TRIALS OF AN ADMINISTRATOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 January 1934, Page 14 (Supplement)

TRIALS OF AN ADMINISTRATOR.

“Africa Notwithstanding:,” by Kenneth Bradley. Lovat Dickson Ltd., London, per A. J. Fyfe Ltd., New Plymouth. Price 6s. V

In describing some of the trials of the administrative official in Northern Rhodesia Mr. Bradley is able to see the humour as well as the exasperation of that fascinating yet elusive pursuit—the “taming” of the continent of Africa. In the series of sketches which make up “Africa Notwithstanding,” he gives the reader much insight. into the problems confronting the Englishman in Africa. In “Tomo,” one of the most interesting of the sketches, he shows the effect of years of service with. Europeans upon a. native and his wife who return to their village. They have lost belief and respect for tribal tradition and teaching, ’putting in its place the assurance that their white employers could rise superior to the evils to control which the native turned to witchcraft ’ and idols. The “educated” native is soon made aware that if his viewpoint has altered that of his relations and friends has not. The outcome of it all came-near, to trar gedy, but the study in native psychology is exceedingly interesting. Quite another kind of story is "Niesharo Monty,” the tale of a man-eating lion who is responsible for many human victims and defies all attempts to capture or kill him. In the final narrative of the book one suspects the author of poking fun at his own youthful efforts in administration, but whether personal or not, the experiences make very amusing and interesting reading. ,