Present State of Natal—Physical Formation—Succession of
Terraces—Products most suitable for Each—Labour Required for
Natal—Development and Prosperity of Free Labour Colonies—The
Destruction of the Slave Trade—Climate of Natal—“Shall we
Retain our Colonies?”
While the “Hermes” is steaming away to the Northward in search of the
“Minnetonka,” we purpose giving to the reader a short statement of the
present condition of the Colony of Natal.
A history of Natal has already been written by the Rev. Mr. Holden,
which, combined with Five Lectures on Natal by the Hon. Henry Cloete,
LL.D., the celebrated Recorder of Natal, and the perusal of “Ten Weeks
in Natal” by Bishop Colenso, will give those anxious to obtain definite
information relative to the origin, rise, and rapid progress of this
colony, a very fair insight into its state previous to the era of
self-government. It is hoped that the following statement, together with
the observations contained in the last chapter relative to the harbour of
Port Natal, may be acceptable to those seeking information relative to
the colony up to the present date.
The British Colony of Natal, situated on the south-east coast of Africa,
extends from latitude 29° 16′ to latitude 31° 34′ south; or, speaking
more definitely, from the mouth of the river Omzinyat, or Fisher’s River,
to that of the Umzimkulu, which latter river divides it from the rich
district of Kaffraria. It will thus be seen that it has a coast line of
150 miles, washed by the Indian Ocean, and along which the gulf stream
runs to the south west, at a velocity of from one and a-half to four
miles per hour. From the coast it extends into the country a distance
of eighty miles to the Quathlamba Mountains, which divide it from the
neighbouring Boer Settlement, culled the Orange Free State. It has an
area of 18,000 square miles, or about one-third of that of England and
Wales. Viewed, as to its territorial extent, with other colonies of
Great Britain, it holds a very insignificant position; but its physical
formation is such that, small though it may be, it is capable of
producing the luxuriant vegetation of the tropics in close proximity with
that of the more temperate climate of Europe;—forming a _bijou_ in South
Eastern Africa, which must have a considerable effect in civilizing the
natives of the surrounding territories.
The variety in the soil and climate of this interesting and truly
valuable possession of Great Britain is caused by the country rising
rapidly from the Indian Ocean in a succession of four steps or terraces,
each having an average width of twenty miles, with its own peculiarity of
soil and climate.
Along the lower terrace, which is washed by the Indian Ocean, the heat
is greatest; and though scarcely even in the height of the hot season
to be called “tropical,” outside of which the colony lies, yet it is
sufficient to allow of the growth of cotton, sugar, coffee, indigo,
arrowroot, pine-apples, bananas, and the cocoa-nut, and oil palms (as
soon as introduced), over an area of three thousand square miles. In
addition to which, the coast line being washed by the gulf stream, the
moist warm temperature from which, aided by the saline breezes from the
ocean, render a belt of this coast line, extending from high water mark
to five or ten miles inland, peculiarly adapted for the growth of the
sea-island cotton, whose long fleecy staple is the produce of similar
physical advantages. This fact alone will show the value of the lower or
sea-coast terrace of the Colony of Natal; upwards of 1000 square miles of
which are capable of producing the most highly prized of the cottons of
America, without the accompanying drawback of an unhealthy climate for
the European constitution.
In this region, where vegetation is luxuriant, there is much woodland and
park-like scenery, which gradually disappears as one proceeds inland,
while the temperature is diminished, and the air becomes clear and
bracing.
The second terrace of the colony is almost bare of trees; but well
adapted for grazing purposes. It affords abundant crops of hay, oat
fodder, mealies, or Indian corn and barley.
The third terrace contains plenty of forest timber of considerable size
and of very superior quality, both for the wants of the colony and for
ship-building purposes.
The fourth terrace is well adapted for growing wheat and all European
productions.
Throughout the length and breadth of the colony it is well watered, there
being a stream every four or five miles of its extent. These streams are
never dried up, excepting some few of them in the winter season, when the
temperature, even along the coast, is delightfully cool and pleasant.
During this season, which lasts for four or five months, more inland
there is hoar frost upon the ground, and sometimes snow upon the wooded
highlands; while on the Quathlamba Mountains it may be seen for a week or
ten days together.
Products of Natal—
_Cotton._ The seed named the “petit gulf prolific,” is said to be the
most successful yet tried at Natal. One pound weight of this seed, which
costs ten shillings, is sufficient to plant an acre of ground. September,
October, and November are the months for planting it. The yield of one
acre, having 6,000 plants on it, averaged two and a half pounds of seed
cotton per plant, which, when reduced by the cotton cleaning gin, gave
one pound and one quarter of clean cotton per plant; at sixpence per
pound this would give the enormous return of 187_l._ 10_s._ sterling per
acre. There are, at the lowest computation, 640,000 acres, on the lower
or coast line terrace of the colony, which will produce cotton of this
quality, so that our Liverpool merchants may look forward to a supply
of no less than 4,800,000,000 lbs. of cotton from one of the smallest
and latest acquired of our colonies. Surely a colony, whose capability
for producing one of the great staples of our manufactures is thus shown
to be almost unlimited, deserves the most encouraging attention of our
statesmen both in a commercial and anti-slavery light.
