THE SOUTH AFRICAN PROTECTORATES
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sra,—I thank Mr. Frank Melland for his response to my challenge, but unfortunately the economical injustice to natives to which I referred is not only of the past but very much of the present. Neither does it come about in a haphazard way. As for the instance quoted by Mr. Meltand, the Union Government's recent plan to supplement the totally inadequate medical aid for natives, in some respects this appears to be lacking in generosity and the relief to be afforded has been long overdue. If the native is half starved, he is likely to require an enormous amount of medical assistance.
Owing to the restrictions imposed on him by white civiliza- tion, the black man's physique has deteriorated considerably during the last fifty years. The wrong diet, including lack of meat, means decay of teeth and other troubles. Physically
the native is weaker, and in this train come bad moral traits which were not characteristic before.
The Chamber of Mines does all it can to provide for the welfare of its thousands of native workers, but gold mining imposes a heavy toll in accidents and loss of life. If the accident statistics related to Europeans, I think there would be some comment made.—I am, Sir, &c., P. A. I3amtes.
8 Hill Road, St. John's Wood.
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