CYCLISTS IN AFRICA.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 104, 15 April 1911, Page 1 (Supplement)

CYCLISTS IN AFRICA.

CHIEFTAINESS IN HOB-NAILED BOOTS. Further details with regard to the interesting bicycle and walking tour lately made in central Africa by Messrs. F'. H. Meland and E. N. Cholmeley, of the Chartered Company’s service, have been received by Reuter’s agency. After crossing the Anglo-German boundary. Messrs Meland and Cholmeley struck south-east to Mwazye in order to visit Rukwa lake, which is interesting as _it has no known outlet This sheet of water lies at the bottom of a deep escarpment, the descent to which, being often of a gradient of 2 in 3, was extremely difficult, but was eventually accomplished in safety. In this neighbourhood the travellers visited some very interesting and little known trines, some of whom are i tiled by a family entirely distinct from the people. This ruling caste is known as Watwaki, and was founded by a woman called Unda, who came from the north 150 years ago. One section of the tribe is now governed by a chieftainess called Sa, who has just succeeded an older ruler. She received the travelers with great ceremony, which was scarcely in keeping with her costume. which included hobnail boots, and an old straw hat.

Another member of the family has founded a religious house, and with three of her friends are the only known cases of African native women taking the veil.

Referring to the progress of the German Protectorate, the travellers remarked on the activity and progress on '.ill hands, undoubtedly due in large measure to the personal influence of Herr Dornburg, the late German Col onial Secretary, and his visit.

In the Bugcma Forest the tropica! growth was so dense that there was a condition of perpetual twilight, and It was only possible to read with difficulty even at midday. Herds of elephant, '.lumbering as many as 200, were encountered. and a giant forest hog mens .’ring 3 ft. 9 in. at the shoulder was seen.

Alter six weeks’ big game hunting, the travelleis struck the Nile in November. Here the carriers refused to go any further owing to the disturbed state of the country, and fresh men. together with an escort of police and irregulars, were obtained.