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OOLOHUL KBPOBT8

No. 47.

BRITISH BECHUANALAND.

REPORTS FOR 1890-92.

(For Report lor 1889-90, m Oulotial Reports [Af-^l] No. &)

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1 COLONIAL R1POBT8.

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ANNUAL. V*. T«v.

10 8k Loci* . I860 11 18 li » • • • »t II ft 14 ft If iimLmi ft 10 mm • It IT Mki*nd likuda * It 18 It 19 Briliiii Honduras . m • • * It 90 Basutoiaod 1890-91 tl Trinidad aod Tobago • • m » 1890 n L*iwmrd Islands - 18 IS GftMtl* - If 14 Strait* Sttttantiitft - It 15 British Goiana It M 8t* Helena • It 17 Mauritius • It S8 Gambit • It 19 flotig Koug Jtf 30 Cejlon • • • 1889 81 Lagos ft 88 LtgOS 1890 88 Ceylon it 34 Newfoundland u 88 Jamaica 1889-91 86 Victoria * 1890 87 British New Guinea • » • • 1890-91 m m m 88 it. Vincen. • m 1891 8P Bermada • ft 40 Seychelles, ami Rodrignes m m m m 1889 and 1 6QA 41 Gambia 189i 48 Barbados • ft m • • 48 Turks and Caicoa Islands m ft 44 Bahamas • ft 48 Fiji ft «* • • w 46 Seychelles - II i MISCELLANIOU&

No. Colosy.

1 Gold C®ASt Economic Agriculture. 8 Zultiland - Forest*. • OOLOITIAL aBFOBTt,—•WYUAL. s

No. 47.

BRITISH BB0HT7ANALAND .

[lor Rcpsrt for IStt-lStO, m ColoeJal Bsaerl [AIMMIJ, N*. t.]

Sir H. R LOOH to LOKD KKUTSTORD.

Government Houte. Cape Town, MT LOID, May 97,1891. I IIATB the honour to transmit, for your Lordship's informa­ tion, a Despatch from Sir 8. Sldppard, covering reports from the beads of At several departments in British Btehuaaaland and tot Bechmaaaknd Proteotorate upon tlio condition and progress of thoM territories daring the eighteen monihi ended the 31st March

Tbffto rtportt contain much inttrttling information and afford satisfactory evid*noe of the Heady progre** which bat been in finest) territorita in to comparatively ahon a time. There are several important Questions raited by Sir 8. Shippnrd, and in tot rtportt accompanying hit despatch, to which it will be my doty to invito your Lordship's early consideration. I shall merely touch upon them in this despatch, leaving their farther oonfiatration, together with details of expenditure involred, to futoro communications. I think I cannot better illustrate the progress that has been mad* than by drawing your Lordship's attention to the fact that while the revenue for the financial year 1889-90 was only 19,5481, it it estimated for the current Tear at 36,230&, and that the grant in aid required is only 100,000i., as against 90,000/., in spite ct* the additional responsibilities undertaken by Her MajeUy'v Govern­ ment during the last three years, which, as your Lordship is aware, involve the maintenance of a considerable police force in the Protectorate north of the Crown Colony, where, during the last year, there has been exceptional expenditure, due to the threatened Boer trek and to other causes. At pretcnt the country under Her Majesty's Protection yields only a very small revenue, but I am confident that WHEN railway X 7s«oo. wt. io»ao. A 2 4 OOXXMULL BBPORTB.'-~AjnfUAL.

**"",H communication hat been extended through the territory nod the ^SIS**" settlement by European! of the high plateau hie been effected through the conditional recognition of concessions, not only will there be a large ineraaie of revenue bat a very considerable redac­ tion of expenditure. Two very important questions have bean referred to by Sir S. Shippard to which I bare previously invited your Lordship's attention. These are the establishment of a High Court and the system of Trial by Jury, and the imjprovement of the Educational System in the Crown Colony. The establishment of a High Court and Trial by Jury is a matter, the consideration of whioh should not, in mv .opinion, be longer delayed, and I propose to address your Lordship very shortly on the subject The question of education is one respecting which a very strong feeling prevails. The population of the Crown Colony is rapidbr increasing and the need for improving the means of Education being strongly felt, the public are prepared to share the expenses connected with providing additional school buildings and payment of the salaries of competent teachers. I have just received an able report from Mr. F. Howe-Ely, Deputy Inspector of Schools in the Cape Colony, upon his recent investigation of the educational institutions In Beehnanaland, which I shall forward to your Lord-hip at an early date with my recommendations upon the subject I have gtren much consideration as to the beet method of placing some restriction upon the wholesale destruction of forests which Sir Sidney Shippard informs me ie taking place in British Bechuanaland. The Crown Colony being a party to the Customs Union, which provides for free trade in South African products, precludes the imposition of an expert duly on wood, ana, except with regard to Crown Lands, I do not consider that any protective measure can be adopted, but I have given instructions that Crown Forests, which are of considerable extent in the western districts, are to be carefully conserved, and I shall ^ive early considera­ tion to the necessary legislation for their preservation and management. I entirely endorse Sir S. Shippard's views ss to the importance of completing the trigonometrical survey of the Colony. To abandon it now would be to waste much of the value likely to be • derived from the large expenditure that has been already incurred in carrying out this important and valuable work. It is a mistake to suppose that the country which still remains unsurveyed is by any means valueless, much of it being available for farms for which there are already many applicants, while there are indications which would lead to the belief that considerable mineral deposits exist, I am in communication with the Governments of the South African Republic and Orange Free State on the subject of the conclusion of Extradition Conventions with British Bechuan&!and, COLONIAL REPORTS.—ANNUAL. 5 but I think their consent will greedy depend upon the establish- Bams moot of a High Court and Trial by Jury. B"°f^ ^* 0.0 LAUD* The reports from Mr. Surmon aud Major Grey, in command of the Bechuanaland Border Police, are eminently satisfactory as regards the peace of the Protectorate and the efficiency of the Force, and i believe certain changes that I trust to see shortly introduced in the administration of the territory will lead to its speedy development and the creation of a fair revenue. I hare &c (Signed) HBNBT B. LOOH, Governor and The Bight Hon. High Commissioner. Lord Knutsford, G.C.M.G. &c. &c. &c.

ADMINISTRATOR to GOVERNOR.

(Extract.)

Administrator's Office, Vryburg. SIB, May 5, 1892. I HAVI. the honour to forward, for your Excellency's information, the following reports on the progress of British Bechuanaland and the condition of the Protectorate for eighteen months ending'on the 31st March 1892:—

Page. 1. The Colonial Secretary and Receiver-General 2. The Crown Prosecutor - 3. The Surveyor-General 4. The Registrar of Deeds - - - 5. The Postmaster-General and Superintendent of Telegraphs - - 6. The Collector o£ Customs - 7. The Inspector of Native Reserves 8. The Master of the Chief Magistrate's. Court - 9. The Civil Commissioner and Resident Magis­ trate of Vryburg - - • - 10. The Civil Commission er and Resident Magis­ trate of Mafeking - - - 11. The Civil Commissioner and Resident Magis­ trate of Taungo - 12. The Civil Commissioner and Resident Magis­ trate of Kuruman - COLONIAL REPORTS.—ANNUAL.

Bimsn 13. The Civil Commissioner and Resident Magis­ trate of Gordonia - - LAKD. 14. The District Surgeon of Vrjburg 15. The District Surgeon of Mafeking - 16. The Assistant Commissioner, Beehusnaland Protectorate* - 17. The Officer Commanding the Bechuanaland Border Police in the Protectorate, inoluding medical reports - Notwithstanding* threatening indications on more than one occasion, peace has been maintained along the eastern border and throughout the Crown Colony and Protectorate during thv. last eighteen months.

The oft-mentioned need of an extradition convention and of reciprocity in the Administration of justice generally between Bechuanaland ajad the South African Republic continues to be much felt; but it can scarcely be hoped that negotiations with this object will prove successful pending the establishment of a High Court with trial by jury in this* territory. The report of the dolonial Secretary and Receiver-General • shows a growth of revenue which, though slow, may be considered satisfactory inasmuch as the increase is due to normal and per­ manent development. The total revenue for the last financial year exceeded the estimate by upwards of 7,000/. while the total expenditure fell short of the estimate by upwards of 10,000/. I concur generally with Mr. Newton 1.1 what he says on the subject of education which has hitherto been sadly neglected, in this territory. Mr. F. Howe Ely, one of the senior inspectors of schools of the Cape Colony whose placed at the disposal of this Government by Sir Langham Dale, is at present engaged in preparing a report on the educational requirements of the territory. The Crown Prosecutor calls attention to the wholesale destruc­ tion of forests in Bechuanaland. It is not easy to suggest a remedy. In view of the conditions of the Customs Union an export duty on wood could not be imposed in this territory with­ out the express consent of the Cape Colony and of the Orange Free State. A preventive might at one time have been found in Mr. A. H. F. Duncan's suggestion as to establishing a forest department under the Surveyor-General; but since some of the finest forests in the western portion of the Crown Colony have been included in the grants of land made in consideration of railway construction this Government no longer has the same interest in the question. The Surveyor Gen oral's account of the trigonometrical survey exhibits the accuracy and permanent value of this work. COLONIAL B1POBT& —ANNUAL. 7

Mr. Moorrees, who recently made an official tour in the newly- annexed district of Mier, points out that two-thirdt of the land are available for sale and that there are upwards of 100 applications for farms in that district. Since the eonsti action of the railway there Ha* been, especially in the district of Vryburg, a rise in the value of land in consequence of the influx of farmers from the Cape Colony, the South African Republic, and the Orange Free State. The report of the Postmaster-General and Superintendent of Telegraphs exhibits a steady increase in the revenue of this de­ partment, which is being reorganised with a view to greater efficiency. The returns of the Collector of Customs are highly satisfactory, and great credit is due to the small but very efficient staff engaged on the work of this department. The estimated revenue for the last financial yea was 6,000/. The total receipts from the 1st January 1891 to the 31st March 1892 were 15,6731 14*. 2d. from which must be deducted 1,005/. 8s. 5d. payable to the Cape Government leaving a net revenue for fifteen months amounting to 14,668/. 5s. 9

The returns of hut tax collected by the Inspector of Native Reserves show a short full, attributable to Mr. St. Quintal's absence on duty in the district of Mior during three months. No ultimate loss will accrue from thi«, as the arrears will be collected during the current financial year. The Inspector suggests that certain petty Chiefs and headmen should be allowed 5 per cent, commission on hut tax collected by them. I sec no objection to this proposal; but I should hesitate to endorse Mr. St. Quintin's farther sugges­ tion that natives in arrear in the payment of hut tax should be made liable to a fiue. Measures are being devised in concert with the Cape Govern­ ment with a view to staying the plague of locusts referred to by Mr. St. Quintin. The report of the Master of the Chief Magistrate's Court fur­ nishes no returns and cannot he regarded as satisfactory. The -reports of the Civil Commissioners and Resident Magis­ trates show that the country is, generally speaking, peaceful and p-"8perou?, and that there is an absence of serious crime. 8 COLONIAL BKPOBT&—ANJTUAL.

The Oivil Commissioner of Gorclonia calls attention to the LAVD. need for a bridge acroas the Orange River at Upington, where the strenm is of great width. The advantage would be incontestable; but the cost of such a bridge would be prohibitive as far as this Government is concerned. There are many other public works of greater importance and for more urgently needed which this Administration has hitherto been prevented from undertaking through lack of means. The District Surgeon's reports call for no special remark. The inhabitants of Mafeking have lately applied for a grant of land for the purpose ol erecting a hospital. Numerous eases of fever ere sent aown to that place from tne Protectorate. An improved system of State aided education and the establish­ ment of a High Court with trial by jury are among the most pressing requirements of this territory. On the whole, notwithstanding many drawbacks, the progress of the Crown Colony during the eighteen months ending on the 31st March last may be regarded as highly satisfactory. The report of the Assistant Commissioner for the Bechuana­ land Protectorate shows that that officer has made every effort to cope with the difficulties of a very trying position. Mr. Surmon's discretion and firmness on all occasions deserve acknowledgment The report of the officer commanding the Bechuanaland Border Police at Macloutsi Camp is excellent, and speaks volumes for Major Grey's zeal and ability, the cordial support of the officers and the goodwill and discipline of the non-commissioned officers and men. ^ Too much praise can hardly be bestowed on the Dominican sisters who have nursed the sick at the Macloutsi Camp. These devoted ladies have earned the gratitude of all who are interested in the welfare of the force which guards the north-eastern border. A schedule is annexed giving the titles of sixty-five legislative proclamations issued during the eighteen months ending on the diet March l*st I have, &c. (Signed) SIDNEY SHIPPARD, Administrator. His Excellency the Governor and High Commissioner, Cape Town. COLONIAL BEPOBT&—ANNUAL.

SCHEDULE. BUTISH

LEGISLATIVE PBOOLAMATION8 issued from SMPTBUBBB, 1800, to MABOH 31st, 1892.

A.—British Bechuanaland. No.87, B.B., 1890.— To declare diphtheria to be an infectious disease within the meaning of the Public Health Act No. 4, 1883, and to make regulations in term* of section 32 of the said Act. No. 88, B.B., 1890.—To amend the law relating to the annual license payable by assurance companies. No. 89, B.B., 1890 To provide for the discipline of the Bechuanaland Border Police in the Protectorate. No. 90, B.B.,1890.—T<> provide for the discipline of the British South Africa Company's Pjlice in the Protectorate. No. 91, B.B., 1890.—To provide for a close season for game in the district of Taungs. No. 92, B.B., 1890.—To give retrospective effect to Procla­ mation No. 82 B.B., 1890. No. 93, B.B., J 890.—To provide for the entry of British Bechuanaland into the South African ( toms Union. No. 94, B.B., 1890.—To provide for levying Customs duty on stocks in hand on the 31st December 1890. No. 95, B.B., 1890.—To put in force the " Public Roads Width Act, No. 27, 1884. No. ,6, B.B., 1891.—To declare the farms " Brussels " an infected area under Act No. 2,1831. No. 97,B.B., 1891.—To provide for the taking of a Census. No. 98, B.B., 1891.—To fix the amount of bank-note doty payable by the Standard Bank. No. 99, KB., 1891.—To declare certain farms in the district of Gordonia to be infected areas under Act No. 2, 1881. No. 100, B.B., 1891.—To increase the number of members forming the Board of Management for the township of Vryburg. No, 101, KB., 1891.—To provide additional market regulations

No. 102, B.B., 1891.—To repeal sections 71 and 72 of Procla­ mation No. 63, B.B., 1889., and to make provision for granting mining right leases in certain ca»es on land subject to a reservation of precious stones and precious minerals in favour of the Crown- 10 COLONIAL EXPORTS.—ANNUAL.

