ffects last to this day.

The nature of the work undertaken, and to a great extent done, by Sir
George Grey and those of his successors who followed his example, was
concisely described by an able local historian in 1877:--"The aim of the
Colonial Government since 1855," he said, "has been to establish and
maintain peace, to diffuse civilization and Christianity, and to
establish society on the basis of individual property and personal
industry. The agencies employed are the magistrate, the missionary, the
school-master, and the trader." Of the years dating from the
commencement of Sir George Grey's administration, it was thus
reported:--"During this time peace has been uninterruptedly enjoyed
within British frontiers. The natives have been treated in all respects
with justice and consideration. Large tracts of the richest land are
expressly set apart for them under the name of 'reserves' and
'locations.' The greater part of them live in these locations, under the
superintendence of European magistrates or missionaries. As a whole,
they are now enjoying far greater comfort and prosperity than they ever
did in their normal state of barbaric independence and perpetually
recurring tribal wars, before coming into contact with Europeans. The
advantages and value of British rule have of late years struck root in
the native mind over an immense portion of South Africa. They believe
that it is a protection from external encroachment, and that only under
the _aegis_ of the Government can they be secure and enjoy peace and
prosperity. Influenced by this feeling, several tribes beyond the
colonial boundaries are now eager to be brought within the pale of
civilized authority, and ere long, it is hoped, Her Majesty's
sovereignty will be extended over fresh territories, with the full and
free consent of the chiefs and tribes inhabiting them."[5]

It maybe of interest to note here that one of these territories was
Basutoland, which lies close to the South Eastern border of the Orange
Free State.

Between the Basutos and the Orange Free State Boers war broke out in
1856, to be followed in 1858 by a temporary and incomplete pacification.
The struggle continued, and in 1861, and again in 1865, when war was
resumed, and all Basutoland was in danger of being conquered by the
Boers, Moshesh, their Chief, appealed to the British Government for
protection. It was not till 1868, after a large part of the country had
passed into Boer hands,