THE NATIVES IN THE LARGER TOWNS. 603 



municipal concern; money is to be borrowed on the security of 

 municipal rates, rents are to be collected from Native tenants, 'fees 

 from the employers of Natives, and profits from the sale of 

 Native beer. 



In every one of these activities there is the dano:er that the 

 interests of the non-Native ratepayers will outweigh those of the 

 Natives, or that in the raising of revenue from the sale of beer 

 and collection of rents, the best interests of the Natives will suffer. 



In view of Section 147 of the Act of Union, and of the dis- 

 tinction which in older countries is drawn between services of a 

 preponderatingly national character and those of an essentially 

 local character, it seems clear that the obligation of providing 

 capital funds for permanent works, or undertakings required 

 under the Bill, should unquestionably be assumed by the Central 

 Government. 



The Government recognising the inability of the Natives of 

 Natal to combat the scourge of East Coast fever among their 

 cattle, advanced igo.ooo from the Land Bank to pay for the build- 

 ing" of dipping- tanks. 



Loans to Municipalities. 



A more devastating scourge — that of demoralisation, is 

 making its way among the Natives themselves through the condi- 

 tions in the towns, and if the Government will not grant the 

 money to establish better conditions, it surely cannot do less than 

 establish a Natives' (Capital) Works Loan Fund to meet the 

 financial responsibilities o^ local authorities in this particular 

 direction, the money to be repaid in easy instalments from the 

 Native Revenue Account. 



As a quid pro quo for the financial burden to be accepted by 

 the Government, it could be provided in the Bill that no expendi- 

 ture from the Native Revenue Account should take place except 

 in accordance with estimates first submitted to and approved by 

 the Government. By this means there would be a thorough check 

 over all charges proposed against this account ; Town Councils 

 could not but deal strictly at arm's length with this fund in asses- 

 sing amounts against it for rent, etc., and the tendency would be 

 towards economy of administration. 



The appointment by Government of one or more visiting 

 inspectors of locations would be a step to be welcomed by every 

 local authority as a means of stimulating progress and facilitating 

 comparison in methods of local Native administration throughout 

 the Union. 



Every Town Council should be required to establish a depart- 

 ment or bureau to see to the control and well-being of the Native 

 population — and thus a great deal could be done in South Africa 

 to ensure improved conditions for the Natives employed in the 

 towns. 



There are many matters of difficulty incidental to their resi- 

 dence and employment in which they, as an illiterate people, need 

 help and guidance. The department existing in Durban renders 

 assistance daily to Native parents and guardians in securing the 



