History. From the discovery of Natal by Vasco de Gama, in 1497, but little is to be found respecting it until 1686, when a Dutch vessel was wrecked in the Bay of Natal. The Dutch formed a settlement in 1721, but scon abandoned it. In 1824 Lieutenant Farewell, of the Royal Navy, having in the previous year visited Natal on an exploring voyage, endeavoured to colonize it. Chaka, a chief of the greatest talent, who had fused into a nation under his own despotic sway the various tribes inhabiting a vast tract of country, sanctioned the formation of a settlement by this small band of white men, which, however, was broken up about four years later. Towards the close of 1837 a large body of Dutch Boers from the Cape Colony, taking offence at restrictions placed on them by the British Government in regard to their coloured servants, migrated to Natal. Many of them were treacherously murdered by Dingaan, then Zulu chief, the murderer of, and successor to his brother Chaka. For two years the Zulus and the Boers waged war with various success; but in 1839 the Dutch obtained a decisive victory, and placed Panda, an ally of theirs, and brother of Dingaan, on the Zulu throne. of Council, unless he is a duly qualified and registered elector. The Reserved Civil List is fixed at 40,100%. under the Supplementary Charter of 1872. members was increased to 13, including the 3 By Law No. 3 of 1875 the number of nominated official members, but this law was allowed to lapse. By Law No. 1 of 1883 the number of nominated members was raised to 7 in all, and the number of elected members to 23. Local Government. There are municipal corporations in Durban and Maritzburg, and local boards in Ladysmith, Newcastle, and Verulam. Their total revenue in 1888 was 78,0077., their expenditure 86,300l., and their debt 379,3861. The Harbour of Durham is managed by a board constituted under Act No. 29 of 1880. The debt of the board (included in the general Colonial debt) amounts to about 388,000, and its revenue in 1888 was 4,8537., and its expenditure 20,5007. Native Affairs. lubi Tribe, residing in a location at foot of the DraIn autumn 1873, Langalibalele, chief of the Ama Owing chiefly to these disturbances, the Gover-kensberg Mountains, entered on a somewhat connor of the Cape decided to take military possession of the district, and sent there a force under Captain Smith, (1840). These troops came into collision with the Dutch Boers, were defeated by them, forced to entrench themselves, and completely blockaded until the arrival of considerable reinforcements under Colonel Cloete. The Boers submitted, on the 5th July, to Colonel Cloete at Pietermaritzburg. Constitution. tumacious course of conduct towards the local government, ending in an attempt to escape from the Colony into Basutoland with his people and cattle. A Colonial force was dispatched against the tribe, and Langalibalele and many of the tribe were secured in Basutoland and given up. Langalibalele, his sons, indunas, and certain of his tribe were brought to trial under "native law." About 290 prisoners were condemned to various terms of imprisonment. Langalibalele himself was condemned to banishment or transportation for life, and one of his sons to a similar punishment for five years. The cattle and land of the tribe were confiscated. Langalibalele and his son were transported to the Cape of Good Hope. They were allowed to return to Natal in 1886. In 1843 the district of Natal was proclaimed by the Governor of the Cape to be a British Colony. In August, 1845, Letters Patent were issued, constituting the district a part of the Cape Colony. Ordinances were passed by the Cape Legislature The Langalibalele affair brought into prominence establishing Roman Dutch law, and providing for the system under which the native population had the administration of justice. In November been managed by the Natal Government, and Sir of the same year other Letters Patent were passed Garnet Wolseley was specially commissioned to promaking Natal a separate Government. A Lieu-ceed to the Colony as administrator, and to consider tenant-Governor was appointed, and an Exe- and report upon the Native question, and the question cutive Council created. The Lieutenant-Governor of defence. was subordinate to the Governor of the Cape, and the