CHAPTER IV 



THE GREAT COMPANIES 



Zambezia is for the most part divided between 

 three important administrative bodies, one of 

 which possesses a Royal Charter in almost every 

 respect similar to that from which the British South 

 Africa Company derives its powers. These are, in 

 order of territorial importance, the Zambezia Com- 

 pany, the Mozambique Company, and the Luabo 

 Company. 



The first administers what would in Europe be 

 considered a very fair kingdom, which, as stated 

 elsewhere, is rather more than twice the size of 

 Portugal itself; and although in every way the 

 largest and most important undertaking of its kind 

 in the Portuguese Sphere of Influence, it does not, 

 curiously enough, possess the powers which have 

 been extended by its charter to the Mozambique 

 Company. " Founded in 1892, the Zambezia Com- 

 pany is controlled by a director and sub-director 

 in Africa, and by an administrative council in 

 Lisbon composed of fifteen members, of which the 

 Portuguese Government nominates five. A council 

 of superintendence consisting of three members is 

 elected annually for the examination and verifica- 



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