Umvoti County. Jewel of Natal

Hardback with dark green boards with gilt blocking to upper board.

As far back as AD 500 traces of man have been found in the Greytown area. Crocodiles and hippos lived happily in the rivers and plains, and highlands abounded with game. By the end of the 18th century the district was inhabited by black clans, but Shaka's stormy reign caused most of these to flee over the Drakensberg, leaving the few remaining inhabitants living in hiding from the dreadful Zulu impis, hunting game and often resorting to cannibalism when food was short.

The first white settlers in the region were the Voortrekkers who began to arrive in the early 1840's settling mostly along the Umvoti River. After the British annexation of Natal in 1845, the farmers who would not submit to British rule courageously packed their wagons, rounded up their stock, left their farms and trekked north. Only those who were prepared to live alongside the British stayed.

It was just as well for the future of Greytown that they did, because they were seasoned settlers, accustomed to the climate, strange stock diseases, poor or non existent roads, lack of transport and the large amount of land needed to make a living.

The British and German settlers, on the other hand, tried to farm according to the methods they had used for generations in their home countries and suffered many losses and disappointments, before turning to trade or transport riding.

This volume then gives a detailed account of the progress and adjustments the settlers made. The story of the founding of the Umvoti Agricultural Society emerges, followed by the Umvoti Scholastic Institute. The effects of the diamond rush on the district. The involvement and effect of the Anglo-Zulu War, with further growth in the area. The Tugela Gold Rush of the 1880's and came and went.The Anglo-Boer War also had an influence through 1899-1902.

The first train arrived in 1900, motor cars quickly followed, and in 1906 found Greytown in the middle of the Bambata Rebellion.The history continues through to 1954-centenary.

Title, Message from the Administrator of Natal, Foreword, Tributes, Acknowledgments, Contents. 197 pages text with supporting illustrations, data and supporting advertisements.

Very Good.

ISBN 0 620 10707 3