0 Becommended for consideration of Government. C. D. G. 7th February, 1883. Richard Trower appeared, and being duly sworn, states : I have been in business in Basutoland since 1869. My principal place of business was at Maseru,' and I had branch places of business in different parts of the country, namely, Koro-Koro, Good Hope, Peka, and Cana. I now hand in statement of losses sustained at Koro-Koro about July 22nd, 1880, previous to the commencement of hostilities. I took list of stock taken at Koro-Koro, July 1st, 1880, marked (A) value £1,471 0s. 8d.; also an account of goods sent to Koro-Koro after July 1st, and before the 22nd of July, marked (B), value £485 8s. lid., also credit account of everything received from Koro-Koro after July 1st, and up to July 26th, 1880, marked (C), value £874 Is. 2d. I also hand copy of letter addressed by me to the Governor's Agent, dated April 9th, 1881, marked (D), submitting a list of my losses; also a letter from the Governor's Agent, dated May 11th, 1881 (60S), in reply, marked (E). I have31 charged in the stock-list, marked (A), my selling-prices at that time. On the other hand I have not charged interest for the money invested. It is over two years now since I had the loss. I had no official request to remain, but there is a tacit understanding with the Governor's Agent, that traders should remain at their posts and thereby prevent a scare. I myself felt that there was a great risk, and if I had studied my own interest, instead of that of the Government, I should have moved my goods at least three weeks sooner. As soon as the Governor's Agent informed me that there was no use in running the risk of leaving the goods any longer, I then took steps to remove them, which was the signal for Alexander Letsie and his people to dare my people to move anything at the peril of their lives, and they commenced at once to loot the place. I cannot state the date when my place at Koro-Koro was burnt down, as we had no communication there for at least a twelve-month after, July 22nd, 1881. My selling price is from 15 to 25 per cent, on cost price. I should consider that the buildings were burnt down after the commencement of hostilities. About the 1st of July, I had a consultation with Mr. Brumage, sr., my brother-in-law, who was in charge of my business at Koro-Koro, and as he was a man with a family, it was not considered advisable, owing to the state of the country, that he should stay there. He therefore came to Maseru, and his son "Walter was sent to take charge at Koro-Koro, and it was he who took stock on July 1st, 1880. I now also hand in a list of stock burnt, and losses sustained through rebels, during the attack on the 10th of October, 1880, marked (F), amounting to £3,144 10s. 6d.; also copy of letter, dated Maseru, April 9th, forwarding original statement of losses to Governor's Agent, marked (G), the articles charged in this account are at my usual selling-rate. The cattle that were taken out of the kraal were a mixed lot of oxen, cows, and calves; the sheep and goats were slaughter stock. To the best of my knowledge and belief the above is a true statement of the losses I sustained on the night of the attack on Maseru, October 10th, 1880. I had previously moved the whole of my stock, valued at £35,000, into the Free State, and after the troops had arrived at Maseru, I considered it safe to re-open business there, and the loss sustained as per list (F) was a part of the goods which I brought back for trade. I also hand in a statement marked (H), containing the particulars of stock belonging to me, and taken by the rebels in the Free State on the 25th of September, and 7th October, 1880, valued by me at £710 10s. 0d., out of which I have recovered three oxen and one horse, which I have valued at £36 10s., as per statement marked (I). I also hand in a memo, of losses sustained by the destruction of buildings, marked (J), showing losses at Koro-Koro, £400 ; Good Hope, £400 ; Peka, £600; Cana, £110. These valuations are the rate at which the different buildings are charged to the different businesses, and are framed from the original cost. The total value, less material recovered, is £1,490. I also hand in letters and documents marked (K, L, M), in order to show the Commission the position I occupied on the night of the attack (when I was wounded) and the importance of the position of my store, part of which was occupied by the Commissariat Department. Walter Brumage, after being duly sworn, stated : I am in the employ of Mr. Trower. My father carried on a business for Mr. Trower at Koro-Koro. Towards the end of June, I was sent out to relieve him, as it was thought safer that if the natives broke out, I could get away better than my father. While there I took stock, on July 1st, 1880. The List marked (A) is a copy, the list (B) were goods sent to Koro-Koro by my order. I was there about twenty-one days, and they arrived there during my stay. The list of credits (C) I sent, the grain, some of the stock, and most of thecjash. When I left, everything was in good order. Nothing had been disturbed by the natives while I was there. Nothing had been taken. I left a native named August in charge last time I left32 Koro-Koro. I saw August when he came here, and he stated that the rebelfi had plundered the place, and that he had to defend himself with his gun, and that he was afraid to go back. He had tried to get native wagons to bring in the goods, but the people were afraid to ride transport, and refused to do it. Previous to my leaving I had tried to get wagons but could not succeed. August, after having been duly sworn, stated : I lived with Mr. Brumage at the Koro-Koro. I used to assist in the shop. I recollect Mr. Brumage, sr., leaving. The disturbance was just commencing. I remember Mr. Walter Brumage coming to take his place.I cannot tell the month he came. After Mr. Walter Brumage left, I took charge of the place. John, another servant of Mr. Trower, came from him to see how I was getting on. I replied, 1,451 8 2 12s. as per stock list ) „ 8 Oxen, £4 10s .. 36 0 0 „ 10 do., £3 10s .. 35 0 0 „ 7 do., £3 21 0 0 „ 1 do., £5 5 0 0 July ,, Goods .. 485 8 11 „ 3 do., £4 12 0 0 July 10 ,, Cash .. .. 77 0 0 „ 17 ,, do..... 70 0 0 „ 21 ,, do. 191 5 0 „ 26 „ do. 8 8 0 ,, 3 Horses, 60s. .. 9 0 0 „ 1 do., 70s. .. 3 10 0 ,, 4 Oxen, 80s. 16 0 0 1,936 17 1 ,, 4 Cows, 70s. 14 0 0 874 1 2 ,, Goods taken by 74 2 2 Father Le Bihan Balance 1,062 15 11 874 1 2 Certified a true copy, A. G. HATCHAKD. Copt.] Maseru, 24th August, 1880. C. D. Griffith, Esq., C.M.G., Governor's Agent, Maseru. Sir,—I beg to submit for your information, an estimate of goods and household furniture belonging to me, 'which were plundered and destroyed by natives at Koro-Koro, on or about the 22nd July, and following days. I consider the value of the above to be at least two hundred pounds sterling, less a few articles recovered by Father Le Bihan, and now in his possession, which I value at fifty-five pounds. I have, &c., (Signed) SAMUEL BKUMAGE.40 November 20th, 1882, 10 p.m. Peesent : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. | A. Auret Esq., M.L.A. The Commission in deliberation, hearing claims. Mr. Douglas Henry Eraser, on behalf of Messrs. D. and D. H. Fraser, appeared, and after having been duly sworn, states: I now beg to hand in a statement of my claim, it being a true and correct statement, of the grounds on which we found our claim. The claim has been divided into two ; one, the actual loss of buildings, merchandise, and horses shot, and captured by the rebels at Diphering. The other is a claim for out-stations destroyed by the rebels during the rebellion. The first claim amounts to <£8,066 17s. 2d., the second to £1,317 12s. 6d. I also hand in copies of a telegraphic conversation, dated 8th August, 1880, at Aliwal North, between Mr. Sprigg, late Colonial Secretary, and Mr. Donald Fraser, the senior partner of our firm; also original letter from the office of the Secretary for Native Affairs, Cape Town, No. 3/162, dated July 1st, 1881, covering copiesof letters from Commandant Barkly, Resident Magistrate of Thaba Bosigo district, dated Mafetcng, October 5th, 1880 ; and memorandum from B.-General Clarke, commanding Colonial Forces, dated Camp, Mafeteng, October 6th, 1880; also original letter, No. 451, dated Maseru, 8th December, 1880, from the Governor's Agent, Basutoland, to our firm. The merchandise burnt was nearly all unbroken packages, burnt in our rough-goods store. "We had two wholesale stores, one of which was used entirely for whole packages, so that it is not guess-work. Our stock-books will show what stock we had at the time, and if every item in our claim were checked off, they would be found to correspond with our stock-book. I now produce our stock-books. They will show that every package, when opened, and passed into the open store, is marked off, or when sold as a whole package, the name of the firm put before them. They also shew the prices at which they are entered, and the nett cost, delivered at Diphering, invoiced from England, so that the stock really represents a realizable value of 50 per cent over the prices given. It will be seen, in every case, that the percentage of cost delivered, is entered before each description of package in the stock-book, and that this percentage is intended to cover every description of charge, customs, freight, carriage, shipping, and land carriage to Diphering. There was nothing left in the store. Everything they could carry was taken away, and then the remainder of the goods were set on fire and burnt. Certain kinds of goods, noticed in our list, broken packages, and loose goods, were taken out of our other store and put into this whole-package store, to give us more room for the garrison. This accounts for them being in this store. Personal effects we removed from our dwelling-house, which was a long way detached from the stores, for safetjr. These were also burnt in the stores. At the time the fire occurred, it was just our usual time for stock-taking, and the last time we had taken stock was just a year before; we recovered nothing of this property, and I am prepared to swear that the books produced are a correct statement of our affairs at that time, in that whole-package store. There is not a vestage of the store remaining. "With reference to the claim for buildings destroyed at Diphering, our book-keeper, Mr. Hardy, will be able to prove this claim from our ledger. The value claimed for, supposes that the ruins standing represent £600. "With regard to the claim for horses, two were captured in action, one mare stolen, and four horses were shot. Two of these belonged to the volunteers enrolled by us for the defence of Diphering, they are put down at £15 each, which we have already paid. These horses were guaranteed to be paid for if shot. The other two belonged to my brother, and are valued at £12 each. The other three horses were taken out of a small kraal by the rebels, and belonged to our native servants ; we have already paid them the value of the horses, so therefore include the claim in our own, There was also a bay horse, saddle, and bridle, the property of41 my brother; it was captured in action from him the day Col. Carrington first came into Basntoland; we claim £40 for the horse, saddle, and bridle. We gave .£30 for the horse a few weeks before the rebellion. The saddle is a good hog-skin one, now in the possession of Lerothodi; my brother has since offered him £12 10s. for it. The other horse was the property of A Kirk, a volunteer, and valued at £25. We have already compensated him for this horse in full. I knew all these horses, and I think that they are charged for at a fair and reasonable price. With regard to the out-stations, Mr. Hardy will prove the cost of building, &c. With regard to Kolo Station, I am surprised to hear that a claim has been entered by Mr. Orsmond, as I bought this station from him in good repair, and gave a fair price for the same, and we hold his receipt. With regard to Tsita's Nek, we claim this as the assignees of J. B. Yeaman's estate, on the account of the creditors in his estate. Molitsane's, Old Breen's, and Futa's Nek Stations are complete ruins, Kolo only partially damaged. All these stations have in the meantime been re-built, and put into good repair. Qemi Station was also only partially damaged. With regard to the out-stations totally destroyed, the value is taken from our ledger, and is an extract from our property account. Those partially destroyed, we have based on the cost of repairing the $amey which can also be shewn in the property account in the ledger. November, 21st. Mr. D. H. Fraser re-appeared, and filed deed of assignment of the estate of J. B. Yeaman, and wished to correct statement made regarding Queni Station. It is totally destroyed, not partially, as I stated yesterday. Mr. Mazzini Kossuth Hardy appeared, and having been duly sworn, states: I am book-keeper to Messrs. D. and D. H. Fraser, and I produce the business ledger belonging to the firm. With regard to the wholesale store destroyed at Diphering, the actual cost was £308, completed December 1st, 1878. The dwelling-house cost originally £450, March, 1877. Additions, September, 1878, amounting to £41 9s. 2d. Anew stable was built November, 1878, costing £55, built of stone, under iron. In June, 1879, extensive additions were made to the house, to the extent of £366 16s, making a total of £913 5s. Just before the war, the thatch was removed, and an iron roof put on; of this we have no account, and therefore have not put it in the claim. The house and work-shop for wheel-wright cost originally, for the carpenter's shop, £35 15s., December, 26th, 1878. In February, 1878, we built a blacksmith's shop, at a cost of £40, and in the same month, additions to the extent of £13 10s. 2d., making a total of £89 5s. 2d.