Ancestry24

Die Boerevrou

In 1918, Die Boerevrou, the first Afrikaans magazine for women, appeared in Pretoria. This illustrated monthly magazine for women was the first published magazine in Afrikaans. Die Boerevrouw (its title until June 1920) was the first women’s magazine in Afrikaans and appeared in Pretoria from March 1919 under the editorship of the owner, Mrs. Mabel Malherbe (nee Rex), whose assistant editor from an early date was Mrs. M. E. Rothmann (M.E.R.), who published her first short stories in it.

The magazine met with public approval almost from its inception, since it was the only Afrikaans magazine entirely for women; it also dealt with national affairs, with special emphasis on matters affecting Afrikaner women, their own past and their people; it aimed to include women as an essential factor in sound national development. Prominent writers like Eugene Marais, F. W. Reitz, G. R. von Wielligh, Jan Celliers, A. G. Visser, F. van den Heever (‘Toon’) and C. M. van den Heever, and artists like Anton van Wouw, Pierneef and Erich Mayer willingly contributed. Of special value were contributions sent in by the readers themselves, once confidence had been established in the editorial leadership.

These were contributed to a column ’round the coffee-table’ which would formerly have been regarded as of purely personal significance, but had a historical interest, for they cast a clear and intimate light upon the development and characteristics of the Afrikaner people, especially since the days of the Great Trek. To delve into the old volumes of the Die Boerevrou is to reveal valuable Africana. Mrs. Malherbe hoped that sufficient advertisements of reliable goods would be forthcoming to cover expenses. Perhaps her estimate was too high and, moreover, she turned down all advertisements of liquor and patent medicines.

The deficits, which for years had been borne by her husband, the attorney Kenne Malherbe, eventually became so great that she had to give up the struggle, and in 1931 the magazine ceased publication.

Two fine anthologies were compiled by Mrs. Malherbe from the contents: Die Boerevrou-boek (1950) and Juwele wat steeds bekoor (1951).

This coffee table magazine offered a number of regular features such as:

Sewing and Knitting patterns
Fashions
Childrens Stories

Jong Suid-Afrika – family photo’s sent in by the public

Margaretha Kuhne, 1 jaar en 9 maande. Dogtertjie van Mnr. en Mevr. W. Kuhne. Kleinkind van Mnr. Jurie Loubscher, Graaff Reinet.

George Ferreira Strydom, (8 maande oud, gewig 23 pond), enigste seuntjie van Mnr. en Mevr. J.C. Strydom, Barberton

"Die Wonderbybie" Kobus Van Schalkwyk, Oud 5 ½ maande. Gewig 20 pond. Seuntjie van Mevr. B. Van Schalkwyk, Barberton.

Sebastiaan Valentein Vom Hagen, jongste seuntjie van Mnr. en Mevr. S. Vom Hagen, Gezina.

Home Recipes

Koue Seep
8 lb. vet, 1 lb. seepsoda, 1 3/4 bottel water. Dit kan enige vet of botter wees; natuurlik moet dit uitgebraaide vet wees. 1/2 varkvet, 1/2 skaap of beestevet maak die mooiste seep, ofskoon die hoeveelheid van die ander net so goed is. Harde vet, al is dit baie donker en vuil, kers afdrupsels of enige uitgebraaide vet, sal vir koue seep ewe goed wees, al sal dit nie juis so mooi wees nie. Los op die soda in die water. Smelt die vet oor ‘n vuur. Laat so bietjie afkoel. Intussen voer ‘n kassie uit met ‘n natte doek. Probeer dat die soda en die vet so na as moontlik dieselfde warmte het. Roer nou bymekaar, hou aan totdat dit so dik as gesuikerde heuning lyk.

Gooi uit in die kassie, vou die buitenste stukke van die doek oor die seep. Sit dan ‘n ou sak oor, en laat oornag staan. Sny die volgende oggend uit. Laat in die son of in ‘n trekkerige plek droog word, as dit gou nodig is. Die kassie wat in die vorm gebruik word, kan goed diep wees. Dit kan dan in stene op die volgende manier gesny word. Sny die stuk deur van bo af in stene, sny dan weer deur op die dikte van die steen; 2 of 3 stene kan so opmekaar gevorm word. Dan het dit nie so ‘n groot kassie nodig nie.
Deurskynend koue seep

7 lb. vet, 1 lb. soda, en 1 bot. water. Maak die soda die vorige aand aan. Maak goed warm toe. Volgende oggend smelt die vet af en koel of; roer dan by die soda, en roer vir ‘n uur. Voeg dan by een lepel terpentyn en ‘n half koppie parafien. Roer goed deur. Gooi uit in ‘n kassie (uitgevoer met ‘n nat lap). Bedek baie goed met ou sakke of komberse; laat dit so langs die stoof staan op ‘n louwarm plek vir 4 of 5 weke. Dit sal dan mooi deurskynend wees. Die soda moet in ‘n geëmailleerde emmer of skottel aangemaak word. Die seep moet die volgende dag na dit aangemaak is uitgesny word en teruggesit in die kassie, en goed toegemaak word vir 4 of 5 weke.

Skuurseep (Monkey Soap)

7 lb. vet, 1 lb. seep-soda, 1 bot. water, 1/2 slypsteen (’bathbrick’) fyn gepoeier, dan deur ‘n kamerdoek gesif, of ‘n fyn siffie (dit moet baie fyn wees anders krap dit strepe) en 2 lepels ‘whiting’. Los die soda op in die bottel water, smelt dan die vet, laat afkoel; probeer om die warmte van die vet en soda so eenders moontlik te kry. Roer bymekaar. Voer ‘n kassie uit met ‘n nat lap. Nes die seep al mooi dik is, amper klaar, moet dit soos ‘n dik pap wees. Roer nou die fyngesifte slypsteen by en die ‘Whiting’; roer goed; gooi in die gevoerde kissie; dit moet goed dik wees voor dit in die vorm gegooi word, anders sak die slypsteen af. Sny dit in mooi klein handige steentjies die volgende dag. Dis net so goed as die gekoopte.
Een van Mevr. van Tulleken se resepte vir:

Aartappel Seep

7 lb. vet, 14 lb. aartappels, 2 1/2 lb. seepsoda, 3 bottels water. Kook die aartappels met hul skil, trek dan die skille af, maal deur die vleesmeule. Weeg af, smelt die vet, roer die aartappels by tot dit ‘n gladde mengsel is. Meng die soda met ‘n 1/2 bottel water, meet die ander 1 1/2 bottel water en sit by der hand neer. Roer nou by die soda, maar haal eers die pot van die vuur; roer 5 min. gooi dan die helfte van die afgemete water by, roer 10 min, nou die res van die water, roer weer 10 min. gooi dan in kassie met ‘n nat lap gevoer. Laat drie dae.staan voor dit uit te sny; maak mooi droog op ‘n trekkerige plek of in die son (die seep moet die drie dae goed toegemaak word voor dit uitgesny word.)

