SOUTH AFRICA.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume VII, Issue 2, 1 November 1902, Page 159

SOUTH AFRICA.

From all sources come warnings against a rush to South Africa.

The constant cry is the excessive cost of living and the exceeding scarcity of work of any sort. When We hear of white men working in the mines at five shillings a day, we can very easily form an opinion of the state of the labour marker. The good billets which were supposed to be showered on those who were lucky enough to be on the spot when the war ceased simply do not exist, and are not likely to do so for very many weary months. And as to going from New Zealand to South Africa to farm, the idea is preposterous, as any one who has tried farming in South Africa can testify. The number of pests which the farmer has to contend against there is legion. No animals except those who have had them all and survived are exempt. It must also be remembered that in the conquest of South Africa land has not been confiscated ; the British Government has not large blocks to dispose of at easy rates, as has been the case in. other conquered countries.