All About Workmen in Early South African Mines

In comparing the mining in Brazil and India to that in South Africa, it will be noted that, not only does the diamond mining in South Africa stand on a much higher level, in that the mines are worked by the most up-to-date appliances and machinery, but also that the men employed in the mines are very carefully watched to prevent theft. These employees, mostly natives,--many thousands of the Zulu and other warlike tribes being included,--are all required to sign an agreement to remain three months or more in the employ of the company. After signing this they are carefully examined, first, to see that there is no contaminating disease among them, and they are also thoroughly searched, not being allowed to take with them clothing in which diamonds could be easily secreted,--shoes, for instance, in the heels of which diamonds could be concealed. They are then admitted into the compound or walled enclosure, within which they must remain constantly during the whole period of their work until they are discharged from the mines.