Dikmelkseep

Neem dikmelk, sit dit op die vuur in ‘n parafienblik. Laat nou amper kook tot dit so’n mooi stywe dik aanmekaar stuk maak; dit moet nie baie taai wees nie. Gooi nou in iets waar die water goed van die melk kan afloop (’n ander bilk met gaatjies – klein – is goed). Werk mooi saggies met die melk, anders gaan te veel verlore. As dit nou mooi droog afgeloop is, vryf dit dan so fyn as moontlik met die hande. Smelt 2 lb. vet en neem 10 lb. van die fyngevryfde melk. Voeg dit daarby, roer goed deur, neem weg van die vuur; roer by 1 lb. soda opgelos met ‘n bottel water; voeg by en roer vir ‘n uur. Gooi in ‘n kassie gevoer met ‘n doek. Laat drie dae staan en sny dan uit. Droog die stene mooi uit. Dit is goeie seep en skuim baie mooi.
(Al die seepresepte kom in Mevr. Tulleken se boek voor. Daar het pas ‘n 5de (vergrote) uitgawe van die nuttige boek verskyn – dit is werklik ‘n onmisbare besitting vir elke Afrikaanse huisvrou)
Verlede maand het ons in die Ruilkolom vertel hoe iemand wat moeite wil doen om die boeke te verkoop een vir haar beloning sal kry. Of anders kos een 11/-pos vry – bestel van Mevr. van Tulleken, P.K. Holmdene

Hoofstuk 1 (Deur Else Louwrens)
Wie sê die lewe in ‘n mierkat-dorpie is saai en eentonig? Moenie glo nie. Kyk, die son loer net effentjies oor die ver blou rante, maar dis genoeg om vir Swartjie en Spitsbek en Jan Hoepelbeen en Takhaartjie en Nooientjie en nog dertig of veertig ander mierkatte uit hul huisies daar in die bult te lok.
Hier is hul. Een, twee, drie, sit hul penorent soos kerse op hul agterpote. Vinnig draai die koppies heen en weer, agtertoe, vorentoe, alkant-toe. Die lewe is nou eenmaal te interessant. Dit sou al te jammer wees om iets daarvan te mis.

“Swartjie, het jy gehoor?”
“Ja, wat gehoor? Jy weet mos altyd meer as ‘n ander, of jy dink jy weet meer,” en Spitsbek werp hom ‘n venynige bilk toe.
“Die Kriebos meerkatte daaronder in die laagte noem ons dorp mos “Lawaaimakersfort.”

“Begryp jou, Lawaaimakersfort. Hul is net jaloers op ons deftige naam, ‘Rus en Vrede’; hul, wat vir hul ou dorpie nie eens ‘n naam het nie. Papbroekvlakte sou net ‘n goeie naam vir hul wees. Pieperig en afgemaer en papbroekery, dis wat hul is. En wie weet iets van hul afkoms, hul famielies?”

“Ja wie? Ons, Besems, – ons weet! Nie verniet heet ons die Besemstam nie. ‘n Stert soos ‘n besem, elkeen van ons. Kyk vir ou Grootjie. Ses mierkatgeslagte is aan haar te danke, en elkeen van hul, man, vrou, of kind, ‘n opregte Besem, mooi, rats, sterk…”

“En vernuftig ook. Moenie vergeet nie,” val Kannetjie, wat in die tussentyd nader gekom het, horn in die rede.

“En ‘n stert,” en hier waai Spitsbek statig sy rnooi harige stert op en neer – “‘n stert soos ‘n … nou ja, jul weet mos. Jul’s mos ook Besems.’

“Ja, Boetie, ‘n goeie ou stam. Dis die grondige waarheid, al moet ek dit self sê, ek wat Swartjie is. Maar wag, ek moet loop. Tryntjie roep al na my,” en Swartjie maak dat hy wegkom.

“Jy weet dis brekfistyd, man, en jy sit maar en bak in die son, – bak en skinner. Julie mans is almal eners. Kom, die kinders vra kos. Laat ons loop,” en Tryntjie kruip deur die gareboom-laning, gevolg deur haar man en tweeling seuntjies.

Dit word al lewendiger in die mierkat-dorpie. Dit loop en spring en gaat te keer. Eindelik is almal die veld in.

Ai, maar dis ‘n lekker lewe: baie pret, baie gevare ook. Maar dit gee juis die prikkel aan die vcrmaaklikheid daarvan.

Nie ver van hier lê die ou boereplaas van Oom Jan v.d. Vyver. Maar Oom Jan laat die mierkat-volkie maar sy gang gaan. Hy hinder hul nie. “Lewe en laat lewe,” was sy leuse.

Maar daar by hom op die plaas het ook ‘n hond gewoon, ‘n nare rooi- en witgevlekte ding wat van mierkatte niks gehou het nie. Snaakse smaak het sommige mense en diere tog. Sy grootste begeerte was om mierkatte te vang. Juis vandag het hy weer een van sy giere. Hier kom hy aan, kruip-kruip, al nader en nader.

Witpootjie is net met sy brekfis besig – ‘n vet ou muis wat hy al lank in die oog gehad het. Voor jy kan sê “mes” is Aasvoël op hom! Maar ek sê vir jou niks – ou Witpootjie glip vlak onder sy neus weg en woerts om die bos. Maar Aasvoël, ook nie links nie, keer hom voor.

“Nou het ek jou, outjie,” en hy blaf van opgewondenheid en blydskap.
Maar moenie glo nie, Witpootjie fop hom weer. En so gaan die jag voort, agter-toe, vorentoe, tot die kat eindelik sy huis haal en woeps! in is hy. Aasvoël krap en blaf en gaan te keer nes ‘n mal ding, maar dis verniet. “Jep, jep,” blaf Witpootjie terug van binne, net om vir Aasvoël uit te koggel. Ja, die ou diertjie is nog astrant ook.

