The Compound System
With gems like diamonds, where so large an intrinsic value is concentrated into so small a bulk, it is not surprising that robbery has to be guarded against in the most elaborate manner. The Illicit Diamond Buying (I.D.B.) laws are very stringent, and the searching, rendered easy by the “compounding” of the natives—which I shall describe presently—is of the most drastic character ([Fig. 6]). It is, in fact, very difficult for a native employee to steal diamonds; even were he to succeed, it would be almost impossible to dispose of them, as a potential buyer would prefer to secure the safe reward for detecting a theft rather than run the serious risk of doing convict work on the Cape Town Breakwater for a couple of years. I heard of a native who, secreting a diamond worth several hundreds of pounds, after trying unsuccessfully to sell it, handed it back to the manager of his compound, glad to get the sixpence a carat to which he was entitled. Before the passing of the “Diamond Trade Act” the value of diamonds stolen reached nearly one million sterling per annum.
A “compound” is a large enclosure about 20 acres in extent, surrounded by rows of one-story buildings of corrugated iron. These are divided into rooms holding each about twenty natives. A high iron fence is erected around the compound, 10 feet from the buildings. Within the enclosure is a store where the necessaries of life are supplied to the natives at a reduced price, wood and water being provided free of charge. In the middle is a large swimming-bath, with fresh water running through it. The rest of the space is devoted to recreation, games, dances, concerts, and any other amusement the native mind can desire. I have to thank the superintendents of the respective compounds, who spoke all the native dialects, for their kindness in showing us round, and suggesting dances and concerts, got up at ten minutes’ notice, for the benefit of my camera. The dancing was more of the character of attitudinising and marching to a monotonous tum-tum, the “orchestra” consisting of various-sized drums and what they call a piano—an octave or so of tuned slabs of wood held in order on stretched strings and struck with a wooden hammer. The native music as a rule is only marking time, but I have heard musical melodies accompanying some of their songs. In case of accident or illness there is a well-appointed hospital where the sick are tended. Medical supervision, nurses, and food are supplied free by the Company.
In the compound are to be seen representatives of nearly all the picked types of African tribes. Each tribe keeps to itself, and to go round the buildings skirting the compound is an admirable object-lesson in ethnology. At one point is a group of Zulus; next we come to Fingoes; then Basutos; beyond come Matabele, Bechuanas, Pondos, Shangains, Swazis, and other less-known tribes, either grouped or wandering around making friendly calls.
The clothing in the compound is diverse and original. Some of the men are evident dandies, whilst others think that in so hot a climate a bright-coloured handkerchief or “a pair of spectacles and a smile” is as great a compliance with the conventions of civilisation as can be expected.
The natives are not interfered with in their various amusements, always provided they do not make themselves objectionable to their neighbours. They soon learn that tribal animosities are to be left outside the compound. One Sunday afternoon my wife and I walked unattended about the compound, almost the only whites present among 1700 natives. The manners of the fold were so friendly, and their smiles so cordial, that the idea of fear vanished. At one part a Kafir was making a pair of trousers with a bright nickel-plated sewing-machine, in which he had invested his savings; next to him a “boy” was reading from the Testament in his own language to an attentive audience; in a corner a party were engaged in cooking a savoury mess in an iron pot; further on the orchestra was tuning up and Zulus were putting the finishing touches to their toilet of feathers and beads. One group was intently watching a mysterious game. It is played by two sides, with stones and grooves and hollows in the ground, and appears of most absorbing interest. It seems to be universal throughout Africa; it is met with among the ruins of Zimbabwe, and signs of it are recorded on old Egyptian monuments. I wanted to learn it, and an intelligent Zulu player offered to teach it to me in a few minutes. Captain Dallas, however, with a more accurate opinion of my intelligence than my friend the Zulu, assured me it would take months before I could begin to know anything about it. He had tried for years and could make nothing of it.
FIG. 6. DE BEERS COMPOUND.
FIG. 7. DE BEERS MINE. UNDERGROUND WORKINGS.
To face p. 40.
They get good wages, varying according to occupation. The work is appreciated, and there are always more applicants than can be accepted. On entering, the restrictions to which they must submit are fully explained, and they are required to sign for three months at least, during which time they must not leave the compound or mine. A covered way and tunnel lead the workers underground to the down shaft, while those working on the depositing floors go and come under guard. It is seldom that a man does not return once he has lived the life in the compound; some come again and again for years, only leaving occasionally to spend accumulated savings. The most careful men save money, and carry it at intervals to the superintendent to keep for them. Occasionally they ask to look at their savings, which may amount to £30 or £40, accumulated by driblets. They are ignorant of savings banks or interest, and are content if they see their own money in the original rags and papers. The Kafir, on demand, must behold his coins just as he handed them in, wrappings and all. Sometimes the superintendent will have as much as £1000 of savings in his care.
On leaving, the men generally draw all their savings, and it is not uncommon for a grateful Kafir to press £2 or £3 on Captain Dallas in recognition of his trouble. They are astonished when their offerings are declined; still more so when it is explained that if they would put their savings in a bank they would have a few extra pounds given to them for the privilege of taking care of it.
A shrewd young Pondo, who had been coming year after year, applied for some of his savings, and gave as a reason that he wanted to buy a wife. “But you said the same thing last year,” replied Captain Dallas; “I hope nothing has happened.” “No,” said the man; “one wife, she quarrel with me; two wives, they quarrel with each other; me peace!”