AFTERWORD. 

 BY E. STRUBEN. 



Though (as explained by my father) these 

 Recollections were written chiefly at the request 

 of his family, many men of note and position in 

 South Africa and in England, also frequently urged 

 him to do so, and to publish them ; knowing that 

 his unique experiences, as one of the first English 

 pioneers in the country (especially in the Transvaal) 

 would make it a most interesting record. His 

 knowledge of the country, and of the different races 

 in it, was profound and far-seeing. His opinion 

 and experience were frequently sought by those in 

 authority, and in the highest positions in the 

 Government. His influence (as far as in him lay) 

 was always used to further the highest interests of 

 the country which he loved and adopted as his own. 



He was a keen Imperialist, and a great believer 

 in the future destiny of South Africa as an integral 

 and useful part of the British Empire. 



He realized the immense capabilities of the sub- 

 continent as few did ; its untold riches and inex- 

 haustible resources only awaiting development. 



He deeply deplored the political squabbles and 

 mistaken ideals of some of its people, which were 

 retarding the country's advancement. He realized 

 that these efforts differently directed, could make of 

 South Africa so highly favoured as to climate and 

 conditions one of the finest countries in the world. 

 He chose to make it his permanent home, instead of 

 spending what he made in it or from it elsewhere. 