Nee, Aasvoël, ‘n Besem vang jy so maklik nie. Jy dink miskien aan die dag toe jy een aan die been gehad het en jou klaargemaak het vir ‘n smaaklike middagete, nê? Maar in ‘n kits had die outjie weer handuit geruk – en jy, ou, moes leeg-leeg huistoe draf en ou Hoepelbeen was skoonveld. Maar, “Hoepelbeen” was …

Jokes
Die lesing was verskriklik droog, om die minste daarvan te sê. Die onderwerp was “Die Ontwikkeling van die Mens”, en as ‘n illustrasie wys die geleerde man op die onderskeid tussen die mens en die dier.
“Die mense,” so beduie hy, “maak steeds vordering, terwyl die ander diere bly stilstaan. Neem bv. die esel. Deur al die eeue heen, die hele wêreld deur, bly dit net dieselfde skepsel. Julle het nog nooit, geagte dames en here, julle sal nooit ‘n beter esel sien as wat julle vandag sien nie.”
* * *
Hy: “Vir wat klap jy so? Daardie vrou het akelig gesing.”
Sy : “Ja, ek weet, maar ek is verlief op haar tabberd en ek wil dit graag nog ‘n maal sien.”
* * *
Pa: “Hoe lyk dit, Koos, smaak die medisyne nog so sleg?”
Koos: “Nee, pa, nou gaan dit darem.”
Pa: “Drink jy nog gereeld drie keer op ‘n dag ‘n lepelvol?”
Koos: “Ja, pa, maar my lepel het weggeraak, nou gebruik ek maar ‘n vurk.”
* * *
Tante: “Miena, wie is die luiste in julle klas?”
Miena: “Nee, Tante, ek weet nie.”
Tante: “Wel, dis tog maklik as julle reken wie sit die luiste daarby?”
Miena: “Die juffrou, Tante!”
——————————————————————————–
Letters
Liewe Boerevroutjie,
Nou wil ek ook so’n rukkie met julle saam gesels orn die koffietafel. Ek sien so baie vertel van oumense, nou wil ek ook graag vir julle van my man se Ouma vertel. Sy is, sover ek weet, die oudste oumens in Lydenburg se Distrik, sy is die 12de deser 100 jaar oud, en is nog taamlik sterk vir so ‘n hoë ouderdom. Ouma was ‘n nooie Schoeman en was getroud met Jan Steenkamp. My skoonvader is haar enigste kind. Toe Oupa Steenkamp dood is, is sy weer met Jan Jacobsz getroud, hy is ook al vir jare dood. Ouma bly by my skoonouers. Sy kan nog al die voortrekker-verhale vertel, of dit gister gebeur het, sy was destyds ‘n kind van 11jr jaar.

Mevr Annie Catharina Jacobtz – Gebore Schoeman, gebore 12de Jan 1825

Maar nou wil ek somar ‘n grappie vertel, wat in die Boere-oorlog plaasgevind het. Ouma had een suster wat baie op haar gelyk het, maar sy was toe deur die Engels eweggevoer. Op ‘n dag kom ouma in ‘n winkel en sien haarself in ‘n groot spieel. Sy dog dis haar suster, sy loop na die spieel en steek haar arms uit, en sê “My liewe ou suster, is jy ook hier?” Dit het glo gedreun in die winkel soos die klerke en mense gelag het. – Mevr. Willem Steenkamp.
* * * * * *
Mej. C. Benade skryf : “Ek sien dat die vrouens en meisies saam gesels oor die armblanke, so wil ek ook baie graag iets daaroor skryf, want as almal dink en saamwerk kan die saak opgelos word.
Ek dink die vrouens en meisies moet werk om Suid-Afrika ‘n droë land te maak soos Amerika, want deur die drank is daar duisende kinders wat armoede en gebrek ly. Die vader werk miskien, en sodra as hy die geld gekry het, gaan dit na die kantien. Die kinders kry geen behoorlik opvoeding nie, en volg naderhand hulle vader se voetstappe. Ek het gehoor hulle sê, solank as hulle onder die in vloed van drank is, voel hulle so gelukkig en ryk. Ek dink al die vrouens en meisies moet saamspan om in die saak te werk. Ek wens die “Boerevroutjie” alle seën toe, en hoop sy sal nog lank lewe. Ons almal geniet haar baie.”
Source: Standard Encylopeadia of South Africa and Die Boerevrou Magazine 1922 November & December, 1925 January, March & June, 1926 April & June, December 1931

Master Builder of Cape Town

William J. Morris was born on the 11th February 1826 in Oxon, England, and was employed by the Duke of Marlborough as a game keeper when he developed pulmonary tuberculosis during the severe winter of 1856. His doctor recommended that he move to a sunnier climate.

Not long after this William was accepted, together with his wife and three children, for the Sir George Grey Immigration Scheme. In screening the prospective applicants, there were some basic requirements: good health, sober habits, industrious, good moral character, and in the habit of working for wages (as promulgated by Act No. 8 of 1857). From these regulations it would seem that a person with T.B. would certainly not have been accepted, and as the gentleman in question lived to the grand age of 90, and certainly worked industriously on arrival in the Cape (not conducive to a sickly person) the circumstances appear to dispel such a legend.

Standard Bank, Adderley Street

The journey to the Cape was aboard the vessel named “Edward Oliver” under the command of Master J. Baker. The ship departed from Birkenhead on 10th July 1858, and after 57 days at sea arrived in Table Bay on 5th September 1858. Little is known about the voyage excepting 14 deaths were recorded and seven births took place on board. Listed as the ships surgeon was Dr. Fred Johnson as well as trained teacher Mr. Tom Gibbs who were to care for the passenger’s health and education. It is possible that it was not a pleasant journey for the Morris family remembering that the three children Richard, Kate and William were still young and the latter being under twelve months of age.

The majority of the artisans and tradesmen had been fixed up with immediate employment, as there was a great demand for skilled and semi-skilled men for the new railway track being constructed from Cape Town to Wellington, as well as the harbour construction project in Table Bay.

Not long after Williams arrival he leased some land at the top end of Duke Road in Rondebosch, then a distant suburb of Cape Town, and very reminiscent of Wychwood Forest and his native Oxfordshire. This piece of land was developed into a market garden and the family lived in a nearby cottage.

It was whilst William J. Morris and family were living in Rondebosch that on 29 April 1862 their youngest son Benjamin Charles Morris was born and baptized in St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Rondebosch, whereby his father (William) declared his occupation as a “gardener” and place of residence as “Rouwkoop Road”, Rondebosch. Click here to search these church records.