- We have claimed £80 for this, as we recovered some of the iron used for roofing. Five houses, inhabited by servants, I cannot give full particulars of, as the accounts are mixed. A house, built November 1st, 1878, for a man named Lifi, cost £14 2s. 6d. On June, 26th, 1880, we added two rooms, at a cost of £10 7s. As to the other houses, I cannot give the items, as they were • mixed up with the amount of the Diphering property, when Messrs. Fraser first purchased it, in March, 1877. A long store at the back, No. 1. This was £80; also in the original property of Diphering. The dwelling-house, near the store, for which we claim £500, forms also part of the original property of Diphering. In evidence, I state the original cost of Mr. D. Fraser's house was £450. The next item is the four native houses, £80 ; then the long store, £80 ; the house near store, £500, leaving £613 for the value of remaining building. The original cost of the whole being £1,7 00, in March, 1877, and additions made at the same time, of £23. With regard to the out-station at Molitsane's, it was purchased October 31st, 1877, by Messrs. Fraser, from Messrs. Peacock, Weir, & Co., King William's Town, for the sum of £400. In October and November, 1879, further additions were made, costing £12 12s. 6d. Old Breen's store and station at Tsuaing, was purchased by Messrs. Fraser, June 2nd, 1880, of [G. 96—'83.] g42 Mr. John Breen, sen., for the sum of £140, being the amount claimed. Qemi station. This was purchased by Messrs. Fraser, June 30th, 1880, from Mr. E. Orsmond, for the sum of £200. It was re-built, and sold by-Messrs. Fraser, for £150, and re-purchased by them for £200, the previous purchaser having made additions in the meanwhile. Kolo station was purchased-from Mr. Orsmond, December 14th, 1880. We bought it for 65 bags of grain, which, at that time, we were selling to the Government at the rate of £8 5s. per bag, which makes the cost of the station, as per ledger folio 471, as £211 5s. That is claimed for as partially destroyed. Damage claimed was £150. The actual cost of repairs being £141 0s. 8d., as per ledger folio, 473. When the claim was sent in originally, the place was not repaired, consequently, the amount claimed was only an estimate. This station was occupied during the war by some Dutch people, from the Free State. We produce receipt of Mr. Orsmond for the purchase of this station. Tsita ISTek, for which Messrs. Fraser claim, as assignees of J. B. Yeaman's estate, on behalf of the creditors. This station was purchased by Mr. J. B. Yeaman, September 2nd, 1879, from Mr. C. King, for the sum of £300. The transaction came through my handa, Messrs. Fraser having advanced the cash to J. B. Yeaman for the purpose, and it appears, to the debit of J. B. Yeaman's account, on ledger folio 201. This is how we are aware of the amount paid. I am unable to prove, from any of my books, the sum of £115, claimed for stock taken, and destroyed by the rebels, at the above station. The entries in the ledger are all in my hand-writing. Mr. D. H. Fraser, re-called, states: We purchased Kolo station, December, 1880, from Mr. E. Orsmond. I knew at that time, from Dutchmen who were trading in the station, that the premises were in good order, and as yet undamaged. The damage for which we claim, occurred when the last of these Dutchmen, named Venter, left the place. I first went to Kolo station with James Hancock, shortly after peace negotiations were commenced. I found it inhabited by some natives, who at first refused to let me in. The fixtures and counter had been taken away. A part of the wooden ceiling and floor had also been destroyed, some of the beams being taken, which had ultimately to be relaid; and only two windows left on the premises; the others having been all taken or destroyed. [A. ] Statement of Claim for Compensation, by Messrs D. and D. H. Fraser, for Actual and Direct Losses in the Basuto Rebellion. Gentlemen,—At the outbreak of the Basuto Rebellion, we were trading largely at Diphering, in Basutoland, having a stock of £25,000 of merchandise. Toward the end of July, 1880, when matters were beginning to look critical, we were forced to consider whether it would be safe or advisable to remain in the country. At this time, however, the Resident Magistrate at Mafeteng, and most other officers of the Government, hoped and believed that a general rebellion would not ensue. It was thought that only a temporary disturbance would take place, and that the Basutos would ultimately obey the law. When Mr. Barkly, the Resident Magistrate at Mafeteng, considered it necessary to fortify and adopt defensive measures, he requested us to do the same at Diphering. We fortified our premises end stores at Diphering, and hired twenty white volunteers from the Free State, as a garrison, in addition to our own staff. Having, during the Morosi Rebellion, imported fifty carbines with ammunition, by the Governor's Agent's permission, as a precaution, our garrison43 was fully armed, and from this supply, we were fortunately in a position to provide Mr. Barkly with arms, who had exactly half enough for his police. It is proper here to state that rather more than a year previous to this time, during the Morosi disturbance, the Governor's Agent sent a notice to all traders in Basutoland, as under:—" Government notice. It having been brought to my notice that considerable alarm is being caused in the territory, by traders and others leaving their stations, and moving out of the country without any real or good grounds for doing so, I consider it my duty to warn all such persons to return to their stations, and await the orders and instruction of the Government. Failing to do so, they, and all other traders causing panic and confusion by abandoning the stations without permission from the Government, will render themselves liable to have their trading stations confiscated and a renewal of their licenses refused. Camp at Pathlalla Drift, 15th March, 1879. (Signed) Charles D.Griffith, Governor's Agent." The inference from this was, that not only a bad effect and scare would have been produced upon the native mind, by traders abandoning their stations, but also that, as the Government made it penal for them to do so, they would, where strict obedience to their order caused serious losses, compensate them for the same. It is obvious, that if a firm, trading as largely as ourselves had, at this critical time, in defiance of the Governor's Agent's instructions, and the distinct wishes of Mr. Barkly, have fled from the country, it would have precipitated events, and caused a wide-spread alarm. Whilst we were fortifying Diphering, the Eesident Magistrate had notice that several loads of arms and ammunition for his garrison were upon the border, and he requested ou^ assistance to escort them into Mafeteng. We gave him the assistance, that night, of every man that we could spare, and on the arrival of the wagons, at his request, also received and stored about twenty thousand weight of arms and ammunition, for which he had no room or place. Our garrison, during several weeks, was available for military purposes, and was used by Mr. Barkly for patrols, escorting mails, &c.; also upon the occasion of the entrance of the Cape Mounted Bifles, and the first fight, 13th September. About 17th September, Colonel Carrington strengthened our garrison with twenty Cape Mounted Bifles, after a severe fight; upon which occasion his men had to fall back upon our stores. For several weeks we were closely invested by the rebels, who kept up a continual fir 3 day and night upon us. Upon daybreak of the 4th October, ' soon after the first attack upon Mafeteng, the rebels attacked us in great force, and towards sundown, had succeeded in effecting an entrance into our large wholesale building, plundering, and setting fire to the same. The deep sluit afforded the enemy perfect cover to the end of the store, where our fire could not reach them. Having plundered and carried away an immense quantity of goods, and set fire to the remainder, the store and goods burned out, the roof falling in about 3 a.m. on the following morning, the enemy remaining around in great numbers. We were closely invested after this, until relieved by the Brigadier-General's column. At the time both Mafeteng and Diphering Were fortified, but before fighting actually commenced, the Honourable Mr. Sprigg, the then Premier, and the Brigadier-General, visited Basutoland. They both inspected Diphering, and thoroughly approved of the place being held and defended. It would be seen by the telegraphic correspondence annexed, marked A, that the Honourable Mr. Sprigg, throughout, held the same views as to the holding and defending of Diphering. Annexed, and marked B, is copy of letter to the Government from the Brigadier-General, to which we beg to call your attention, which shows that the occupation of Diphering proved to be of material value to the colonial forces. Annexed, and marked C, is copy of a letter also addressed to the Government by Mr. Barkly, Resident Magistrate, to which we would call your g 244 attention, in which, and for reasons given, he very strongly recommended our claim. Annexed, and marked D, is copy of a letter from the Governor's Agent, acknowledging, by instructions from Government, " the very valuable services rendered by us during the Rebellion." Annexed, and marked E, is summary of our actual and direct losses at Diphering, amounting to eight thousand and sixty-six pounds, seventeen shillings, and two pence (£8,066 17s. 2d.) Annexed, and marked F, are out-stations, which were destroyed during the time the troops were in the country, amounting to thirteen hundred and seventeen pound, twelve shillings, and sixpence (£1,317 12s. 6d.) We here wish to state, that our claim is based upon lave and actual cost, as regards both buildings and merchandise, which is proved by our books. It is, perhaps, unnecessary for us here to repeat, still we would do so, that our claim for compensation is based on the bare fact that, as traders in Basutoland, we suffered loss by the war. Such a claim, we well know, if once admitted, would open the door to endless demands on the Government. What we desire to bring prominently before the Commission, is the fact that when we might have cleared out of Basutoland all our movable property intact, we( by the wish of the Government, remained at Diphering, and iu consequence of this, sustained the loss, as compensation for which, we now prefer, this claim. Previous to the outbreak of hostilities, as we have already pointed out, we, considered the advisability of leaving the country, and we can confidently assert, that, had we done so, not only would there have been no risk attendant on our moving from Diphering, so far as our property was concerned, but the natives, who subsequently went into rebellion, even Lerothodi himself, would have cordially co-operated with us, and rendered every assistance. The representative of the Government, Mr. Barkly, desired that we should remain, the Premier subsequently confirmed his views, and, as the result of our meet-tings with both of these gentlemen, the impression, amounting to an absolute conviction, was conveyed to us, that Government would make good any loss sustained by us in consequence of action, which, in opposition to our better judgment (so far as our personal interest went), we were compelled to take. It is perfectly known that we were, and have been all along, opposed to the application of the Disarmament Act to Basutoland. We lost no opportunity, when questioned, of giving expression to our views, but, in common with others, we felt that, as British subjects of the Cape Colony, our duty was to assist in the enforcement of the law, and when war was finally embarked in, to lend all the aid in our power towards an early successful termination of it. We would lay stress on the fact, but that for our building at Diphering, no depot for the arms and other munitions of war, introduced by the Colonial Government into Basutoland, in the early stage of rebellion, existed in this district, and there are many who think that had we not acceded to the wishes of the Government in holding the post, even the small meed of success which attended the Colonial arms, would not have been attained. We would finally beg to call your attention respectfully to the fact that, after the rebellion, so soon as matters looked at all like peace in Basutoland, we commenced re-building and re-occupying these out-stations, about which we have been spending a very considerable amount; which action on our part had a great moral effect for good upon the natives, at a time when it was much needed, they being far from really settled. The senior partner of us regrets not being able to appear before you in person. We trust, gentlemen, that our case may meet with your most favourable consideration. D. & D. H. FEASER. Mafeteng, November 20th, 1882.45 I B. ] Estimated Loss of Property at Diphiring, sustained by D. & D. EE. Fraser, during the Basuto Outbreak, SUMMARY. Sheet No. £ s. d. £ B. d. 1 Merchandise . . 