COLOURED LABOUR IN THE TRANSVAAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9114, 13 June 1908, Page 4

COLOURED LABOUR IN THE TRANSVAAL.

Probably for the first time in the history of the country, the total coloured labour force of the Transvaal has passed the quarter of a million mark, the number standing at the end of January, according to an omical return, at 255,619. This is over 4,000 more than in December, ■ and the increase is almost solely confined to the mines and works. Of this labour army 31,480 were Chinese, leaving 224,139 natives, of whom 149,943 were employed on mines and works. It is of special interest to note that whereas 4,198 indentured Chinese we'-e repatriated, not only was the wastage made up by natives, but for every Chinaman who went away practically two natives were recruited to take his place, leaving a net increase for January of 8,169. This is probably due to the fact that the curtailing of operations at Kirnberley and the Piemier diamond mines has had the effect of sending the natives to the Rand, but in addition to this there has never been a time in the history of the country when the labour resources in the Transvaal have been so thoroughly exploited as at present. There was an increase from the Transvaal alone of 3,177 in January over December. Capo Colony is becoming a distinct competitor with Portuguese territory as a recruiting ground, for though Cape Colony "toys" at present number only 23,647 against 79,660 from Portuguese territory, the Portuguese figures were almost the same in December and January, while the Cape Colony total increased practically by 2,000.