the Cape system of railways to Kimberley, at a time when the Cape
Ministers were not prepared to carry out the extension, the British
Parliament advanced a loan of L400,000, at a low rate of interest,
for that object. Another instance I could quote, in connection with
the history of that interesting native territory--Basutoland. You
remember how that country was handed over to the Cape Colonists,
and that for various reasons the management of the Basutos got
beyond their power, the result being that the Imperial Government
went to the aid of the Cape Colony and took back Basutoland. I
mention these cases because they illustrate an aspect of affairs
which is, I think, apt to be neglected. We at home--and certainly
those who have enjoyed the kind hospitality of their brethren in
South Africa--wish to do all we can to aid our fellow-countrymen in
that part of the globe. We do not wish to interfere, and I should
like to see this put forward as the grand and final policy of South
Africa--that we are ready to aid that portion of the Empire, but
set our faces against interference. In conclusion, I will add that
I am sure all of us congratulate Sir Frederick Young on having so
successfully accomplished his arduous journey, returning to us, as
he does, in better health than when he left. If you wish to renew
your youth, and grow younger instead of older, follow his
example--make a trip through South Africa, sleeping in the open
veldt.
Dr. SYMES THOMPSON: Another year's experience has confirmed and
strengthened my conclusions as to the remarkable salubrity of the
South African climate in cases of chest disease and of nerve wear,
which I laid before the Royal Colonial Institute in November last.
While regarding the neighbourhood of Cape Town and Grahamstown as
beneficial for a short sojourn, among the upland stations I would
call attention to Middelburg and Tarkestad. Hotel accommodation and
adequate comfort for invalids, as regards food, quarters,
attention, occupation, and amusement, are still most deficient.
During the recent drought the dust storms proved very trying to the
eyes and to the bronchial membranes at Kimberley, and at
Johannesburg the dangers were great. I rejoice to learn that Sir
Frederick Young has found his winter trip so health-giving, and
believe that a similar expedition might prove of immense value to
many Englishmen who are overwrought in body or in mind.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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