878 2 6 2 Do. ........ 1,131 18 1 3 Do. ........ CO 10 10 4 Do. ........ 1,115 12 0 5 Do. ........ 757 19 10 6 Do. ........ 709 14 11 7 Do. ........ 496 19 0 6,065 17 2 8 Houses 1,848 0 0 8 Horses 153 0 0 2,001 0 0 8,066 17 2 [ C. ] Copy.] Wepener, Orange Free State, August 5th, 1881. Claim on the Colonial Government, for Compensation for Stations destroyed by Eebel Basutos, by D. & D. H. Fraser, 1880—1881. 1 Moletsanis.—In the occupation of J. R. Morisse, Dwelling-house, Shop, Iron Store, and Out-buildings, completely destroyed £ 412 s. 12 d. 6 Old Breeds.—(Tsuaing), in our own occupation, Dwelling-House, Shop, and Store, completely destroyed 140 0 0 Xemi.—(Moffats), in our own occupation, Dwelling-House, Shop, and Out-buildings 200 0 0 Kolo.—In the occupation of E. Orsmond, partially destroyed. Damage estimated at £150 . . 150 0 0 Tsita's Nek.—In the occupation of J. Yeaman, Dwelling-House, Shop, and Out-buildings, totally destroyed 300 0 0 Stock at the above, taken, or destroyed by Rebels. . 115 0 0 £1,317 12 646 Copy. ] [ D ] Sunday morning, 8^/i August, 1880. Conversation between Mr. Sprigg, Col. Sec. and Mr. Donald Fraser :— ^ Have you any objection to Mr. Caldecott being present ? S. None whatever.—Is it the same Mr. Fraser I met last October ? F. No, the elder brother, who called on Mr. Sprigg in Cape Town. >$'. Eight! Thanks. Where is your brother ? F. My brother, and about eighteen other men, are in charge of my place at Mafeteng. S. What men has your brother with him ? F. Some I hired from the Free State, and some traders who have cleared out. S. If Mafeteng is attacked, will you not have to effect a junction with Mr. Barkly, or could you hold the trading station with the number of men you have there ?—I should think the strength of the attack would be upon your station for the sake of plunder. F. I can hold my place ; but it would be impossible to effect a junction, as I am three miles from Mr. Barkly. S. Yes. I am aware of that; but it occurred to me that it would be more prudent to effect a junction before attack is made. Where is Mr. Aschman now ?■ F. When Lerothodi declared to attack Mr. Barkly, ten days ago, at night, commando was lying half way between Mafeteng and my station. Mr. Aschman is in the Free State. He has left two clerks at Mafeteng, who are in in the court-house with Mr. Barkly. If Mafeteng was attacked his store could be plundered. S. I don't remember what sort of roof is on the court-house. How is that ? F. It was thatch. Mr. Barkly has just had iron put on. IS. Letsea was to hold a meeting of the' whole tribe at Thaba Bosigo, last Friday; I am waiting to hear from Mr. Griffith the result of that meeting. When I receive that, which will probably be to-day, I shall know what course to take; in fact, we shall all know, I suppose, whether it is to be pcace or war. When do you purpose leaving Aliwal North ? F. I do not expect any result from the meeting at Thaba Bosigo, and Letsea will never be able to induce his sons to submit to Government. War is inevitable; but may be kept within bounds, if taken in hand at once. I purpose leaving Aliwal North to-day. JS. Are you aware that Letsea has compelled his son, Bereng, to disgorge all his stock he had captured, and that they have been handed over to the natives from whom they were taken ? F. Yes. But I attach little importance to that, so long as the sons are at large, and defying the authorities. Lerothodi is sending grain every day to Masite, a mountain near Morija, and compelling loyal natives and others to do the same. Business has almost stopped at my place, which is the only trading station open in Basutoland. I believe a force at Mafeteng would be welcomed by natives, instead of opposed, and the rebels would flee to Masite at once, leaving a large district quiet , and willing to disarm. Several influential chiefs have sent in to Mr. Barkly, saying they are all right, but dare not declare themselves loyal. S. Conflicting opinions prevail as to the expediency of sending troops into Basutoland at the present time. A fortnight ago, Surmon was urging me to send troops to his station, as the only means of preventing a general outbreak. He now says that their presence would increase the excitement, and requests that they may not come nearer to him than Aliwal North or Bouxville. I think it very likely we shall have to do some fighting in Basutoland, but I am waiting to know the result of the meeting on Friday, so that Griffith may be able to form an opinion as to the number of troops47 required to put down the rebellion, in case Masupka and the sons of Letsea decide to go on with it, I am totally opposed to sending small detachments to isolated posts, and the Commandant-General is strongly adverse to it. The Cape Mounted Eiflemen, forming the first column, must be drawing near Maseru by this time. A second column of Cape Mounted Eiflemen are now moving from Ivokstad. They will go through Barkly pass to the Quithing district, and entar Basutoland from that side, if it is necessary. Griffith informs me that no fresh depredations are reported. What is wanted, is that these depredations should be stopped, and we should then ascertain what is the number of the rebels, and what means should be resorted to to apprehend the rebel chiefs. From all the information sent to me from all parts of Basutoland, I conclude that the rebels are not gathering strength from day to day, but that, on the contrary, the rebel chiefs have not so large a following as they had a fortnight ago. But you are on the spot, and I attach importance to any opinions you may express on the state of affairs. By the last advices, dated Friday, perfect order prevailed in Leribe district. There is no doubt that, to ensure peace in Basutoland for the future, the capture of Masupha and Lerothodi is absolutely necessary. "With respect to the volunteers engaged in holding your station, the terms you name are considerably higher than would be paid to volunteers sent from the Colony. I will make a compromise with you, and am willing to pay 10s. a day for each for the 16 men who are with you, but say nothing about the rations. They would be paid until the disturbance is at an end, or until such time as they are relieved by any®force that may ultimately be sent to Mafeteng. There must, of course, be a proper roll kept, and signed by the men monthly, and the matter must go through, in the ordinary way, in Mr. Barkly's office. F. Thanks for concession. Do you wish me to reply to your remarks relative to Basutoland generally ? S. Yes. F. I adhere to my opinion that war is inevitable in certain districts, and notably at Thaba Bosigo, and Mohali's Hoek. A comparatively small force at Mafeteng at once, would, I consider, ensure the peace and loyalty of the district, but so long as Lerothodi is left to terrorise over the district without check, the adherents to Government must become fewer. The well-disposed natives who are many, and well to do, are in greater dread of Lerotholi, and his followers, who are relatively few at present, in Mr. Barkly's district. It is believed that so soon as Lerothodi sees a force, he will join Bererig at Masiti. The first detachment of Cape Mounted Eiflemen, 350 strong, under Colonel Bayley, are not yet at Eouxville. Fcstina lente, seems to be their motto. Mr. Barkly was glad to hear from Mr. Griffith that 100 men were to be sent to him at once, and we were under the impression that a portion of the Cape Mounted Eiflemen were going there, but we hear no confirmation of this. 1 can understand Surmon not wishing a small force, of say 30 or 40 men, being sent into his district, as the rebels are in much greater force there than in Mafeteng district, and a small body of men would only embolden the rebels to attack them. I believe the plundering of loyal natives has diminished, because the rebels are too busy fortifying, and moving supplies and cattle to their fastnesses, in preparation for war, to have much time to spare for their neighbours; besides which, few natives have as yet had to openly declare themselves for Government. In Barkly's district, Lerothodi has at present only two or three openly, declared adherents amongst the headmen, who, with their people, patrol the border, and stop and examine white people and wagons, for arms and ammunition, and bully and intimidate the natives, and in some cases have assaulted them. I shall overtake the Cape Mounted Eifles to-day, and shall be happy to carry any dispatch for you. S. Colonel Bayley is under the orders of the Commandant-General, but I should be glad if you would tell him to push on to Jackman's Drift as fast as he can. You have not stated the grounds of Surmon's objection. He48 objects to any troops going anywhere near the border. I am much obliged for the information you have given me, it will assist me in the instructions I am about to give to the Commandant-General. I am sorry I can't talk longer with you, but I am obliged to leave now, to fullfil an engagement. If Mr. Caldecott is there, tell him his brother is in Cape Town, and is going to dine with me to-day. I wish you good morning, and hope that your worst fears may not be realised, but affairs look very gloomy. F. Thanks ! Good morning ! Mr. Caldecott sends his compliments. [ E. ] Office of the Secretary for Native Affairs, Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope. 1st July, 1881 No. 3/162.] D. Fraser, Esq., Civil Service Club, Cape Town. Sir,—'With reference to your letter of the 27th ultimo, I am directed to transmit to you copies of the letters, dated respectively the 25th and 28th October, 1880, relative to your claim for compensation, addressed by Commandant Barkly and Brigadier-General Clarke, to Colonel Griffith, as requested therein. I have, &c., J. EOSE INNES, Under Secretary for Native Affairs. [ F- ] Office of The Commandant-General of Colonial Forces. Memorandum.] With reference to the accompanying statement of loss of property incurred by the Messrs. Fraser, of Ciphering, owing to the outbreak in Basutoland, it appears to me that these gentlemen are worthy of the utmost consideration on the part of Government. They set an example of remaining at a post, which, for defensive purposes is in the w'orst possible situation. Their buildings have been used b)^ Government., both as a barrack and for storage of arms and ammunition, for which, I am informed, there was no room at Mafeteng, and in the case of intended operations in this district, one of the remaining buildings will be most useful as a store. The supply of grain in their possession has also enabled the horses of the Cape Mounted Riflemen to be properly fed, as, during the time the small Garrison of Mafeteng was closely invested, the horses could not be allowed to feed far enough from the post to obtain a proper supply of grass. (Signed) CHAS. M. CLARKE, Brigadier-General. Commanding