Benjamin Charles Morris's Baptism Record

Richard H. Morris was still a growing boy of just 8 years old. By the age of 14 years and still living in Rondebosch, he was indentured to Alexander Bain, a shipbuilder/shipwright of 17 Chiappini Street, Cape Town as an apprentice carpenter/shipwright.

Although the new suburban railway from Cape Town to Wynberg had been opened to the public in 1865, Richard was obliged to walk from Rondebosch to the North Wharf in Dock Road, Cape Town as transport was too expensive for his meager earnings. However, he was soon organized in getting a “lift” from the coachman he befriended who worked for the governor of Rustenburg House. Richard secured his free lift on the footman’s place at the rear of the coach, where he would sit in reasonable comfort for the journey which took him to the Castle. Unfortunately this mode of travel did not operate for the return journey home, nor did it operate during the winter months, so Richard just had to “jog”.

It would appear that the last train from Cape Town to Wynberg in the afternoons was scheduled for departure from the city at 5pm, but needless to say as an apprentice, Richard was still working at the shipyard. Despite the arduous circumstances of his youth, the enforced exercise proved most beneficial a few years later when he entered into competitive sport i.e. race rowing, especially as Richard was just over 5ft. tall and weighed less than 60 kilos.

During 1870, the Bain’s Shipyard was taken over by Mr. Christopher Robertson, as specialist in sailing ships and wooden masts, and as Richard was learning his trade with three other young apprentices, he was taught the art of shaping a sailing vessel’s mast with the hand spokeshave. The firm from then on was known as “Robertson & Bain” which continued operating in Dock Road, Cape Town for several decades, specializing in the supply of wooden masts for sea-going sailing ships.

Before carrying on with the life story of Richard H. Morris it is important to mention that the Anglican Church of St. Johns on the corner of Long and Waterkant Street had been built in 1856. It was at this church that during the 1860’s Richard became a choir boy and in 1872 a Sunday School Teacher.

In 1876 the Templar rowing club started in Cape Town where Richard and his brother were both members and enthusiastic oarsmen.

The christening of the personally constructed fast rowing boat by Richard came as no surprise by the owners of Robertson and Bain. The name of the boat was called the “Alpha”.

In 1882 the construction of a row of cottages built by Wm. J. Morris and his brother Richard (father & son) was started in Upper Church and Longmarket Streets and were to be called “Lorne Cottages” in honour of the Lorne Rowing Club which was started in Cape Town in 1875 and named after the Scottish Firth near Island of Mull of Kintyre.
On Saturday 6th June 1885 Richard married Helen Ann Lyell in St. John’s church. The newly married couple went that day to “Lorne Cottages” to make their permanent home and raise a family.

Richard and Helen Ann Lyell's Marriage Certificate

Helen was in fact a little girl of ten years old when she first encountered Richard. That was when he was in his twenties and he was late for work and was running along the road when he accidentally knocked over a little girl. He tried to console her, and from this time onwards a very special friendship developed.

It was in the same church that Richard’s younger brother William John married Matilda Jane Altree on 25th August 1886 and a younger brother married in St. Paul’s in Rondebosch on 14th September 1887. It is interesting to note that St. John’s Church was deconsecrated after the last evening service in June 1970 as the ground and building was sold, after much pressure from business interests, for an astronomical amount, and the church was completely demolished to make way for the present modern commercial complex known as “St. Johns Place”. Click here to search these church records.

In 1884 Richard Morris as cox and his brother of the “Templar Club” had their first win as champions winning both “Maiden Oarsmen” and “Championship of Table Bay” events.

In June 1878 Richard H. Morris went into partnership with friend & neighbour Chas. Algar from Rondebosch, who had known the Morris family for quite some time. Little known to Chas was that Richard was to be the future brother-in-law to his sister Bertha Algar.

The first workshops of Algar and Morris were at 39 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town. (between Long and Loop Street ). But misfortune was the cause of the break-up of the working partnerships as the 30-year-old Chas Algar died suddenly on 4th October 1883.

Banking institutions were now playing a major role in the economy of the country and in 1883 Richard Morris landed the contract to build the Standard Bank in Adderley Street for the amount of £32,000 – the two storied building was designed in neo-classical style by Charles Freeman. Two additional floors were added on by Morris in 1921.

Richard made a repeat performance in May 1885 wining the 2 mile race in 15 minutes and 55 seconds.

March 1886 saw the arrival of Richard and his wife Helen’s daughter Kate as well as Richard wining the “Champion of Table Bay” for the third consecutive year.

Eleven years after the death of Chas Algar, Richard Morris secured the construction contract for the new City Club in Queen Victoria Street for a sum of £22,000.

Between the years of 1888 and 1895 Helen Morris gave birth to Edith, Bertha and William Henry Morris, the only son to Richard.

By 1896 Richard H. Morris had become known as a builder of distinguished quality and workmanship and the fame of R.H. Morris had spread. Herbert Baker had met Richard on several occasions and took immediately to this man who built with such fine quality and precision. It was then that R.H. Morris secured the prestige contract for the restoration of “Groote Schuur”, after the building had been extensively destroyed by fire.

Richard H. Morris by 1899 had workshops in both 52 Rose Street and 173 Longmarket Street. In 1902 Frank Lardner joined the staff of R.H. Morris and in 1911 he became the manager.

Father, William James Morris, died at the old age of ninety years on 22 March 1915. In 1919 the company of R. H. Morris (Pty) Ltd was officially formed to cope with the new lumber contract in Knysna. It was from this time onwards that R.H. Morris was renowned throughout Southern Africa for the excellent workmanship and quality in carpentry all starting from old Mr. Morris himself. School desks, church pews and altars were manufactured in their joinery shop for years to come. The items were delivered as far away as Botswana, Rhodesia, Zambia and Mozambique. Along with the desk and school equipment Morris ink wells and stands were also produced.

The Morris workshop also manufactured one of the very few original gramophones that were ever produced in South Africa and which was called a “melophone”. Many of these items can be seen on display in the Educational Museum in Aliwal Road, Wynberg today.

Sadness unfortunately halted joy when Richard and Helen Morris celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 6th June 1935 and then on 24 July Helen tragically passed away at home as well as Bertha, wife of Benjamin Morris, on the 6th December.

Richard at the age of 83 years old in 1936 retired from the construction industry and handed the reigns over to Frank Lardner. Frank ran the company until 1942 when he passed away. The business was then handed over to a young civil engineer, Clifford Harris. The existing premises of Rose and Longmarket Street were finally vacated when the furniture workshops and Building /Civil Engineering were consolidated and new premises built in Ndabeni.

