256 SERVICE AND SPORT IN THE SUDAN 



It is not my intention to go into details about the 

 former. Where there are no wants there will always 

 be difficulty in obtaining voluntary labour. So it was 

 at this period in Wau. I introduced several reforms, 

 and am proud to say that this question solved itself 

 while I was in charge and sorry that it became dis- 

 organised when I left. It would be very unfair on my 

 part did I not acknowledge the whole-hearted support 

 and absolutely free hand given me by my immediate 

 chief. As all know, the power of command in sub- 

 ordinates is destroyed if it is seen that superiors are 

 not in sympathy, or disagree with the orders given. 

 Of course a very slight knowledge of the customs of 

 the people, which enabled me to converse with and 

 show interest in them which we all felt, was a help. 

 I was always present at the distribution of loads and 

 the payment for work done, and saw to it that weak 

 or sickly men were seen by the doctor. Very often 

 we would have an impromptu race or other com- 

 petition among them, generally organised by Captain 

 Sweny (Royal Fusiliers), the Vice-Governor. 



Sometimes ivory was sent in to us for purchase. A 

 shilling a pound was the average price. Some writers 

 profess to be astonished that a pennyworth of beads 

 buys such value in Central Africa. Is it forgotten that 

 a fifty-pound load of beads, home value 50s., may be 

 carried for months by a man who must be paid and 

 fed ? Then comes the return carriage of the article 

 bought. The profit is good, but not so good as might 

 be imagined. 



In July the Jur made a false rise and fell again. 