Colonial Forces. Camp Mafeteng, 26th October, 1880. r g. ] Copy. The Resident Magistrate^ Thaha Bosigo district, to Governor's Agent, Basutoland. Mafeteng, 25th October, 1880. Sin, —I have the honour to transmit the enclosed statement, by the Messrs. Fraser, of the losses incurred by them, through the plundering of49 their store, and destruction of their dwelling &c., by the rebels on the--. Messrs. Fraser have requested me to forward this statement, with a view to their obtaining compensation from Government for the heavy loss they have sustained, and, taking into consideration the facts that these gentlemen set a most courageous example to the traders of Basutoland, by remaining in the country during a time of extreme peril; that they were thanked for so doing by the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, who authorized the payment of their Volunteers by the Basutoland Government; that the Commandant-General approved of Diphering being held, and directed a garrison to be placed there by the Officer Commanding the Cape Mounted Rifles at Mafeteng; and lastly, that there were a considerable quantity of Government stores placed there, which could not otherwise have been protected, I beg most strongly to recommend the claim for favourable consideration. I have, &c., (Signed) ARTHUR BARKLY, Resident Magistrate. [H. ] The Governor's Agent, Basutoland, to Messrs. D. 6f D. H. Fraser, Wepener. Office of the Governor's Agent, Maseru, 8th December, 1880. No. 451.] Gentlemen,—I have the honour to enclose for your information a copy of a letter, 26th November, 1880, addressed to me by the Under Secretary for Native Affairs, on the subject of your claim for indemnification for losses sustained on the outbreak of the rebellion in this territory. I am directed to inform you that the Government is duly sensible of the very valuable services rendered by you during the rebellion, and highly appreciate the patriotic spirit you have exhibited. I have, &c., (Signed) CHAS. D. GRIFFITH, Governor's Agent. 20th November, 1882. Office of the Commandant-General of Colonial Forces. Memorandum.] "With reference to the accompanying statement of loss of property incurred by the Messrs. Fraser, of Diphering, owing to the outbreak in Basutoland, it appears to me that these gentlemen are worthy of the utmost consideration on the part of Government. They set an example of remaining at a post, which, for defensive purposes, is in the worst possible situation. Their buildings have been used by Government both as a barrack and for stowing of arms and ammunition, for which I am informed there was no room at Mafeteng, and in the case of intended operations in this district, one of the remaining buildings will be most useful as a store. The supply of grain in their possession has also enabled the horses of the Cape Mounted Rifles to be properly fed, as, during the time the small garrison of [G. 96—'83.] h50 Mafeteng was closely invested, the horses could not be allowed to feed far enough from the post to obtain a proper supply of grass. CHAS. M. CLARKE, Brigadier-General, Commanding Colonial Forces. Camp Mafeteng, 26th October, 1880. Colonial Secretary's Office, Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, 25th November, 1880. Write and instruct Griffith to say that the Government is sensible of the very valuable services rendered by Messrs. Fraser during the rebellion, and highly appreciate the patriotic spirit they have exhibited. The Government is not, however, prepared to accede to the application for compensation at present. It must stand over till the rebellion is suppressed, and will then be considered and determined, in conjunction with similar claims from other persons. J. G. S. [ Nos. 18 to 31. ] The A.R.Mn Thaba Bosigo District, to the Governor's Agent, Basutoland. Resident Magistrate's Office, Mafeteng, 7th September, 1881. Sir,—The following claims have been sent in to me by traders and other Europeans in the district, for compensation for losses sustained by them since the commencement of the late disturbances in Basutoland, viz.:— £ s. d. £ s. d. D. & D. H. Fraser (additional claim) ... 1,317 12 6 W. Aschmann 3,178 10 5 W. Aschmann (submitted also to the Bri- gadier-General's Department) 1,315 18 1 Thomas Baldock ... 930 0 0 J. R. Morrisse 323 1 9 Alfred Paxton 230 9 4 G. H. Payne ............ 615 0 0 Bernard de R. Malraison 415 0 0 John Robertson ... 511 3 0 James Hancock ... 164 16 8 James Hawkins ... 230 5 0 Charles Ridgway 44 0 0 "W. G. Anderson ... 30 0 0 Jan Lewis 15 0 0 James Adams 600 0 0 Claims previously submitted. 9,920 16 9 D. & D. H. Fraser ...... 8,066 17 2 Rev. E. S. Rolland 354 10 0 Thomas Hewit 970 0 0 9,391 7 2 Total ......... 19,312 3 1151 In submitting the same for consideration of Government, I have the honour to state that, having lived in the district some years, I can more or less form an idea of the amount of loss sustained by each of the claimants, and would point out that, with a few exceptions, the claims put in are, in my opinion, considerably in excess of the actual losses, notably that of Mr. Aschmann, which I consider exorbitant. I am not aware how it is proposed to ascertain the genuineness of these claims, but would respectfully suggest that a Commission be appointed to inquire into, and report upon them, and that the Resident Magistrate of the district should be one of the Commissioners. I have, &c., W. H. SURMON, A.E.M. Wepener, O.F.S., August 1, 1881. W. H. Surmon, Esq., E.M. Sir,—Enclosed we hand you our further claim on the Col. Government, for destruction of property, by the rebel Basutos in the late war, amounting in all to £1,317 12s. 6d., begging you will forward the same to the Government through the usual channel. We would ask you to call to their notice, that in this claim as with the former one for Diphering, all property is estimated at its net cost to us, such cost being taken from our books and stock-sheet, which are at any time open for your persual, or any Commission the Government may appoint. We have, &c., D. & D. H. FRASER. East London, 18th May, 1883. The Under-Secretary for Native Affairs, Cape Town. Sir,—I have the honour to enclose a Special Report, with Annexures, made by the Basutoland Losses Commission, to His Excellency the Governor, upon the claims submitted for compensation by Mr. John Stanton, and Mr. Octavus B. Bowker. I have, &c., CHARLES D. GRIFFITH, Chairman, B.L. Commission, I am also aware of the fact that in consequence of the assistance rendered to the Government of this Territory, Commandant Stanton became a marked man, both in Basutoland and in the Free State, and suffered very great losses of stock which were stolen by the rebels, not only from his own farm but from other farms in the Free State, which places he had sent them for security. The documents annexed to Commandant Stanton's letter will sufficiently show the value of his services at Thlotse Heights during the first attack on that station and subsequent attacks and opperations against the rebels. I have, &c., (Signed) CHARLES D. GRIFFITH, Governor's Agent. H 252 Stanton's Light Horse, Leribe, Basutoland, 15th July, 1881. To Colonel Griffith, British Resident, Basutoland. Sir,—I have the honour to enclose for your information sundry copies of letters and extracts written by the late Colonel Bell respecting my services in Basutoland. I have further to enclose letters addressed to me qn the same subject by Commandant Bell and Doctor Taylor. At the outbreak of hostilities I was requested by the Governor's Agent of Basutoland to proceed with what few men I had to come and garrison this statics, which I did. Shortly after my arrival here I received further instructions from the same officer to raise my corps to 200 strong. Not being able to leave the command of the few men I had, I was compelled to employ agents to recruit in my behalf, which they did in Natal to the extent of 100 men who armed and equipped themselves : but instead of being sent up according to arrangements, the then Prime Minister of Cape Colony ordered them to proceed to Griqualand East, stating their services were not required here. The consequence has been while other corps have been allowed to recruit as they liked, I have not been able to bring up to its authorised strength of 200 men. When this station was attacked by the Chief Joel with between 700 and 800 men, I had but 36 men with me, and with these I saved the garrison with all its stock from falling into the hands of the enemy, and for which services I received the thanks of the Officer Commanding. I further wish to point out to you that most of the men under my command at the time were mounted by myself, for which I received no compensation. On the 18th of the present month my corps will have been twelve months in the field, and during the whole of that time I only lost two horses by deserters and one that was shot. All the Government horses that are in my charge are in good condition and fit for any amount of work, and my men are all happy and contented. Their term of service expires on 6th October next, but there will be no difficulty in inducing them to remain for a longer period should their services be required for colonial defence, or even to increase the number considerably at less pay than they are now receiving, and I have no hesitation in offering my services to take command of such a force. In conclusion, I would mention where other corps have lost horses by hundreds through negligence and poverty, I only lost one, which, as I before stated, was shot. I have, &c., (Signed) JOHN STANTON, Commandant. Stanton's Light Horse, Fort Bell, Thlotsi Heights, July 14, 1881. To Commandant Stanton, Commanding Stanton's Light Horse, Thlotsi Heights. My dear Sir,—With reference to your request made to me this day, asking me to give my opinion as to your conduct during the period you have commanded Stanton's Light Horse at this station, I regret that the death of Colonel Bell should have necessitated your applying to me, instead of to the worthy Colonel himself. As I was, however,53 second in oommand here when the rebellion broke out, I have no hesitation in testifying to the valuable services you rendered at a time when every fighting man in the Fort was worth his weight in gold, and when your corps was the only European corps on the station. The conduct of yourself and your men is deserving of the highest commendation. Had it not been for your untiring zeal and energy this fort would have been surprised by the rebels on the morning of the 9th of November last, and great loss of life ensued; the successful issue of the fight was in a great measure due to your exertions. This view was expressed by Colonel Bell to me on the morning after the fight. I cannot speak too highly of your conduct as a military commander since you have been in this garrison. Your horses have always been in the best condition of any corps in the garrison, and had it not been for the unfortunate circumstance which prevented your bringing up from Natal the hundred men you recruited there, your corps would have been one of the most servicable in the field. I remain, &c., (Signed) CHAELES G. H. BELL, Commandant, Leribe Native Levy, Commanding the Garrison, Fort Bell. [ Memorandum. ] Thlotse Heights, Basutoland, July 14, 1881. I have great pleasure in stating that I have known and served with Commandant Stanton during the whole of the Basuto War, in the Leribe District, and having had frequent opportunities of observing his conduct in military matters, I consider that during the whole of the campaign he has rendered most invaluable services to the Government in this district by his personal courage in action, the good discipline he has always maintained in his corps, and the thorough and determined manner in which he carries through any work he has undertaken to do, in the face of the greatest difficulties. As a resident here I can heartily testify to the good discipline which Commandant Stanton has always kept up in his corps, which has in this way contrasted most favourably with other corps that have been stationed here during the war, and I consider that it is in a great measure due to his personal influence with his men, which has always been very marked. While maintaining strict discipline aud order among his men, Commandant Stanton has been always keenly alive to their interests and well-being. His camp has always, when I visited it, been perfectly clean and in good order, sanitary and otherwise, and I believe it is owing to the oare that has been exercised by him, in this most important matter, that he has been able to maintain the lowest sick-rate among his men of any corps in the camp. From my now considerable knowledge of Commandant Stanton, and my observation of his mode of managing his men, I consider he is a highly capable military officer in every way. (Signed) H. S. TAYLOE, M.D., Medical Officer, Colonial Forces, Thlotse Heights, Basutoland.54 [ Extract. ] 12th March, 1881. 