OVERPRODUCTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19784, 7 March 1927, Page 10

OVERPRODUCTION

SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMONDS

A SUGGESTED RESTRICTION Over-production of diamonds to-day is responsible, to a certain extent for a starvation peril on the comparatively new diggings in the Transvaal, where 30,000 men are said to be in want. As a result of the over production, diamonds have fallen 40 per cent, in value and the South African Governmen is being urged to formulate some scheme of control to protect, not only the diamond mines but the digging industry as well. “ Unless immediate relief is given to the diggers in the Transvaal,” comes word from the diggings. ‘‘nothing will stave off terrible starvation. Conditions are heartrending now—utter despair will quickly follow. ” One of the recommendations from the diggers is that each licensed digger should be allowed not more than eight natives. This step would exercise an influence over the output of diamonds so that the stones would command a reasonable price, and would, moreover, have the immediate effect of relieving the diggings of nearly 45,000 natives, who could then be employed in agricultural pursuits.