No. 103, B.B., 1801.—To repeal Proclamation No. 98, B.B., 1891. No. 104, B.B., 1891.—To consolidate and amend the laws and regulations for the management of prisons in British Bechuanaland. No. 105, B.B., 1891.—To extend the operation of tv Regula­ tion of Railways Acts No. 19,1861 and No. lo, 1889 to British Bechuanaland. No. 106, B.B., 1891.—To provide for the annexation of the District of Mier to British Bechuanaland. No. 107. B.B., 1891.—To alter the direction of Road No. 13 in . Schedule C. to Proclamation No. 93 B.B., 1890. No. 108, B.B., 1891.—To provide for the service of criminal process in places beyond the jurisdiction of tH Court of Resident Magistrate issuing the same. No. 109, B.B., 1891.—To enable the Master of the Chief Magistrate's Court to invest the Guardians Fund in British or Cape Government stock. No. 110, B.B., 1891.—To repeal Proclamation No. 99, B.B., 1891. No. Ill, B.B., 1891.—To establish a Toll-bar on the Divisional Road between Vryburg and Mafeking. No. 112, B.B., 1891.—To notify the admission of Basutoland into the South Africa Customs Union. No. 113, B.B., 1891.—To extend the provisions of Proclamation No. 64, B.B., 1889 to persons of mixed race in Gordonia. No. 114, B.B., 1891.—To empower the Vryburg Board of Management to raise a loan not exceeding 2,0002. for road making. No. 115, B.B., 1891.—To repeal Proclamation No. 83, B.B., 1890. No. 116, B.B., 1891.—To increase the rates payable under grazing licences under Proclamation No. 76, B.B., 1890. No. 117, B.B., 1891.—To apply to British Bechuanaland the Cattle Removal Amendment Act No. 20,1889 j the Vagrancy Law Amendment Act No, 27, 1889; and the Brands Registra­ tion Act No. 12,1890. No. 118, B.B., 1891.—To extend the powers of the Vryburg Board of Management and to repeal the Market Regulations under Proclamation No. 11, B.B., 1886. No. 119, B.B., 1891.—To empower the Vryburg Board of Management to regulate the sale of water. No. 120, B.B., 1891.—To apply the laws of British Bechuanaland to the District of Mier. No. 121, B.B., 1891.—To provide for the apprenticeship of juvenile offenders. COLONIAL REPORTS.—ANNUAL. 11

No. 122, &B., 1891.—To provide for the valuation by Boards Bams* of Management of rateable property in townships. IAS!^ No. 123, B.B., 1891.—To annex the District of Mier for judicial — purposes to the District of Gordonia. No. 124, B.B., 1691.—To apply certain sections of the Liquor Aet No. 25, 1891, to British Bechuanaland and to repeal sections 79 and 80 of the Liquor Licensing Act No. 28,1883. No. 125, B.B., 1891.—To substitute Mafeking for Vryburg as a Free Warehousing Town, under section 22 of Proclamation No. 98, B.B., 1890, and to empower the Governor, by notice in the Government Gazette, to cancel and revoke the appointment of Free Warehousing, Town and Bonding Stores. No. 126, B.B., 1891.— No. 127, B.B., 1892.—To amend sections 16 and 17 of the Liquor ActNo. 25,189L No. 128, 1892.—To provide for the impounding of animals found trespassing on the Taungs Beserve within nine miles of the Dry Hartz Police station. No. 129, B.B., 1892.—To reduce the rate payable for a grazing licence for large stock under Proclamation No. 76, B.B., 1890, as amended by Proclamation No. 116, B.B., 1891. No. 130, B.B., 1892.—To amend section 5 of -the Medical Ordinance No. 82 of 1880. No. 131 B.B., 1892.—To empower Boards of Township Management to make byelaws for the control of natives within their respective areas. No. 132, B.B., 1892.—To empower the Mafeking Management Board to make byelaws to regulate the carrying of water. No. 133, B.B., 1892.—To reduce the rate of interest payable by the Master of the Chief Magistrate's Court as Administrator of the Guardians' Fund. No. 134, B.B., 1892.—To amend the law with regard to Wild Ostriches. No. 135, B.B., 1892.—To prohibit the introduction of Rabbits into, and to restrict the breeding of them in, British Bechuana­ land No. 136, B.B., 1892.^-To provide for the Regulation of Dairies, Cowsheds, and Milkshops. No. 137, B.R, 1892.—To amend the Act No. 14, 1870, commonly called the Cattle Removal Act, 1870. No. 138, B.B., 1892.—To amend the Law relating to Life Assurance Companies, with a view to encouraging persons to insure, and to protecting persons assured. No. 139, B.B., 1892.—To consolidate and amend the Law relating to Oaths, Affidavits, Affirmations and Solemn Declarations. No, 140, KB., 1801—-To amend the Aet No. 97, 1889, commonly known as tK« "Vagrancy Law Amendment Act** No. 141, B.B., 1803.—-To jrorklv for the better repression of Theft of Stock and Produce, No. 142, B.B., 1892.—To amend the Act No. 36, 1886, commonly called the Gaine Law Amendment Act, 1886. No. 143, B.B. 1892.—To repeal section 23 of Proclamation No. 93, B.B., 1890 and to provide that the duty of Snb- CoUeotor of Customs shall be discharged at Mafeking by the Collector of Customs and at Vryburg and Taungs by the Civil Commissioners. No. 144, B.B., 1892.—To factliate the recovery of rates due and yable to Boards of Management for Townships in British Kwhuansland.

B,—Prottcturate.

13th April 1891.—Prohibiting sny unauthorised attempt to occupy, or establish an independent form of government in the territory of the British South Africa Company north of the Limpopo. 10th June 1891.—To establish jurisdiction in the Protectorate under the Order in Council of the 9th May, 1891. 27th June 1891.—To define the local limits of the jurisdiction of Resident Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners and Magistrates. 30th June 1891.—To authorise the expulsion of persona endangering the peace of the Protectorate or of territories beyond. 4th September 1891.—To exclude the territories of the British South Africa Company from the operation of the Proclamation of the 10th June 1891. 18th November 1891.—To vest in the High Commissioner power to commute sentences of death passed in the Pro­ tectorate. 19th November 1891.—To apply to the Protectorate the Cape Law relating to Insolvency and the Estates of Minors, Lunatics and Deoeased or Absent Persons. 24th December 1891.—To establish the office and define the powers and duties of a Crown Prosecutor for the Bechuana­ land Protectorate, including the Tati District. It

REPORT OR THI RMNVN^aKBKix. RECRITER-Generml'e OAe** SIB, Vryhutg, April S6» 1892. 1 HAVX the honour to submit the annusJ report of this detriment lor the las', year and a half ending the 81st March last. Th# following are oomperathre »tat«fiiofits of th« revenue in British Bechuanaland, and the eipendittire in the territory and the Protectorate, during the throe last financial yean:—

BBITISH BUOHUAKAJLAKD.

Comparative StaUmont of th* B*e*nu* of thi Y*ar$ 1S89-90,109O-91, and 1891-91

1869-90. 1880-81. 169141.

4 A J Costomi Borcirae — ft<448 11,916 Hut tax* 8,410 1,976 1,861 MM 8,188 Straus ttaaps 1,584 1,155 1,718 Tiaittfar duty ~ 1,497 9,754 1,996 Auotloo duty - 69 190 its

Poll tax* 7 Ifosssadftts - 991 777 668 Sueotoion daty- — 15 — SttTftj rcotlpts * 1,191 1.498 585 Bank note daty- _ 90 — p Colony MM 1,904 8,090 PottOMotj' T Protector*t* 686 1,411 6,014 Tslsgimpht 1,451 1,587 9,408 Quit^re&U 3487 4,850 8,768 Otbsr teats _ 189 469 8akt of Government property 166' 650 1,860 Bondrits 184 95 167 Sundry reosipte in aid - 1,140 1,690 8,170 Contribution from the B,S.A. Company \ — towards Brotectorate txp*n«*s • / 1,475 8,100 Protector*** i-wenus • — — 676

Total, axelttding? land salts - 18,449 89,194 46,968 Ijindssks - 1,099 18,117 5,061

Total 19,648 45,811 61,0*9 COLOBIAL IVOim-AHWUAL.

BxiTISH BaOHUAKALAirD.

Comparative Statement of tko Expenditure of the Years 1880-90,1890-91 and 1891-99.

— 1888-80. 1890-81. 1881-St.

A A 1 PtastaM - - tss MM 980 1 AdaisJatrator'i Atpartawl 1,709 8^681 8£6S 8 Cc^wkJ jS*CT*tory an* Be—tvr Qsasrafs 1*4* 9,174 4 ITS 888 — 4a, NsttoaflsJn ... ftll 871 891 1 Legal drpsrtaMBt .... 1,881 8,ocr 4,115 I Diatrict Adadaiatration • MM 8,884 6,799 7 Potto tod Telegraphs 7,111 9,653 16,410 • Cartoca* - - - - — — 1,898 • PaHeo iS,8St 107,418 94,717 10 Btaoatioa ..... — 848 807 11 Transport - 1,809 759 80S IS M81 1,5 OI 4,158 18 Colonial Sorrcyor'i Dtpartm«nt • 3,879 11,048 8,197 14 PoUlo works, reearrtnt ... 948 1,157 15 „ extraordinary 1,778 5^88 16 Auittaut CommiMiooer with Lo Bengula - 815 1,885 1,085 17 „ „ in Protectorate - — 1,180 1,640 Hlfh CommiMtoner'i travelling expenett - — 4,805 80 Arbitration account and H. G. Brown's contract - - - - - — — 681

Total .... 98,405 159,544 158,908

Revenue

Customs.—It was difficult to estimate the amount likely to be received under this head on account of our entry into the (Justoms Union on the 1st January 1891. The amount received has proved more than double that estimated, and the total of 15,6741 received from existing stocks and our share of duties under the union, from the above-mentioned date, has formed a most valuable addition to the income of the territory. Four-fifths of this sum has been collected in Gape 1 own, and I have to point out that the amount receivable for the quarter ending 31st March, probably about 3,000/., has not been included in it. OOLOBTIAL RsWOBTS.—AJrjrUAI*

iittf 7W.—Shows a marked decrease both fro » kit years nfggj receipts and the estimate (8,000/.) This faet is explained by the un. absence of Mr. St QnUttin on special doty in the division of — Gordon ia, during four of the beat eoiieeting months in the year, and the estimate, therefore, for two-thirds of the year, is as correct asean be wished. No aotoal loss to the has occurred by the enforced sbsenoe of Mr. St. Quintin, who will in due time, collect all outstanding amounts, which wilt be shown in the receipts for the current year. The items Licenses, Revenue Stamps, Auction Duty, Quit Rents, Otksr Rente, Sales of Government Property and Sundry Receipts in Aid, all show satisfactory increases on the sums estimated to be received, and with one exception are substantially in excess of the sums received daring the proceeding year. The receipts under Quit Bents are not so large as for 1890-91, owing to the foot that in that year heary arrears were recovered in all the divisions. There are still considerable arrears of quit-rent outstanding, in spite of the most urgent instructions liaving been issued on the subject, in acoordanoe with instructions received from His ExeeUency the Governor. Tour Honour's attention has been directed to the question as to an alteration of the law, in order to ensure a more •speedy collection of this branch of revenue. In view, however, of the proposal to utilise the service* of the Bechu­ analand Border Police in serving personal notices to all those in arrear, it is not anticipated that any such alteration will be necessary. Posts and Telegraphs,—The receipts under this head are disappointing when compared with the very large sum appropriated to tno service. It is however satisfactory to note that the income of the Postal Department, both for the Colony and the Protectorate shows a marked increase on that for the preceding year. Sales of Government Property.—The large sum realised under this bead arises from the sale of a considerable stock of provisions and reserve stores laid in at Maclouisie during 1890. It was considered advisable to dispose of these stores, which were beginning to deteriorate, and they have realised fair prices. Land Sales.—Very little land has been put into the market this year in this territory, md the amounts received are chiefly payments of balances due from transactions in the previous year.

