Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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be with the understanding that he was not required, except by the express
authority of the Lieutenant-Governor, to return them to Mpande. John
Shepstone was also to be the normal medium of communication between
Mpande and the British Colonial establishment in Natal.'" He had no
authority to interfere with internal Zulu affairs. Pine stressed that John
Shepstone was not to be the counterbalance ofMpande."
By 1853 relations between the British Colonial establishment in Natal
and Mpande were unsatisfactory. In a letter to Pakington, Pine stated two
main grounds for anxiety on the part ofNatal, arising from his contiguity
to Mpande's kingdom. He put them as follows:
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..
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"J st . The vast influx of subjects of that
potentate which is constantly taking
place into this district which already
possesses within its borders a larger
number ofnatives than is consistent
with its ultimate peace and security.
r d . The danger which always exists of
the traders from this district in
Panda's country involving us in
quarrels with that chief, by their
lawless or inconsiderable
proceedings. ''89
SAAR: N, Minutes ofthe Executive Council. 23 June 1853. IV. pp 8-9: G.H. (1696):
Pine to Cathbart, O. 3, 27 May 1852, encl. in Pine to Pakingron, 0.33, 19 August 1852,
pp. 73 - 4.
G.H. (1697): Gordon to J.W. Sbepstone, 11 August 1852, end in Pine to Pakington,
O. 33, 19 August 1852, pp. 73 - 4.
RP.P.: From Pine to Pakington, 19 August 1852. 0.21 (Received 18 October 1852
(Answered, No. 41. 23 October 1852) p.132.