A UNITY PROPOSAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 March 1939, Page 7

A UNITY PROPOSAL

NYASALAND AND RHODESIA

COMMISSION’S REPORT.

ACCEPTANCE OF PRINCIPLE URGED. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON. March 21. A Royal Commission recommends the union of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland under a single government without delay, and urges the Government to declare its acceptance of the principle of the eventual unity of Northern and Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

In the meantime there should be established an inter-territorial council to secure the co-operation of all concerned.

Nyasaland. which was proclaimed a British Protectorate on May 14, 1891, comprises the western shore of Lake Nyasa- and the country southwards nearly to the Zambesi, covering a total land area of 37,506 square miles, with a population (Dec. 31, 1934) of 1,603,914, including 1,800 Europeans and 1,401 Asiatics. The chief towns are. Blantyre (674 Europeans and 74.993 natives). Limbe and Zomba (the headquarters of the Government).

Southern Rhodesia is that part of the territory named after Cecil Rhodes lying south of the Zambesi River, its political neighbours being Northern Rhodesia and Portuguese East Africa on the north; the Transvaal and Beehuanaland on the south and west; and Portuguese East Africa on the east. The total area is 150 344 square miles, and the population (June 1934) 1,212,000, of whom 52,950 are Europeans. The native population in 1,154,000, with 4,550 Asiatics, and other coloured persons, including those of mixed race. The total number of European births in 1933 was 1,119 (a rate of 21.52 per 1000) and of deaths 441 (8.48 per 1000), the marriages numbering 581 (22.35 per 1000). Responsible Government was instituted in Southern Rhodesia on Oct 1, 1923. The Government is administered by a Governor appointed by the Crown, with an Executive responsible to Parliament. The Constitution provides for the establishment, under certain conditions, of a Legislative Council. Northern Rhodesia lies to the north of the Zambesi.