Lord Buxton's Committee which was appointed in March to consider
when and how Southern Rhodesia should receive responsible government reported last week that the white settlers should decide the main question at a referendum. The Committee wisely declared that the settlers should vote not on the abstract principle but on a draft constitution. The lands not already alienated would be controlled through the High Commissioner by a Land Board until the Chartered Company had received the sum of £4,400,000 awarded to it by Lord Cave's Commission for its lessee in administering the country. The rights of the natives would continue to be protected by the High Commissioner ; the native reserves would be inalienable, except in special oases. Southern Rhodesia would have to assume responsibility for capital expenditure of £1,500,000, at an annual cost of £100,000. The colony would need the £150,000 for public works promised by the Colonial Office. Lord Buxton's Committee paid a tribute to the Chartered Company for its liberal and enterprising policy. It remains to be seen whether the 33,000 white persons in Southern Rhodesia, which is larger than the United Kingdom and contains nearly a million natives, are prepared to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of its government.
Previous page