Expenditure. The expenditure under the sub-heads Pensions, Administrator, Colonial Secretary and Receiver- General, Native Affairs, Disirict Administration, Transport, Public Worhs Recurrent and Assistant Commissioners in Matabeleland and the Bechuanaland Protectorate, has been normal and calls for no special remark. Government Storekeeper.—Tho post of Government Storekeeper has been abolished, and a Commissariat and Ordnance Officer appointed, who now performs the duties of Government Storekeeper COLONIAL BKFOBTS.—AHKUAL. mtcM. e* fur at the B.B. Potioe are concerned. The ttorea for the Oivil IAV». Departments are dealt with from this office, and the new arrmnge- —- ment is found to work well. Legal Department, —The requirement! of the Legs! Department, to which alt services in connection with maintenance of gaols are charged, he ?e seriously increased in tlte last two years* The growth of population, with a corresponding increase of crime, has added, to the expenses of the administration of justice, and rendered the establishment of a central gao! at Vryburg a necessity. A total expenditure of some 2,2502. for a system of one central gaol and five local goals cannot be coiu.iderea excessive. PotU and Telegraphs.—An increase of nearly 6,000/. in the cost of this department calls for remark. The growth of postal communication, as evidenced by the receipts, wilt- explain the additions which have been found necessary in the establishments at Vryburg, Mafeking and Macloutsi, while the extension of the system through the Protectorate can only l>e kept up by the yment of a very heavy subsidy for the conveyance of mails from 2afeking to Macloutaie. It will, no doubt, be a long time before the Government can recoup itself for such a payment by a corresponding increase of postal revenue, while the political importance of this line of communication, and the heavy charge it entails on Imperial Funds, should form strong reasons for an * active support being given to any scheme of railway extension northwara from Mafeking, Customs.—A Customs Department appears this year, for the first time, in the list, of establishments. Although it is responsible for the actual collection of only one-fifth of our Customs Revenue it is a necessary part of the system of the Customs Union of which British Bechuanaland is now a member. Its head-quarters have lately been removed from Vryburg to Mafeking, wliere the receipts, on account of the extensive use made by merchants of the newly-opened bonded store there, are rapidly increasing Police.—A considerable reduction has been made in the cost of the police during the past year, notwithstanding that additional expenditure was necessarily incurred when complications in the Northern Protectorate and Matabeleland were anticipated. The favourable rates obtained for forage, mealies, and transport have caused a very large saving to be made on the sum voted for forage rations for horses and mules. Miscellaneous.—Provision was made in the past year, under the vote " Miscellaneous/ for the payment of a Capitation Grant to a force of volunteers. No payment has, however, been made during the past year on this account. It is to be hoped that all chance has not been thereby lost of securing a grant in aid of such a force. Provided the corns proposed to be formed proves worthy of assistance, it is well worth while to grant money in this direction, as an investment, for defence purpose}, with a view to the formation ilOLONIAL BEPOBT3.—ANN UAL. 17 of a force which may, in time, partially supersede the very expensive force of mounted police now being maintained. Education.—But if it is worth while to |trant 400/. for the above purpose, what should be the sum devoted, if only as an investment, 10 the cause of education ? During the three years covered by the return given above, the sum of 555/. has been spent on education in this territory. A grant of only 300/. per annum to a territory of this extent is manifestly inadequate—or else too much. It is too much for what is attempted at present. A grant of 30*. or 3/. to a rural school per annum is good money wasted. What is really required is (1) a lump sum for construction of buildings, and for the initiation of a scheme, and (2) the guarantee of a smaller sum, payable annually, for purposes of maintenance. As in the case of the capitation grant to the Volunteer corps, the amount of each of these sums should be fixed according to the interest taken, and disposition to contribute evinced by the inhabitants of the territory. Census.—The taking of the Census in the month of April, 1891, was on the whole satisfactorily accomplished, and the results, thanks to the good offices of the Director of Census in the Cape Colony, have been admirably tabulated; the total cost of the service amounting to 497/. It is, however, a matter of some regret that the native population of the territory could not have been included in the returns. The reasons against such a step were clearly put by the Inspector of Native Reserves, who explained that the native mind required education, on the subject of a Census, and that even if the funds for such an object were forthcoming, the time available was not sufficient. Mr. S+> Quintin's official registers roughly supply much of the information which would have been collected in detail by Census. Public Works Extraordinary.—The chief work that has been performed during the past year is the erection of a general nospitaMn Vryburg, which is now nearly approaching completion. Most of the labour has been supplied from the central gaol, and this and other useful public works performed by prisoners, should be set off against the increase of expenditure for maintenance of gaols. Heavy expenditure has been incurred in the Protectorate over well-sinking, which has swallowed up a very large portion of the sum voted for public works. No more useful work could have been executed had it resulted in the anticipated supply of water, but the sites for the wells appear to have been unfortunately chosen, and further expenditure will be necessary to attain the object desired. Since my last report to your Honour, a system of local audit has been put in operation, which has, I think, been of great advantage to the finances of the territory. The new local auditor, Mr. D. Ward, has co-operated with me most cordially,

I 72600. n COLONIAL BEPOBTS.-HsWTOAL.

BWTTEH and his exertions, mere especially in matters regarding^* ELAI!O.!,A" c°Uection of Revenue, have led to valuable results. —;— I beg leave, also, to express to your Honour my appreciation of the services rendered by Captain Greener, tlve newly appointed Pay-master of the British Bechuanaland Police. He has now in his hands the payment of the whole force, with the exception of A. troop, ami in addition performs other accounting work in connection with the internal administration of the corps. The results, so far a? this department is concerned, are most satisfactory. Captain Greener will, I understand, shortly take charge of a savings bank for the benefit of the men of the British Bechuanaland Police in the Protectorate. I take this opportunity of stating to your Honour that a system of savings banks in each of the five divisions of the territory would supply a social want keenly felt by the bulk of the inhabitants of British Bechuanaland. I have, &c (Signed) F. G. NEWTOH, His Honour the Administrator, Receiver-General. Vryburg.

REPORT OF CBOWN PROSECUTOR.

(Extract.)

Crown Prosecutor's Office, Vryburg, SIB, April 9, 1892. I HAVE the honour to submit the following report for the year and a half ending 31st March last:—

District of Vryburg. As might have been expected, owing to the influx of population consequent on the railway extension to Vryburg, there was an increase in crime, but I am pleaded to say that the majority of offences were of the minor kinds, such as petty assaults, and contraventions of the Masters and Servants, Police Offences, and Vagrancy Acts, &c. The wholesale deforestation of the territory, and of this district in particular, and the exportation of wood for use as fuel in the diamond mines at Kimberley have caused, and continue to cause, much alarm. It is an undoubted fact that large quantities of wood are out on unoccupied private lands without the consent of the owners. As these owners are not resident in the territory, convictions under the Forest and Herbage Preservation Act, 1859, are not easily obtainable. The evil can only be prevented by most stringent and arbitrary means. A law prohibiting the exportation OCLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL. of wood would effect the desired result, but it would, I apprehend* Bxrraa bo against the. spirit of the Customs Union Convention. ^SD"1 The management of the Central Gaol has been excellent. — The health of the prisoners has materially benefited by an increase of vegetable diet. I desire to call attention to the necessity of European guards being put in charge of hard labour parties. The present guards, natives, are quite unable to exercise the necessary control over the prisoners while at work. I trust that provision exists in the estimates for the current year, for a new court-room, as the accommodation afforded by the present building is inadequate.

Districts of Mafeking and Kuruman. The state of these two districts, as far as crime is concerned, has been satisfactory, notably in the case of Kuruman.

District of Taxings. Stock thefts were more frequent than during the year ending September, 1890. I am given to understand that the Colonial Kaffirs residing on the farms bordering on the Cape Colony and Transvaal, are receivers of stock stolen in the Colony Free State and Transvaal. Cases of theft by the Bechuanas are very rare.

District of Gordonia. The usual monthly returns forwarded to me show an increase in crime in this district, the culprits being wandering Corannas and Bushmen. The presence of an efficient police detachment will undoubtedly minimize crime. The jurisdiction of the Resident Magistrate of the district has been extended over the newly annexed Bastard Territory. This, I take it, is meant as a temporary measure pending the appointment of a judicial officer at Mier. the chief village of the Bastard Settlement

General. The responsibilities of my Department have been increased by my appointment as Crown Prosecutor for the Protectorate. As this appointment is of recent date, I am not in a position to report on criminal matters in that territory. I desire once more to place on record my opinion that pi vision should be made for a better administration of justice by means of a Recorder's Court, with trial by jury. I am aware that the es­ tablishment of such a court would involve an increase of expenditure, but 1 would most respectfully submit that the increase of the farming and commercial population, and the changed circumstances B 2 COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL,

BRITISH 0f tj,e country, fully justify an alteration in the judicial system. ere 8UC a court "SSmfA~ ^ ^ established, I would suggest that it be vested —* with the judicial powers at present exercised by His Honour the Administrator in his capacity as Resident Commissioner in the Protectorate. The want of an ex tradition treaty with each of the neighbouring Republics continues to be felt. Had such a treaty existed between the Transvaal and this territory the great expense incurred by our Government in effecting the arrest of Norrts. the defaulting railway clerk, would have been saved. The extradition of fugitive offenders from the Protectorate and Mashonaland has been provided for by the extension of the Fugitive Offenders Act to these Territories. My attention has lately been called to the desirability of approaching the Cape Colony and the two Republics with a view to reciprocal legislation in the question of endorsement of writs of execution. I have, &c. The Secretary to (Signed) J. VINTCENT, His Honour the Administrator. Crown Prosecutor.

(Extract)

ANNUAL REPOBT OF SUBVETOR-GENEBAL, 1st OCTOBER 1890 TO 31st MARCH 1892.

Trigonometrical Survey.—The trigonemetrical survey of British Bechuanaland was commenced in April 1886 by Lieutenant Laffan, R.E., who completed his measurement of the base line and the observations of a few stations near to it in May 1867. From this baseline situated near Taungs, thetriangulation was extended during 1887, 1888, and 1889, south-eastward, by Mr. Melviil, over an area of 698 square miles, and north-eastward by Messrs. Melviil and Kolbe, over an area of 3,630 square miles, the length of the tract of country triangulated over being about 170 miles. In February 1891, Messrs. Moorrees and Bosman sent in their first section of the trigonometrical survey, extending from the hase line about 54 miles north and 60 miles west, and covering an area of 1,615 square miles. This, however, includes about 127 square miles already triangulated by Mr. Melviil. The second section, which was completed in February 1891, contained an area of 3,300 square miles, and extends south- westwards from the preceding section over Kuruman for a distance of about 50 miles, with a mean breadth of about 65 miles. The secondary triangulation of this section was ordered to stand over for some future time, in consequence of the urgent necessity of extending the survey into Gordonia. COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL.

Notwithstanding the great difficulties which had to be BRITISH BIOHUAHA- encountered in crossing theKalihari, the third or Gordonia section LABTD. of this work was completed last month. It consists of a single line of polygons and quadrilaterals extending from the previous section westward past Upington to the Molopo River. Its length is about 160 miles with a mean breadth of about 14£ miles and an area of 2,345 square miles. The total area covered by the trigonometrical survey up to the present is, therefore, 11,467 square miles. As regards the merits of this work from a scientific point of view the following table, in which some of the principal Geodetic triangulations in Europe and South Africa are arranged in order of merit, will show not only that the three sections of the Bechuanaland trigonometrical survey occupy no mean position among the best Geodetic surveys of the world, but also that a higher standard of accuracy has been obtained in each succeeding section.

Mean Error Size of of a single Theodolite angle. observed with.

Geodetic Surrey, South Africa. (Port Elizabeth ±0"-566 10 inch. Section). Strure Russian Arc. ±0"- 60 13 inch. Geodetic Surrey, South Africa (Natal and +0"*644 18 inch. Griqualand East Section). Prussian triangulation. ±0"- 65 12 in. and 15 in. Maclears' Arc of the Meridian. South Africa. ±1"- 03 20 in. and 8| in. Bechuanaland triangulation. (3rd Section). + 1"- 04 7 inch.

French Arc Measurement. ±1//. 05 Unknown. Austrian triangulation. ±1"- 23 Unknown. Bechuanaland triangulation (2nd section). ±1//. 38 7 inch. //. Baden triangulation. ±1 48 8 inch. Eurhessen triangulation. + !"• 65 Unknown. Bavaria triangulation. + 1"- 81 Unknown. Bechuanaland triangulation (first section). ±2"- 09 7 inch. Ordnance Survey, Great Britain. ±2"- 21 3 ft., 2 ft., and 18 inch. Wiirteraburg triangulation. ±2"- 23 12 inch. Hessen Darmstadt triangulation. + 2"- 87 Unknown.

According to the original agreement and instructions there was no necessity for such superior class of work, and I may therefore be allowed to mention the name of Mr. J. J. Bosnian, one of our colonial surveyors, as the man to whose ability, aeal, and devotion to his work we are indebted for the high standard of this important survey. From a practical point of view the value of this work can hardly be over-rated; in many countries erroneous surveys are one of the most fruitful causes of litigation and waste of money in connection with disputed land boundaries, necessitating very often the enormous expense of subsequent geodetic triangulations and re-survey of land grants* The Imperial Government has conferred a great boon on this territory, by authorising a geodetic 22 COLONIAL BHPOBT&—AHITOAL*

ggmft tnangulation as the basis of all future survey operations, but I iJJ^!fA" may likewise bo allowed to state, that the manner in which this _ work was commenced, and continued up to the present, reflects very great credit on the judgment, ability and tact of the late Surveyor-General, Mr. Duncan. To his forethought and energy in the first place we are indebted for the great practical advantages we are already reaping from this work, viz: the eorrect and uniform numerical data supplied to our surveyors, which enables them to do their work in a satisfactory manner, and the great facility and accuracy with which in this office we *re enabled to lay down on the map of the country, the results 01 wvery survey which has been connected with the trigonometrical piles. Co-ordinate and Compass Surveys.—The progress which has been made with the survey of land in British Bechuanaland during the last 18 months will be seen from the following fig^. s: No less than 453 farms, 17 native reserves, and 1 Crowr* reserve have been surveyed, comprising a total area of 2,298,560 morgen of ground, or 4,865,000 English acres. In addition to these the township of Upington has been laid out. The greater part of these surveys have been In the Divisions of Vryburg and Kuruman, but there still remains a large tract of country to the north-west of Genesa unsurveyed. In the divisions of Kuruman, Gordonia, and Mier, with exception of a narrow strip of country, covered by the trigonometrical survey, and a few surveyed farms, the whole tract of country bounded on the north by the Nosob and Molopo rivers, south by the Orange River, west by the 20th meridian, east by the 23rd meridian, and south­ east by Griqualand West, is still nnsurveyed. Three Government surveyors are at present engaged in Gordonia on surveys of farms belonging to private individuals. Native Reserves have been laid out at the following places:— Motlitcn, Lower Kuruman, Madebing, Henning Vley, Boteeteletsa Manyeding, Koning, Deben, Doxan, Bud in, Detlaraping, Garap- hoane, Linopen, Gapitia, Magonat, and the western ba?f of the Molopo Native Reserve, the total area being 386,933 morgen.* Crown Reserve.—At Kuruman 32,183 morgen have been surveyed and set apart as a Crown Reserve. Land Sales.—Two large blocks of land have been sold to companies. The Bechuanaland Estates Syndicate have purchased 100 farms comprising 301,327 morgen of ground at the rate of 2#. per morgen, while a thousand square miles or 306,860 morgen of ground have been sold to the Southern Land Company at the same rate. Two similar blocks of land have been applied for, one by Mr. T. W. Beckett, of Pretoria, and the other by the London und Bechuanaland Land Syndicate; but it is still doubtful whether the conditions of sale will be accepted.

