§ MR. MONDI beg to ask the Under-secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government are aware that the sole right to recruit Kaffirs is enjoyed by the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association; whether they are prepared to put an end to this monopoly; and whether they will throw open recruiting of Kaffirs to other responsible persons or bodies.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe Witwatersrand Native Labour Association is a voluntary union of all or most of the principal mine-owners to regularise and control the recruiting of native labourers for the mines. It occupies a commanding position so far as recruiting in British South Africa is concerned, and enjoys a practical monopoly in respect of British Central Africa and Portuguese East Africa. Although this arrangement constitutes a great improvement upon the "free recruiting" system which it has replaced, it is not itself without serious disadvantages. His Majesty's Government is not unwilling to permit recruiting on equal terms by other bodies, but their status, substance, and responsibility must be clearly established beforehand in each particular case, in order that there may be no risk of the natives being deceived by extravagant promises or ill-used on their way to the mines.