Griqualand West and East

Griqualand West and East are two British districts of South Africa, one a part of Cape Colony (q.v.), the other a dependency of it, and named from the Griquas or Basterds, who are a mixed race sprung from Dutch settlers and native women.—Griqualand West lies to the north-east of Cape Colony, is bounded on the S. by the Orange River, on the N. by Bechuana territory, on the E. by Orange Free State, on the W. by the Kalahari country. Portions of the country are suitable for sheep-farming and agriculture, but the chief source of wealth is the diamond-fields. The first diamond was discovered in 1867, and from that time a steady stream of immigration set in; settlements were formed, all nationalities being represented, and digging was vigorously prosecuted. Diamonds to the value of above £12,000,000 were found there between 1871 and 1880, and of about £15,000,000 between 1883 and 1887. The territory of the diamond-fields had been secured to Waterboer, a native chief, but disputes arising as to his boundaries, Griqualand West was annexed in 1871, and incorporated with Cape Colony in 1880. Kimberley, which has had railway connection with the Cape since 1885, is the chief centre of the diamond industry, and is the seat of government. The chief towns are De Beers, Du Toit's Pan, Bultfontein, Barkly, and Griqua Town. The area of Griqualand West is 15,197 sq. m., and the pop. (1891) 83,375, of whom 29,670 were whites.—Griqualand East is that part of No-Man's-Land which lies between the Kaifir border and southern Natal. It is allotted to the Griqua chief, Adam Kok, who had removed thither with 15,000 Griquas, and to the Basutos, who had previously migrated to that country. This territory was annexed to the Cape in 1875, and is now under colonial rule, having one chief-magistrate and nine subordinates. Chief village, Kokstadt. The area is given at 7594 sq. m.; pop. (1891) 152,618; of whites, 4150. See also TRANSKEI TERRITORY.