* Colonial Office Not*.—Certain of the names as given in the Report cannot be identified with any places hitherto known in official correspondence. COLONIAL RHPOBT&—-ANNUA!* 28

Twelve thousand square miles have been granted for railway totttttik construction from the Border to Mafeking. Of th is, fi?e large BSOBOAIU blocks, in extent about 6,000 square miles, and including many L_ surveyed farms, have been selected and demarcated on the map Every farm, which is Grown land, in the Taunos and Kuruman districts, together about 1,000 square mile?, has also been selected, and the balance, about 5,000 square mil*s, will be bounded, east by the existing grants, and west by a line drawn from a point along the Mofopo, somewhere to the west of Manbela, to a point on the Griqualand West border, somewhere near Eysle's Farm, Witsand. No provision has been made as yet for demarcating on the ground the unsurveyed portion of this grant, and the railway extension from Vryburg to Mafeking has not been commenced. Only one farm has been sold to a private individual. In the township of Mafeking, 26 erven have been sold by public auction, and one out of hand. In Vryburg 13 erven, and at Kuruman 1 erf, have been sold.

Demand Jor Land.—The demand for land has very much increased during the past year, but applicants appear to consider the price asked too high, the position of available land being more or less unsuitable. There have been, however, over 100 applications tor farms in the newly annexed district of Mier, and as scon as the land there can be surveyed into farms it is hoped that good prices will be obtained at public auction.

Departmental Work—The increase of work in this office, which has been so great as to necessitate additional assistance, will be seen from the following figures:—

The number of titles issued:— During 1889-90 • • amounted to 56 „ 1890-91 - - „ „ 125" and „ 1891-92 - „ „ 216

which numbers should be trebled to show the actual work done, as each title deed and diagram is made out in triplicate ; while upwards of 1,500 diagrams have been examined during the past year. In addition to the preparation of diagrams and numerous tracings and plans, a special compilation of all the surveyed portions of British Bechuanaland has been completed, and a map illustrative of His Excellency the Governor's trip to the Protector­ ate, and maps for use in the taking of the Census have also been made. District of Mier.—In July 1891, I received instructions to inspect end report upon the newly annexed territory of Mier, and to demarcate approximately its western boundary line, which like­ wise forms the -boundary between the English and German possessions in South-Western Africa. This district is bounded on 24 COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL.

BJBCHTUWA tne nortn, east» an<* •troth* hy the Nosob, Molopo, and Orange x^o* A rivers respectively, and on the west by the 20th Meridian. — The work was performed for a distance of about 120 miles from the Orange River northwards, which is as far as was practicable, for the country further north is uninhabited and destitute of water, and can only be traversed during coo * seasons, when the wild melon, which has to provide roan and beast with water, abounds. In consequence of a severe drought it was impossible to proceed further north ; but under the circumstances I consider it as very satisfactory to be able to report that whst was really necessary has been completed. The boundary line, which could only bt approximately demar­ cated, as the trigonometrical survey was not sufficiently advanced to enable me to determine it accurately, cut« through David Vilander's country thereby causing great regret to the Chief and his people, who sincerely wished that the whole of their country should have been annexed, and urgently requested me to com­ municate this wish to Her Majesty's representative in British Bechuanaland. As regards the value of their land I cannot pro­ nounce a very favourable opinion, but the inhabitant*, mostly bastards, a mixed race of colonial origin, may he described as a good and law-abiding class of people. Formerly they chiefly lived by hunting large game, but as the same gets exterminated, their habits become more and more pastoral, so that now somo well-to-do cattle farmers are found amongst them. They hold their lands under a kind of individual freehold tenure, and speak the Dutch and Hottentot languages with equal facility. The area of Vilander's country is about 10,492 square miles, of which about 8,383 square miles fall to the east and about 2,109 square miles to the west of the 20th meridian. The approximate area of the whole district of Mier is about 9,875 square miles, of which about 3,209 square miles have been granted as farms, and about 6,666 square miles are still available Crown land. (Signed) A. MOORBEES, Vryburg, April 5th, 1892. Surveyor General.

REPOBT UPON THE DEEDS REGISTBY OFFICE OF BRITISH BECHUANALAND FOB THE YEAB, OCTOBEB 1890 TO SEPTEMBER 1891, AND FOB THE PEBIOD OCTOBEB 1891 TO MABCH 1892.

From the annexed comparative statement it will appear that there has been a marked increase in all the more important sources of revenue of this department. OOLOVIAL RSPOBTS.—ANNUAL. 25

Though the number of trentfen registered during the year *J™"

91 is very little in excess of those registered during the preceding tiTO veer, the Tslue of property transferred has been much greater, — being in the proportion of nearly If to 1. This increase in Talue may, in a measure, be attributed to the high values placed upon a few farms disposed of by speculators to companies promoted for the ostensible purpose of carrying on ranching operations. The real and more desirable cause of the steadily increasing value of landed property, however, is the influx of a large number of well-to-do farmers from the Cape Colony, Orange Free State, and Transvaal, who have purchased land in British Bechuanaland, principally in the division of Vryburg, for the purpose of settling down to farming, regarding this county as offering exceptional faoiliiies for all branches of the industry. During the early part of the year properties situate in the Township of Vryburg, were sold at high prices owing to the impetus given to business by the completion of the railway to this point, which, as the terminus, became the base of a large forward­ ing business to Mashonaland and the Transvaal. The extension of the railway beyond Bloemfonteiu, by which nearly the whole ot the Transvaal traffic has been diverted, and the prospect of an early extension of the line to Mafeking, have tended latterly to bring down the prices of property in this town considerably, and it may now be said to have reached its normal valne. The increase in the number and value of bonds registered has been very marked. This may be regarded as a very favourable sign, indicating a growing confidence on the part of capitalists in Bechuanaland properties, as offering sound securities for remunera­ tive investment. The increase in the work of the office, noted in the foregoing, has been fully maintained during the latter period to which this report alludes. In compliance with a request contained in the annual report for last year, a clerk was appointed to this office in April last; the appointment has been fully justified by the increased work which has had to be dealt with, and consequent increased revenue. I would again draw attention to the very unsatisfactory condition of the strong room attached to this office, it is neither burglar nor fire-proof; the very serious and irreparable loss which may result to the Government, owing to its present condition, demands early attention to this matter. The following is a comparative statement of the number of transfers registered, value of property transferred, number and value of hypothecations registered, and other sources and amounts of revenue for the periods 1889-90,1890-91, and 1891-92. This statement does not, however, convey an accurate idea of the work dealt with in this office, as all work, such as the registra­ tion for issue of new title deeds, &c, from which there is no revenue derived by this department, does not appear in the statement. S6 OOtttWiAI. BB*01tT8.*-~AMy9AX»

Comparative Statement

. 1889-90 .',1890-91. 1891-91.

Number of transfers registered 181 184 191 „ DO iidt registered - 51 119 7? „ bonds cancelled - 48 45 80 A s. d. A $. J. £ t. Value of property transferred 68,786 11 4 91,161 6 9 80,419* 4 » „ bonds registered - 17,749 1 0 66,947 8 5 81,788, 8 5 „ bonds cancelled • . 10,780 10 1 15,000 1 0 15,105 1 8

The departmental revenue is as follows:— Amount received In stamps on value of property transferred 139 8 0 199 1 0 181 8 0 Amount received in stamps on value - of bonds passed - 119 4 6 247 10 0 149 16 » Amount received in registration fees on transfers 181 0 0 167 0 0 77 0 0 Amount received in registration foes • on ante-nuptial contracts - 10 1 0 16 6 0 10 15 0 Amount received in registration fees on sundry documents 41 17 6 18 19 0 11 17 0 Amount received on powers of attorney - 15 15 0 48 4 6 16 10 0 Amount received on cancelled bonds - 8 7 0 9 15 0 6 8 0 Amount received on cession of bonds 6 19 e 11 17 6 7 18 0 Amount received on cancellation of interdicts 8 8 0 0 9 0 0 8 0 Amount received on seaiehes - 18 18 0 14 16 0 9 7 0

Total - - 801 18 6 1,068 19 0 551 11 6

(Signed) E. Boss TOWNSBND, Deeds Begistry Office, Vryburg, Acting Registrar. 4th April 189?.

REPORT or THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL AND SUPERINTENDENT OF TELEGRAPHS.

Office of the Postmaster-General and Superintendent of Telegraph, SIR. Vryburg, April 16,1892. I HAVE the honour to submit the report of this department for the eighteen months ended 31st March 1892, together with comparative statements of the work done and Revenue collected for the years 1889-90, 1890-91, and 1891-92. From the statements submitted, it will be observed that there has been a »7 considerable increase in the work deatt with, and the Revenue collected under all heads; This is chiefly due to the operations of the British 8oath Africa Oompany in Mashonaland, as aH itttl matter, and telegraph work pasted through this territory, and a transit rate has been levied by this Government on letters-, telegrams, &c. passing between the Company's territories, and other South African Colonies and States.

Post Offices. Since my last report, the postal agency at Macloutsi has been created a Post-office, and a Postmaster appointed there. This office is now the office of exchange between this territory and Mashonaland. As a considerable amount of postal work has to be dealt with at Maclouts' additional accommodation has been provided. The postal agencies in the Protectorate, vis.,Kanya and Molepolole, are now served by native runners from the main coach route. The agencies at Tati and Buluwayo are also served by runners from Palachwe. A postal agenoy has also been established at Keimoes m the division of Gordonia; this agenoy is served by Native runners from Upington, via the Agency at Blqpuifontein.

Conveyance of Mails. There is new a daily service between Vryburg and Kimberley byt rain, and a bi-weckly service by coach between Vryburg, and Mafeking, and a weekly service by cart between Mafeking and Maclouteie. Kuruman is now served once a week from Vryburg by cart, and a contract has been entered into for a bi-weekly service to commence on the 1st May next.

Telegraphs. The general wc.!ting of the Telegraph Department has been most satisfactory, during the last eighteen months; there have been but few line interruptions, and practically no delay to traffic ; the new instruments mentioned in my last report as necessary to meet the increasing work have been provided. The extension of the wire beyond Mafeking by the British South Africa Chartered Company, has been completed to Fort Salisbury, the head-quarters of the Company in Mashonaland.

General. The work done by the Postal and Telegraph Departments, during the last eighteen months, as already pointed out, has been very considerable, and it gives me great pleasure to be able to testify to the careful manner in which the work has been dealt with by every member of the staff. As already mentioned, the great increase of work and revenue as been due to the British South Africa Company's operations i COLONIAL REPORTS,—ANNUAL.

Bams* in Mashonaland; as the Company, however, are making use of ^JJJJJ**" other routes for mail matter to and from their territories, viz.:— [ via\ Pictersburg through the Transvaal, and vi& Port Beira and the Pungwe River, I rear there must necessarily be a considerable falling on in our Postal revenue dur'nj the next twelve months. t have, &c. (Signed) J. MIDDLBTON, Postmaster-General and His Honour Superintendent of Telegraphs. Sir Sidney Shippard, K.C.M.G., &c. &c. &c. Administrator, British Bechuanaland.

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS BRITISH BECHUANALAND.

SIR, Mafeking, April, 1892. I HAVE the honour to present herewith the following report on the Customs transactions of this Colony to the 31st March, 1892. Entry of Britixh Bechuanaland into the South African Customs Union. During the period from October 1885, when Her Majesty's sovereignty was proclaimed over this territory, until 31st December 1890 no Customs duties were levied upon goods entering British Bechuanaland. As this is an inland territory all importations from countries beyond the sea came through either the Cape Colony or Natal. The Cape Customs tariff is very high, because a large section of the Colonists have strong objections to direct taxation, but in order to enable the Cape merchants to compete on even terms in this respect with those of Natal, in which Colony the tariff is much lower, the Cape Government granted a rebate of customs duties upon the majority of the goods removed to certain inland countries, including Bech­ uanaland. The rebate, however, in no case exceeded the difference between the amounts of the Customs duties payable on such good* in the Cape Colony and Natal respectively. Merchants and consumers in this territory benefited to the extent of some thousands of pounds annually by this arrangement but no advantage was reaped by the Government; and in order to obtain revenue from such a legitimate source the Bechuanaland Government decided to join the South African Customs Union. I have much pleasure in reporting that the financial result is very satisfactory and that the regulations are working smoothly. The duties, according to a uniform tariff*, are collected at various sea and inland ports on the borders of the union. Hie Govern- COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL.

I ment of each country retains the whole of the duties collected ])^^J 1. by it upon goods consumed within the same; and retains one- T,^Li fourth of the duties upon goods removed for consumption in other — countries wtthin the Union, paying over the remainder three- fourths to the Government of the latter. There is free trade between the parties to the Union in respect of all South African products imported overland. Rebate is still allowed upon goods removed through the Union under certain regulations to coun­ tries outside its limits, and the whole of the duties, less rebate, are retained by the country into which such goods were first imported. Arrangements have also been made by means of which goods warehoused in bond without the payment of duty in one country can be removed to bonding warehouses ?n other coun­ tries within the Union, the Government of the country from which they are removed paying the cost of the collection of duties upon final delivery from bond and receiving its share of duties as if they had been collected on first importation. Accounts between the parties to the Union are adjusted quarterly. The Customs Union at present comprises the following countries, viz.:—the Cape Colony and the Orange Free State by agreement from 1st July 1889, British Bechuanaland from 1st January 1891, and Basutoland from 1st July 1891, provision has been made for any other civilized Governments in South Africa to join after six months' notice dating from 1st January or let ' y in any year.

