THE LATE SIR JOSEPH ROBINSON

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 117, 13 November 1929, Page 7

THE LATE SIR JOSEPH ROBINSON

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —My attention was drawn to the article in Friday's issue, referring to the will of the late Sir Joseph Robinson, and the bitter comment of the "Caps Times" thereon. I fully endorse the claims of his daughter, the Countess of Labia, in Saturday's "Post," - that thousands of South Africans have cause to bless her father's name in assisting them in distress and need. My own experience of "J. 8.," as he was affectionately called by the miners, was that as an employer he was one of the best, and studied the welfare of his men, both black and white, and the fact that while other mining properties had-to sometimes curtail development, owing to scarcity of native labour. Eandfontein Compounds were always full of boys. The mines of Eandfontein and Langlaagte were the Mecca of Cornishminers, and the long service records of some of them bear testimony; in fact, it was like a second Cornwall. The ground for the Wesleyan Church, and also for the English Church at Eandfontein was given by "J. 8.," and a good donation, from "A Friend" from the same source. During the miners1 strike of 1910, "J. 8." not only satisfied the demands of his own men, but gave £1000 per week to the strike funds to relieve distress among the women and children on the Band, and his properties kept Working in full swing.

Another incident revealing the thoughtful nature of Sir Joseph Bobinspn is this: His chief mechanical engineer, Mr. J. W. I. Moreom. had been with him from the days when Bandfontein was in its infancy, and had assisted in installing the machinery of the 600 stamp mill—the largest mill in the world —until the sale of the property to the Barnato Group a few years ago, and "J. 8." had a. clause inserted in the deed of sale that' Mr. Moreom was not to be discharged, but to retain his position of chief engineer at full salary as long as he cared to do so. I may say Mr. Moreom resigned his position^ and is now in Canada.

The late years of Sir Joseph Bobinson's life were embittered by litigation proceedings against the Barnato Group about the sale of the Bandfontein Estate. I am an old employee of Sir Joseph Eobinson, having been a winding driver at the North Eandfontein shaft and shift driver in the-Central Power House, and a resident' of the West Band for many years. Since living in New Zealand I have yet to find as good a boss a5."J.8,," for "by their deeds ye shall know them."—l am, etc., , G. H. FISHEE.