THE TRANSVAAL DYNAMITE AND EXPLOSIVES MONOPOLY
The factory pertaining to this enterprise, situated near Pretoria, is recognised to be the most extensive and best equipped of its kind in existence. It is capable of turning out all the dynamite and similar blasting material needed for the gold and other mines of the State, also every description of explosive needed for modern ammunition.
Its equipments include ateliers and laboratories under the conduct of eminent scientists and men of most advanced technical proficiency. The site is a farm named Modderfontein of about 8,000 acres near Pretoria. The industry provides employment for over 5,000 persons. In connection with this factory is a foundry at Pretoria for casting shells, etc. The various ingredients, such as sulphur, guhr, saltpetre, etc., are believed to be plentiful in the State, but their exploitation is found to be more costly than it is to import the pure articles from Europe.
The investment is represented mostly by French and German shareholders, the Transvaal Government also possessing a portion of the shares. The contract with the State conveys a complete monopoly for the manufacture and importation of all descriptions of explosives, and is so framed as to base its subsistence upon international rights. One of the conditions is that the issue of ammunition is relegated to State control. In this manner burghers only get supplies, whilst Uitlanders are limited to very small quantities for sporting purposes by special permits.
BOND FIGHTING STRENGTH IN BEGINNING OF 1899
Efficiently Mounted Infantry. At least about 142,000
trained.
15,000 Orange Free State, between 18-50 years 20,000
25,000 Transvaal, between 18-50 years 30,000
40,000 Cape Colonies, between 18-50 years 60,000
2,000 Natal and elsewhere, between 18-50 years 2,000
18,000 Of above, aged 16-18 and 50-60 30,000
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100,000 Artillery 2,000
600 Orange Free State, including trained reserves 600
1,400 Transvaal 1,400
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102,000 Total at least about 144,000
102,000 highly efficient, and 42,000 partly trained.
The mounts are docile, hardy and nimble, with large reserves available. The above includes 500 Johannesburg Mounted Police, a picked body of men armed with carbine, revolver, and sabre.