Imports, Prior to our entry into the Union no statistics were kept of the trade of this territory except by the Customs Department of the Cape Colony, which has recorded the quantity and value of goods exported under rebate of duty. From the published re'' is of the Cape Government I extracted statistics relating to V h goods and on the 7th ultimo submitted to your Honour detailed statetm ts of our trade during the years ending 31st December 188i 1890, and 1891, so far as the particulars can be ascertained. The total recorded value of dutiable goods im­ ported during the financial years ending 31st March was as follows:—

£ 1889-90. Into Bechuanaland and the Protectorate 62,213 1890-91. Do. 132,607 1391-92. Into British Bechuanaland £90,053 Into and through the Protectorate 54,495—144,548 These figures, however, do not represent, the entire cost to the Colony of its imports, because according to the laws at present in force the value of imports is taken to be the declared value at the port of shipment with the addition of only 5 per cent. The various costs and charges upon the goods which are incurred 30 COLONIAL RSPOBTS.—ANNUAL. between the port of shipment and Bechuanaland in respect of commissions, insurance, freight, dock-dues, railage, &c* vary from 45 per cent, to 300 per cent.-upon the declared value. It will therefore be a great improvement from a statistical point of view when the parties to the Customs Union agree to accept the actual cost of the (roods as they lie at the port of entry, as the real value thereof. This was recently recommended by a special committee in England for adoption throughout the Empire.

" Through Traffic* The extension of the railway system to Vrybarg caused a considerable proportion of the merchandise for the South African Republic from the Cape Colony to be sent through this territory for fifteen months; but the opening of the Cape Railway to Kroon- stadt in the Orange Free State in February last has naturally diverted a large portion of that traffic During the last twelve months no less than 39,469,413 lbs. weight of merchandise were received at Vryburg Station. As mining machinery is admitted dutyfree the regulations do not require that waggon passes should be granted for it. There has, however, been considerable traffic in dutiable goods upon which rebate has been granted. During 1891-2 there were 4,302 waggon-loads of goods weighing 31,068,864 lbs. cleared through the Vryburg Custom House, being an average of 359 waggons and 2,689,072 lbs. monthly. The busiest month was October, when the details of 533 waggon loads, weighing 3,753,053 lbs. were entered and the lightest month was March, 1892, when only 162 waggons conveying 1,231,200 lbs. were recorded.

Exports. The cost of collecting full statistics as* to the quantity and value of exports from this territory would probably be greater than their present importance would warrant. By the courtesy of the Railway Department I am able to supply the following particulars as to the weight of goods removed from Bechuanaland by rail u« the Cape Colony and Orange Free Stale.

From Decem­ — ber, 189C, to Financial March 1891. Tear 1891-2.

» lbs. Iba. General Merchandize - 383,926 1,808,723 Wo jl and Mohair 176,685 673,585 Grain and Cereals • - 5,300 4,243,159 Agricultural Produce (not otheiwlse specified) - 2,891 319,920 Timber and firewood - - - - 80,676 7,652,431 Minerals and gravel 805,746 Skins and Hides, Horns and Ivory - 180,685 980,681

780,163 15,984,245 The Height removed loathe Orange4 Free State *rasW IbsT in JiSroSl 1890-1 and 97,785 lbs in 1891-2. The smallest qn&titHy sent ififo. away in any one month during the past financial ye ir was in April 1891, when the total only reached 388,110 lbs.; the greatest weight was in March 1892 when the total was 3,415,632 lbs. of which no less than 2,118,004 lbs. is included under the head of timber and firewood. I regret to have to record the last item, because it indicates the reckless extent to which living trees, which cannot well be spared in this country, are being destroyed for sale as firewood in Kimberley. I presume that tfoe various Civil Commissioners in the territory nave already brought the matter to your Honour's notice, and I, therefore, content myself with merely reporting the figures. 1 should add that the wool and mohair came chiefly from the South African Republic, the grain and cereals from Bechuanaland Native Reserves and the skiss, hides, horns and ivory, principally from this territory and the Protectorate.

Customs Duties Received.

During the past fifteen months the following amounts have been received :— Duties on excessive stocks held by importers £ s. d. on 31st December 1890 .... 3,384 4 3 Duties on goods entered for consumption in British Bechuanaland .... 12,014 0 10 Duties on goods entered on importation for removal to the Cape Colony - - - 30 13 1 Duties, less rebate, on goods entered for removal to places beyond the Union, viz:— £ s. d. On first importation - , - 4 6 5 From Bond - 240 9 7 244 16 0

£15,673 14 2

Collections 1890-1 (3 months) were - 2,448= 6 4 Do 1891-2 12 months) were - 13,225 7 10

£l5,m 14 2 82 COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL.

FTFTLTIFLF -• BMHDAMA- The amount payable to the Cape Government in terms of the Convention On goods removed to the Cape Colony (}ths £ s. d. of full duty) 631 19 9 On goods originally warehoused in the Cape Colony and de­ livered from Bond in British Bechuanaland ±th of receipts for consumption in British £ s. d. Bechuanaland - - - 138 13 9 The whole of duty, less rebate, upon goods exported beyond the Union - - - - 234 14 11 373 8 8

making a total of 1,005 8 5 thus leaving c net revenue for the 15 months amounting to 14,668 5 9

The amounts and proportions contributing to this result by the various classes of merchandize are

Duty. Percentage.

Provisions (various kind*) 1,587 10-5 A Coffee 988 6*41 Chicory ------126 *86 Tea 758 5*18 Sugar 941 6*48 2,768 18-8 Ale and Beer - - - - - 458 3-18 Spirits 2,475 16*89 Wine .... - 285 1*60 3,168 216 Tobacco (all kinds) - - - - 849 5 80 Drugs, &c. 122 '88 971 6*6

Total from food, drink, and narcotics 8,489 57-5

Baw Materials - 210 1-4 Manufactured Articles: Textile - - - - 2,781 18-98 Metal 1,158 7-87 ^Other 1,826 11-09 5,560 38-0

Unclasaified ------459 8-1

Total 14,668 100- COLONIAL RBPOKT8v---ANirUAL.

Bonding Warehouses. Bsaa*i*4> As Vryburg is the seat of government, and the present terminus of the Bechuanaland railway, it was proclaimed a free- warehousing port when the Customs Laws for this territory were promulgated The Vryburg storekeepers did not avail themselves of the advantages thus offered them, and as the Mafeking storekeepers urged their claims to a similar privilege the appoint­ ment of Vryburg as a free-warehousing town was revoked in favour of Mafeking. The result has amply justified the change, as the following figures will show:— The Vryburg storekeepers during 12 months placed only 48 packages, valued at 40/., into bond, whilst at Mafeking, during the six weeks ended 31st March 1892, there were:— £ s. d. "Warehoused" - - 3,700 packages, valued at 5,178 17 11 and * delivered" - 1,717 „ „ 2,425 9 1

Balance being - 1,983 2,753 8 10

I have, &c. (Signed) ERNEST C. BAXTER, To His Honour the Administrator, Collector of Customs. British Bechuanaland.

REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OP NATTVE RESERVES.

Taung, British Bechuanaland, SIR, April 12, 1892. I HAVE the honour to report, as follows, for the informa­ tion of His Honour the Administrator:— Collection of Hut Tax.—I have collected the amount of four thousand and forty-eight pounds sterling (4,048/. sterling) from 1st October 1890 to 31st March 1892 ; have had no serious trouble in collecting the same. In future, for the better collection of the tax, I would suggest that the petty Chiefs in the several districts, such as Galishwe of Phokwani, Kantlapane of Monte, Phoe of Setlagoli, Motsiokomo of Pitsani, Moncnose of Moroquen, and the headmen of the smaller Reserves be allowed a small commission, say 5 per cent, on the amount collected at their respective villages; this would encourage them to keep their people up to the mark, and I believe it would materially assist lo increase the revenue. These men up to the present time have willingly assisted in the collection of the tax, and I consider that they ought to receive some slight reward for their services. I 72600. „ COLONIAL BBPORT& —ANNUJX.

Bimn In this matter the paid Chiefs must not be taken into con- BMUUAXA- eideration, as the petty Chiefs and headmen mentioned work uxo' independently with their people. Further, I would suggest that any native failing to pay the tax to the collector on application should be made liable to pay a fine, say of 5s. in the pound; this would, of coarse, not apply to a man who may have been unable to pay through sickness or other reasonable causes. Crops.—Very good last season throughout the territory; locusts were swarming in every district, but the grass being plentiful, they did no material damage to the standing crops. General Health.—Good, no serious epidemic to contend against. Feelings.—General feeling of contentment and security. Taungs natives complain sadly of want of grazing veld. My assistant, Mr. J. P McCarthy, left me early in October 1890, in order to accompany His Excellency the Governor on his tour of inspection to the Protectorate, and joined me again at Kuruman the latter end of December. He has accompanied me on my visits to the various reserves in the several districts, and has been of great service to me as interpreter, and also in the matter of registering the huts, but unfortunately he is totally unfit to take any of the clerical work connected with this Department off my shoulders. Consequently my time is wholly occupied in the work of collecting the tax, and I am thus unable to pay attention to matters in which the interests of the natives are concerned. In conclusion, I wish to bring to the notice of His Honour the Administrator the fact that the horse allowance of 40/. a year granted to myself and assistant is quite inadequate, as we are con­ tinually losing our horses from the disease prevalent in this country. During the last 12 months I have lost no less than four horses, and Mr. McCarthy has lost two. I have, &c. (Signed) C. ST. QUINTIN, To the Secretary, Inspector of Native Reserves. His Honour the Administrator, British Bechuanaland.

REPORT or THE MASTER OP THE COURT OF TUB CHIEF MAGISTRATE'S COURT OP BRITISH BECHUANALAND, TOR THE EIGHTEEN MONTHS ENDED 31ST MARCH 1892.

There has been a considerable increase in the work of this office during the past 18 months; 86 death notices have been filed, and eleven insolvencies. A great deal has also been done in the way of closing up old estates, which entails much correspondence. The Protectorate COLONIAL BEPOBTS. —ANNUAL. having been placed under the jurisdiction of the master, not only BJ^SSU- adds considerably to the work of the Department, but creates UHD, some difficulties, owing to the impossibility of getting proper — agents in that territory to carry out what is required. A Masters9 office having been established by the British South African Company, a number of estates which had been sent here for adjustment have been forwarded to that office* (Signed) R. TILLABD, Vryburg, British Bechuanaland, Master. 5th April 1892.

REPORT OP THE CIVIL COMMISSIONER OF VBYBUBG FOB THE EIGHTEEN MONTHS ENDING 31ST MARCH 1892* There has been a considerable influx of farmers into the district during the past eighteen months, and as transport has not been paying well lately, and is not likely to improve, several farmers, who formerly made their living by carrying, have now abandoned it, and are turning their attention to more legitimate fanning; the result, however, has been to lower the price of oxen and waggons, so that it is difficult to realise; a considerable number of persons have therefore been induced to go in for cutting wood, and selling it in Vryburg for the Kimberley market, and this has been carriea out to such an extent that the question of stopping it is now under the consideration of Government The farmers in the district generally are much hampered by want of capital, few of them have anything like sufficient cattle to stock their farms, and the excessive rate of interest charged hers on mortgages, prevents many from raising money* In the Cape Colony, Government lend money at easy rates for making certain productive improvements, and it would be a great benefit to the country if something of the sort could be done here. The opening of the railway has not been of so much benefit to the town as was expected, owing, no doubt, in a great measure to the distance of the station from the business part of the town. An almost separate township has sprung up in the vicinity of the station, but the buildings are not of a permanent character, and will probably be removed when the mil way goes on further. The Divisional Council have spent more money on the roads during the past 18 months than during the whole of their previous existence. A new valuation of the division is now being made, and as a large number of farms have been given out since the last was mtrde, the revenue of the Council will no doubt be considerably augmented. The District, however, is so large that it is impossible to keep all the roads in order. The revenue of the Board of management has increased, and a loan was raised for street-making purposes. c 2 36 COLONIAL REPORT*.—ANNUAL.

BacSSSu.- Considerable improvements have been made during the past uu,^ 18 months. The hospital, which is now near completion, will _ no doubt be a great boon, not only to the district, but also to other parts of the territory. There has been an increase of nearly 20 per cent, on the real revenue of the division, collected by my Department during the past 12 months. The Gaol is in good order, but the brickwork requires plastering. It affords sufficient accommodation for present requirements. Public Offices have been repaired, and are now in good order. A new Court-room, however, is much needed. Vryburg, B.B., (Signed) R. TILLARD,

April 5, 1892. t Civil Commissioner.

REPORT OP THE RESIDENT MAGISTRATE, MAFEKING.

SIR, April 13, 1892. IN compliance with your letter No. 28 of the 18tb December, I have the honour to submit my annual report for the past L5 months. This period having been comparatively uneventful, my report will therefore be necessarily short. Politically I have little to chronicle; the Barolong still continue to be law-abiding and orderly ; credit is, I think, due to the Chief Montsioa for his action on the occasion of rumoured trouble with the Natives at Molepolole; he, Montsioa, assembled his people and warned them to be in readiness to assist the Government if necessary. I am glad to say I am able to obtain help from the Chief in judicial matters whenever required. The death a few months back of the eldest son and heir, Kebalapile, was a source of great sorrow to Montsioa and to the nation at large. Owing to the rains this season being somewhat late, and to the ravages caused by the swarms of locusts which have visited this district for months past, the harvest prospects are far from bright, but from what I can gather there is little fear of there being any want as there is still a store of grain from past year's crops, and the native? can also always fall back on transport as a means of livelihood. Crime shows a slight increase on past years, but only in proportion to the increase of population. I regret to say there is still a considerable traffic in supplying liquor to natives in spite of the severe punishment that I have inflicted in all cases that have been brought home ; the chief culprits are the members of the Indian community, of whom several have been lately convicted, and who appear to be quite callous to a sentence which may, perhaps, involve COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL. 37 six months' hard labour, for the sake of a shilling or two which BJJJJJJ^ they make out of the trade. The revenue for the year is approximate to that of last year, — and I regret my hopes of an increase have not been realised. My estimate, however, was based on the supposition that the railway would have been commenced before now, and that thereby the district would have been opened up. I havi, &c. (Signed) A. G. HATCHABD, Civil Commissioner and Resident The Secretary, Vryburg. Magistrate.

REPOBT OP RESIDENT MAGISTRATE, TAUNGS.

(Extract.) SIB, Taungs, April 4, 1892. I HAVE the honour to submit my report for this district for the last eighteen months ending the 31st March*

The Natives.

