PROGRESS IN RHODESIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18244, 10 November 1922, Page 11

PROGRESS IN RHODESIA.

PRODUCTION INCREASING.

AGRICULTURE AND DAIRYING.

One oi the arrivals by the R.M.S. Makura yesterday was Captain R. Dumaresq, an officer of the famous British South African Police, and one of the pioneers of Rhodesia. Captain Dumaresq was attached to the first column which went into the interior under Cecil Rhodes, and he spent some time with Rhodes exploring and hunting in the territory now known as Rhodesia. Captain Dumaresq, who is stationed in Southern Rhodesia,., is enthusiastic about the future of his adopted country, which he regards as' more Anglicised than England and the most loyal portion of the Empire. He was intensely interested to hear that Southern Rhodesia had rejected the proposal to join the Union of South Africa, and had declared for responsible self-government. He was inclined to think the prospect of by-lingualism which was involved in the proposed co-operation I with the southern dominion was largely responsible for the decision of the people, but he added that the politics of the Union were in such a chaotic state that the people preferred to work out their own destiny under a responsible Government. With the type of men at the head of this young and vigorous country he was sure there was every chance of the experiment proving a complete success. Discussing the future of the country, Captain Dumaresq said that great development in agriculture was tin sight. At present large quantities of maize were grown, and the export of this commodity throueh the port of Beira to Great Britain and other Northern countries meant much to them at present. Reassuring strides were being made in the cattle-raising industry, and witH the markets offered by the large cities of South Africa the settlers had a certain outlet for their beasts, but they looked forward to finding a demand in the larger markets of the world. . ~ Captain Dumaresq mentioned also that great areas of country were being developed into citrus plantations, and the lemons and oranges grown under the sunny' ideal conditions were of first-class quality. Three years ago a start was made with the dairying industry, and already a considerable export businesswas being done in cheese, while- sufficient butter was being. made for all local needs. , . ; Asked as to the prospect of further settlement ,and development, the visitor said that land near the railways was ''ifi'nlt to • get, as it, was now almost entirely occupied,'but "virgin country further back was t-eing taken up at prices ranging from 30s-per acre-upwards,'and as in most cases this carried with it. the jreeho'd set.l'ement' was assured.' Captain Dumaresq, whose family. is connected with that of the late Rear4dmir.il Dumaresn. formerly in chargeof the Australian Squadron, is on leave, apd intends to visit Rotoroa and other points of interest' in the Dominion, after which b e 8 0DS t() Australia. He then proceeds to Japan, Burma, and Northern Indian' before returning to South Africa.