Page:Statesman's Year-Book 1913.djvu/314

 192 THE BRITISH EMPIRE: — BASUTOLAND

SOUTH AFRICA. Basutoland.

Basutoland, an elevated but rugged plateau, forms an irregular parallelogram on the north-east ot the Cape of Good Hope Province. The provinces 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 territory is governed by a Resident Commissioner under the direction of the High Commissioner for South Africa, the latter possessing the legis- lative 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 404,507 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.

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 are 259 schools with about 17,410 pupils ; expenditure in connection Avith education amounted during the nine months ended March 31, 1912, to 9,804Z. There are some Normal and Industrial schools (aided). There is also a large and well-fitted Government native industrial school at Maseru.

The police force numbers 15 white officers and 287 men (natives), also 231 special native police for Border work. Total convictions (1911-12), 567. Prisoners in gaol, on 31 March, 1912, 188.

The imports consist chiefly of blankets, ploughs, clothing, iron and tin ware, and groceries, and the exports of stock, grain, wool, &c. Basutoland is in the South African Customs Union, and separate statistics are not available.

The currency is exclusively British. The revenue arises from the Post Office, native tax, the sale of licences, and customs rebate from neigh- bouring territories. Under the new Native Tax Law every adult male native pays 11. per annum, and if he has more than one wife by native custom he pays 11. per annum for his wives up to a maximum of 31.

—

1906-07

1907-08

1908-09

1909-10

£

119,974 127,437

1910-11

1911-121

Revenue. Expenditure

£

111,903 108,832

£

116,529 126,603

£

108,637 126,921

145,500 134,888

£

138,865 111,968

1 For nine months encliug March 31, 1912.