The native*' prosperity has still been satisfactory, their crops last year were very good in this district, and the prospect of the combg harvest is most promising, and their "conduct has been thoroughly law-abiding, although they have suffered heavily from farmers impounding their cattle.

Farms and Farmers.

I regret to say that I cannot report on any improvements being carried out on the f°rms of this district, and the number of farms occupied has decreased since my last report; I attribute th:~ to so many of the men who were originally granted farms in thib district having had no capital to stock and work their farms, and that the parties purchasing are not farmers, but are speculators purchasing for a rise in prices of farm®, or they have taken the farms over for debt.

Trades.

There are now 14 stores in the district, bringing in a revenue for licences of 234/. a year. Six of the stores are in the village, although by the completion of the railway, trade has considerably decreased, and is decreased to a local one, principally native. I believe they are mostly doing a paying business. 38 COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL.

Bimn Buildings, BtCHTJAJU.- The Government Buildings, with the exception of the gaolers' quarters, are in good repair, and the gaol, iince last year's additions, is very complete: but the gaoler's quarters I fear at every heavy rains will fall. They are built of raw bricks, and badly roofed, allowing the rain to get in between the roof and the walls. I have, &c. (Signed) STANLEY LOWE, Civil Commissioner and Resident To the Secretary, Vryburg. Magistrate.

ANNUAL REPOBT OF RESIDENT MAGISTRATE, KURUMAN, FROM 1ST OCTOBEB 1890 TO 31ST MABOH 1892.

According to your instructions I beg herewith to forward my Report ending 31st March 1892. Since ;ny last Report no change of any importance has taken place in my district On account of the seasonable rains the natives reaped splendid crops last season ; so that crime in the shape of thieving is almost unheard of. The great drawback to this prosperity is the facilities it affords the Bechuana of indulging in his favourite luxury—that is, in making unlimited quantities of Kaffir beer. From all sides I am informed that the natives are doing nothing else but making and drinking beer, consequently labour is scarce, as the Bechuana will not work unless driven to it. In July last I visited most of the native locations towards the West. I found everywhere the natives quiet and contented. The only imaginary grievance they had was that they could not get powder or ammunition so easily as before. I explained to them that white as well as the black man must have a permit, as it was the law, to buy ammunition; this appeared then to satisfy them.

Liquor,

I am pleased to say that, so far as T am aware of, no liquor is being supplied to the Bcchuanas in the district, but I think Kaffir and honey beer is a splendid substitute.

Unoccupied Farms.

I was in hopes that by this time most of the farms in the district would nave been occupied, but to my disappointment all vacant lands to a large extent have been given to the Railway and Chartered Company, consequently all these lands are still lying unoccupied, and the revenue of the district still remains small. I COLONIAL RBPOBTS.—ANNUAL. do trust some arrangement will soon be made so that these farms Banna can either be sold or leased, and be the means of bringing a larger population into this district. —

Roads, On account of the late heavy rains the roads are everywhere in a very bad state, especially the drifts at nome of the native locations. As the mails are at present conveyed by cart from Vryburg, it is highly desirable that something should be done to get the roads in proper repair, at all events fit to travel on.

Schools. I am pleased to say that the Misses Price are doing good work amongst the native children ; they have at present over a hundred children in sch ool. The European children are, however, neglected, especially in the district. Administration of Justice. I would venture to suggest that I think the time uas arrived that some alteration should be made in the Administration of Justice by native Chiefs or Headmen. I think that the majority of the natives would prefer to come direct to the Resident Magistrate and that therefore Sections 31 and 32 of the British Bechuanaland Regulations might be so altered as to make it optional either to go to the Headman or the Resident Magistrate direct.

Summary of Criminal Cases from 1st October 1890 to Zlst March 1892. 18 Months.

Contravention of Statute Laws - - 13 Thefts - - - -6 Perjury - - - - 1 Aisault - - - - 6

26

From 1st October 1889 to 30>A September 1890. 12 Months. Contravention of Statute Laws - « Thefts - - 3 Assault - - - - 2

13 COLONIAL REPORTS,—ANNUAL,

Brnmsa Passes issued from the above Office for the periods as under fl25TA' 1889 to 1890 - ~ - • - 1,650 1890 to 1891 - . - . 1,770 1891 to 1892 (to 31st March 1892) - 2,825

6,245

I have, &c. (Signed) C. B. SOHOLTZ, Civil Commissioner and Resident Magistrate.

DEPABTMENTAL REPOET OP RESIDENT MAGISTRATE, GOBDONIA, FOB THE 18 MONTHS ENDED THE 31ST MABCII 1892. 1.— Collection of Revenue. I am glad to report that all quit rents for the year 1891-1892 have been paid, and with the exception of a small amount of Poll Tax still due to the late Administration, there are no arrear taxes outstanding. 2.—Harvest The overflow of the Orange River occasioned great damage to the wheat and mealie crops, especially the latter, in the season 1890-1891, but it also acted as a fertilizer, renewing the exhausted ground by leaving a fertile deposit, and the last wheat harvest was very good. The standing crop of mealies promises to be an exceptionally fine one. The ravages by locusts were not so exten­ sive as was anticipated.

3.— Stock Farming. The efforts to stamp out the lung sickness were successful, and I am glad to be able to report that we have been comparatively free from horse sickness ; only two or three cases were reported from our district. The drought, which was beginning to be severely felt, is now completely btoken up, a rainfall of 3*13 inches being registered for the month of March at Upington.

4.— Trade. Trade is steadily increasing, as may bo seen by comparing the trading licences issued during the two last financial year?. £ s. d. Issued during 1890-1891 - - 192 10 0 „ 1891-1892 - - 371 10 0 A great drawback to the prosperity of this district is the difficulty of crossing the Orange River from the Colony. The only way of crossing is by means of boats, a waggon having to be taken to pieces and thus ferried across. COLONIAL BJ8P0BT8.-—ANNUAL. 41

At Upington especially the difficulty of crossing is great, and jjjjjjjj^ traffic will always be more or less impeded, even if there were a Turn, good pant, by two spruits and arms of the Orange River, which — must be crossed berore coming to the main stream, and which are often impassable. Only by means of a bridge can permanent communication with the Oape Colony be maintained. 5.—Postal Matters, During the past year another post office agency at Kumoso, was established, and others will soon become necessary, as trade extends northwards into Namaqualand, and the newly annexed district along the 20th meridian. 6.—Crimes. Owing to the influx of a mixed population, crime is, I am aorry to say, on the increase; but it is in a great measure checked by the presence of the detachment of Bechuanaland Border Police in charge of their efficient officer, Lieutenant C. MacGregor. 7.—Religion and Education. The Dutch Reformed Mission is doing a prosperous work amongst the coloured inhabitants, under the able supervision of the Reverend Mr. Schroeder. A plot of ground was granted by Government for the purpose of erecting a Dutch Reformed Church and parsonage in the township of Upington, and as farmers are coming into the district, we may soon hope to see the chapel built. The three mission schools, two of which are aided by Govern­ ment, are well attended. A school for European children is urgently required; many of them now attend the mission schools. 8.—Neighbours, The relations with our neighbours to the west, namely the Namaqua tribe, called Boudelzwarts, were of the most amicable nature. The Namaqua Chieftain, Hendrick Witbovy, still con­ tinues to keep Damaraland in a disturbed state by periodical raids ; but they do not affect the tranquility on our borders in the slightest degree. C. BAM, Upington, 29th March 1892. Civil Commissioner and Resident Magistrate.

REPORT OF THE DISTRICT SURGEON, VRYBURG. SIR, Vryburg, March 31, 1892. I HAVE the honour to submit, for the information of His Honour the Administrator, that during the last 18 months the district and township of Vryburg has been, notwithstanding the large floating population caused by the construction of the railway, exceptionally healthy. 42 COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL.

fr"™ 2. During this period I have to record the following zymotic Ba(maAXX USD " diseases whioh occurred in the township:—Two cases of enterio fever, one of which was contracted at Kimberlev, an epidemic of whooping cough, diphtheria, and influenza/the latter, so far, being of a very mild nature. 3. I consider that the Contagious Diseases Act ought to be enforced at the native location, Vryburg, owing to the large number of native servants (employed by the inhabitants) residing there, and that the publio should have some protection against the spread of syphilis which is frequently effected through those servants attending children. In one case eight children of one family alone suffered several months from this fell disease which was contracted through a native servant. 4. The health of the convicts at the central gaol has been excellent, with the exception of an outbreak of scurvy among the native prisoners, that being the only zymotic disease occurring among them. The trivial cases average three per diem. During this period four deaths occurred in the gaol hospital, viz.:—Two native pauper patients and two native convicts. The diet of the convicts has been improved. The cells and yards are kept in good order. 5. I consider it advisable that a registration of births and deaths for the township and district of Vryburg be instituted. For the township the Secretary of the Village Management Board, and in the district the field cornets of the various wards, could act as registrars. I have, &c. WJLSON M. NUGENT, The Secretary, Vryburg. District Surgeon, Vryburg.

ANNUAL REPOBT OP THE DISTBICT SUBGEON OP MAFEKING, BECHUANALAND, 1ST OCTOBEB 1890 TO 31ST MARCH 1892. During the period the district of Mafeking has continued in its usual healthy condition. Mild malarial fever, gastro-intestinal catarrh, and catarrhal ophthalmia, appeared during the Spring and Autumn months. The gastro-intestinal catarrh was somewhat more severe in type than during the previous years. The majority of cases of fever were imported from the interior. A few cases of measles, whooping cough, and of mumps are recorded. The deaths (European) during the" period were 15, out of which number two were suicidal and one accidental. I attach tabular list of those diseases to which interest is attached. A. PIERCE GREEN, Mafeking, March 31, 1892. District Surgeon. MAFEKING, BRITISH BECHUANALAND.

1890-1891. 1891—1898.

Remarks. I I S K i 2 I 3 A. 0 o i o 1 ft < »-» O ft 1 O

Remittent fever - 21 51 Intermittent fever 1 4 Enteric fever Dysentery 8 I 9 5 Gastro-intestinal Catarrh 84 10 15 18 10 10 4 88 Lotar Pneumonia 1 I Catarrhal Pneumonia 8 9 Bronchial Catarrh 18 34 89 Acute Rheumatism 1 Muscular Rheumatism - 2 4 1 2 16 Catarrhal Ophthalmia 5 13 32 11 10 49 Pertussis 2 1 10 1 S Parotitis 2 4

Mafeking, A. PIERCE GREEN, L.R.C.P., fcc., 31st March, 1892. District Surgeon. COLONIAL REPORTS.—ANNUAL.

BMTMH REPORT OP THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR THE BECHU- BMHUAHA* ANA LAND PROTECTORATE FOR THE PERIOD PROM THE LAKD, 1st AUGUST 1890 TO THE 31st MARCH 1892. 1. I arrived here from Basutoland and entered upon my duties as Assistant Commissioner for the Protectorate in August 1890. I at once visited and was introduced to the chiefs living in the South-eastern portion of the Protectorate, 2. In the following October His Excellency the Governor and High Commissioner held a meeting at Crocodile Pool, situated between this station and Ramoutsa, which was attended by the chiefs of the four tribes in the Southern Protectorate; at this meeting His Excellency explained the policy of the Government with regard to the natives in the Protectorate and then proceeded to Palapye, where he saw the Chief Khama. 3. The principal tribes living in the Protectorate are the Bamangwato, under Khama; the Bakhatla, under Lenchwe; the Bakwena, under Sebele; the Bangwaketse under Bathoen; and the Bamalete, under Ikaneng. These tribes are independent of each other. An inferior class of Natives, called the Bakalahare, live in parts of the Kalahari Desert. Khama, Sebele, ajid Bathoen exercise chieftainship over such of these as live in the portion of the Desert forming part of the territories claimed by them. There are also other tribes living near Lake Ngami, but I have not yet beeu able to visit them. Sechele, the once powerful Chief of the Bakwena, being now very old and incapable of taking any part in the management of the affairs of ihe tribe, has handed the chieftainship of it to his son, Sebele. He is now confined to his bed, and not likely to live much longer. 4. On my arrival Ikaneng was the recognised Chief of the Bamalete, but in December last the tribe divided, half following Pula to Crocodile Pool?, where they are now living, and half remaining under Ikaneng at Ramoutsa. These two Chiefs are grandsons of Powe, a former Chief of the tribe, and being unable to settle their dispute about the chieftainship, requested me to decide it for them. After hearing all the evidence obtainable, I decided in favour of Ikaneng, but Pula, being disatiefied, left Ramoutsa and was, as above stated, followed by about half the tribe. 5. At the end of 1890 the Chief Bathoen complained that the Bahurutse of the Chief Gopane's village in the South African Republic were trespassing on his territory. Both chiefs claimed a large strip of land in the Protectorate along the Transvaal bounuary opposite Gopane's village. The matter was enquired into, and it was decided that the ground belonged to Bathoen. The Bahurutse were ordered to leave, and did so. Bathoen has also a dispute with Montsioa, Chief of the Barolong at Mafeking about a large piece of land on the North of COLONIAL REPORTS,—ANNUAL. 45

Kamathlabama, extending westward from the Transvaal boundary, jjjjjgj This dispute has been going on for several years, but has not yet ujn>. been settled. — Bathoen also claims the land occupied by the Bamalete from Aasvogel Kop (Oetse) to the junction of the Taung and Notwane Rivers, saying that they obtained permission from his father, Gaseitsive, to live there. He, however, some years ago, attacked the Bamalete with the object of expelling them, but failed to do so, they have consequently claimed the land ever since as theirs by right of conquest. The Bakwena claim the land occupied by the Bakhatla under Lenchwe, but as for years the former tried to drive the latter out by force of arms without success, Lenchwe also claims the land as his by right of conquest. The ownership of a large piece of country along the Shashi River is also in dispute between Khama and Lo Bengula. 6. With the exception of a short line from the Notwani River westward, between the territories of the Bangwaketse and the Bakwena, there are/so far as 1 am aware, no defined boundaries between the country of any one of the tribes and that of the tribes on its borders, where the cattle posts of the one appear to overlap those of the other and cause frequent disputes. 7. The Bakwena and the Bangwakatse are on friendly terms with each other, but beyond this there does not seem to be any very friendly feeling between any of the tribes. 8. Khama appears favourably disposed towards the Government, but the same cannot be said of the other chiefs; they are dissatisfied with being under its authority Bid wish to be independent, but have hitherto submitted. Sebele recently opposed the collection of licence money in his country and prevented the payment of a licence by a hawker who was trading at Molepolole. of cattle, and the fine was paid. For rescuing cattle out of a pound in the Transvaal twelve of the Bamalete were fined five pounds sterling each, and paid the fines. For embezzling a traders goods with which he had been entrusted, one of the Bangwaketse was adjudged to pay the trader seventy pounds sterling, and he did so. The British South Africa Company's telegraph wire now runs right through the Protectorate from Raraathlabama to Tuli, passing through the territories of all the chiefs, but no authenticated instance has come under my notice in which the wire has been tampered with by Natives. Before my arrival the Chief Lenchwe strongly objected to having a telegraph office built in his village, and during his absence his brother and people prevented its erection by the construction party, but he afterwards^ consented, and the office was established there in March, 1891. Since then he has given no trouble with regard to the telegraph. 46 COLONIAL BBFOBT8,—ANNUAL.

