A Winter Tour in South Africa

Winter Tour in South Africa, A

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Title: A Winter Tour in South Africa
Author: Frederick Young

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A WINTER TOUR IN SOUTH AFRICA
by
SIR FREDERICK YOUNG, K.C.M.G.
(Reprinted by permission from the Proceedings of the Royal Colonial
Institute, with large additions, Illustrations, and a Map.)
London: E.A. Petherick & Co., 33, Paternoster Row, E.C.
1890

[Illustration: MY WAGON.]

TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS LOUISE,
MARCHIONESS OF LORNE,
This Volume, describing a recent tour, during which a large portion of
Her Majesty's magnificent Dominions in South Africa were traversed,
is, by gracious permission, dedicated with feelings of sincere respect.

[Illustration: Decorative]

INTRODUCTION.
The growth of the great Colonies of the British Empire is so
phenomenal, and their development is so rapid, and remarkable, that if
we are to possess a correct knowledge of their actual state, and
condition, from year to year, their current history requires to be
constantly re-written.

The writer of a decade since, is, to-day, almost obsolete. He has only
produced a current record of facts, and places, at the period he wrote.
This is especially the case with South Africa.
I have recently returned from a very interesting tour in that remarkable
country. My impressions were noted down, as they occurred, from day
to day. A summary of my observations, and of the incidents, in
connection with my journey, was the subject of a Paper I read at the
opening meeting of the present Session of the Royal Colonial Institute,
on the 12th of November last. I wish it to be understood that the
opinions expressed on that occasion were my own, and that the Institute
as a body is in no way responsible for them. This Paper has formed the
outline of the volume, which--with much new matter from my note
book--I now offer to the public, in the belief, that the narrative of a
traveller, simply seeking instruction, as well as amusement, from a few
months tour, while traversing some 12,000 miles by sea, and 4,000
miles by land, through the wonderful country in which he lately roamed,
might prove of some use, in awakening additional interest on the part
of the general public, to one of the most promising, and valuable
portions of the Colonial Empire.
In this spirit, I offer my "Winter Tour in South Africa," to my
countrymen, "at home and beyond the seas," in the hope that it may
receive from them, a favourable reception.
On the "Political Situation," I have spoken strongly and frankly, I hope
not too much so. The result of my personal observations has convinced
me, that I have only correctly expressed the opinions, very widely
entertained by large classes of Her Majesty's subjects in South Africa.
I cannot conclude without acknowledging the aid I have derived from
the Statistical information contained in the "Argus Annual," and it also
affords me much pleasure to thank Mr. James R. Boosé, the Librarian
of the Royal Colonial Institute, for the assistance he has rendered me.
FREDERICK YOUNG
5, Queensberry Place, S.W. _1st January, 1890._

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
MY WAGON Frontispiece
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, CAPETOWN facing 6
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CAPETOWN facing 8
JOHANNESBURG, MARKET PLACE facing 57
CEMETERY, MAJUBA HILL facing 81
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, MARITZBURG facing 83
A STREET IN MARITZBURG facing 84
TOWN HALL, DURBAN facing 86
HARBOUR WORKS, DURBAN facing 89
HEX RIVER PASS facing 107

CONTENTS.
PAGE
DEDICATION. v.
INTRODUCTION. vii.
THE VOYAGE.--Embark at Southampton--Amusements at
Sea--Lisbon--Madeira--Teneriffe--St. Helena--Longwood--Arrival at
Cape Town 1-4

CAPE TOWN.--Queen's Birthday--Review of Troops--Regatta--Table
Bay--Table Mountain--Hotels--House of
Parliament--Observatory--South African Museum--Public
Library--Botanic Gardens--Record Office--Places of Worship--Harbour
Works and Breakwater--Graving Dock--Simon's Town--Kalk
Bay--Constantia--Wynberg--Journey to Kimberley 5-21
KIMBERLEY.--Address of Welcome from the Fellows of the Royal
Colonial Institute--Diamond Industry--Bultfontein Mine--DeBeer's
Mine--Compounds--United Companies--Central Kimberley Diamond
Mine--Kimberley Hospital--Progress of Kimberley--Town Hall--Post
Office--High Court--Public Library--Waterworks--En route for
Bechuanaland--Wagon Travelling--Warrenton--Drake's Farm 22-38
BECHUANALAND.--Scenery--Field for
Settlement--Vryburg--Lochnagar Farm--Prospect of Gold Discovery
39-46
KLERKSDORP.--Nooitgedacht Mine--Pan Washing--Klerksdorp Gold
Estates Company--Future of Klerksdorp 47-49
POTCHEFSTROOM.--Wagon Journey--Presence of Gold-bearing
Reefs--Vultures--Fort and Cemetery--Chevalier Forssman 50-52
JOHANNESBURG.--Difficulties of Travelling--Appearance of the
Town--Gold--Knights--The Jumpers--Robinson's--Langlaagte--Descent
to the Mines--Market Square--Growth of Johannesburg--Sanitary
arrangements 53-59
PRETORIA.--Water Supply--The