0. C. F. Basutoland, Mafeteng. " Thanks are due to Major Ferreira for the gallant and able manner in which he handled the force under him ; also to Captain Stanton, and to the officers and men engaged."* (Signed) C. H. BELL, Lieutenant-Colonel. [ Extract. ] 13th April, 1881. A. A. General, Headquarters, Mafeteng. Inter alia—" Before the fight had much developed Khetisa's people came streaming down from his laager to attack us on the east, and took possession of what is generally known as Ferreira's piquet Kopje. I sent Captain Stanton with his Light Horse to support Captain Dow's right in the direction of this Kopje. Captain Stanton and his men were soon prolonging the fighting line, and having dismounted made at once for the enemy at the Kopjie, which they stormed without loss, driving the enemy from other positions beyond."* " Captain Stanton Commanding S. L. Horse behaved very gallantly."* " Lieutenant Stanley Tytler a young offier of S. L. Horse in this as in two previous engagements, killed enemies with his revolver at close quarters ; on this occasion nearly lost his life, being surrounded and lame. He was, however, assisted by four brave troopers of his corps, Sergeant Marshall, troopers Daniell, Edwards, and Smith. (Signed) C. H. BELL, Lieutenant-Colonel. From the Officer Commanding Forces Leribe District to the Staff Officer Headquarters, Basutoland. Thlotsi Heights, 25th February, 1881. Sir,—I have the honour to forward a letter from Captain Stanton, Commanding Light Horse, requesting he may be appointed to the rank of Commandant. Captain Stanton was one of the first in the field; and distinguished himself when the rebels attacked this place on 8th November last; is always ready for fighting, and has a natural aptitude for the field which he has entered from a desire to do service, and not for pecuniary reasons. I would agfiin urge that recruiting officers be appointed to raise this corps to its authorised strength of'two hundred men. I have, &c., (Signed) C. H. BELL, Lieut.-Colonel. A true copy, Thlotsi Heights, 10th July, 1882. (Signed) F. P. Jervis, J. P. for Basutoland, Late S.O. to O.C. Forces, Leribe District.55 From Lieutenant-Colonel C. H. Bell, Commanding Forces in Leribe District to the Staff Officer D. 0. C. Forces in Basutoland. Thlotsi Heights, 12th December, 1880. Sir,—I have the honour to forward enclosed, a letter from Captain Stanton, Commanding Light Horse, to me, covering one to the Brigadier-General Commanding, detailing the difficulties he has been under in raising and equiping his corps, and request you will be good enough to move the Officer Commanding the forces in Basutoland to foward the letter as addressed. I would suggest that recruiting officers be appointed for this corps to raise it to its establishment of two hundred men. Captain Stanton is well adapted for the command to which he was appointed, both in the field and in camp, and is a really valuable officer for the work in Basutoland, but has been very unfortunate in being prohibited from raising men in Natal, where numbers were ready to join him, and in the President of the Free State objecting to his raising men in the Orange territory. I have, &c., (Signed) C. H. BELL, Colonel.BASUTOLAND LOSSES COMMISSION. MINUTES exclusive of that portion relating to the Claims of the Loyal Basutos. [G. 96—5'83.] iBASUTOLAND LOSSES COMMISSION. Minutes, Exclusive of thai tortion relating to the Claims of the Loyal Basutos. Cape Town, February 6, 1883.—10 a.m. Present : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G., Chairman. Hon. J". A. Burger, M.L.C. C. J. Ehocles, Esq., M.L.A. A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission haying assembled. The Secretary submitted for the consideration of the Commission, the tabulated statement of Mafisa stock belonging £o the late Chief Molapo, and placed by him in the hands of his son, the Chief Jonathan, amounting in value to £3,664 5s., which the said Chief Jonathan claims as his own bona fide property, as Chief of the "Ward. Resolved : That as this claim appears to the Commission to be somewhat mixed up with the Molapo estate cattle, it is suggested that the attention of the Government be drawn to this matter, and that this claim be considered, when the claim of the Molapo estate property is under consideration, and should it be found on investigation, that these cattle do not belong to the estate of the late Chief Molapo, that then, the Commission would recommend that the Chief Jonathan be compensated for them, according to the tabulated statement framed by the Commission marked (I)). Leribe District, No. 28. It was further resolved: that, with a view of arriving at a satisfactory settlement of the Molapo estate property, the Government is recommended (in accordance with a suggestion made by the Chief Jonathan) to refer the settlement of the disputed property in the Molapo Estate to the Chief Letsea, who is to be assisted by two of the Basutoland magistrates, one of whom is to be nominated by the Government, and the other by the Chief Jonathan, the decision of this court to be final. The claim of ISTehemiah Moshesh was submitted for the consideration of the Commission by the Secretary, it was decided to recommend this claim for compensation. The claim of Tsekeo Moshesh. was next submitted, amounting to £1,619. ° The Hon. J. A. Burger in the Chair. Col. Griffith examined, states : I was Governor's Agent at Maseru when the rebellion broke out. I remember distinctly the morning that Tsekelo, jSTehemiah and Sofonia Moshesh, with a few followers arrived at Maseru, they reported themselves to me, and stated that they had made their escape from Basutoland the night before on horseback, and were unable to bring any of their property with them, except the clothes they stood in, and a few blankets, and a great coat, this was after Colonel Carrington had been attacked entering Basutoland, between the loth and 20th of September, 1880. I placed these men with their followers in the schoolroom, and they remained their until the 10th of October, when Maseru was attacked, and the schoolroom burnt down. I am aware that their saddles, blankets,59 and other property they had with them in the schoolroom, were destroyed. I had known Tsekelo for a great many years, and I know for a fact, that he was always in a state of great impecuniosity. I have seen the claim he has put in, and was much astonished at the large amount for which he claimed compensation, as it was well known amongst his brothers and other friends, that he was a very poor man. I cannot understand how he came to be possessed of so much property. I notice he claims for £160 in cash, lost out of the school-room at Maseru, and I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that this is a most unfounded claim, for as the Governor's Agent at Maseru, every trifling matter was reported to me as soon as it occurred; and had Tsekelo lost so large a sum of money as this, it must have been reported to me in the ordinary course of events. After the schoolhouse had been burnt, I gave him a room at the Residency, and met him almost daily for some six or eight months, and had conversations with him, and until I saw this claim, it was the first intimation I had of the loss of £160 in the schoolroom. I notice also, that he claims for no less than twenty-eight woollen blankets, and many other articles in proportion, and am at loss to understand what a man could want with such an amount of clothing as the winter was over and the summer had already set in; one other fact is, that the Commission sat at Maseru for upwards of three weeks, and Tsekelo never put in an appearance to establish his claim, as then the Commission was in a position to call evidence; also, the fact that the Commission sat for eight weeks at Thlotsi Heights, when he would have had an opportunity of establishing his claim, if he had desired to do so, but he did not; he waited until the Commission sat at Mafeteng, and then only the day before the Commission had finished sitting he put in his claim, when the Commission were not in a position to call witnesses, the witnesses in question being all at Maseru. With regard to his claim for the property he left behind at his village of Sefikeng, for the reason which I have already given, my opinion is, that his claim is a most extravagant one, in regard to the property he left at the Chief Letsia's place, and for which he now claims compensation, as the Chief Letsia is said not to have joined in the rebellion ; I fail to see what claim Tsekelo can have on the Government for compensation, for if he left this property at Letsia's village, his claim should be against that Chief. Colonel Griffith resumes the chair. After deliberation it was resolved :—That the claim of Tsekelo Moshesh be disallowed, as the Commission consider it to be unsubstantiated. The Secretary then brought the case of Frans Nosi before the Commission : after deliberation, it was resolved that the amended claim be allowed. The case of Jan J"acob was then submitted : it was resolved.—That the widow be allowed the compensation claimed. The case of Eabasutwane was then brought before the Commission and reconsidered, in consequence of his services during the war, and his large family: his claim was allowed. The Commission then proceeded to consider the claims of the missionaries. 1. The claim of the Rev. A. Mabille, First.—Damage done by colonial troops at Phokwani, £-31. This claim is strongly recommended for compensation. Second. Losses sustained by the Protestant Mission Society through the action of the rebels, amounting to £140. This claim is recommended for the favourable consideration of the Government. 2. The claim of the Rev. L. Duvoision for damage done by colonia forces to church property at Maseru, amounting to £159 10s. This claim is strongly recommended to the Government for compensation. The claim of the Rev. F. Mead or for loss of stock sustained during the late rebellion, amounting to £58 4s., reduced by the Commission to £42 10s., recommended to the favourable consideration of the Government. i 260 4. The claim of the Eev. Widdicombe. First, for losses sustained by-damage done by colonial troops, amounting to £159 Is. 6d. This claim is strongly recommended for compensation. Second, loss sustained through the action of the rebels, £12. This claim is recommended for the favourable considration of the Government. 5. The claim of the Eev. T. Woodman. Damage sustained by rebels, amounting to £1,136 6s. 6d. This claim is recommended for the favourable consideration of Government. 6. The claim of the Eev. E. K. Champernowne. Firstly, losses sustained by action of colonial troops, amounting to £467 16s. 6d. This claim is strongly recommonded for compensation. Secondly , losses sustained by rebels, amounting to £68 12s. 6d. This claim is recommended for the favourable consideration of Government. 7. The claim of Eev. F. Coillard, for losses sustained through the action of the rebels, amounting to £108 10s. This claim is recommended for the favourable consideration of Government. 8. Claim of Eev. F. Coillard. Damage sustained by action of colonial troops during the war, amounting to £60. This damage was done by the irregular troops during the rebellion. This claim is strongly recommended for compensation. 8. Claim of the Eev. Herman Dieterlen. Damage sustained by action of colonial forces, amounting to £225. This claim is strongly recommended for compensation. 9. Claim of the Eev. E. W. Stenson. Firstly, damage sustained by church property by action of the rebels, £830 15s. Secondly, damage sustained by himself by action of the rebels, £210 16s. This claim is recommended for the favourable consideration of the Government. The Commission then adjourned. Cape Town, February 7, 1883. 