In April 1949 Richard Henry Morris succumbed to natural causes and passed away at the age of 95 years and 5 months.

This was certainly not the end of an era for R.H. Morris Pty Ltd – as in 1952 the company was given financial backing for the New Municipal Market at Epping in Cape Town by the British Engineering giant Humphreys. The firm is no longer associated with the family. Later the company was taken over by the Fowler Group and is now in the hands of Group Five Construction who have retained the image of the name in perpetuating the fine record of the founder Richard Henry Morris.

Many of the other buildings in Cape Town which were either completed by or alterations were performed on, include the University of Cape Town, Diocesan College in Rondebosch, Music School at U.C.T. as well as many Sir Herbert Baker buildings.

In 1995 when much of this research was done I managed to find a second “melophone” and an original “Morris” desk for sale which ex-Managing Director Frank Wright was extremely grateful for me finding these wonderful company artifacts. Shortly before the final documents were found I also located the grand nephew of R.H. Morris who very kindly gave me the medal won by Richard in the “Championship of Table Bay”. This is now on display in the boardroom of Group Five Construction in Plum Park, Plumstead in the Cape.

Authors: Heather MacAlister and H.W Haddon

Benjamin Osler also known as Bennie born in Aliwal North on 23rd November 1901 and died in Cape Town on 23rd April 1962, Springbok rugby player, was the son of Benjamin and Isobel Osler. Bennie’s ancestors have been traced back to Edward Osler, a prominent merchant and ship-owner, with a hint of piracy involvement.Bennie went to various schools, including the Western Province Preparatory School, Rondebosch Boys’ High School, and Kingswood College, Grahamstown. From 1921 he read law at the University of Cape Town, qualifying in 1925. During this period he represented the University on the rugby field, but from 1926 to 1930 played for Hamiltons and from 1931 to 1933 for Villagers. He acted as captain of all three clubs and on various occasions captained Western Province, which he represented from 1922 to 1933.

He gained his Springbok colours in 1924, when he played against Ronald Cove-Smith’s British team in all four test matches. Four years later (1928) he also played in all four tests against Maurice Brownlee’s New Zealand touring side, and in 1931-32 captained the Springbok team (which went to the British Isles) in all the tests of that series. He rounded off his rugby career in 1933 by playing in all five tests against the visiting Australians, acting as captain in the second test. He had scored forty-six points in the seventeen consecutive tests in which he played Osler is generally regarded as the best fly-half South Africa has produced so far (1979), a man who could dictate play. The decade during which he was a Springbok is even called the ‘Osler Era’ by sports writers, owing to his influence on the game. While he played for South Africa the country won all the test series, his province carried off the Currie Cup throughout, and each club for which he played won the Grand Challenge Cup. He had no equal as a tactical kicker and it was in particular his almost perfectly-placed corner kicks to wings which gained many tries for the Springboks. He could launch long outside kicks from any corner and as a drop-kicker he often clinched matches. Nobody was more feared by opponents than Osler.

He was also an attacking fly-half who could send his full-backs off with incredible speed when circumstances permitted or, if not, could himself shoot through an opening like lightning. Autocratic on the field, he would tolerate no passes from scrumhalfs that were above waist height; if the centres next to him blundered even once, he usually mistrusted them afterwards and would rather kick the ball – a course of action which can be regarded as one of his few weaknesses. As a captain he attached great value to tactical planning before a match, and he believed in strict team discipline.

During the Second World War (1939-45) Bennie went with the South African forces to East Africa where he contracted both malaria and amoebic dysentery which probably contributed to his relatively early death.

Unlike other great players Osler had little interest in coaching or the administration of the sport when he retired. After working as a salesman for a long time, he eventually went farming on a small scale, at first near East London and later near Bellville.

The brothers Bennie and Stanley Osler

He married Gladys Hobson and had two children. Photographs of him appear inter alia in The Bennie Osler story and Springbok saga (both infra).

Osler’s Cornish Connections

Benjamin. Falmouth born circa 1776 son of Edward and Mary (Paddy) Osler of Falmouth and husband of Jane (Sawle) Osler born 1775. father of Susannah, Stephen Sawle, Mary Anne, Amelia, Elizabeth, Sarah, Joseph, Jane, Benjamin, Phillippa and Julia. Leader of W.J. Cornish 1820 Settlers. Returned to Cornwall with wife and some members of his family 4.1822.

Stephen Sawle born in Falmouth 27th September 1804, died 21st October 1867 in Simonstown. Son of Benjamin and Jane (Sawle) Osler and husband of Catherine Osler (born Dakins, formerly Wright) of Llaway Glen, Montgomeryshire, Wales. 1802-1881. father to Benjamin, James Goodriche, Catherine and Jane; and also Christina, dtr of Orange Kleyne (Klein). Founder of the Osler family in SA.

Susannah Osler born in Falmouth circa 1800. daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Sawle) Osler married 1st John Coleman (1792-1829) of Cock’s party at Reedfountain, Eastern Cape on 17th June 1820, 2nd time to Mr Fineran from Quebec.

The small Cornish party, under the leadership of Benjamin Osler of Falmouth, Cornwall, sailed in the ‘Weymouth’, which left Portsmouth in January 1820. Having arrived in Albany so that he might supervise the first arrivals, Sir Rufane Donkin considered that a more central and accessible site should be chosen for the administration of the settlement. Ignoring the fact of Graham’s Town’s better defensible position and that it was already established as a military base, the site he chose on 9 May 1820, was just west of Thorn Ridge. This was to be the centre of the civilian administration and also the seat of magistracy. Sir Rufane declared it was to supercede Graham’s Town as the capital town of Albany, and it was to be named Bathurst in honour of Earl Bathurst, Secretary for the Colonies. In his enthusiasm Donkin allotted plots to the Earl and also his own sons and nephews, while 500 acres of Glebe were allotted for a clergyman and chaplain of the Church of England, the vacant post to be filled in due course by a suitable man. The post of administrator, however, was filled by the transfer to Albany from the Western Cape of Capt Charles Trappes.

By 9 June the Cornish party of Benjamin Osler was enroute to their location from Algoa Bay. Osler’s party, it had been decided, was to be located some 12 miles southwest of the new town of Bathurst, and halfway to the Kowie River mouth. This was in the curve of the Mansfield River, a left bank tributary to Kowie River, today known as Grove Hill. Osler named the location Pendennis in memory of the similarity the area bore to his Cornish hometown of Falmouth and its Pendennis Castle.

