WOMEN KILL THEIR BABIES

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 March 1916, Page 3

WOMEN KILL THEIR BABIES

_____—* — NO RAIN IN GERMAN SOUTHWEST AFRICA FOR THREE YEARS. Johannesburg, January 22. The story of the savage and only iialr-expittredi region of OvamboLand., which constitutes the northern area ot conquered South-West Africa, and as such was for nearly half a century under German sway, is dealt with in a Bikiebook just published* by tlhe Union (Government. LVlajor Pritohnrd, the officer in command of the recent expedition, shows that the Germans were detested by the natives, and that, roaring reprisals for their own brutalities tihey never ventured among the Ovambos unless protected by a display of force. Major Pritchard's expedition on the other hand, found the Ovambos extremely friendly. Owing to the fact that the country has been three years without a drop ot rain, the women, from_inability to find food, were kiting therr intants. The chief stated that his people had no love for the Germans. «nd had always wished that the English would come tp the country. He added that no German officer had ever entered his house. The report goes on deal with trouble that hae occurred between the Ovambos and the Portuguese on the Ango.Vi border. This, it is stated, was mainly duo to the violence of a cruel sub-chief whose records are appalling. The .chiei in question surrendered unconditionally to Major Pritchardi. 'Ilie country is suffering from the awful drought already mentioned, and also from a terrible plague of caterpillars. Tile latter eat all growing things.—Central News. The Ovambos (a Bantu word signifying "rich people") are a large tribe inhabiting the plateaux of Souh-West Africa between the Ktinene. Okavango, and the nineteenth degree of south latitude. Their chief occupation is •agriculture but they are also skilled in copper-smelting and various native arts.