Annual report on Basutoland / Colonial Office.

  • Great Britain. Office of Commonwealth Relations.
Date:
[1951]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report on Basutoland / Colonial Office. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    11/96 (page 3)
    During the year a further 22,000 acres were terraced in the lowlands and 33 dams were constructed. A Pilot Project Scheme which includes a demonstration valley and mechanised cultivation on a co-operative group basis has been approved in principle. It is intended that this valley shall be not only a large scale demonstration area for all aspects of betterment work in Basutoland, but that lessons learnt there should be disseminated throughout the Territory by members of the Agricultural Depart¬ ment’s staff sent there to assimilate what is being achieved. 3. CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES During 1951 the number of registered co-operative societies increased from 29 to 32. There are now 9 wool and mohair marketing societies, 19 consumers’ clubs and 4 agricultural societies. The wool and mohair marketing societies have had a good year on account of the high prices for these products, though mohair marketing is still on a comparatively small scale. The best price for wool was obtained by Mafeteng Wool Marketing Society—140d. per lb. for Super C.l (Wool 2| ins. or over) and 77^-d. for Lox (Stained wool). The quantity of hides and skins marketed has further increased, especially at Mafeteng. The appointment of an Assistant Registrar and two new African inspectors has permitted of increased touring and supervision. The time has not yet come, however, for the movement to expand on any large scale and stress is still being laid on the consolidation of the existing movement and the teaching of true co-operation in every way. As in 1949 and 1950, Wool and Mohair marketing continued to occupy the most important position in co-operative development, the turnover and effectiveness of some consumer and agricultural societies being a little disappointing. 4. NATIVE ADMINISTRATION (a) Paramount Chief's visit to the United Kingdom The Regent Paramount Chieftainess and a party of Chiefs and Basuto visited the United Kingdom from the 22nd of September to the 13th of November, 1951. The highlight ol the tour was a visit to Buckingham Palace to present a loyal address to the King. His Majesty was prevented by illness from receiving the deputation but they were granted an audience by Her Majesty the Queen. The programme arranged by the Commonwealth Relations Office was most comprehensive, and in addition to providing an opportunity to see many parts of the United Kingdom it also enabled