Life of Sir George Grey: Governor, High commissioner, and Premier. An Historical Biography.
Public Works
Public Works.
The Governor further acquired influence over the Kafirs by employing them on public works, as he had employed the Maoris, and in opening up the country. Two long lines of roads, dotted with forts, near which Europeans were to be settled, were carried through the country. The roads were made by Kafirs, graded as overseers, second-class men, and ordinary labourers, and paid accordingly; all were under European superintendents. The scheme was excellent—in theory, but it wrecked itself on three rocks. First, the Kafirs, like most indigenous peoples, could not be got to work. Next, it was hard to find capable European superintendents. Lastly, as we shall see, the Imperial Government kicked against the burden of expense thus thrown on it.