The Education of the South African Native (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ... training would be made with little cost to the State and with the greatest benefit to the Native people. B. The Opposition of the White Industrial Classes.--That the white industrial classes would not view with satisfaction the education of the Natives in industrial arts can easily be understood. Any considerable influx of skilled Native artisans into the towns and their employment by Europeans would result in a considerable fall in wages. The Native, with a lower standard of living, can work for considerably less than the white artisan. The industrial classes have watched the movement of Native education very closely, and on more than one occasion have made their influence felt.1 It was formerly the practice of the industrial schools of Natal to dispose of their products by sale to the public, but in 1898 pressure was brought to bear upon the Government, with the result that no State-aided institution in Natal has since been allowed to sell its industrial products in the open market. At Lovedale, the most important Native training centre in South Africa, special precautions against competition with the Whites are taken. All articles manufactured in the workshops are sold at standard prices, and the institution does not compete for open contracts. The result is that in some of the industrial departments at Lovedale there is not enough work to keep the apprentices busy.2 1 The white man's attitude is often beautifully illogical. His idea of Native education is that the Native should be taught to work; and when the missionary teaches the Natives how to work, the European brings up the charge of unfair industrial competition. 2 A better feeling would appear to be beginning to prevail in the Southern States of America. The Superintendent of...