10 a.m. present : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G., Chairman. Hon. J. A. Burger, M.L.C. C. J. Ehodes, Esq., M.L.A. A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission having assembled, it was resolved to proceed to consider the claims of traders. The Secretary having read the minutes of evidence of Mr. E. Trower, and his correspondence with Government, the Commission proceeded to consider his claim. Firstly. Damage sustained by action of rebels at Koro Koro, amounting to £1,082 8s. 5d. This amount is calculated at selling price of goods, which Mr. Trower, in his evidence, states to be twenty or twenty-five per cent, above cost price, and which must be deducted. Secondly. Damage and loss sustained at Maseru, amounting to £3,144 10s. 6d., of which amount £310 is for buildings destroyed, and £251 for live stock captured by the rebels, from the balance amounting to £2,583 10s. 6d., twenty-five per cent, must be deducted, being the difference between selling and cost price. Thirdly. Damage and loss sustained by distruction of buildings at his various stations, amounting to £1,490. Commission adjourned.61 The Commission haying re-assembled, it was resolved to value and appraise Mr. E. Trower's losses as follows, viz :— £ s. d. For Merchandize lost at Msaeru 1,937 12 11 Do. do. Koro Koro 811 16 4 For Buildings destroyed at Maseru ... 310 0 0 Do. other Stations ... 1,490 0 0 Live Stock captured at Maseru 140 10 0 Do. do. Free State 469 0 0 Total ...... £5,158 19 3 The Chairman, Colonel Griffith, stated for the information of the Commission, that Mr. Trower was a trader in Basutoland, and had his chief place of business at Maseru, when the rebellion broke out in July, 1880, the traders in Basutoland began to move out of the country, but Mr. Trower decided to remain at Maseru and to assist the authorities in holding the place ; and by his example he gave confidence to other Europeans and loyal Basutos, who then rallied at Maseru, and the authorities were thus able to hold out until the arrival of troops from the colony. Had Mr. Trower not remained, it is very doubtful whether any other Europeans would have done so, and undoubtedly in that case, the Governor's Agent would have been forced to abandon the Residency, which would then have fallen into the hands of the rebels. There was nothing to prevent Mr. Trower from moving all his goods into the Orange Free State, and remaining there himself; but, it was only his sense of what he thought was his duty to the Government, which induced him to remain and give the Government every support and assistance in his power. Proposed by the Chairman, and seconded by the Hon. J. A. Burger, M.L.C.: That Mr. Trower's claim for losses sustained at Maseru on the 10th of October, 1880, namely: merchandize, valued at £1,937 12s. lid., and buildings destroyed, valued at £310, be strongly recommended to the Government for compensation, and that the other claims of Mr. Trower be recommended for the consideration of the Government. Carried unanimously. Mr. C. J. Ehodes, who had been absent for a short time from the sitting of the Commission, now took his seat, and on the resolution being read to him, dissented from any recommendation for payment to traders for compensation for their losses in Basutoland, unless they had had some special guarantee from the Executive Government, as he considers that they are on the same footing as other traders in other parts of the colony, who have suffered losses during past wars; and that, therefore, they should only be considered under some general scheme of compensation applicable to the whole colony, and in his opinion the colony is not in a position to meet the enormous claims which would arise under such a scheme. In regard to the claim of Mr. Gad Jeffries, amounting to £504 Is. 9d, brought forward by Mr. Trower, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels; there being no evidence before the Commission to substantiate this claim, they were unable to submit it for the consideration of the Government. The claim of Mr. Si dwell, submitted by Mr. Richard Trower, amounting to £56, for a pair of cart horses, and two cows, captured by the rebels from Maseru on the night of the attack. After deliberation, it was resolved.—To submit this claim for the consideration of the Government. The claim of Mr. Brumage, Senior, of Maseru, for loss of householdfurniture destroyed by the rebels, amounting to £200, less goods recaptured, value £45. After deliberation it was resolved:—To value and appraise this claim at, £155, and to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 5. Claim of Mr. Nicolas Harris, on behalf of his late father's estate, for damage and loss of household furniture, amounting to £379 19s. After deliberation, it was decided to appraise and value this claim at £277 19s., and submit it for the consideration of Government. 6. Claim of Mr. Eugune Maitin, for loss of stock during the rebellion, amounting to £60. After deliberation, it was decided to appraise and value this claim at £36, and submit it for the consideration of Government. 7. Claim of Messrs. D. and D. H. Fraser, for losses sustained during the late rebelion. 1st. Loss of Merchandize and buildings at Diphering, amounting to £8,066 17s. 2d. 2nd. Damage sustained to out-stations, amounting to £1,317 12s. 6d. Proposed by the Chairman, and seconded by Mr. Auret, that Messrs. D. and 1). H. Fraser claims for losses sustained at Diphering, amounting to £8,066 17s. 2d., marked E., be strongly recommended to the Government for compensation, and that the other claims of Messrs. Fraser be recommended for the consideration of the Government. Amendment: Proposed by Mr. Rhodes, and seconded by Hon. J. A. Burger.—That as, in their opinion, there are no special circumstances in this case to warrant it being specially recommended to the Government, that this claim be treated in the ordinary category of losses by traders during the rebellion. The votes being equal, the Chairman gave his casting vote in favour of the resolution proposed by him; and stated, that as he was in the country at the time the rebellion broke out, he was aware of the circumstances under which Messrs. D. and D. H. Fraser remained and defended their station, and that subsequent to the date of the telegraphic conversation between the then Premier and Mr. D. Fraser, and before any colonial troops had entered Basuto-land, the then Premier, Mr. Sprigg, accompanied by Brigadier-General Clarke, arrived in Basutoland, and remained some days at Mafeteng, and discussed the arrangement for the defence of Mafeteng and Diphering, and approved of them. February 8, 1883. 10 p.m. PRESENT : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. C. J. Ehodes, Esq., M.L.A. A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Secretary having read the minutes of the preceeding day, the Commission continued to deliberate on the claims of traders. 8. The claim of Mr. C. Marsh, for losses sustained by rebels, was submitted to the consideration of the Commission. 1st. Damage and loss sustained at Tubu Kubu, amounting to £274 10s. 6d. 2nd. Total loss sustained at Maseru, by the rebels burning down his house, amounting to £163 0s. 6d. After deliberation, it was decided to appraise and value the loss at Tubu Kubu (marked E), at £57 4s. 6d; and the loss sustained at Maseru (marked F.), at £122 5s. 6d., and to submit them to the consideration of the Government. 9. Mr. G. J. Hobson's claim for Messrs. J". J. Irvine & Co. Damage done by colonial forces during the preparations for defence of Maseru, July, 1880, amounting to £45 9s. lid., marked (G.) After deliberation, it was decided, as the Commission had personally inspected the buildings, and63 deemed the claim fair and reasonable, that the damage done to Messrs. J. J. Irvine & Co's. store, through loopholing the walls, by order of the Governor's Agent, for d3fensive purposes; this claim be strongly recommended to the Government for compensation. 10. Claim of Mr. A. J. Mahon, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £615 18s. 9d. After deliberation, it was resolved to appraise and value this claim at £427 14s.; the deductions were as follows : oxen from £8 to £5, and twenty-five per cent, deducted from all other items ; and £15 deducted for three oxen recovered ; and to submit it for consideration of the Government. 11. Claim of Mr. J. Dedman, for damage and loss sustained by action of rebels at Sifeking, amounting to £306 5s. After deliberation, it was resolved to appraise and value this claim at £247 10s., and to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 12. Claim of Mr. Henry Harris, for losses sustained at Maseru, by action of the rebels, amounting to £25 8s. After consideration, it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at £23 8s., and to submit it for the consideration of the Government. The Secretary was instructed to return certain papers to the Under Colonial Secretary relating to a fire that had occurred at Thlotsi Heights, on the premises of Messrs. J. Ireland & Co., let to the Colonial Commissariat two p.m. peesent : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. | A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. 13. The Secretary having read over the minutes of evidence of Mr. J. Ireland, submitted his claim for the consideration of the Commission. 1st. Damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels at Leribe, amounting to £3,596 3s. Id. (Marked A.) 2nd. Damage and loss sustained at Thlakudi by action of the rebels, amounting to £276 18s. lOd. (Marked B.) After consideration, it was resolved to value and appraise the claim marked (A) at £3,514 18s. Id. It appears from the evidence, with reference to the claim of £107 2s. for wool, that at the last stock-taking the firm had only £29 17s. of wool on hand, and therefore that this is the only amount that the Commission can recommend, as the balance of the wool might have been purchased out of the stock already charged as looted by the rebels ; in the item of £3,485 Is., the same remark applies to the grain, £4. The claim as recommended by the Commission will amount to £3,514 18s. Id. The claim marked (B) was valued and appraised by the Commission at £276 18s. lOd. "With reference to these claims the Commission considered that the amounts claimed were correct, and submit them for consideration of the Government. 14. The claim of Mr. William Kearney, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £215 12s. 6d. After deliberation, it was decided to value and appraise his claim at £178 7s. 2d., and to submit it for the consideration of the Government. Adjourned till February 9th, at 10 a.m. Cape Town, February 9, 1883. 10 p.m. present: Oc\ C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. C. J. Rhodes, Esq., M.L.A. A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission having assembled. ^ j64 The Secretary having read the minutes of evidence of Mr. W. Aschmann, the Commission proceeded to consider his claim. 1st. Damage sustained to property in Mafeteng, by action of colonial troops, amounting to £456 4s. 2nd. Damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, at his out-stations, amounting to £1,500. 3rd. Damage to his station at Khitsane, amounting to £67 10s. 4th. Loss of stock captured by the rebels in the Orange Free State, amounting to £222 13s. After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise the damage and loss sustained at Mafeteng, at £256 lis. Id., and to strongly recommend it for compensation to the Government. "With reference to the last three items the Commission decided to classify these losses under the ordinary category of traders losses in Basutoland, in consequence of the rebellion, and to submit them to the consideration of the Government. "With reference to Mr. W. Aschmann's claim of £889 14s. Id., for damage sustained to his dwelling-house and cottage. The Commission find that there has been a lengthy correspondence already between Brigadier-General and the Commissariat Officers, and Mr. Aschmann, from which it appears that the buildings in question were taken possession of by the military authorities at a rental of £14 a month, but under protest from Aschmann (see his letter dated 27th of October, 1880, to the Senior Commissariat Officer at Mafeteng), and it was whilst in possession of the commissariat department that these buildings fell into a state of delapidation. The Commission, therefore, find that this claim is not one which they can deal with under any clause of their instructions; but, at the same time would suggest that some means be arrived at for a settlement of Mr. Aschmann's claim, either by arbitration, or by the Government taking such other steps as will meet the ends of justice. With this view Mr. Aschmann's claim for compensation for damage done to dwelling-house and detached cottage, amounting respectively to £715 16s., and £173 18s. Id., together with the correspondence thereon, be referred to the Government. 