chapter X 



THE BUNDI SPEAKS 



In my experience I have found that the uncomplain- 

 ing poverty is the result of their philosophy. I have 

 never once found them embittered in spite of the hard 

 times with which they have had to contend. I came 

 across an Arab town on the borders of Tanganyika Ter- 

 ritory, which, during the war, was completely destroyed 

 by the two invading armies. On the side of this Arab 

 village there had been many a battle. At one time it had 

 been occupied by the British, then it was captured by 

 the Germans. Counter attacks there were and many a 

 ding-dong battle razed this town to the ground. After 

 the war it was impossible to gather sufficient material 

 out of the debris to build new houses. As the result of 

 the war, over two hundred and fifty inhabitants were 

 homeless. Being penniless for three years, they lived as 

 best they could, amidst the ruins of their town, all the 

 time seeking to obtain sanction to cut forest material 

 for the rebuilding of their homes. Their helplessness in 

 this delay was a test even of their great philosophy. But 

 before the strain reached the breaking point and dis- 

 affection spread, the forestry officer in this district was 

 fortunate in hearing from the Provincial Commissioner 



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