Legislative Council of the Cape continued to frame laws for Natal till 1848, when a separate Legislative Council was established. In 1856 Natal was erected into a distinct and separate Colony. Its affairs are administered by a Governor, assisted by an Executive Council and a Legislative Council, composed originally of four official members and 12 members elected by the counties and boroughs. Under the Supplementary Charter of December, 1869, two members of the Legislative Council are elected members of the Executive Council, whilst the number of official members of the Legislative and Executive Councils was increased to five. The elected members of Council hold their seats for four years from date of election, unless the Council is dissolved by the Governor. Every male inhabitant who possesses property to the value of 501., or is in receipt of rents from property of an annual value of 10., or who has been a resident in the Colony, and whose income, inclusive of allowances, is equal to 81. per month, is entitled to a vote. No person can be elected a member The native population had until then been governed chiefly under the authority of Ordinance No. 3 of 1849, which withdrew them from the authority of the Roman-Dutch Law, and placed them under the personal authority of the Governor as Supreme Chief, and made native law and custom the measure of justice among them in civil and criminal matters, aconcurrent jurisdiction being reserved to the ordinary law courts in cases of crimes mala in se. The native population was debarred from the tranchise, but by an Act No. 28 of 1865, machinery was provided by which a native might procure his relief from the operation of native law, in which case he was entitled to all the rights of an ordinary Colonist. It was decided to supersede very gradually the tribal organisation, and the judicial and other authority of the Chiefs. A law (No. 26 of 1875) established a Native High Court to administer civil justice to the natives, and placed them under the ordinary criminal law of the Colony, except as regards political crimes, crimes arising out of native customs, and crimes declared triable under any local law by native law, all which crimes are reserved for the Native High Court. A white magistrate is placed with every tribe, who is the administrator of justice in civil matters, and supersedes to a considerable extent the authority of the Chiefs; and it is hoped gradually to accustom these Kaffirs to regular industry, and the individual ownership of property in the civilised way. The tribes live apart, upon locations provided for them by the Government. But besides these location natives there are many native squatters on Crown lands, and many living by regular labour on farms. By law No. 13 of 1875 a tax of 5l. on native marriages was abolished, while at the same time the native hut tax was raised from 78. to 14s. Under law 41, 1884, a rent of 1. per hut is imposed upon natives living on Crown lands. Climate and Inhabitants. The climate varies, but is usually mild, cool, and bright. The mean temperature at Pietermaritz burg is 65°, and at Durban 69°. The rainfall at the coast is about 40 inches, and less inland. The rainy season is from October to March inclusive, during which thunderstorms are frequent and severe. More than four-fifths of the inhabitants are Zulu Kaffirs, and 7 per cent. are Indian Coolies. The Europeans nearly all speak English, but half of them are of Dutch descent, with some Germans and Norwegians. Means of Communication. There is a weekly mail service with the Cape and England, once or twice a month with Mauritius, and frequently with Australia direct. There is direct land telegraph communication with the South African Republic, the Orange Free State, and the Cape, and by cable with Zanzibar, Aden, and Europe. The rates of postage are: The There are 501 miles of Government telegraphs, constructed at a cost of 70,4861., and the receipts in 1888 were 17,1367., and the expenses 8,520. There are 233 miles of railway open, all constructed and worked by the Government. The ma.n line is from Pietermaritzburg to the Port of Durban, 72 miles, with a branch northwards from Umgeni to Verulam, 19 miles, and one south to the Isipingo River, 7 miles. work was begun in January, 1876, and completed in