Science and Colonial Development 



"The central idea of the scheme, in favour of 

 which there is entire unanimity among the members 

 of the Commission, is separate voting by Native 

 electors only for a fixed number of Members to 

 represent them in the Legislatures of the country, 

 with the same status as other Members ; the 

 number and qualifications of such Members to 

 be settled by each Legislature ; the number not 

 to be more than sufficient to provide an adequate 

 means for the expression of Native views and the 

 ventilation of their grievances, if any, and not to be 

 regulated by the numerical strength of the Native 

 vote ; no Native to vote at the election of any 

 Candidate or Member who is to represent Euro- 

 peans ; all Colonies and Possessions in South 

 Africa to adopt the plan as they become self- 

 governing." 



The idea has been borrowed from New Zealand, 

 where the Maoris have separate representation, 

 namely, four Members out of a total of seventy- 

 four in the House of Representatives. But, whereas, 

 this is the number to which they are entitled on 

 a strictly numerical basis, there is no suggestion 

 of such a basis in South Africa, which, indeed, 

 would place the natives everywhere in a larger 

 or smaller majority. On the whole, however, the 

 principle of separate representation is probably 

 the least unsatisfactory solution, where no solution 

 can be unexceptionable. 



The Commission was appointed in anticipation 

 of the approaching federation of British South 

 Africa, and the federal conception is seen in its 



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