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60 THE DIAMOND MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA
shifting
to any other occupation that is open to them, or to return to their old
savage life. All contracts are filled out in behalf of the natives by
an officer delegated for this purpose by the Registrar of Natives, a
Government Official, in order to keep a record of all additions to the
inmates of the compound, and provide assurance that the contract is
signed with a full understanding of its provisions. In consideration
of this service the native pays a registration fee of a shilling, and a
shilling per month during the term of his employment. All receipts from
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this
source, except the registration fee, go to the Kimberley Hospital Fund
for the care of sick and wounded natives. As the company provides for
the natives in its own hospitals, where free medical attendance and
nurses, as well as free food, are furnished, the Kimberley hospital
receives a very large monthly contribution without being at any expense
for the care of sick natives in the compounds. After his signature or
mark has been affixed to this agreement, a native cannot leave the
compound until the specified term has expired, except by the permission
of the compound manager, which is rarely given because of the
opportunities that would be opened for taking out diamonds.
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