November, 1880. A further extension to Ladysmith (118 miles) was completed early in 1886, and the line is being extended towards Newcastle and to Harrismith in the Orange Free State. The total cost of construction of the railways was 2,765, 001, and the receipts in 1888 were 347,9821. and the expenditure 199,364'. of 1888 consisted of 1,296 of all ranks. This includes a volunteer naval force of 85 men. There is also an armed and mounted police force, numbering 178 Europeans of all ranks, and 25 natives. The port of Durban is being strongly fortified by a battery on the Bluff, armed with heavy guns. Industry. The chief exports are wool, sugar, hides, gold, maize, hair, arrowroot, and ostrich feathers. There is a large transit trade with Zululand, the Orange Free State, and the South African Republic. The harbour of Durban, which has a somewhat dangerous bar, has been much improved by the works of the Harbour Board. It is a port of registry, having in 1888 14 vessels, with a total tonnage of 769 tons. The main industry of the Colony is, however, agriculture; large numbers of cattle, sheep, and ostriches being reared, and large crops of maize and sugar being raised. There are several mines of coal. The area under sugar is about 14,000 acres, producing 15,000 tons annually; that under coffee about 450 acres, yielding 75 tons. Tea, tobacco, arrowroot, and cayenne pepper are also grown. Currency and Banking, The currency is exclusively British sterling. The Natal Bank, the Standard Bank of South Africa, and the Bank of Africa, have together thirteen establishments, with 1,797,7024. deposits, and bank was established in 1868, and had in 1888 261,8751. note circulation. A Government savings 46,8271. deposits. Education. Cement, Portland and Roman, per cask Cocoa, salted and preserved meats, and Coke and patent fuel, per ton Guns and gun-barrels, each barrel £ 8. d. 0 0 0 0 19226 0 0 2 0 03 0 0 1 2 0 3 000 0 0 3 . 1 M baize, or twilled baize, per 1007. value 10 0 0 Jams, jellies, confectionery, bottled fruits, tinned fruits, tinned vegetables, pressed vegetables, fruits (dried) and pickles, per lb., or per pint Matches, in boxes or other packages, containing not more than 100 matches per gross Flour, meal and bran, per 100 lbs. Pistols, pistol barrels, or set of barrels, each Rice, per cwt.. Rock salt, per ton Salt, in bags, per ton Spirits of all sorts, per gallon Tea, per lb. 0 0 2 01 0 01 0 62 0 0 0 5 0 horns, indiarubber, unmanufactured; ivory, unmanufactured, animal and vegetable; skins, raw and undressed, wool, ores, and minerals, crude, pig iron, gums of all description. Also by Law 4, 1881. - Fencing wire, iron standards, &c., and all material intended to be used solely for the purposes of wire fencing. Under Law 4 of 1886 transit dues only are chargeable for certain goods passing through the colony in bond beyond the borders of the colony at the following rates: Spirits, of all sorts, per gall., 6d.; hollands, gin, per gall., 3d.; tea, per lb., 1d.; manufactured tobacco and cigars, per lb., td.; wines, per gall., 6d. There are no export duties. revenue in 1888 was 290,0897. The total Customs Expenditure. British Total Tonnage. Tonnage. 1879 Woollen blankets and railway rugs, per 1007. value Goods, wares, and merchandise, not otherwise charged with duty nor exempted from duty, and not prohibited to be imported, for every 1007. value By Ordinance 14 of 1856, foreign reprints of British copyright works, otherwise prohibited, may be imported at an ad valorem rate of 20 per cent. By Law 14, 1884, tin plates and tea lead are free of duty. IMPORTS. 10 0 0 . Machinery to be driven by steam, water, or animal power. Provisions, stores, and all articles of every lescription imported for the use of Her Majesty's and and sea forces, or for the Colonial Govern ment. Seeds, bulbs, and plants and specimens of natural history, uniforms, and appointments imported by any officers of Her Majesty's service, serving on full pay in this colony, or for any militia or volunteer forces in this colony. Wines and spirits imported or taken out of bond for the use of the governor, and for the use of Her Majesty's naval and military officers serving on full pay in this colony. Bores of animals, hides, raw and undressed 1852 Col. E. F. Boys, Act. Lieut.-Gov. 1853 Major W. R. Preston, Act. Lieut.