Pitching their tents for protection from the cold winter nights and the intermittent drizzle, the party immediately set to clearing the land so that ploughing and sowing of their first crop could be done. Soon after arrival, they were to be joined by a young man, John Coleman, 28 years of age and a gardener from Cock’s party who had sailed with them in the Weymouth. Coleman was not altogether an unexpected arrival, for he had made his intentions clear earlier and on the 17 June, he was married by the Rev William Shaw to Benjamin Osler’s eldest daughter, Susannah. Theirs were the first marriage in the whole settlement.

The proximity to Bathurst of Osler’s location at Pendennis meant that these settlers were closely concerned with the early development of that town. Lots were already being offered for sale and the Colonial Secretary had ordered erection of a prison. The building of the Bathurst Residency got under way by October. All this activity afforded employment to bricklayers, carpenters, slaters, sawyers and stone-masons, who were able to direct their energies into a rewarding field while they waited patiently for the crops to ripen. Hopes for the future were bright, but by the end of November it became apparent that ‘rust’ had affected practically all the wheat sown since their arrival and the crops were useless. With little resources to withstand such a disaster, the administration decided that the issue of rations was therefore to be continued, but they became an additional charge against the deposit money. When that had been exhausted, it was a liability for future repayment. By Christmas Day that year, the circumstances of many were desperate and prospects for the future grim.

Undaunted by these hardships and their considerably reduced circumstances, the settlers sought what work they could find. The Bathurst Residency, long delayed in its completion by the number of unfortunate disputes that had arisen, was still an avenue for employment. William Mallett, a mason with Osler’s party joined with Thomas Marham of Bethany, James’ party’s location, and together they contracted on 5 November 1821, for slating and plastering work on the Residency to the value of £16. 10. 0d.

Lots had continued to be sold at Bathurst and houses built on them, but again, as a year earlier, ‘rust’ began to appear in the wheat and by the end of the year it was apparent to all that the wheat crop had once again failed. This was now a major calamity. Though rations were continued, they were reduced to half portions. Despite what the settlers had previously received, and even for those in dire need who had no money or hope of ever redeeming what they already owed, a parsiminous administration ruled they were only to get half a pound of rice per adult per week. Meagre indeed, but to ameliorate their difficulties, the stringent pass laws restricting settlers to their locations were relaxed and many now went in search of work, not only in Albany, but further afield if they could afford to get themselves there.

Lord Charles Somerset had by now returned to the Cape from his bride hunting furlough in England, and once again took up the reins of office as Governor.

He was furious to find the number of rather illogical decisions taken by Sir Rufane were actually detrimental to the scheme as he had originally envisaged it. He thus immediately set about reversing them. Bathurst was demoted from its pre-eminent position, which consequently caused another sharp depression when the Magistracy was summarily removed to Graham’s Town and the many settlers who had invested their small capital in establishing business premises in order that they might better serve the community, now faced ruin and impoverishment as it was quite evident the town of Bathurst would stagnate. It did and many then returned their attention to trading. Fairs were permitted at Fort Willshire and to these came the native tribesmen from beyond the Colony’s borders. James Weeks was one of the Cornish settlers who took to offering the more conventional manufactures. He and others traded tobacco and cloth in exchange for hides and skins, ivory, cut wood and simple items of use that could either be sold again in Graham’s Town or taken down to Algoa Bay and bartered there for the farming implements in such short supply. But the air of depression continued, it was no good having the basis for an exchange of goods if the majority the inhabitants, both settler and tribesmen, were so impoverished that goods and hard cash were virtually an unknown commodity amongst them. Osler left his location in April 1822 to return with his wife and five younger children to Cornwall. What remained of Osler’s party slowly broke up. Headed by John Dale, it began to disintegrate further. Osler’s daughter, Susannah and her husband decided to make their home at Simonstown where they were to be joined by her brother, Stephen Sawle Osler, who had elected not to return to Cornwall. By the beginning of 1824 William Mallett had moved away to Uitenhage and matrimony was to call Joseph Richards to a date in Graham’s Town where on 23 September that year, he was married to Sarah Attwell, the seventeen year old daughter of Richard Attwell of Crause’s party. Grace Weeks had died and the end of the year saw Charles Pearse returning to England to rejoin his wife with and family who had been unable to embark with him.

The small party of Cornish settlers, comprising only eleven men and their families at the outset, was already diminished in number by nearly half, and the few that did remain on Pendennis were to become so insignificant numerically that from then on their story melds with that of the settlement itself, conversely reflecting their great adaptability and absorption into the new country.

Source:
Dictionary of South Africa Biography Vol 5.
Cornish Immigrants to South Africa by Graham Dickason.
History of South African Rugby Football (1875 – 1932) by Ivor Difford

Further reading and resources:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~bathonia/OslerBathFrancisConnections.htm

Osler Library – http://www.mcgill.ca/osler-library/

Acknowledgements: Michael Bath

Oba Alaiyeluwa Ademiluyi is the traditional High Priest King of the Yoruba Country, which has one of the most ancient dynasties in Africa. In the mediaval times there was much trade in Yoruba States, most of the business being done with Timbuctoo. A lot of the people of this country adopted the Islamic faith about the seventh century. The chief industries were iron works, agriculture, pepper, ivory, cloth weaving, leather making, carving and bead-work. From iron several articles were being manufactured, both for local use and for export purposes, such as agricultural implements, iron ornaments, weapons of war, utensils and such. The two great mining areas were in Nupe territory and in the Kakanda district at Ile Ife in Yorubaland. Another mining field was near Ilorin. Glass industry was chiefly carried on in Nupe.

The art of sculpture seems to have reached its zenith of development at this period. The chief industries at Ashanti and Gold Coast and Dahomey were gold, diamonds, precious stones, ivory, pepper, agriculture, bead making and carving. Corals were obtained from the sea, and of these all West African royal crowns, beaded thrones, beaded staves, and all other works of beads were usually manufactured. The rights of mining belonged to each and every individual inhabitant of West Africa, although it might seem that some portion of any precious metal mined or dug out used to be offered by the owner as a present to the King. Before the advent of Europeans or Arabs the people of West Africa worshipped God whom they called ” Olorun ” meaning ” One Supreme Being.”

