BASUTOLAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 79, 23 September 1911, Page 2 (Supplement)

BASUTOLAND.

TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS OF BRITISH RULE. An interesting lecture, entitled 'Twenty-seven Years' British Rule in Basutoland," was given at Durban, South Africa, recently by the Rev. E. Jacotett, of Marija, Basiitoland, under the auspices of the Native Affairs Reform Committee. In the lecturer's opinion the population of Basiitoland was more congested than any other part of South Africa, for out of 10,000 square miles, 6000 miles were practically uninhabitable owing to the mountainous state of the country, which only leaves about 4000 square miles fit for habitation, and a population of about 400,000, which means an average of about 100 people to the square mile. The population has risen as follows: In the vear 1575, the population was 140,001); in 11)0-1. 300,000; and in 1907, about 400,000, the last census not having been made known yet, and taking into consideration that Basiitoland is hemined in all round, makes the position even worse, owing to there being no possible means of expansion. Pasture is also very scarce.

The lecturer spoke briefly on the industrial question, and considered that the economical question was the greatest danger—far greater than the! political question. The question of the Union of South Africa was raised so far as it affected Basutoland, and the lecturer said that as soon as the time arrived for Basuto- i land to be admitted in the Union the Basutos would willingly enter, although it would be better not to be too hasty, and in his opinion it would be better to defer it as long as possible. The lecturer thought that the tribal system was best for the Basutos, although at times chiefs and headmen took advantage of their power, but the tribal system kept them more together and did not allow the same scope, as for example in Natal and Zululand. The lecturer wanted it to be plainly understood that as far as tribalism was concerned, lie was only referring to the Basuto people, and what was good for the Basutos did not necessarily follow to be good for the other native tribes. Horses in Basutoland were far better than those in Natal and Zululand, and the old Kaffir kraal was not to be found in Basutoland, onlv on very rare occasions, and then only as relics preserved by the missionary. The Basutos are clothed in European clothing, andare mere advanced than the Zulu or Natal tribes; in fact, they are a very superior race, and are becoming very clever, entirely from their own resources. Schools aro assisted by the l.overnmeiit, and the people are taking .every advantage of same. The lecturer also referred to reports that were circulated from certain quarters (hat (he Hasu(os were preparing for a rising. These reports were untrue, and verv misleading, and he could hones!lv say that there was not (he slightest' intention of the Basuto people to rise. The days of the Basuto rising had long passed: and the Union of South Africa had made it 'impossible, with Boers and British under one Hag, but when Boer and [lritHi were not under the one Hag, then it was possible for the Basuto to rise knowing full well they could get the support of one or the other. Moshesh, the great chief, was a great believer in peace and his motto was: '•'Peace is my system"; "peace brings prosperity."