SOUTH AFRICA’S GOLD

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20986, 13 December 1939, Page 8

SOUTH AFRICA’S GOLD

With an output of gold valued at £8,250,000 in November, South Africa has broken all records in monthly production. Certainly the high price of gold has contributed to this result, but there is at the same time no indication of any diminution in the quantity of gold produced from the rich mines of the Rand. It is, in fact, believed that production has not even reached its peak, and that gold-bearing quartz exists for countless years of exploitation. Africa in this respect is a singularly favoured'eountry, and it is not surprising that it is looked upon with envy by all the great rival nations. South Africa’s gold production is so steady and so prolific that the country remained prosperous even when every other country was wallowing in the depression. The Union’s financial position is remarkably sound and secure, for the mines yield other precious stones and metals and the land is producing increasing quantities of foodstuffs. Some of the mines on the Rand have reached a depth of over 8000 feet, but experts say that in large areas gold-bearing quartz extends to a depth of at least 17,000 feet, and possibly further. Vast fresh areas are continually being prospected, and many claims where gold is known to exist have not yet been developed. It is probable that richer ground than that which has been exploited will yet come into production. This is part of the heritage that South Africa and the rest of the Empire are defending. South Africa’s great need, like that of many other Empire countries, is more population. The Union’s riches in minerals and agriculture could support a vastly greater white population, and if that position were attained the country would be much more safe from the envious machinations of Britain’s enemies. Germany ever since the Great War has been pressing insistently for the return of her former African colonies, and now only the strength of Allied arms will prevent her seizing this gem of the Empire. South Africans are loyal to Britain, but the white population is tragically few and overwhelmingly outnumbered by the natives. Germany will attempt every possible kind of mischief. South Africa has special problems, which will not be solved until the white British population is increased substantially.