The Continent of the Future

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 3, 31 July 1931, Page 6

The Continent of the Future

N enviable destiny awaits the continent of Africa if the forecast of Mr. John Ash, of the "Christchurch

Star" proves correct. I wone der if enviable is the right word? One is almost inclined to take it for granted that the "civilisation" of a country must prove beneficial to that country. Having in. mind some of the international tangles of the modern world, however, we must pause and ask ourselves whether we actually do:confer a . favour in reaching forth, octupus fashion, to bring more territory within the "civilised" fold. , Before the entry of the missionary, who seeks to show that but for his coming the natives must have been damned eternally, and the trader, who shows the natives how very simple it is to acquire those aids to a life of

sloth, ease and temptation (thereby really giving the missionary something to do)-before the arrival of both these gentlemen, I repeat, the native enjoys a\ healthy, animal-like life, the substance. ) of his creed being that the weakest must go to the wall. Just exactly what do we offer in its place? Reservations, whisky, motor-cars, the necessity of working for a living! Small wonder that some native races seem belated with their thanksgiving. Be all that as it may, Africa seems destined for a great future according to our standards. Her future will be watched by the possessive eyes of all the great nations, most of whom already enjoy some share of African territory. There have been singularly few international complications as the result of the division of the continent. | While few continents have been credited with the secretion of more mysteries, it is a fact that modern inventions and modern methods of exploration, coupled with the white man’s proverbial curiosity and indomitable courage in satisfying it, have succeeded in. laying bare most of Africa’s- dark soul. Mr. Ash claims: on her behalf that when her almost limitless resources are realised an end will be put to the old theory of an unavoidable world shortage of primary products. Let us hope that her productive activities will not be unduly concentrated on butter, cheese, and wool!