Papers on the insurrection against South Africa's entering the 1st World War on the side of Britain
Abstract of the diary of Lt. Col. Collyer, who served under General Botha, kept from 18 Oct.-7 Dec.1914; instructions on the treatment of rebels; copies of German telegrams found by the Intelligence Officer at Chamis Station referring to General S.G. Maritz and the rebellion; translation of documents from South West Africa, 1907-1914, with a bearing on the rebellion; press clippings and sworn statements relating to the treason trials 1915; correspondence between H.B.M. Bourne, L. Fouché and Sir E.H.L. Gorges re the papers; copy of a minute from Gorges re alleged discouragement of Dutch language in German South West Africa 1915.
Telegrams and cablegrams in English or translated into English, mainly between J.H. Hofmeyr (Onze Jan) and A. Fischer, President P. Kruger, Sir A. Milner, F.W. Reitz, O. Schreiner, Sir J. Sivewright, J.C. Smuts, President M.T. Steyn, Dr. T.N.G. Te Water and L. Weinthal. They relate to Hofmeyr's efforts to prevent war breaking out between the Boer Republics and Britain.
The collection contains documents of the (French) Ministry of Water and Forest, principally pertaining to Albert François de Stappens, King's Councillor and Minister of Waters and Forests. In addition to the official documents on land disputes, surveying, road work and forestry, there are household accounts of Madame de Stappens for wine, dresses, jewellery, furniture, hats and meat. Also included are documents of the various estates, including the Seigneuries of Corbinaut and Herlies (Beaufremez family), the Marquisat of Roubaix (d'Essart family), as well as a 14th century document of the d'Ays family. Subjects are leases, sales of land, conditions of vassals and tenant farmers, estate expenses, land disputes and appointment of bailiffs.
The Logbooks of the New Kleinfontein Company contain statistics o the mining, milling, cyanide and assay departments, steaming stations and surface haulage. Also returns of unskilled labour and drilling returns for Black and Chinese workers, European time register, 1917-1923, further records of cost of machine drilling and breaking rock 1908, and the distribution of manager's cash, 1905.
The Papers deal with Dzivhani's love of music and his training in the Lutheran Mission as a teacher and lay preacher in Sibasa. He translated the Lutheran hymn book into Venda, adding his own compositions in words and music. He was also an agent for the Mealie Control Board. There is much music, history of both education and the church in Venda as well as local tribal histories, court proceedings and tribal matters, his relationship with the White government, also his personal letters to and from his daughter, Ulrica, and the education of her son abroad.