SOUTH AFRICA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 April 1943, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICA

DISCOVERY & SETTLEMENT STEPS TAKEN FOR WELFARE OF NATIVES. ROTARY CLUB ADDRESS. An informative talk on South Africa was given by a member of the Masterton Rotary Club, Mr F. E. Wells, at todav’s luncheon meeting of the club. The Union of South Africa covered an area of 473,089 square miles, made up of four urovinces, Cape Colony, Transvaal, Natal and the Orange Free State, said Mr Wells. He described the topography of the Union, and referred to the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope by the Portuguese navigator, Bartholomew Diaz, in 1489, and its subsequent settlement in 1652. In 1685 a party of French Huguenots settled in the Cape and brought to it a strength and new mental power which had never been effaced. The speaker referred to the eventful period from 1793 to 1806. In the latter year the British took possession of the Cane for the second time. Reference was also made to the great trek by the Boers into the interior, to the native problem arising from the Anglo-Dutch question, and to the abolition of slavery by the British Government and its effect on the Union. The discovery of gold and the Jameson raid and the grievances of the Boers were referred to, and the Boer War and the subsequent formation of the Union of South Africa were dealt with in detail. Referring to the welfare work that was being done by the Government for the natives, Mr Wells said: “The Government is deeply conscious of its trusteeship towards the natives in South Africa. Looking to his welfare and protection and leading him towards a higher standard of living. Much has already been done in that direction, and many of the native schools are in charge of native teachers.” The concern of the Administration was to guide the native so that eventually he would enjoy responsible government. They were taught and encouraged to take an intelligent interest in health and scientific methods in agriculture and the treatment of disease and pests. The course would be a long one. It was his firm opinion, said Mr Wells, that under British rule the natives had received rich dividends in welfare, prosperity and happiness in release from fear and frightfulness.