The number of Christians in Yoruba is increasing. Many young people are sent to Europe and America for higher education. Like the rest of Africa, Yoruba and, indeed, the whole of West Africa except Liberia, has been made a colony of some European country. The people are no longer masters in their own land; their Kings having sought protection of European Kings. With such laws as the Crown Land Bill of 1894 (Gold Coast), the Land Ordinance of 1897 (Gold Coast), and the Forest Bill of 1911 (Gold Coast), the Foreshore Case of 1911, Lagos, and the Ikoyi Land Ordinance of 1908, Africans like the late Hon. Casely-Hayford, the late Hon. J. Sarbali, the late Hon. Safara Williams, Mr. Herbert Macauley, and others had a severe and unavailing fight in their efforts to retain some of the rights of their people.

Mr. Paul Xiniwe went to Lovedale in 1881 as an advanced student on the recommendation of Rev. Edward Solomon, of Bedford, from whence he came. He had worked previously on the railway as timekeeper and later as telegraph operator. At Lovedale he entered the students’ classes in January, 1881. In the second year he obtained the seventy-fourth certificate of competency at the Elementary Teachers’ Examination. He became teacher in the Edwards Memorial School, Port Elizabeth. His school was said to stand high in the classification of schools of the district in efficiency. After some years he tired of the teaching profession, and having saved some money, resigned in order to become a business man. He bought property at East London, Port Elizabeth and Kingwilliamstown, and opened stores as merchant and hotel proprietor. At Kingwilliamstown his property was conspicuous, being a double storey building and known as the Temperance Hotel. In a very short time the Temperance Hotel was known through the Cape Province. Paul Xiniwe took a very keen interest in the welfare of his people. An upright man, honest gentleman, and a thorough Christian and a staunch temperance apostle.

He married a Miss Ndwanya, sister of Mr. Ndwanya, a law agent who was respected by Europeans and natives at Middle-drift. Mr. Xiniwe was the father of five children. The eldest son, Mr. B. B. Xiniwe, was a law agent at Stutterheim for a number .of years; the second son is in Johannesburg; the third, a daughter, Frances Mabel Maud, is the wife of the editor of this book; the fourth, another daughter, Mercy, is the wife of Mr. Ben. Tyamzashe, a schoolmaster and an author; and the youngest son, Mr. G. Xiniwe, is a clerk in a solicitor’s office, Kingwilliamstown. Mr. Paul Xiniwe died at an early age leaving a widow and five children to look after themselves. Mrs. Xiniwe who, with her husband, had been to Europe as a member of a native choir, was a lady of .experience, tact, character and business acumen. Difficult though it was, she maintained her late husband’s property, and carried on the business and educated her children. This lady indeed commanded the respect of all who knew her, white and black. Paul Xiniwe was a man of his word. He swore he would never touch liquor. When he became very ill his doctor advised him to take a little brandy, but he made up his mind that he would not do so, although it was said brandy was the only thing that would save his life.

Mr. BEN TELE, who was born and educated in the Cape Province, was a successful law agent at Peddie. He was one of the leading men of his time. Was much respected by Europeans and Africans alike. He took a leading part in religious, social, educational and political affairs of his people. He was a great advocate for higher education for native children. He had been chairman of many important meetings and a member of many deputations to the Government. The chiefs of the Cape Province ‘recognised him as a loyal subject and a powerful leader.
1877 In 1879 he became teacher at Uitenhage. In 1883 he • was a clerk and interpreter in the Magistrate’s Court, Port Elizabeth. After some years Mr. Wauchope resigned the Civil Service to join the ministry. In this calling he made wonderful success. He was very popular and had great influence over his people. He paid special attention to their education and took keen interest in their welfare. He was very kind, a real gentleman and a true Christian. During the Great War, 1914-1918, he enlisted as chaplain to the Native Labour Battalion, and sailed with hundreds of Africans to France in the Mandi. The steamer was not destined to reach its destination, for it was sunk and few were saved. Rev. Isaac Williams Wauchope went down with a great many and his grave is in the deep blue sea.

In European history, Tshaka, King of the Zulus, is described as a cruel king. His name is sometimes written ” Chaka.” He is the king who founded the Zulu nation. Before the organisation of the Africans in Natal, Zulus were not known as a race, but were common people.  Tshaka’s qualifications were that he was a warrior of great ability; a very good fighter and as such won the favour of Chief Dingiswayo, of Mtetwa, who had more influence than any other chief. Although Tshaka did not belong to the tribe of Dingiswayo, he lived with his mother’s people, the Mhlongos, who were under Chief Dingiswayo. When Tshaka’s father, Senzangakona, died, Tshaka, who was not the rightful heir, was helped by Dingiswayo to defeat his brother. Tshaka’s impies were victorious and he became the successor to his father. Tshaka taught his warriors the stategies of war; organised strong regiments and when Chief Dingiswayo died Tshaka brought his impies to fight Dingiswayo’s tribe which he conquered. As a result of his victory he became very ambitious, looked about him and resolved to form a great empire. He did not hesitate to subdue the tribes that were around him. His warriors fought right and left, until the word ” Tshaka ” made everybody tremble. He was the first king to rule from Pongolo to the Cape. The tribes that did not want to come under Tshaka’s rule fled. The Fingoes went south where they met the Xosas, and for eighteen years Tshaka was King and Emperor of Natal and Zululand. It was one of Tshaka’s laws to his regiments that no young men and women of a hostile tribe should be killed at war. His instructions were that they should be captured alive, brought to Zululand and be made naturalised Zulus. These young naturalised Zulus were used as soldiers to fight any tribe Tshaka wished to defeat, and finally he succeeded in building a great nation. He had absolute discipline in the land. He was King, judge and administrator, also a philosopher, a poet and a musician.

When the European settlers arrived in Natal in 1823 they found Tshaka reigning. He did not illtreat them, but extended to them every hospitality. He requested .the foreigners to teach his people their language so that they could be understood. The Europeans had come to trade, fight and conquer, and it must have occurred to Tshaka that they were strong and clever since they had conquered the waves of the ocean and landed in Africa. A number of men were selected to be sent to Europe to be taught, but for reasons unknown to Tshaka, these men were never sent to Europe but were kept at the Cape where they did not learn much.

Tshaka’s reign came to an end in 1828, when he was murdered by his brothers who instructed his chief induna, Mbopa, to stab him. They had not forgotten that Tshaka was not the rightful King. Though fatally stabbed, Tshaka had the opportunity, before he died, to inform his brothers and murderer that they would never rule over the Zulus, but that the white men would rule them. Tshaka’s brothers were not as friendly to the invaders as he was, and, it seems, were also ignorant of Tshaka’s dealings with them, for it was clear that they would have killed the white nien had they known of the friendship that existed between Tshaka and these white settlers. Tshaka was a thinker–on one occasion he killed a beast and painted the floor of a hut with its blood. This he did without being seen by anybody, and then summoned all the witch doctors in the land to a great feast at his kraal. When the doctors were assembled he took them one by one to the hut with the blood on its floor, and asked them the cause of the blood. It is said many so-called doctors failed in this test.

