Africa Calls!

THOSE who are finding the task of rehabilitation too tough in the South-west Pacific Territories, might be interested in an offer being made in the April issue of “Crown Colonist” in respect of land settlement in Swaziland. Swaziland is one of the three British Protectorates in South Africa.

Land settlement in the territory is be ing fostered by Mushroom Land Settle ment, Ltd., which (at least on paper) seems to be a variety of commercial fairy-godmother. It is stated that no interest is payable on the company’s capital, and the directors receive no fees.

The company has about 54,000 acres available for settlement, and is directing attention to a block of land, the Hlam banyati Estate, which is suitable for a group settlement of 20 to 30 farmers who could share the use of a cheese factory and other co-operative activities.

The Hlambanyati Estate lies about 15 miles south of Mbabane, the Administra tive capital of the Territory. It is healthy high-veldt with a rainfall of 40 inches and a mean temperature of 60.72 deg.

Fahr. Regular contact with the outer world can easily be maintained.

The land is undeveloped, and settlers will have to build up their undertakings from the beginning. Preliminary train ing arrangements might be made to give intending settlers a year with a working farmer or a course of study at the Gov ernment Experimental Farm near Bremersdorp.

In every area there is sufficient land for the raising of crops and the estab lishment of small orchards, while trees grow without difficulty. Sheep, however, should constitute the settlers’ main in dustry in the majority of cases. Dairy farming also is possible.

The company grants newcomers three periods of lease, each of four years, the rent of the first two years being remitted if the settler remains on his farm and exercises his option to purchase. He can purchase after seven years’ occupation, or at the end of six months thereafter.

He is expected to exercise the option at the end of the 12-year period of lease.

The amount of capital required is calcu lated at £2 an acre to cover the cost of implements, stocking, maintenance for three years, and wages and food of native workers.

The company is in a position to help with moderate advances towards build ing a house and fencing.

Full particulars may be obtained from Messrs. Cooper Brothers & Co., 14 George Street, Mansion House, London, E.C.4.