2 P.M. The claim of Mr. John Stanton, for loss of stock captured by rebel Basutos, in the Orange Free State, amounting in value to the sum of £705, was submitted by the Secretary for the consideration of the Commission. After deliberation, it was unanimously resolved:—That, with regard to this claim, the Commission is of opinion, that it is one of a most exceptional character; that, it appears from the evidence that Mr. Stanton, at a time when the Leribe magistracy was in the greatest danger, and he, also being at the time a Free State burgher, came forward and offered his services, and through his means the Leribe magistracy was saved from destruction; and, he also appears to have materially assisted in its defence during the rebellion. That owing to the part he took, he appears to have incurred the animosity of the rebel Basutos, and also of many of his European neighbours, whose sympathies were with the rebels; and, there can be little doubt that his losses are entirely due to the active part which he took in assisting the Colonial Government at a time of great danger. That he appears to have taken every precaution for the protection of his stock, by sending them stime distance into the Free State, at least fifteen miles from the'borders of Basutoland. The Commission is therefore of opinion that Mr. Stanton's claim for compensation is deserving of the greatest consideration; and, taking into account the very valuable services rendered by him, strongly recommend that in lieu of the amount claimed by him, he be paid as a bonus, or gratuity, the sum of six hundred pounds sterling (£600), as an acknowledgement of his valuable services; or, otherwise, that he receive an appointment in the colonial service, in terms of the recommendation made in the Governor's65 Agents letter, to the Honourable the Secretary for Native Affairs, dated the 18th July, 1881, February 10, 1883. 10 a.m. C. J. Rhodes, Esq., M.L.A. PRESENT Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission in deliberation, considering their Report. The Commission adjourned until Monday, 10 p.m. February 12, 1883. PRESENT : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. | A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission in deliberation. 17. Mr. Martin JohnLeamy's claim, submitted to the consideration of the Commission, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £1,884. 1st. Damage and loss sustained by destruction of buildings by the rebels. 2nd. Damage and loss sustained by capture of stock by the rebels. 3rd. Loss of buckwagon taken by the rebels.—After deliberation, the Commission resolved to appraise and value his loss as follows : 1st. Damage to buildings £750 0 0 2nd. Loss of stock ... ... .. i 328 0 0 3rd. Loss of buckwagon ••• 40 0 0 Total £1,118 0 0 There being no direct evidence as to the cost of the buildings, the Commission were obliged to arrive at a valuation themselves; and, decided to submit this claim for the consideration of the Government. 18. Claim of Mr. Berand Palmey, purchased from Mr. John Stanley, by virtue of a Deed of Sale, for loss and damage sustained for destruction of certain buildings &c. The claim was disallowed, as there was no evidence to substantiate it; and also, it appears that the station was purchased after the rebellion had broken out, and Mr. Bell, Resident Magistrate, at Advance Post, had already been obliged to leave his station. 19. Claim of Mr. William Richard Davis, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £478.—After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise the loss sustained at £274 7s. 6d., and to submit the same for consideration of the Government. 20. Mrs. Annie Jessina Kymbel:—Claim for losses sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £72 9s.—After deliberation, the Commission decided to strike out the claim for the store, to appraise and value the loss sustained at £47 9s.; and, to recommend the same for the consideration of Government. [G. 96—'83.] k66 21. The claim of Mr. Boles Beeves, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £719.—After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise the damage sustained at £539 5s.; and, to submit the claim for the consideration of the Government. 22. The claim of M. Karl Marie de Marillac, submitted by Mr. Bole, Eeeves, for damage and loss sustained amounting to £526.—After deliberations it was resolved that this claim should not be allowed as there is no evidence to shew the value of buildings originally; or, whether they have been totally destroyed. February 18, 1883. 10 a.m. PRESENT : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. | A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission, in deliberation, considering claims of traders. 23. The claim of Messrs. Lewis Abrahamson & Co., for damage and loss sustained during the Basutoland rebellion amounting to £2,407 5s. 6d., namely:— £ s. d. Kolonyama Station 1,206 5 6 Thlotsi Heights ............... 234 10 0 Advance Post ... 379 10 0 Lower Kolonyama 304 0 0 Fobani ... 283 0 0 Total 2,407 5 6 After deliberation, it was resolved;—That as there was not sufficient evidence to substantiate the above claims, the Commission are unable to submit them for the consideration of the Government. In the first place the affidavits attached to the claim were declared to by a Mr. Bussmann, acting under a power of attorney from Messrs. L. Abrahamson & Co.; and who knew nothing personally about the losses sustained by the firm, but} simply declaies, in a general way, that such losses were incurred; also, that Mr. Ehrlich, one of the partners in the firm of L. Abrahamson & Co., and who appeard before the Commission, was unable of his personal knowledge, to prove that these losses had been sustained. "With regard to the damage alleged to have been sustained at Thlotsi Heights—the Commission, having examined these buildings, are in a position to state, that they do not consider any real damage was done to the building by loopholing ; and, that Messrs. Abrahamson have since sold the building at its full value. With regard to the goods, said to have been taken by the Colonial Troops, there is no record that any complaint was lodged with the officer commanding at the time, or any steps taken by Messrs. Abrahamson, or their agents, in this matter. 24. Claim of Messrs. L. Abrahamson, on behalf of Messrs. E. and G. Erasmus, filed by Mr. W. Ehrlich, amounting to £566 14s. 7d., for loss sustained by action of the rebels. After deliberation, it was resolved, as there was no evidence to substantiate this claim, before the Commission, they are unable to submit it for the consideration of the Government. On reference to the claim of Henry Elliott, it appears to refer to the same losses as claimed for by Messrs. Lewis Abrahamson & Co., whose business Mr. Elliott then managed.67 The claim of Mr. Alexander Makaskell, for loss and damage sustained by-action of the rebels, amounting to £506 10s. 6d. Damage to Buildings at Kena... Loss of Merchandize ... Stock Captured Total..... £ s. d. 310 0 0 146 15 6 49 15 0 506 10 6 After deliberation, the Commission resolved to value and appraise this Claim, as follows :— Damage to Buildings ... Loss of Merchandize ... Stock, &c., Captured ... Total ... £ s. d. 225 0 0 146 15 6 30 0 0 401 15 6 and to submit this claim for the consideration of the Government. 26. Claim of Mr. Charles H. Harris for loss and damage sustained by-action of the rebels, amounting to £326, as submitted to the Commission. In a previous account rendered to the Government, he claims £426. Damage to Buildings ... Loss of Stock ... Total......... £ s. d. 310 0 0 16 0 0 326 0 0 After deliberation, the Commission resolved to value and appraise this claim, as follows :— Damage to Building ... Stock Captured Total......... £ s. d. 230 0 0 13 0 0 243 0 0 and to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 27. Claim of Mr. Alfred Edwin Harris, for loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £545, namely:— Damage to Buildings at Kolojane Damage to Garden Total......... £ s. d. 345 0 0 200 0 0 545 0 0 x 268 After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise this claim, as follows:— £ s. d. Damage to Buildings at Kolojani 258 0 0 Damage to Garden Nil. Total ... 258 0 0 and to submit this claim for the consideration of the Government. 28. The claim of Mr. John Josiah Bain, for loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £289 16s. 7^d., as originally sent into the Government ; the claim, however, submitted to the Commission, amounted to £259 16s. 7|d. After deliberation, the Commission resolved to value and appraise this claim at ,£185 17s. 6d.; and to submit it for the consideration of the Government. February 14, 1883. PRESENT I Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. | A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission having assembled, proceeded to consider traders' claims, &c. 29. The claim of Mr. Charles Ernest Middleton, for losses sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £6,604 10s. 10d., namely :— Damage at Leribe Do. at Butabute ... Do. at Hololo Do. at Sepumulwane Property recovered Total ... £ s. d. 3,634 11 1J 2,657 16 5J 740 4 9 30 0 0 7,062 12 4 458 9 6 6,604 2 10 The Commission, after deliberation, resolved to value and appraise the loss and damage sustained, as follows, namely :— Leribe Station ... Butabuti Hololo ... Sepumulwane ... Total - £ s. d. 2,095 18 4 1,795 11 0 506 8 7 22 10 0 4,420 7 11 and to submit the claim for the consideration of the Government. The Commission have deducted 25 per cent, from merchandize and other property, though Mr. Middleton stated in his evidence that he had chargod cost price for goods lost, with 10 per cent, added to cover carriage, &c.; they find, however, many articles charged for at the ordinary selling prices in Basuto-69 land, viz. : grain bags, 2s. 6d. each; Kafir corn, 28s. per muid; and saddles, £6, &c.' 30. Claim of Mr. Alfred Ernest Bichards, for loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £564 2s. 0d., of which £184 2s. Od. is household property, and £25 for goods credited in Ireland & Co.'s accounts. The balance, £355, is for damage to buildings, &c., which he has purchased from Ireland & Co. After deliberation, it was resolved to appraise and value the claim at £163 Is. 6d., leaving out altogether the claim for damage to buildings, which he had purchased at a low rate from Ireland & Co. and, to submit this claim of £163 Is. 6d. for the consideration of the Government. February 15, 1883. 10 a.m. present : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. | A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission, in deliberation, considering claims. 31. The claim of Mr. Joseph Lyons, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £708 19s. 6d. After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at £524 4s. 8d. ; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 32. The claim of Mr. G. H. William son, for loss of clothes taken by the rebels, amounting to £38 10s. After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at £38 10s.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 33. The claim of William Mitchell, for loss of merchandize captured by the rebels, amounting to £114. After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at £61 12s. 6d.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 34. Claim of Mr. Eichard Attwell Wells, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £272 10s. The Chief Letsea told two members of the Commission who had paid him a visit, that he was surprised and grieved to hear that Mr. Wells had sent in any claim against the Government for losses sustained, as he had protected him all through that time. Moreover, there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate this claim; he gives no details, but simply frames a rough estimate. The Commission, therefore, is unable to submit this claim for the consideration of the Government. February 16, 1883. 10 a.m. present : Col. C. D. Griffith,. C.M.G. | A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission, in deliberation, considering the claims of traders. 35. The claim of Mr. John Wilks, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebelp, amounting to £656. After deliberation, the Commission resolved.—That with regard to the buildings there was no evidence to show what they originally cost; and, with regard to the merchandize, there was only the statement of Mr. Hobson to show that certain goods had been supplied, but no date given ; no evidence as to what goods were sold or removed between the dates of receipt and Mr. Wilks leaving his stations; and, with regard to the oxen, it appears that most or all died in the Free State, as shown from his first statement to the Governor's Agent; therefore,70 the Commission is unable to submit his claim for the consideration of the Government. 