Tshaka was a very busy man, being his own Field-Marshal, Minister of War, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister, Administrator, Political Agent, and King. He was also engaged in research work. This is indeed a big task for any man, even under the most favourable circumstances. That Tshaka, like William the Conqueror, was a great man nobody can doubt, and to state that he was a cruel King is to pay a man who broke virgin ground and founded a nation the poorest compliment. Had there been no Tshaka there might never have been a proud Zulu nation. In Tshaka’s day there was no need to have an army of detectives and a force of police. Every man and woman had perfect respect for law and order. Tshaka was well built, tall and indeed a fine specimen of a man. Strict as he was, hundreds of civilised Zulus to this day swear by Tshaka. Whatever may be said, the Zulus are indeed a fine people, well developed physically, good natured, full of humour, and as brave as. lions.

TIPPOO TIB, Conqueror-Explorer, was born in 1837 at Zanzibar. He was also known as Hib Mohammed. At that time the enormous wealth of the African interior was almost untouched. When Tippoo was 16 years of age he accompanied his father on one of his inland expeditions. On this journey Tippoo distinguished him- self both as a fighter and a trader. When it came to bargaining there was none so astute and suave as he. None excelled him in audacity and skill. Later Tippoo was allowed by his father to set out on his own. The youth, who was only 18 years of age took with him 100 men. He was full of adventure, and set out for the interior. Arriving at Lake Tanganyika he crossed in great canoes, hollowed out by himself and his men, from trees of primeval forests.

After crossing the lake, Tippoo continued into the interior until he came to Tabora, a territory that was ruled by Temba, the King. Temba, on meeting Tippoo Tib,. planned to provoke a quarrel with him, kill him, and take away his goods, but the laws of hospitality demanded that no business should be discussed until the third day after a trader’s arrival. In the interim, Tippoo Tib learnt of the plot, and siding with the followers of Mnyama, the rightful heir, attacked Temba and killed him. After this adventure he returned to the coast, richly laden with ivory, gold and cattle. His appetite more sharpened, Tippoo Tib soon after started on a second expedition, taking with him this time goods valued at about £8,000. He left behind twenty creditors. All did not go well on this trip.

He wandered into territory ravaged by famine, but turned it to advantage by getting bearers cheaply. Again many of his porters ran off with his goods. Continuing his journey, he came to the territory of Nsama, a powerful King, who had conquered all his neighbours and annexed their land. Nsama received Tippoo Tib with a great show of hospitality and led him into a large hut where he showed him a great quantity of gold and ivory. But it was an ambush. Three arrows struck Tippoo Tib in the shoulder; managing to fight his way out and rallying his men he attacked Nsama. After four days’ fighting Tippoo Tib was victorious, and seizing Nsama’s kingdom and all his wealth he made himself ruler. Nsama had been regarded as invincible, and the victory gave Tippoo Tib immense prestige in the interior. Not long after he gave up this kingdom and returned to Zanzibar where he was regarded as a great figure, the Sultan entertaining him in his palace. Tippoo was now a rich man. He was then only twenty years of age, but 1 kA most adventurers money passed through his hands like water, and like. a moth drawn by a candle he returned to the interior.

The Sultan offered to back him but Tippoo had already received £16,000 worth of goods. On the expedition he met with some adversity; many of his bearers dying from disease and he was forced to bury a large part of his goods. His next adventure was in the Kingdom of Ugalia, ruled by Taka. His men were killed by his side, but after a number of days fighting Taka was defeated. His next encounter was with King Lunda of Kasemble. Some of Lunda’s men had guns supplied them by the Portuguese. After defeating Lunda, Tippoo continued on his journey along the river Mweru until he reached the capital of King Mpueto, which was situated where the Congo issues into the lake. Mpueto welcomed the explorer-trader. From here Tippoo entered territories no Arab or white man had ever entered before. He went on for nine years more penetrating into virgin territory until he reached what is now known as the Belgian Congo.

Stanley, Livingstone, Speke, Cameron and Gleerup all knew him. In his own autobiography, Stanley says, ” Unless Tippoo Tib accepts my offer, the expedition will be broken up.” Tippoo returned to Zanzibar to write of his experiences in the heart of Africa.

Mr. NGCUBU POSWAYO, son of Kilili Poswayo. Born in 1880. Started his education at the mission school of All Saints, in the Transkei, afterwards at St. John’s College, Umtata, and Zonnebloem, Capetown. Leaving Capetown he went to England for higher education. After passing several examinations, he decided to take up the legal profession, and went to Lincoln’s Inn to read law. He studied. for four years when he qualified as a Barristerat-Law. Returning to South Africa he decided to practice as a solicitor of the Supreme Court. He went to Engcobo where he opened an office. In a short time he was a very busy man, and his practice increased every day. While at the height of his profession his health failed him. He came to Johannesburg Hospital for an operation, but this did not help him and he died at the early age of 46 years. Mr. Poswayo was very popular in the Cape. Very modest, he was liked and respected by Europeans and natives alike. A keen sportsman and a very religious man. He had a human heart; he was a friend of all and assisted many of the poorer natives professionally without asking for the usual fee. He believed in hard work, and was often seen ploughing in the fields. Mr. Poswayo was the fourth African barrister to qualify in England.

Rev. Joel Msimang was born at Edendale, Natal, on 4th September, 1854. He married in 1880. In 1886, after the birth of his third child, he went to attend school, starting in the lower classes. In 1889 he joined the Wesleyan Church ministry and was sent to Swaziland where he founded the Emakosini Mission Station. In 1904 he disagreed with the European Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church. This led to him resigning from the church. Shortly afterwards he founded the Independent Methodist Church. In the same year his eldest son, Richard, left for England to further his education and joined the Taunton College, England. The Rev. Joel Msimang was fairly well off, but during the rinderpest he lost 700 head of cattle. He owned three farms, one in Edendale, one in Driefontein and another at Waschbank, Natal. He was a powerful preacher. His eldest son is a solicitor and is practising in Johannesburg, his second son is a clerk to a firm of lawyers, the youngest is a caretaker. Rev. Joel Msimang was well advanced in age when he was run over by accidently falling off a wagon when on a visit to his congregation. He died on the 21st May, 1929.