524 FACTORS IN NATIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. 



much more construction of the kind wiU follow, when legislative 

 provision has been made preventing- the heavy ox-wagons from 

 travelling upon such motor roads, cutting up the surface and 

 obstructing the speedier traffic. Possibly even the matter will 

 settle itself by the motor-lorry displacing the ox-wagon, in 

 v.hich case the last state of such roads would be worse than the 

 first, unless the restriction is extended to all heavy vehicles, 

 inclusive of the lorry. There is, indeed, no reason why a system 

 of more or less parallel roads should not be adopted, the one 

 being for the use of all transport, the other being conhned to 

 light motor traffic, and following in the main the " short cuts" as 

 between town and town, village and village, rather than the 

 lengthy circuits involved in the customary following of the ridges. 



But the possibilities of the wheel are not exhausted. The 

 aeroplane has been so highly perfected during the war that there 

 is every reason to anticipate that it will come into general use for 

 ci>mmercial and other purposes in the near future. In that case 

 it is bound to have a profound effect upon our relationships, and 

 just how the competition as between rail, motor, and aeroplane 

 will result no man can at this stage determine. 



The emigration laws, now so easily and conveniently admin- 

 istered at the principal seaports, the restrictions against undesir- 

 ables at present so effective, indicate a verv serious difficulty 

 i!ievitably raised by this new factor. How easy for an enterprising 

 criminal to escape! — not to mention the evasion of customs, and 

 many other points similar in character. One almost feels that the 

 complicatiiMis outweigh the undeniably great advantages, and 

 that the introduction of the aeroplane into general use will ulti- 

 njately tend to accelerate the forces of disintegration ana make 

 life upon this earth an intolerable burden. 



But, be that as it may, in an age of lawlessness and world- 

 unrest, the Native populations dwelling under present conditions 

 in great reserves, are adequately protected from intrusive and 

 pernicious agitators. Under the new conditions these ignorant 

 masses are laid open to the influence of any evilly-disposed 

 intriguer who cares to use an aeroplane. Perhaps this as a 

 possible consequence is of greater im,portance than the com- 

 mercial and other results which might logically be expected to 

 follow in due course. 



It will thus be acknowledged that the contribution made to 

 the economic development of South Africa and its large native 

 population by the unrealised factors in the situation have been 

 very great indeed. Some of the lessons are not yet learned by 

 those who hold positions of authority and power, who^ could, if 

 they would, do so much to ameliorate conditions and establish 

 upon secure foundations the fabric of State. If this paper stimu- 

 lates thought, and investigation, and action, based upon knowledge, 

 its purpose will indeed have been served. Above all, it is an appeal 

 to the missionaries and the Missionary Societies, who have so 

 nobly and fearlessly led in times past, to take heed lest they be 

 left behind in the march of progress, for the time is come for wise 

 and resolute leadership by men of character, vision, and expe- 

 rience, men capable of adapting themselves to the rapidly chang- 

 mg circumstances. Let them ever be in the vanguard of advance. 