_Wool._ This article may be produced as well as in the Cape of Good Hope,
although for some time it was believed that the grass, being too rank
and abundant, either killed the sheep or filled the wool with seeds and
weeds. As cultivation increases, the annoying insects, which did much
destruction to the sheep and cattle by living upon and impoverishing
them, are rapidly disappearing. Some parts of the colony, where horses
and cattle would not thrive, are now well known as breeding districts,
and the colonists have commenced exporting both cattle and horses, to
some considerable extent, to the island of Mauritius.
_Sugar._ The sugar-cane flourishes here remarkably well; and, from the
great abundance of water, the cane is not likely to be attacked by the
insect called the “borer,” which does so much destruction at Mauritius.
There are already in the colony seven sugar mills, some of considerable
power. Large portions of the country are being planted with the cane, and
it is said that this virgin soil yields from three to four tons of sugar
per acre.
The supply at present is not great, as the colonists are hampered for
want of labour, more especially that labour adapted for the sugar-cane,
which appears to be found in Indian or Chinese coolie labour. As soon as
facilities are afforded to the colony of Natal for coolie labour, similar
to that employed at Mauritius, the yield of this article alone will be
enormous; there being at least 1,280,000 acres of the soil, irrespective
of what may be more appropriately devoted to cotton, capable of producing
sugar. It may be confidently asserted that the supply of Natal sugar
will not equal the demand. Its saccharine properties have been proved by
Mr. Milne, the great sugar-refiner at Bristol, to be stronger than the
Mauritius sugar, and not surpassed by the best Trinidad. Already, from
the balcony of one house, no less than seven shafts can be seen puffing
away the fumes of boiling syrup; and, when labour is supplied to Natal,
this necessary for the artisan of the mother country will be supplied at
a much reduced price, completely driving slave-grown sugar out of the
market. The growing of mealies, or Indian corn, may be carried on at the
same time as that of sugar. The mealies ought to be grown in every other
row of the cane, and about twice the distance apart of the cane roots. By
this means the young canes are protected, and provision is made for the
labourers without impoverishing the ground or materially increasing the
labour of the cane-fields.
_Indigo._ Many varieties of indigo grow luxuriantly and wild in the
colony; almost justifying the thought that on this side of Africa the
plant is indigenous, although we are aware that on the west coast it was
introduced by the Jesuits, and perhaps also, by way of the Zambesi, into
the interior.
Large factories are being erected for the manufacture of indigo; and, in
order that it may be thoroughly successful, arrangements have been made
for the introduction of persons who have been already acquainted with its
manufacture in the island of Java.
_Tobacco._ The cultivation of tobacco has been carried on for some
considerable time, but on a very small scale, in consequence of the want
of labour. Two crops may be grown in the year; and there is an ample
market for it already in the colony, which imports annually thousands of
pounds weight of the real Virginia.
On the higher terraces inland, to a great extent, wheat, oats, barley,
and other cereals are grown; while the climate of those districts
admirably suits them for the pasturage and rearing of sheep and cattle,
with which they may be said already to abound.
The export of wool, from the neighbouring Boer Settlement of the Orange
Free State, through Natal, is increasing rapidly, while the enterprise
of the young Natalians has given them access to the ivory grounds of
the Zulus, who prefer dealing with them rather than with the Transvaal
Republic Boers.
_Coffee and Arrowroot._ The following testimony to the quality of Natal
coffee and arrowroot was forwarded last year to Natal:—
“3, KING WILLIAM STREET, LONDON, E.C.
“September 17, 1858.
“GENTLEMEN,
“We have carefully tested the two samples of Natal coffee
you sent us. We find the Costa Rica kind very strong coffee,
and worth, in our present market, 65_s._ to 68_s._ per cwt.,
in bond. The sample of West India kind is strong, rich, good
coffee, full of aroma, and worth about 70_s._ to 75_s._ in
bond. If such coffees are sent to England, we think they
will always command good market value, as does your Natal
arrowroot, &c., &c.
“PHILLIPS AND CO.
“Messrs. Savory, Natal.”
Large quantities of American flour, and even the coarser description
of that produced at the Cape, are imported into Natal; but now that
farmers are turning their attention to the production of wheat, which
will flourish on the upper terraces, we may expect to see bread stuffs
cheaper; more especially as numbers of the Boers, getting disgusted with
the unsettled aspect of affairs in the two neighbouring Boer states, are
coming from beyond the Drakenburg Mountains, and settling themselves down
on the higher terraces of Natal, from which great quantities of wheat
and cattle may soon be expected, not only for the supply of cheap and
abundant food for the colonists, but for the purposes of exportation.
I have already touched upon the subject of labour, and stated that the
labour adapted for the cultivation of the soil is greatly required at
Natal. Looking at a chart of the country, one would exclaim, how can
this possibly be the case when the colony of Natal is surrounded on all
sides, but that facing the ocean, with countries abounding in natives?
