FINE LETTER FROM DENEYS REITZ TO JUSTICE OLIVER SCHREINER RE ' THE NATIVE PROBLEM'

A remarkable three page detailed typed letter signed from Deneys Reitz to Justice Oliver D Schreiner (his cousin by marriage – see below), dated 7th September 1934, concerning 'the native problem'. On 3 leaves measuring 255 x 205mm., the first bearing the letterhead of the Ministry of Lands. (Reitz was at the time the Minister of Agriculture in the newly formed United Party). Circa 900 typed words with one autograph correction and boldly signed by Reitz.

Reitz is belatedly replying to a letter from Schreiner who had apparently complained to Reitz about the poor treatment of the 'Natives'. Reitz castigates Schreiner and other liberals including Saul Solomon and John Rheinhallt-Jones (founder of the Institute of Race Relations) for criticising the Government’s Native policies but taking no active part in politics in an attempt to resolve the problems. He also refers to the difficulty of dealing with a very conservative electorate who appeared to be very happy with the status quo. This is a highly literate and articulate letter documenting the opposing racial views prevalent at the time and I am providing scans of all three pages so that it can be read in its entirety – which is strongly recommended. One fold for posting, one minor marginal stain on the third page and filing holes not affecting the text, but still a very good copy.

Deneys Reitz (1882 - 1944) was a soldier, lawyer, politician and one time Deputy Prime Minister of South Africa who is mainly remembered for his three autobiographical books – Commando, Trekking-On and No Outspan in which he recounts his experience in the Boer War, the First World War and in politics. He was also the founder of his eponymous law firm which still exists. He was the son of the President of the Orange Free State, F.W. Reitz and was thus a first cousin, by marriage, of Justice Oliver Schreiner – see below! Autograph material by Reitz is uncommon on the market.

Oliver D Schreiner (1890 – 1980) was born in Cape Town in 1890, the son of William Philip Schreiner, the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony during the Boer War, and his wife, Frances, a sister of President F. W. Reitz. The author Olive Schreiner was his aunt.  He was a judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of South Africa. One of the most renowned South African judges, he was passed over twice for the position of Chief Justice of South Africa, probably in view of his liberal political views – the topic of this letter. He was later satirically described as "the greatest Chief Justice South Africa never had". He also served as the President of the South African Institute of Race Relations and the Chancellor of the University of The Witwatersrand.