36. Claim of Mr. Charles 0. Vincent, for damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to ,£85. After deliberation, the Commission resolved : That as it appears that this claim was purchased on the 26th March, 1881; and that Mr. Vincent himself states that he has not sustained any actual loss, simply that he has been unable to obtain possession of the trading station in question, the Commission are of opinion that he has no claim for compensation. 37. The claim of Mr. James Mitchell, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £535. After deliberation, the Commission resolved to value and appraise this claim at £281 5s.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 38. Claim of Mr. John Breen, for damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £702 5s. 3d. After deliberation it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at £484-; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 39. Claim of Mr. Thomas Hewitt, for damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £970. After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at £727 10s.; and, to submit it to the Government for consideration. 40. Claim of Mr. William George Anderson, for damage sustained by capture of his two cart-horses by the rebels, value £30. After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at £30 ; and, to specially recommend this claim for compensation to the Government; and, to point out that it ought to have been settled by the military authorities. 41. The claim of Mr. John Eichard Wendell, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £564 10s. After deliberation, it was resolved that there is not sufficient evidence before the Commission to report upon this claim, there being no detailed statement of the merchandize said to be lost, nor any reliable information regarding the claim for buildings. 42. The claim of Mr. James, Hawkins for loss and damage sustained by action of the Colonial Forces, amounting to £200 15s.; and, by action of the rebels, £30. After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise the damage done by Colonial troops lat £32 10s.; and, recommend it to the Government for compensation; and, the damage done by the rebels, at £30, and, to submit this claim for the consideration of the Government. 45. The claim of Mr. Stephanus P. de Beer, and Mr. Schalk Willem Swanepoel, for damage sustained to their mill by action of the rebels, amounting to £900. After deliberation, the Commission resolved that this claim be valued and appraised at £632 3s. lid.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 44. The claim of J. Tudhope, of Port Elizabeth, for damage sustained by action of the Colonial troops, amounting to £600. After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at £500 ; and, to recommend it for compensation to the Government. 45. The claim of Mr. Samuel Henry Payne, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £615. After deliberation, it was resolved to appraise and value this claim at £400; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 46. The claim of Mr. B. de Malraison, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £450. After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at £311 15s.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 47. The claim of Mr. Edwin Harvey Orsmond, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £689 2s. After deliberation, it was resolved that as there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate this claim, the evidence of Mr. Orsmond himself being vague and uncertain,71 the Commission cannot therefore submit it for the consideration of the Government. 48. The claim of Mr. John Bobertson, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £511 3s. After deliberation it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at <£305 8s. 9d.; and, to ubmit it for the consideration of the Government. 49. The claim of Mr. James Hancock, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £164 10s. After deliberation, it was resolved to value and appraise this claim at £139 16s.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government, 50. The claim of Mr. F. W. M. Goodman, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £540. The Commission, after deliberation, resolved that this claim be valued and appraised at £250; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. February 17, 1883. 10 a.m. PEESENT : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. | A. Auret, Esq. M.L.A. The Commission, in deliberation, considering claims of Europeans and others. 51. The claim of Mr. Eobert Thomas Wells, for loss and damage sustained by action of the Colonial Troops, amounting to £100.—After deliberation, it was resolved : that as there was no evidence brought forward to shew why this claim for fixtures was made separately from the shop itself, the Commission are unable to recommend this claim for compensation. 52. The claim of Mr. James Eichard Morrise, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £149 Is.—After deliberation, the Commission resolved :—To value and appraise this claim at £124 Is. Od; and to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 53. The claim of Messrs. Adcock and Hancock, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £1,783 5s. lOd.—After deliberation, the Commission resolved:—To value and appraise this claim at £1,783 5s. lOd; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 54. The claim of Messrs. Greenslade Brothers, on account of loss sustained by John Adams, amounting to £600 and ceded to them by him.— After deliberation, it was resolved :—That as there was no evidence of any kind before the Commission, as to the cost of the buildings for which compensation is claimed, and no evidence that they have been destroyed, the Commission are unable to value and appraise this claim. 55. The claim of Mr. Arthur S. Crowder, for loss and damage, sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £300.—After deliberation, it was resolved:—To value and appraise this claim at £225 ; and to submit it to the consideration of the Government. 56. The claim of Mr. Arthur Eobert Kyffin, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £870.—After deliberation, it was resolved :—To value and appraise this claim at £618 15s.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 57. The claim of Mr. Alfred Bradshaw, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £402 14s.—After deliberation, the Commission resolved :—To value and appraise this claim at £286 19s. 9d.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 58. Mr. Alfred Paxton's claim, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels amounting to[£230 9s. 4d.—After deliberation, it was resolved:—72 To value and appraise this claim at £108 14s. 4d.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 59. The claim of Mr. James McCarter, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £225.—After deliberation, it was resolved:— To value and appraise this claim at £150 ; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 60. The claim of Mr. Henry L. Bannister, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £60.—After deliberation, it was decided, that this claim could not be valued and appraised. 61. The claim of Mr. Samuel Henry Harrison, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £750.—After deliberation, the Commission resolved :—To value and appraise this claim at £480 8s.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. February 19, 1883. 10 a.m. present : Col. C. D. Griffith, C.M.G. | A. Auret, Esq., M.L.A. The Commission, in deliberation, considering and valuing claims of Europeans and traders. 62. The claim of Mr. Lawrence Bosenberg, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £33 18s.—After deliberation, it was resolved :—To value and appraise this claim at £27 ; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 63. The claim of Mr. George Thompson, for damage and loss sustained by action of rebels, amounting to £9 0s. 6d.—After deliberation, it was resolved:—To value and appraise this claim at £6 0s. 6d.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 64. The claim of Mr. William Gafney, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £321.—After deliberation, it was resolved :—To value and appraise this claim at £233 12s. 6d.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 65. The claim of Mr. Alexander Green, for damage and loss sustained by action of the rebels, amcmnting to £188 lis.—After deliberation, it was resolved:—To value and appraise this claim at £139 3s.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 66. The claim of Mr. Charles Edward Wright, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £104 12s.—After deliberation, it was resolved :—To value and appraise this claim at £28 17s.; and, to submit it for the considerntion of the Government. 67. The claim of Mr. Maximillian Langerman, for damage and loss sustained by the firm of Messrs. Thomas & Co., of which he is a partner, amounting to £99 7s.—After deliberation, it was resolved :—To value and appraise this claim at £85 7s.; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 68. The claim of Mr. David Leech, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £100.—After deliberation, it was resolved:—To value and appraise this claim at £100 ; and, to submit it for the consideration of the Government. 69. The claim of Mr. J. Harkins, for loss and damage sustained, amounting to £68, caused by action of the rebels.—After deliberation, the Commission resolved:—To value and appraise this claim at £34 ; and, to submit it the consideration of the Government. 70. The claim of Mr. Thomas Gallon, for loss of a horse stolen before the war, had broken out, amounting to £14.—The Commission resolved:—That, as there73 was not sufficient evidence to substantiate this claim, they could not submit it for the consideration of the Government. 71. The claim of Mrs. Elizabeth Eolland, amounting to £115 9s. 6d._, forwarded to the Commission by the Eev. E. S. Eolland, under cover of his letter, dated Morija, December 20th, 1882.—The claim is for losses sustained at Mafeteng by action of the Colonial Forces.—After deliberation, it was resolved :— To value and appraise this claim at £110 ; and, to recommend it for compensation to the Government. 7.2. The claim of the Eev. F. Ellenberger, of Masitisi Mission Station, in the district of. Quithipg, for loss and damage sustained by action of the rebels, amounting to £53 15s., submitted to the Commission, through the Eesident Magistrate of Quithing, by a letter from the Eev. F. Ellenberger, dated Masitisi Mission Station, November 19th, 1882.—After deliberation, the Commission. resolved:—To viilue and appraise this claim at £53 15s.; and, tp submit it for the consideration of the Government.. 73. The claiflti of Mr. Octavius Bowker, amounting to £629; this claim was brought before the Commission by Mr. Bowker himself, at Mohali's Hoek, when he stated that he had sent in the claim previously to the Government in a letter to the Colonial Secretary, dated 18th of March, 1882.—After deliberation, the Commission resolved :—That, in consideration of- the very valuable services rendered to the Colonial Government by Mr. 0. Bowker, and his son Mitford (who, being burghers of thfc Orange Free State, on learning of the difficulties in; which the magistrate of Cornets Spruit was placed, at once went to his assistance, and rendered valuable aid throughout the siege of Mohali's Hoek, and afterwards served during the war at Mafeteng, &c.), to specially recommend this claim for compensation to the Government; with this view they would recommend that Mr. Bowker receive a bonus of £250, in lieu of the amount claimed by him for damage sustained. Eeeolved:—That the k'ecretary be requested to prepare the following returns.— 1st. Valuation papers of the amount of compensation recommended for each loyal Mosuto. 2nd. A tabulated statement of the above for each district, according to the fo^m decided upon by the Commission. 3rd. Suspense Account. 4th. A list of traders losses by rebels. 5th. Do. by Colonal Forces. 6th. List of losses of Missionaries by rebels. 7th. Do. do. by Colonial Forces. Eeturns of Nos. 4,5,6, and 7. to shew the original amount claimed, and the value as appraised by the Commission. [G, 96—'83.] L