Yes; but natives unadapted for the wants of the soil. The Zulus are a
pastoral people, and, as long as employed in tending cattle, they are
very well; but, as yet, they have shown no aptitude for agricultural
purposes—such occupation is contrary to their nature, and to the customs
of their ancestors, who have always been a nomadic race.
With difficulty the colonists of Natal can secure the services of a
native, even in household work, for more than six months at a time. At
the end of that period, the Zulu Kaffir wishes to return to his own
people, to enjoy the sweets of liberty in the forest, or the boundless
prairie, to drink of the milk of his own krall, and dance with the Kaffir
girls. This is all very natural; and it depends greatly on the treatment
which he has received from the white man if he will ever return. In some
instances, when pleased with his situation, a Kaffir, previous to the
time of leaving, will ask his employer permission to bring his little
brother, for the purpose of teaching him the work of the place. If
his application is acceded to, the Kaffir will take great trouble to
teach his younger brother what he is required to do in order to give
satisfaction to his employer. When the senior’s period of engagement has
expired, his brother fills his place for another six months, and then he
is succeeded by some other member of his family, whom he has prepared.
In this manner, the situation, when a good one, is kept in a family; and
the colonists, knowing this, are anxious to get hold of what is called
a “nest of Kaffirs”—that is, where there are a number in a family—for
by that means they are provided at all times with domestic labour, and
generally well served. But the Kaffir, who will clean windows, and wash
plates and glasses very carefully, will not labour in the field. Harder
working Kaffirs—and there are some few—when they have passed through the
school of industrial training, and have learned their own value, like
many other men having similar souls, but different coloured skins, will
obtain credit for a waggon and oxen, and throw their labour into the
market in a different form from their less industrious brethren.
Natal wants labour, and of a description which can only be supplied from
India; the native of which, having for ages cultivated the soil, has an
aptitude for this description of labour, in which he displays a degree of
neatness which cannot be found among the nomadic pastoral races of Africa.
Coolie labour must, therefore, be provided either from India or from
China: let it be abundant, and hampered with no regulation which is not
for the protection of the labourer. By restricting the supply of labour
to our colonies, obstacles are placed in the way of their development
which prevent them so successfully competing with the Slave Labour States
of America and Cuba as they otherwise might do. On the other hand, by
supplying abundance of labour, our colonies will produce supplies for
European markets in so great abundance, and at such a great reduction
in cost, that the working men of our own country will be able to obtain
in plenty many articles which are now looked upon almost as luxuries,
although absolutely necessaries to overworked frames; while, at the same
time, the produce of slave labour, being so much dearer, will find no
market, and the producing article, namely, slave labour, must entirely
cease.
With reference to the climate of Natal, besides what has here been
stated, it is only necessary, to add the testimony of my late lamented
friend, Dr. Stranger, who, after surviving the unfortunate “Niger
Expedition” of 1841, died at Natal, while filling the important post of
Surveyor General of that Colony. The worthy doctor’s report states:—
“The climate of Natal is very healthy, but, I think, more salubrious at
some distance from the coast. There appears to be scarcely any disease
incidental to the country. Dysentery is not frequent; ophthalmia occurs
occasionally, and is, perhaps, the only disease of the colony; it is,
however, not often of a severe character.
“The rains commence with violent thunderstorms about the month of
September, and continue till about April, when they terminate with
thunder. During the rainy season, which is also the summer, the average
daily temperature is about 76°, but the evenings are generally cooled
by a S.E. breeze. The thermometer rarely rises above 80°. The winter
temperature varies from 50° to 60°; frosts are frequent in the higher
parts of the district, and at the Mooi River, in June, I have seen the
thermometer stand at 27° at 7 A.M. Cold nights are generally succeeded by
warm days. Rain rarely falls in the interior between or during the months
of May and August. On the coast the seasons are not so well defined, as
showers occur throughout the year. Long droughts are almost unknown.”
To Natal has been accorded by the Imperial government the great boon
of Self-government; and while taking leave of this Colony, before we
proceed to the northward, and view the state of other settlements which
are not under the ameliorating influence of British rule, it may not be
inappropriate to quote a few words from an article in the _Edinburgh
Review_, of April, 1850, headed, “Shall we retain our Colonies.” The
words referred to are:—
“The affection of the colonists it is easy to preserve, or to recover,
where, through misjudgment or misunderstanding, it has been shaken or
impaired. By ruling them with forbearance, steadiness, and justice;
by leading them forward in the path of freedom with an encouraging
but cautious hand; by bestowing upon them the fullest powers of
Self-government, wherever the influence of British blood is large
enough to warrant such a course; in a word, by following out the line
of policy announced and defended by Lord John Russel, in his speech
on the introduction of a Bill for the government of the Australian
colonies, in February of the last year, we may secure the existence and
rivet the cohesion of a dominion blest with the wisest, soberest, most
beneficial form of liberty which the world has yet enjoyed, and spreading
to distant lands and future ages the highest, most prolific, and most
expansive development of civilization which Providence has ever granted
to humanity.”