210 A COLONY IN THE MAKING chap. 



In addition, the following races have been enlisted : 

 Swahili, Masai, Nandi, and Abyssinians. Of these 

 probably the Swahilis are the best. The Abyssinians 

 are intelligent, brave, and when properly taught form 

 good marksmen ; although in their own country the 

 usual standard of shooting is execrable. They have, 

 however, a deep-rooted dislike to discipline, and an 

 almost ineradicable contempt for Europeans, which 

 qualities detract from the value of their good points. 

 The Nandi form fair material, but the Masai are 

 disappointing. 



The conditions of service are six years, with the 

 privilege of re-engagement for periods of three years. 

 They are liable to serve anywhere in the world. 



The rates of pay are : — 



Soudanese. Local Tribes. 



Colour sergeants... 40 rupees per month • 30 



Sergeants 34 ,, 28 



Corporals 30 ,, 24 



Lance-corporals ...28 ,, 20 



Privates 26 ,, 16 



Reverting again to the retention or otherwise of 

 the regiment, those who are anxious to reduce the 

 large yearly expenditure adduce the following argu- 

 ments. Firstly, that there is no necessity for a 

 garrison in Nairobi. That the Masai and Kikuyu are 

 now thoroughly peaceable and subdued, and that, 

 moreover, if they did make a sudden and unprovoked 

 attack the small body of troops available would be of 

 no material use. That the troops stationed in the 

 out-districts, and more especially on the northern 

 frontier, are enormously expensive and of no present 

 or prospective use to the Protectorate proper, and that 



