TRANSACTIONS OF SEOTION F. 489 
idea never appears to have entered the minds of those concerned. The report of 
the Commission states: ‘ Titles have been acquired by little or absolutely no occu- 
pation. The beneficial occupation condition has debarred numbers of persons from 
purchasing Crown lands. Others, less scrupulous, have purchased, and ignored 
the conditions, aud acquired the titles.’ 
5. The State in relation to Agriculture in South Africa. 
By F. B. Suita. 
From the earliest times the Governments of States or communities have 
interested themselves in agriculture, for the obvious reason that their very existence 
to a large extent depended upon that art or industry. Until lately State efforts 
have been mainly directed towards protecting the farmer from physical inter- 
ference, and towards imposing protective duties or giving bounties on certain 
products. Various enlightened Administrations have from time to time introduced 
new varieties of stock and crops, and have endeavoured to educate the farmers and 
improve their methods ; but the work has to a great extent been dependent upon the 
bent of individuals, and has not been consistently pursued by the States concerned, 
Owing to changed conditions and to keen competition the subject of agricultural 
administration has become a very important one, and the most enterprising 
countries in both hemispheres are straining every nerve to so protect, educate, and 
organise the farmers that their labours may be attended with the greatest 
advantage, and not only may their own lands be supplied with cheap food, but the 
farmers may obtain their share of the markets of the world. 
Until recently South Africa was entirely dependent upon agriculture ; and 
having regard to the fact that Cape Colony was first occupied by the Dutch, who 
are notoriously great farmers, as far back as 1652, one might have expected that 
agriculture and agricultural administration would have attained a high state of 
development ; but this is not so. The reasons for this lack of progress are due 
chiefly to the isolation of South Africa and of the individual farmers therein, to 
the dispositions of the people, the lack of markets, absence of competition, the 
attractions of the chase, and other factors. 
Shortly before the late war there was a great awakening as regards agriculture, 
but though large sums of money were expended in endeavouring to assist it, the 
efforts were not very well organised or wisely directed. 
Since the late war the various colonies have been endeavouring to put their 
houses in order, The present affords an excellent opportunity for so doing, and it 
is of the utmost importance that every advantage should be taken of it, so that 
matters may be placed upon a proper footing once and for all and the discredit of 
a false start avoided. 
The problems which confront the various Administrations are many and 
difficult, and must be dealt with in a radical manner. 
It is the duty of the State to endeavour to remove the disabilities from which 
farmers suffer as regards diseases of animals and plants, and other matters: to 
increase and cheapen production; to protect the farmers from fraud, from unfair 
competition and taxation; to erganise them; to educate them; to open up new 
markets and to develop new industries; to improve and cheapen communication 
and transport; to promote forestry and irrigation works. 