-Gov. 1853 B. C. C. Pine, Lieut.-Gov. 1855 Lieut.-Col. H. Cooper, Act. Lieut.-Gov. 1856 J. Scott, Lieut.-Gov. 1860 Major W. Williamson, Adminr. 1864 J. Maclean, C. B., Lieut.-Gov. 1872 A. Musgrave, C.M. G., Lieut.-Gov. 1873 Sir B. C. C. Pine, K. C. M. G., Lieut.-Gov. 1873 Lieut.-Col. T. Milles, Adminr. 1874 Sir B. C. C. Pine, K.C. M. G., Lieut.. Gov. 1875 Maj.-Gen. Sir G. J. Wolseley, K.C.B., G.C.M.G, Adminr. 1875 Sir H. E. Bulwer, K.C.M.G., Lieut.-Gov. 1880 Gen. Sir G. J. Wolseley, G. C.B., G.C.M.G., Gov. 1880 Col. W. Bellairs, C.B., Adminr. 1880 Maj -Gen. Hon. Sir H. H. Clifford, K. C. M. G., &c., Adminr. 1880 Maj.-Gen. Sir G. Pomeroy-Colley, K.C.S.I., &c, Gov. 1880 Col. H. Alexander, Admiur. 1880 Maj.-Gen. Sir G. Pomeroy-Colley, K. C.S.I., &c., Gov. 1881 Brig.-Gen. Sir H. E. Wood, K C.B., Adminr. 1881 Lieut.-Col. C. B. H. Mitchell, C.M.G., Adminr. 1882 Sir H. E. Bulwer, K.C.M.G. (G.C.M.G., 1883), Gov. 1885 Lieut.-Col. Sir Charles Mitchell, K. C.M.G., Adminr. 1886 Sir Arthur E. Havelock, K. C.M.G., Gov. 1889 Lieut.-Col. Sir Charles Mitchell, K. C. M. G., Adminr. Sir Henry Connor, Kt., Chief Justice. Governor, Lieut.-Col. Sir Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell, late R.M., K.C.M.G., 4,000l. (including 1,000l. as Governor of Zululand). Private Secretary, C. F. de M. Malan, Lieut. R.N., 1507. A.D.C., Capt. J. W. Yardley, 6th (Inuiskilling) Dragoons, 1507. Clerk, Governor's Office, A. Byrne, 3501. Colonial Secretary's Office. Assistant Colonial Secretary, C. Bird, 400l. to 500%. Secretary for Native Affairs, H. C. Shepstone, 800/. Chief Clerk, J. J. Sewell, 3001. Student Interpreter, H. M. G. Jackson, 721 to 1007. · P. J. Samuelson, 727. to 1007. Treasury Office. Treasurer, J. T. Polkinghorne, 8007. Hime, T. M. Owen, 100l. to 1507. Audit Office. Auditor, H. C. Campbell (A. W. F. Taylor, acting), 5007. Chief Clerk, A. W. F. Taylor, 3001. Col. F. G. C. Curtis, C.M.G., Commandant of the Clerk, G. Baldwin, A. C. Griffin, 150l. to 2007. each; Troops. F. S. Haden, Colonial Secretary. J. T Polkinghorne, Treasurer. Sir M. H. Gallwey, K. C.M.G.,, Q.C. Attorney- H. C. Shepstone, Secretary for Native Affairs. D. Hunter, General Manager of Railways. J. L. Hulett, M.L.C. T. J. Nel, M.L.C. Clerk of the Council, 1007. Legislative Council. T. F. Revell and W. H. S. Marshall, 100l. to 150%. Sub Auditor, Durban, A. C. Sewell, 4507. Clerk, W. G. Wheelwright, 150l. to 2007. H. W. Goodwin, 1007. to 1507. Postal. Postmuster-General and General Manager of Telegraphs, J. Chadwick, 500l. to 6007. Clerk, A. S. Leslie, 2007. to 3007. A. J. Norris, 150/. to 2007. Postmaster, Pietermaritzburg, H. Sullivan, 3007. Clerks, Pietermaritzburg, P. Pardy, 150l. to 2007., A. Wyld-Browne and V. E. Clarence, 100l. to 150/. Sir J. W. Akerman, K.C.M.G., Speaker (Pieter- Postmaster and Telegraph Superintendent, Durban, Public Works Clerk, F. Crew, 150, Foreman of Works, W, McConnell, 3751. Timekeeper, T. A. Gadsden, 1807, Colonial Engineer, Lieut.-Col. A. H. Hime, late Superintendent of Water Police, D. I. Nolan, 2971. Assistant ditto, J. F. E. Barnes, 400l. to 500l. 2007. Controller of Excise, H. Rutherford, 3501. Health Officer, Dr. F. W. Greene (acting), 2001. Judicial. Chief Justice and Judge of Vice-Admiralty Court, Puisne Judge, W. T. Wragg, 1,0007. (H. C, Camp- Ditto, J. W. Turnbull, 1,000. Master and Registrar, W. Broome, 4501, Samuelson, 250l. to 3007. Hindustani Interpreter to Supreme and Circul C.M. G., 8007. Registrar, H. W. Boast, 2501. European Messenger, W. P. Gough, 841. Attorney-General, Sir M. H. Gallwey, K.C.M.G., Q. C., 8002. Clerk, J. W. F. Bird, 2007. to 3007. Clerk of the Peace, Pietermaritzburg, R. F, Morcom, Assistant ditto, and Prosecutor Native High Court, Clerk of the Peace, and Prosecutor Native High Ditto, and Prosecutor Native High Court, Victoria, Keeper of Warehouse, Durban, E. H. Hickman, 150!. Clerk of the Peace, Weenen and Kip River Counties. to 2007. J. J. Field, 100% Assistant ditto, C. B. Cooke, 501, Assistant dito, Umvoti County and Umsinga Resident Magistrates: Pietermaritzburg, City Division, C. Barter, 5004 Superintendent of Gaol, W. Cook, 250. Umgeni Division, James Forder, 4501. 2nd ditto, L. Moe, 100% to 1507. Lion's River Division, Arthur Morling, 400% Durban Division, Captain G. A. Lucas, 500, 3001 |