IsiXhosa Intellectual Traditions (IsiXIT) Digital Archive

[FROM OUR NATIVE CORRESPONDENT.] 7 October 1885. This part of Tembuland is being visited by no less a personage than Mr. John Frost, M.L.A. The business for which he has been deputed by Government, is to carry out the resolution passed last session, to the effect that the Glen Grey Natives be removed to the 'famous' Qumbu. I say famous for a good deal of talk touching that part of the world has been flying about, in fact it is becoming a household name in this part of Tembuland—but the best of it is, that hardly any one knew aught of it, until it was brought into prominence by the present state of affairs. All 'Your Own' knows about it, is its connection with the name of Mr. Welsh at the late war. Mr. Frost had an interview with the headmen of the District in the earlier part of last month, on the matter of removing to Qumbu and Tsolo. You will have noticed that they for the most part (I had almost said, the whole of them) are not disposed to leave their present seats. At the first meeting, alluded to above, time was given the inhabitants to think the matter over, at the same time volunteers were allowed to go and inspect the country in question and report on the same. Counting on their return Mr. Frost has come again to hear what so much precious time spent in thinking has resulted in, out the ' spies ' have not returned. The purpose for which these people are being required to migrate to fresh pastures, may be best known at headquarters, but with us it is a mystery. Droughts have been the order of the day in this district. Qumbu and Tsolo are being held out to us as being little 'Canaans ' where the inhabitants may be sure of rain falling—consequently, where one may be sure of a harvest of some kind or other. At no distant date you may be informed of the result of this second visit of Mr. Frost. The Natives have been made to understand that there will be no compulsion in the matter. Those alone implicated in the late rebellion will not be consulted, a good few of these unfortunate individuals are scattered throughout the district. Loyals who have no wish to leave Tembuland will be removed or otherwise as Government may see fit and located in another part of Glen Grey District. Some dissatisfaction naturally arises at this point. The Natives of this district have been unsettled for the last three years, especially in this part, where several were removed to clear the way for the farms in connexion with the Railway Company. Those who have followed the steps of Government in this line will corroborate this statement. When then are they likely to be at peace again?—it is high time that they were. They have arrived at such a point, that at no one's assurance do they deem themselves stationed for two or three years following. The matter now in the course of being turned into a reality was among the discussions in the late Session. The Resolution, viz: of the removal of the Glen Grey Natives was brought in by one of the members of Parliament, who judging from the name we take to be of Dutch extraction. But we can hardly credit our own ignorant minds which, groping in the dark would lead us to insinuate that Government could be doing this to please a certain section of the community. The loyal Tembus have as good a claim of receiving recognition from Government as any other loyal member or loyal subject of the Queen,' no matter what his colour may be. This privilege the Tembus know well they possess, and it is to be hoped that no deaf ear will be turned to what they may have to say. It would be well to bring to the notice of those at the helm, the awkwardness of the times, for removing, even those who volunteer to quit Tembuland for the Qumbu. They have sown their wheat and portions of maize and millet fields—for these Government may feel disposed to compensate; but under the present circumstances they are better off with their crops, should the season continue to be good as it promises. Even those who have a wish to go, might with great advantage be allowed to remain another year or nine months, till their crops are harvested. Removing so precipitately might be followed by some unpleasant results—and in conclusion it may be remarked that there is a possibility of the aspirants for the 'New Land ' not reaching their destination in time to sow their grain.