BASUTOLAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 24, 13 September 1911, Page 2

BASUTOLAND.

An interesting lecture entitled ‘‘Twenty-seven tears British Rule in Basutoland,’' was given at Durban, ■louth Africa, recently by the Rev. • ; aanu-rt. oi .Uanja, Basutoland, under Ac auspices of the Native Affairs Hoi (inn Committee. In the lecturer’s opinion the population of Basutoland was more congested than any other part of South Africa, for out of 10,000 square miles, 0000 miles was practically uninnabitahle, owing to the mountainous state of the country, which only leaves about 4000 square miles fit for habitation, and a population of about 400,000, which means an average of about 100 people to the square mile. The population has risen as follows: In the year 1875 the population was 140,000; in 1904, 800,000; and in 1907, about 400,000, the last census not having been made known yet, and taking into consideration that Basutoland is hemmed in all round, makes the position even, worse, ouing to there being no possible means of expansion. Pasture- is also very scarce.

The lecturer spoke briefly on the industrial question, and considered that the economical question was the greatest danger—far greater than the political question. The question of the Union of South Africa was raised so far as it affected Basutoland, and the lecturer said that as soon as the time arrived for Basutoland to he admitted in the Union the Basutns would he willing to enter, although it would be better not to be too hasty, and in his opinion it would be better to defer it as long as possible.

The lecturer thought that the tribal system was best for the Basutos, although at times chiefs and headmen took advantage of their power, but the tribal system kept them more together and did not allow the same scope, as for example in Natal and Zululand. The lecturer wanted it to be plainly understood that as far as tribalism was concerned, he was only referring to the Basuto people, and what was good for the I Basutos did not necessarily follow to be good for the other native tribes. Horses- in Basutoland were far better than those in Natal and Zululand and the old Kaffir kraal was not to be found in Basutoland, only on veryrare occasions, and then only us relics preserved by the missionary. The Basutos are clotned in European clothing, and are more advanced than the Zulu or Natal tribes, in fact, they are a very superior race, and are becoming very clever, entirely from their own resources.. Schools are assisted by the Government, and the people are taking every advantage of tne same. The lecturer also referred to reports tnat were circulated from cci tain quarters that the Basutos were preparing for a rising. These reports were untrue and very misleading, and lie could honestly say that there was not the slightest intention of the Basuto people to rise. The days of tiie Basuto rising had long passed, and the Union of South Africa had made 'it' impossible, with Boors and British under one flag, but when Boer and British were not under the same flag, then it was possible for the Basuto to rise knowing full well they could get the support of one or the other, t Moshcsh, the great chief, was! a great believer in peace and nis mot, to was: “Peace is my system; peace brings prosperity'.”