The Slaithwaite Guardian and Colne Valley News. — 1897-07-16 (Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire, England)

AFRICAN AFFAIRS.  We are able this week to publish an I account of an interview with Mr. Tom Berry, son of Mr. John Berry, of Slaithwaite, who has returned home on a holiday after a stay of three years in South Africa. Our representative slys : I was struck with the cool mafwer with which Mr. Berry accepted the Itot weather we are experiencing, and my query as to his having become acclimatised to the heat of South Africa was answered in the affirmative. He informed me that having sailed from England in April, 1894, he settled in Cyphergat, where he had enjoyed the companionship of Mr. Toni Wood and family, who are also natives of Slaithwaite. Sixteen months later he moved into Johannisberg, where he entered the Durban Roodepoort Gold Company, subsequently reaching the position of an amalgamation. Mr. Berry became aware of the difference of opinion between the Outlanders and the Boers, threatening to culminate in a rising two months before the actual climax was reached, but he was in no way involved in the dispute as the managers of his company particularly asked their employees to remain neutral. '['he attack upon Jameson's party was made within a distance of three miles from where Mr. Berry was then residing. He heard the firing quite distinctly, but along with others, could only guess at the nature of it, half suspecting the truth. He afterwards saw the prisoners marched into Pretoria, atvl noticed the mien of jameson, which, even in the hour of defeat, had lost none of its dignity. Had he seen Kruger? I asked. Yes, he had seen him sat under the verandah outside his residence at Pretoria. In what estimation was Kruger held out there ?—With Englishmen he was disliked,  and their opinion of him had not been improved since the Raid. .  Anxious to learn how the German Emperor's congratulatory telegram had been received by Britishers out there, I put the question, and was told that it was regarded as a direct insult to England, but they could only grin and bear it. . .  I ventured a query as to the origin and aims of the rising, and was informed that in his opinion the capitalists were partly responsible for what had transpired in the Transvaal.  What are the conditions of the working man ?—On the whole he has nothing to grumble at, replied Mr. Berry, adding, "That  ts my experience. But what about the alleged oppression the Englishman is subjected to ?-- He certainly has to conform to the laws, which might b • greatly improved to his benefit. Do you recommend emiarating to South Africa?—No. I should not advise anyone to do so. There is work for the skilled artizan, , but the white labourer has to compete with the Kaffir, who does perform equally as much work for far less pay. The country is no good for men without trades. Yet, surely white men have a good opportunity of advancement over the black ?—Yes, certainly, because he is more to be trusted. Mr. Berry also informed me of having returned in The Scot, the vessel from which Mr. Barney Barnato committed suicide. He had observed the Diamond King walking about on deck, and his attention was directed towards him when he jumped overboard. He remarked that Mr. Clifford, the fourth officer. attempted a rescue, but appeared a little timid, when in the water, to approach the drowning man, who appeared determined to carry out his object of committing suicide. Mr. Berry never lost sight of the two in the water until a boat was lowered, and Mr. Clifford and the body of the suicide were taken board. Although Mr. Barnato was dead when reached, yet, strange to say, his body did not sink. The sea was running very high at the time. Mr. Berry casually intimated that he was returning to South Africa in September.