BAITISB When it became necessary to change the postal route, in consequence of the mules on the Marico road having an infectious —' disease, he at first objected to the carts running through his village, but consented to it, on my arranging that the cart should not travel at a Quicker pace than a walk over the very narrow winding part of the road through the village. 9. There is a very great scarcity of water in the Protectorate, and the natives frequently object to travellers taking water in the dry season from pits which they have dug for their own use. The British South Africa Company have sunk wells at six places along the main road from Kamathlab'ama to Ramoutsa, at five of which they have succeded in obtaining a good supply of water, but at Boulder Fits, though they sank two welis there, they did not find any water. At four places, on main roads leading north from Ramoutsa, wells were also sunk by Government, at two of which no water at all was found, at a third only very brackish water was obtained, and in the first well sunk at this station a good supply of pure water was found, but the exceptionally heavy rains in tho early part of last yerr destroyed it, and a second well, nearer the Fort, was sunk, but no water found in it. Experience has shown that water cannot be obtained at any place in the Protectorate by sinking reasonable depths, and that at many places hard rock, mostly granite, lies under the surface of the ground. 10. Concessions have been granted by each of the Chiefs to prospect and search inthoir territories fyrgold and precious stones, but so far as I am aware nothing very valuable has yet been found. Trading and other concessions have also been obtained by different parties from several of the Chiefs who receive payment for them from those to whom they have been granted. 11. Religious and educational work is being carried on with more or less success amongst each of the different tribes by missionaries mostly belonging to the London Missionary Society, but the minister at Mochudi belongs to tho Dutch Reformed Church, and the one at Ramoutsa to the German missionaries. Owing to a difference between the Rev. J. Tj, Hepburn and the Chief Khama the former has left Palapye, after being the Chiefs missionary for over 20 years. 12. In consequence, ! believe, of the unusually heavy rains last year, fever was very prevalent, especially along the Notwane and Crocodile Rivers, and many natives died of it. This season being a dry one, there has not been so much of it except at Palapye, where many cases have, I am told, ended fatally this year also. A great many deaths have occurred amongst the Natives atXanya from dysentery, which it is generally believed is caused by the filthy state in which the large villages are kept in which the Natives in the Protectorate live, combined with the scarcity of water at most of them during dry seasons. COLONIAL BEPOBTS. —ANNUAL. 47

13. Last year's crops of mealies and Kafir corn were exceptionally ^JjJJJJJ^. good throughout the territory, but they have almost entirely failed tun*, this season in consequence of insufficient rain. The Natives, however, have sufficient from last year to keep them from want for some time to come* 14. Crime, so far as I have been able to judge, does not seem to be prevalent, and stock thefts by Natives living in the country are very rare. Lost stock are as a rule always found. Most offences that have come under my notice have been committed by persons living outside the Protectorate, and Native servants engaged in the Capo Colony or British Bechuanalnnd to go to Mashonaland, frequently desert their masters while passing through the Protectorate. These offenders find it easy to escape justice in a bush country like this, where the distances between police stations are so great, and where the main transport road from Bamathlabamt* to Tuli runs within a short distance of the border of the Transvaal, with which State we have nc extradition treaty. 15. There are three troops of the Bechuanaland Border Police stationed at Macloutsi, and one here; there are also small detach­ ments, consisting mostly of two men, ol this force at each of the following places, viz.:— Ramathkbama, Bamoutsa, Kanya, Molepolole, Mochudi, Palla, Seleka, and Palapye. Many horses dieu *JL horse-sickness last year, but up to the present the sickness has been very mild this season. 16. During the period under report, I have only been able to visit Palapye three times. My staff consists of a clerk, an interpreter, and a driver. With such a small staff it is impossible for me to keep in touch with the many independent Chiefs or to exercise anything like efficient control over such a vast country as the Protectorate. There should be a magistrate and a few police with each of the principal Chiefs, or at least with Khama, Sebele, and Bathcen. 1 also think it very desirable to have some Native Police; besides being much less expensive than Europeans, they would be most useful on account of their knowledge of the Sechuana language and of the habits and customs of the Natives, and by means of them more accurate information of what is going on in the ^ountry could be obtained than we are now able to get 17. Under the provisions of His Excellency the High Commis­ sioner's Proclamation of the 10th June last, a beginning has been made in the collection of Revenue, and the amount received by me in the Southern Protectorate up to date amounts to 443/. 7s. 2d. sterling, as follows :— £ s. d. Licences - - - - 379 0 0 Judicial Fines - - - 55150 Stamps - - - 6 5 8 Fees - - - 2 6 6

443 7 2 Q0LONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL.

BEOTUAIII- &evcnue *n Northern Protectorate is collected by the Lurn. magistrate at Macloutsie. Gaberone% (Signed) W. H. Surmon, 31st March, 1892. Assistant Commissioner.

Annual Re* obt of the Becbuanaland Boeder Police, 1891-92. The Annual Report of the Bechuanaland Border Police for 1891-92 is compiled from 1st April 1891 to 31st March 1892. A special report from 15th August 1890 to 31st March 1892 is appended.

I.—Strength. The strength of the regiment last year on 31 March 1891 was as follows:— 5 troops, consisting of 19 officers, 408 non commissioned officers and troopers; total, all ranks, 427. One troop, consisting of 3 officers, 90 non-commissioned officers and troopers, was stationed in Bechuanaland. Ore troop, consisting of 4 officers, 88 non-commissioned officers and troopers, was stationed in e Southern Protectorate. The remaining 3 troops were stationed in the Northern Protectorate.

11 .—In crease of Strength. An increase of the corps by one lieutenant, 25 non-commissioned officers ana troopers, was sanctioned by Her Majesty's Government in May, 1891. One ordnance and commissariat officer with the rank of captain, and one additional staff sergeant for the troop in Bechu .naknd was added to the establishment in August, 1891. the establishment being thereby augmented to 26 officers 452 nor-commissioned officers and troopers. Total 478 all ranks. His Excellency the High Commissioner sanctioned the raising of 40 additional men for service in Bechuanaland in May, 1891, but in July ordered the corps to be reduced to its proper establish­ ment of 478 all ranks.

111.—Appc in trncn ?$, Promotions, Resig n at ions. The following appointments, &c have taken phee during the year: —

: !L Greener, lvut,, nppointt d pr.yrnn

Captain W. H. Sitwell, P.S.O., Northumberlimd Fusiliers, appointed adjutant, vice Coleman resigned, 20th March 1£0L

Sub-lien ten ant A. Walsh, promoted lieutenant on augmentation

2nd May 1891.

Lieutenant C. L. D. Munro, 3rd Battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, appointed sub-lieutenant, vice Walsh promoted, 6th May 1891.

Troop Sergeant-Major Gerald Ellis promoted sub-lieutenant, vice Dobson resigned, 11th June 1891. Lieutenant A. P. W. Williams, Hants Artillery Militia, appointed sub-lieutenant vice Pemberton promoted, 12th July 1891.

Charles Goodyear, Esq., appointed Ordnance and Commissariat

officer 6th August 1891.

Lieutenant G. P. L. Pemberton resigns 25th November 189L Sub-lieutenant Gerald Ellis promoted lieutenant vice Pemberton resigned, 26th November 1891.

Captain C. E. Laurie resigns 4th January 1892.

Troop Sergeant-Major J. A. H. Walford, promoted sub­ lieutenant vice Ellis promoted, 9th March 1892. Captain S. D. Browne, R.A., appointed captain, vice Laurie resigned, 31st March 1892.

IV.—Present Strength.

The force now consists of 5 troops, and the following was the strength on 31st March 1892.

1 Colonel Commandant.

2 Majors.

5 Captains.

6 Lieutenants.

5 Sub-Lieutenants.

1 Captain and Adjutant.

1 Lieutenant and Quartermaster.

1 Paymaster.

1 Ordnance and Commissariat Officer.

2 Surgeons.

1 Veterinary Sub-lieutenant. 436 Non-commissioned Officers and Troopers.

102 Grand Total ali ranks.

V.—Promotions. The promotions during the year have been principally by selection.

7 VI *—. ^ is ch a rgc$m

; The mimhrr . \ men r<:vu on th- ux^iiaiioa t,f ^. v w. 50 COLONIAL REPORTS.—ANNUAL*

BFIITIBH Of the men discharged by permission of the commanding officer

LOBUANA- or purchase, the greater number were granted the indulgence * in order to reduce the corps to its normal strength, on the termina­ tion of the Boer trek. Of the men discharged medically unfit the large number is attributable to the hasty augmentation of the corps in May 1891, recruits being sent up in large numbers who afterwards proved unsuited to the climate. Of the men discharged by order of the commanding officer, some were discharged a$ being unsuited to the duties tney were required to perform, and others for misconduct, it being undesirable to retain men of indifferent character, or who do not show an aptitude for the service.

VII.—Desertions.

Of the six desertions, one man deserted in April, from Gaberones, taking all his clothing w'Ji him. Two mounted men were sent in pursuit but failed to get any tidings of him. One man deserted from tne Border Station in Bechuanaland 14th September 1891, and took with him one Government horse and one private horse, and the whole of his equipment Three men were sent after him into the Transvaal, but only succeeded in recovering the Government horse, which was found at a post-station of the Johannesburg coach. A recruit of three months' service deserted from Mafeking in September, 1891, taking nothing with him, he has not since l>een heard of. The fourth case was that of a prisoner under sentence of six months' imprisonment with hard labour, who broke out of hospital at Macloutsie before da^^break on 13th October 1891. Experienced men were sei t after him at once, but lost his spoor about 16 miles from camp. All roads and drifts on the Crocodile were carefully watched until it was reported that he had crossed into the Transvaal between Rhodve' Drift and Morrison's Store on the night of the 19th October. His arrest was not attempted in the Transvaal, as he had no Government property on him. One man of indifferent character deserted from Macloutsi 3rd January 1892; he took no Government property, and was not pursued. A man of good character went on a shooting trip on 1st January 189*2 for twelve days, and has not since been heard of. though every endeavour was made to find him. From information since received it is believed that he intended deserting. He took no Government property with him. I consider the discipine of the corps to be most satisfactory, which is mainly due to the good feeling which exists between thi troop officers and their men, and the \\\\.(\\ state of efficiency of the non-commissioned officers. COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL. 51

Ylll^Deaths. BS- I regret to report the following deaths:— LAND* Trooper Fluke died at Macloutsi, 28th June 1891, from natural causes. Trooper Haynes was drowned at Pudum on 5th September „ 1891. Trooper Smith committed suicide at Mafeking, 18th September 1891. Lance-corporal Hepp^r died at Tuli from lock-jaw, the result of a fall from his horse, 27 October 1891. Trooper Seale committed suicide at Macloutsi, 27th January 1892.

IX.—Natives. The native strength consisted on 31st March 1892 of 86 Native Drivers and Leaders, and were distributed as fellows viz ;— Bechuanaland - - - 9 Southern Protectorate - - - 10 Northern Protectorate - - - 67 but the numbers at headquarters are constantly fluctuating owing to the restless disposition of the Mangwate and Matabele races, desertions being frequent.

X.— Transport The transport of the Corps consists of:— 24 Wagons. 12 Water carts. 6 Scotch carts. These are in constant use and considering tho incessant *vear and tear required to keep all out-stations victualled, and the heavy fatigues in the vicinity of the camp, are in fair order. The heavy cost of repairing transport wagons has been considerably reduced, skilled workmen being enrolled and detailed specially for this work.

XI.—Horse Strength. The number of Government horses on thr strength on the 31st March 1891 was 192, since which 242 have been bought. Of these 37 were guaranteed salted, and cost an average of 42£., the remainder averaging 18/. 146 horses have died from horse sickness, 12 have been destroyed suffering from farcy, and 15 died from natural causes, 15 were cast, and 4 were lost. It will thus be neen that, horse sickness stl.! cuiscs the majority of casualties,

l) 2 COLONIAL REPORTS.—ANNUAL.

BMTisn present strength and distribition is as follows viz.:— LAHD. Bechuanaland - 107 Southern Protectorate - 67 Northern Protectorate - - 68

Total 242

XII.—Horse Sickness. On 8th November 1891 Mr. Strombom was authorised by his Excellency the High Commissioner to treat unsalted horses at Macloutsie with a remedy which he claimed to be efficacious as a preventative against horse sickness. Twenty-eight horses were put under his treatment, 14 of these died from horse sickness between 28th November 1891 and 31st March 1892 during the following months viz.:— November - - - - - 1 December - - - - - 3 January - - - - - 2 February ------March - - • - - 8 A further report will be furnished at the conclusion of the treatment. I attribute the small number dying from horse sickness at Macloutsie compared with past years, to the unusal dryness of the season, and I have remarked that after periods of drought a shower of rain is almost invariably followed by an outbreak of at least one or two cases of horse sickness. It is remarkable that at Gaberones there has not been a single case of horse sickness between the period of the 7th June 1891 and 31st March 1892. XIII.— Transport Animals. The Mule strength on 31st March 1891 was 41, and was distributed as follows :— Bechuanaland - - • - 35 Head Quarters - - - 6

since which 8 have been bought, and 5 died and one lost.

