SOUTH AFRICA — BASUTOLAND 201
SOUTH AFRICA.
BASUTOLAND.
Basutoland, an derated but rugged plateau, forms an irregular parallelogram on the north-east of the Cape of Good Hope Province. The prorinces of the Orange Free State, Natal, and the Cape of Good Hope form its boundaries. Area, 11,716 square miles. The territory, which is well watered and has a fine climate, is stated to be the best grain- producing country in South Africa, and the abundant grass enables the Basutos to rear large herds of cattle.
Basutoland has been directly under the authority of the Crown since 1884. The Paramount Chief is Griffith, brother of Letsie, the late chief. Griffith was installed on April 11, 1913. The territory is governed by a Resident Commissioner under the direction of the High Commissioner for South Africa, the latter possessing the legislative authority, which is exercised by proclamation. The country is divided into seven districts, namely : Maseru, Leribe, Mohale's Hoek, Berea, Mafeteng, Quthing, and Qacha's Nek. Each of the districts is subdivided into wards, mostly presided over by hereditary chiefs allied to the Moshesh family.
In 1891 the population consisted of 578 Europeans and 218,324 natives. The census of 1911 gave a total of 403,111 natives and 1,396 Europeans. Euro- pean settlement is in general prohibited, and is more or less limited to the few engaged in trade, government, and missionary work. Maseru, the capital and largest town, has a population of (approximately) 1,200 natives and 300 Europeans. A fresh census is being arranged to take place on May 3, 1921.
The productions are wool, wheat, mealies, and Kaffir corn. There are indications of iron and copper, and coal has been found and is used in some parts. Stock, &c. (1911): 433,000 cattle, 86,600 horses, 22,800 ploughs, 1,722 waggons.
There were 390 native elementary schools with over 30,000 pupils at the end of December, 1919 ; expenditure in connection with education amounted during the year ended March 31, 1919, to 23,8622. There are some Normal and Industrial schools (aided). There is also a. large and well-fitted Govern- ment native industrial school at Maseru. There are 7 white schools with 133 pupils.
The police force numbered, 1918, 12 white officers and 7 European con- stables, 3 native officers, and 293 men (natives), also 191 special natives police for Border work.
The imports consist chiefly of blankets, ploughs, clothing, iron and tin ware, and groceries, and the exports of stock, grain and wool. Basutoland is in the South African Customs Union. The total trade in recent years was : Imports, 1916, 666,979/.; 1917, 901,3322. ; 1918, 882,3392.; 1919, 1,137,0372. Exports : 1916, 825,949/.; 1917, 812,0312. ; 1918, 1,007,6122. ; 1919, 1,380,1192,
The currency is exclusively British. The revenue arises mainly from the Post Office, native tax, licences, and customs rebate from neighbouring territories. Under the new Native Tax Law every adult male native pays 12. per annum, and if he has more than one wife by native custom he pays 12. per annum for his wives up to a maximum of 32.
1916-17 1917-18 1918-19 1919-20
£ £ £ £
Revenue . . 161,417 176,202 177,821 175,029 191,429 199,885 Expenditure . 203,461 156,190 171,438 173,193 180,881 202,441
1913-14
1915-16 ;
£
161.417 203,461
£ 176,202 156,190
