The Commissions of W.C. Palgrave

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W.C.Palgrave was active in Namibia over 25 years. He spent some eight years in the country as private individual before becoming a civil servent in Griqualand East. This prepared him for his work as Special Commissioner to Damaraland (Hereroland) and Namaland, undertaking five consecutive commissions in all on behalf of the Cape Government. This volume contains the official journals, or in some case minutes and reports, which were produced by various secretaries during these commissions. The main theme of Palgrave's instructions and work was to introduce British influence in the territory. The realities of Namibia on the brink of colonisation come alive in this record of discussions between Palgrave and the eminent indigenous leaders on the issues of the day, giving a unique insight into the character and dynamics of a society in a crucial stage of its history. (from cover blurb).