The present mule strength and distribution is as follows, viz.

Bechuanaland. • 35 Head Quarters. - - • 8

Total 43

mhe ox strength on 31st March 1891 was 333, since which date 123 have been purchased^ 84 died, 5 lost, and 28 sold, bringing present strength to 330. COLONIAL REPORTS.—ANNUAL.

But of this number many animals are old and will shortly Bams* require to be cast. " Er^^

XIV.—Equipment. The equipment of the corp3 is in serviceable condition, andof good quality, The only alteration is an issue of black leather leggings, which was made to the troops in the Protectorate in June, 1891. They have proved very serviceable, and constitute, without doubt, the best equipment for this service.

X V.—Forage. The forage ot the regiment is supplied by the Ordnance and Commissariat Officer, who performs this duty, formerly cirried out by the Government Storekeeper of British Bechumaland. The quality of the forage is good. Oats have been largely substituted for mealies, with very satisfactory results.

XVI.—Armament

The armament of the corps on the 31st March 1691, was six 7-pounder3 of 200 lbs. mounted on Colonial field carriages, one 7-pounder Naval pattern, three Maxim guns, and two Nordenfeldts. In July, 1891, a 7-pounder R.B.L. screw-gun of 400 lbs., with mule equipment, was lent to the troops at headquarters by the British South Africa Company's Police at Tuli. In September, 1891, two 7-pounder R.M.L. screw-guns of 400 lbs., with mule equipment complete, were received from England. In November, 1891, a Gatling gun was lent, together with 1,200 rounds of ammunition, to the troops at head-quarters hv the Tati Concession. All the foregoing are now at Macloutsi with the exception of one 7-pounder, Naval pattern, two Nordenfeldts, and one Maxim, which are at Gaberones, and two 7-pounders, one field carriage, lent to the British South Africa Company, and still on 'heir charge.

Small Arms.

On 31st March 1891, the following small arms were in posses­ sion of the Corps:— 879 M.IL rifles, 217 8aiders, 26 revolvers, and 299 bayonets, and ammunition as follows:—

Martini-Henry - - - 50,222 rounds. Bnider - 28,640 „ Revolver - - - 1,226 Carbine - 2,590 Westly Richards - - - 11,930 „ Maxim - - - ~ 26,450 „ COLONIAL REPORTS.—ANNUAL*

BRITISH The small arms in possession on 31st March 1892. are as BBOHVAKA- follows:— ^ 792 Martini-Henry rifles, 217 Sniders, 2S mo.*6», and 345 bayonets, and ammunition as follows:— Martini-Henry * 452,839 rounds. Snider - ~ - - 23,540 „ Kevolver - - - 1,100 „ Carbine - - - 2,590 „ Westly Richards - - — Maxim - 21,552 „ XVIT.—Special Employment. In April 1891, 5 men were employed in Matabeleland as escort to the Assistant Commissioner at Buluwayo. They returned to head-quarters 24th December 1891, on the departure of the Assistant Commissioner from that country.

X VIII.—Regimental Works. During the past year, in addition to re-roofing and repairing their own huts and stables, the troops at head-quarters have prepared a site for a township and have improved the roads in the vicinity of the station, cutting new ones where necessary. A new forage store has been erected, and an additional magazine has been constructed in the fort for artillery ammunition. A new canteen and recreation room has been constructed, and new huts for officers and sergeants' messes have also been built at head-quarters. The barracks at Mafeking have been repaired and partially rebuilt, and are now in excellent order. The huts at (xaberones have been repaired and new recreation rooms hav been made. A large stone hut has been built at Palla for the accommodation of the detachment there stationed.

XIX.—Moves. In consequence of the organization of a Boer trek into Mashona- land,the corps was called upon, in May 1891, to make preparation to resist any violation of the Eastern frontier of the Protectorate nnd disputed territory, and to assist the British South Africa Company's troops, if necessary, north of the Shashi. For this purpose the garrison in the Northern Protectorate was strengthened by detachments from the troops in Bechuanaland and the Southern Protectorate, consisting of 3 officers and 98 non­ commissioned officers and men. The following defensive posts were established on the Limpopo liiver and garrisoned by troops from head-quarters.

Bnines a Drift. A small redoubt, held by 1 officer and 30 men from 4th May until 19th August. COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL. 55

Rhodes* Drift. DAITISH BftOBUAXA* A small redoubt, held by 2 officers and 40 non-commissioned L*HJ>, officers and men from 16th May until 18th August. A detachment, consisting of I officer and 40 men, was sent to assist in the defence of Tuli, and a small flying column was kept in constant readiness at head-quarters to proceed in my direction. In October all troops had returned or were returning to their original stations. The rapidity with which the orders were carried out, and the intelligence and adaptability to circumstances showi by the officers and men employed at the advanced posts was in every way satisfactory. The frontier was patrolled in a systematic and regular manner, ami a chain of communication was readily established over some 200 miles of. oountry. 1 officer and 30 non-commissioned officers and men from Mafe­ king, and 1 officer and 40 non-commissioned officers and men from koad-quarters, were despatched to Gaberones in February, 1892, in connection with Mr. Surmon's visit to Molopoiole to interview Sechele. X X.— Out-Stations. The following out-stations in the Northern Protectorate have been occupied during the past year ;— Semilali, Grobler's Drift, Tati Junction Post, Palapye, Elebe, Selika and Palla, in addition to two temporary despatch riders stations on the Macloutsie River. The necessity for closely watching main roads and approaches having passed, the following out-stations are now alone re* tained:—

Tati Junction Post, Palapye, SeJika and Pallav The following out-stations, have b(;en maintained in the Southern Protectorate:— Ramoutsa, Molepolole, Kanya, and Mochudi. In Bechuanaland the following out-stations have been main­ tained :— Vryburg, Gordonia, Pitsani, Mcroquen, Border, Schaap- fontein, Taungs, Kuruman, Ramatlabama, Langberg;, Ganesa, Tweeling's ^an, Dry Hartz and Setlagoli.

XXI.—Special Patrols. (Extract.) Sub-Lieutenant Ellis and two men were sent to Tati, 25th J fine 1891, and returned 16th July. On 18th July patrols were sent as bllovvs :— Lieutenant Ellis, and 2 men to Ta;i, via Elebe and Palapye. A corporal and 3 men to Palapye, via cross roads. A Corporal and 3 men to Semi la to, via Grobler's Drift. COLONIAL REPORTS.—ANNUAL.

BRITISH On the 12th August 1891, Lieutenant Ellis was again sent to

Biamus** Tati5 to obtain information about the Tati Concession. He LATCI> returned 5th September 1891.

In October, Sub-Lieutenant Marsham proceeded in charge of

specie from Mafeking to Palapye, and there paid Khama's men

who had been employed, on the extension of the telegraph line

from Tuli to Victoria.

On the 13th February, Lieutenant Ellis proceeded to Buluwayo,,

with a message from His Excellency the High Commissioner to

the Chief Lo Bengula. He returned 5th March.

On 3rd March Captain Fuller, and 25 non-commissioned

officers and men, left Gaberones for Molepolole as escort to

Mr. Suraon, Assistant Commissioner, on the occasion of his inter­

view with Sechele.

On the completion of this duiy Captain Fuller and his party

returned to their stations, in Bechuanaland.

XXII.—Health.

I attach reports from the Medical Officers at Macloutsie, and

Gaberones, and the report of the district surgeon at Mafeking.

It will be noticed, that the cases treated at Macloutsie during

1891-1892, are in excess of the previous year.

As the Medical Offcer points out, this is no doubt greatly due

to the fact that a large majority of recruits, now joining, are

young men from England, who are more easily affected at first

by the climate than Colonial men.

The majority of cacas, however, have been slight attacks of

fever, from which healthy men rapidly recover, without any injury

to their general health and constitutions.

Cases of dysentery, I am glad to say, are now of rare occurrence,

and those that are reported during 1891-1892, were of light

character, and this fact I think may be attributed to further

clearing of the bush in the vicinity of the Camp, and increased

measures taken for the comfort and health of the troops.

I have no hesitation" in saying that Macloutsie, taking into

consideration the latitude in which it lies, has proved itself to be

a most healthy station, and far more so than most other parts of

this country.

I would draw your Honour's attention to the aluable services

of the hospital nurses, who have been at Macloutsie since the

station was established. On them the heavy work of attending the

sick has entirely fallen, and their care and unremitting attention

is beyond all praise.

At Gaborone* die number of cases treated appear to be large,

but the majority of these were of little consequence, very few COLONIAL REPORTS,—ANNUAL. 57 serious eases having occurred. This station may be said to bo BwTOH extremely healthy. i tiro. In Bechuanaland there is no police medical officer, the services of the district surgeons being obtained where necessary. The health of the men stationed in that cc~ ttry has been excellent, and it has been found that men suffering from the effects of the climate in the Protectorate rapidly recover, when sent to Mafeking. I wish specially to bring to your Honour's notice the good services performed by Drs. Vigne and Green. Dr. Vigne's duties have been exceptionally heavy, and they have been carried out entirely to my satisfaction. The attention and care given to the Police Sick by the District Surgeon at Mafeking is also most satisfactory,

XXIII.—Summary.

Dealing generally with the report, I consider the results of the past year to be most satisfactory. In the tabular statements attached, the period of 1891-92, compares favourably under each head with former years. The efficiency of the corps has undoubtedly increased, and the system of interior economy has been considerably improved. Although small in numbers, the influence of the corps is felt over a very large area of country, and this is mainly due to the intelli­ gent manner in which the lower ranks perform the varied duties that are required of them. The character of the corps is now firmly established, with the result that a large number of eligible men offer their services, and a better selection is able to be made than formerly. I would strongly recommend that the period of service should now be increased for both officers and men, for I am confident that if this was done, there would be no scarcity of recruits, and the efficiency of the force would be greatly increased. In concluding this report, I have great satisfaction in bringing to your Honour's notice the excellent manner in which the officers and staff have performed their duties. By their efforts the " morale " of the corps has been brought to a high standing, and by their energy and intelligence the satisfactory results of the pa~t year have been accomplished. (Signed) RALFJGH GKEY, Major, Macloutsie, Commanding Bcehu;mahnd April 1, 1892. Border Police. 58 COLONIAL BEPOBTS.—ANNUAL.

The Commanding Officer Bechuanaland Border Police. SIB, f HAVE the honour to report for your information that the health of Macloutsie Camp during the last twelve or fifteen months has been very good, and compares favourably with that of previous years. Of the three deaths that took place here during the above- mentioned time not one could be attributed to the unhealthy condition of this place, one having been brought in from Myshwe in a dying condition, one died suddenly and one from suicide. The number of patients treated during the past year is con­ siderably in excess of that of 1890 and 1891, which is explained by detachments of "A" and "K" troops having been sent up, also a greater portion of the men now going in are only recently out from England and consequently more liable to fever than men who have been out some time. For futher particulars I beg to refer you to the annual hospital report. The healthy cond:t:cz of the camp is due to the satisfactory condition of the water, tnough, I am of opinion, were the men better housed and le.ss crowded, matters might be greatly improved. As regards the Hospital there is not much more required ; when the roofing is seen to it will be as comfortable as possible. In conclusion I must say that too much praise cannot be given to the Dominican Sisters for their unremitting attention to the patients, and that their speedy recovery has been mainly due to their efforts. I have, &c. (Signed) A. VIGNE, Medical Officer, Bechuanaland Border Police.

Annual Sick Report Bechuanaland Border Police, Macloutsie,

CAS >S TREATED AIS OUT- CASES TREATED IN HOSPITAL PATIENTS GRAND TOTAL OF PATIENTS TREATED. YEAR ENDING MARCH 31ST. 1890. 1891. 1892. 1890. 1S91. 1892.

NUMBER OF CASES TREATED SUFFERING FROM FEVER • 76 168 107 14 81 27 423

NUMBER OF EASES TREATED SUFFERING FROM DYSENTERY 17 16 17 11 3 64

NUMBER OF CASES TREATED SUFFERING FROM OTHER CAUSES 50 63 66 479 545 793 2,002 — DEATHS 3 4 2 — 9 (ONE DEATH WAS A CASE OF SUICIDE) DISCHARGED MEDICALLY UNFIT - 2 1 5 8

TOTAL RURABE- TREATED IN HOSPITAL AND AS CUT- PATIENTS • 149 2*7 190 504 5^6 H23 2,606 COLONIAL REPORTS,—ANNTLLL. 59

MEDICAL REPORT POR THE SOUTHERN PROTECTORATE FROM BRITISH APRIL 1ST, 1891, TO JANUARY 31st, 1892. BIOHUAKJ * * LAUD. To the Officer Commanding u K" Troop. SIB, Fort Gaberones, February 9, 1892. IN accordance with your request I beg to forward the following report:— The health of the men stationed at Gaberones has on the whole been good.

This I attribute to the healthy situation of the camp> and tc the fact that owing to the heavy rains of last year, the water supply has been plentiful and of good quality. But few cases of fever have occurred and those not of a severe type. The rather numerous cases of diarrhoea are chiefly caused by indiscretion on the part of the men themselves, and cannot be referred to any specific cause. In the month of June I received instructions to proceed to Palla Camp, in order to attend to two men who were stationed there, both men were suffering from fever. Since, however, the camp has been moved to higher ground and a more healthy situation, in all probability there will be less sick- ness this year. Patients have also been attended to at the Mochudi, and Ramoutsa out-stations, for slight ailments. The supply of medicines and medical stores, including a requisi­ tion which will be here in a few days* time, is good and sufficient to last for a considerable period.

Sick Report from April 1st 1891, to January 31st, 1892. Patients attended in hospital:— For fever - - - - - 20 „ diarrhoea - 5 Various ailments - 15

Total - 40

Out-patients :— Diarrhoea - - 15 Various ailments - 108

Total 123

Total number of p tients attended during period, 163. I have, &c. (Signed) QUINTEN R. VEITCH, Medical Officer, Medical Officer in charge of Bechuanaland Border Police. Southern Protectorate.