Nigeria and its tin fields E-Book

Albert Frederick Calvert

• Herausgeber: Science & Technology Publishing
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 196

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Nigeria and Its Tin Fields is a comprehensive exploration of the tin mining industry in Nigeria, authored by A. E. Kitson and first published in 1912. The book offers a detailed account of the discovery, development, and economic significance of the tin fields in the Plateau region of Northern Nigeria during the early twentieth century. Kitson, a geologist and mining engineer, draws upon his firsthand experiences and observations to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the geological formations, mining methods, and challenges faced by prospectors and companies operating in the region. The narrative delves into the historical context of tin mining in Nigeria, tracing the evolution of the industry from its nascent stages to its emergence as a major contributor to the colonial economy. Kitson describes the landscape and environment of the tin fields, highlighting the unique features of the Jos Plateau and the surrounding areas. He examines the roles played by local communities, colonial administrators, and foreign investors in shaping the industry, and discusses the social and economic impacts of mining activities on indigenous populations. In addition to technical discussions on ore extraction, processing, and transportation, the book includes vivid descriptions of the daily lives of miners, the challenges posed by the harsh terrain and climate, and the logistical complexities of operating in a remote and underdeveloped region. Kitson also addresses broader themes such as the potential for future development, the importance of infrastructure, and the prospects for Nigeria’s mineral wealth to contribute to broader economic growth. Richly illustrated with photographs, maps, and diagrams, Nigeria and Its Tin Fields serves as both a historical document and a technical reference, offering valuable insights for historians, geologists, and anyone interested in the colonial history and natural resources of West Africa. The book stands as a testament to the transformative impact of mineral exploitation on Nigeria’s landscape and society during the early years of the twentieth century.

Leseprobe

NIGERIA & ITS TIN FIELDS

NIGERIA AND ITS TIN FIELDS

BY ALBERT F. CALVERTAUTHOR OF “WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND ITS GOLDFIELDS” “THE MINERAL RESOURCES OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA” “THE EXPLORATION OF AUSTRALIA,” “THE POLITICAL VALUE OF OUR COLONIES” ETC. ETC.

LONDON: EDWARD STANFORD12, 13, & 14, LONG ACRE, W.C. 1910

Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson & Co. At the Ballantyne Press, Edinburgh

PREFACE

The present conspicuous position which Northern Nigeria holds in the public eye is of very recent attainment, and its development has been, comparatively speaking, the work of a moment. The discovery of tin in paying quantities within its boundaries is the secret of its sudden leap to an eminence from which it compels interest, and attracts to itself more than ordinary curiosity and attention. It is with Northern Nigeria as it was with New South Wales and California, with the Malay Peninsula and Rhodesia. Their potentialities were admitted long before the existence of their mineral wealth was made known, but it was not until their minerals were discovered that they loomed into absorbing prominence.

The importance of Northern Nigeria as a British possession was demonstrated by the Niger Company; her possibilities as an exporter of cotton, rubber, and other vegetable products were early admitted; but it needed the revelation of her enormous alluvial tin deposits in the Province of Bauchi to attract to the development of her resources the capital and enterprise which alone can ensure the growth of a country’s commerce.

But this sudden and surprising discovery also served to expose the widespread ignorance which prevailed in connection with our newest Protectorate, while it generated a desire for information concerning it. This little volume is put forward to satisfy this new-felt want, and it has, I think, the merit of being the first issued with that object. It has been compiled in haste, but care has been taken to verify the facts, and, as far as possible, the data has been derived from official sources.

I believe that no apology will be required for the illustrations, but for the use of the photographs from which they were produced I tender my grateful and sincere thanks to his Excellency Sir Walter Egerton, K.C.M.G., Governor and High Commissioner of Southern Nigeria; Sir William Wallace, K.C.M.G., late Acting Governor of Northern Nigeria; Mr. H. W. Laws, Engineer to the Niger Company; Mr. C. G. Lush, Consulting Engineer to the principal Nigerian Tin Companies; Mr. S. R. Bastard, Chairman and Director of several of the most important Nigerian tin mining companies; the Editor of the Engineer, Mr. R. Ernest Hope; Messrs. John Holt & Co., Ltd.; Mr. G. W. Christian; Messrs. E. H. Stein & Co., Ltd., and other prominent traders in Northern Nigeria.

A. F. CALVERT.

“Royston,” Eton Avenue, London.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PLATE

Part of Marina, Lagos, Southern Nigeria

1

Marina, showing Customs, Lagos, Southern Nigeria

2

Lagos

3

Lagos. Amongst the Palms

4

Bird’s-eye View showing Marina and Town, Lagos

5

A portion of Lagos Town from Roof of New Mosque

6

Lagos

7

West End of Lagos from the French Factory

8

Steam Tram, Marina, Lagos

9

Lagos

10

Business Premises, Marina, Lagos

11

Part of Marina, Lagos

12

The Marina, Lagos

13

Club House, Lagos

14

Post Office, Lagos

15

Government House, Lagos

16

Public Wash “Houses,” Lagos

17

Public Washing Place, Elegrata, Lagos

18

Railway, Iddo

19

Yams (potatoes) on the Beach, Lagos

20

Fruit Market, Lagos

21

Corner of Market, Lagos

22

Iddo Station, Lagos

23

Railway Engine, Iddo

24

Fulani Sheep, Lagos

25

Bullock Cart

26

Forcados, Southern Nigeria

27

“Sir Alfred” Dry Dock, Forcados

28

Botanical Gardens, Ebute Metta, Lagos

29

Botanical Gardens, Ebute Metta, Lagos

30

Railway Crossing, Ebute Metta, Lagos

31

On the Road to Ebute Metta, Lagos

32

The Market, Burutu, Southern Nigeria

33

Burutu Market

34

Government Boat at Burutu

35

Palm Oil Stores, Burutu

36

Hospital, Burutu

37

Kwa River, Calabar Motor Boat “Spider,” Draught 9 inches

38

Two Jakrie Women, Burutu, Southern Nigeria

39

Jakrie Chief and one of his Wives

40

Large “Cotton Tree” at Okuni, Cross River

41

Jakrie Woman, Burutu

42

Chief Okrododo and two of his Sons, Burutu

43

Chief Okrododo, his Sons and Daughters: Jakrie Tribe, Burutu

44

Native Dancers at Awka in the Onitsha Hinterland, between Niger and the Cross River

45

Native Market at Itu on Cross River

46

A Landing-place on Cross River

47

On the Ewayong, a Tributary of the Cross River

48

A Bridge over Auja River near Ogoja

49

Bridge built of Vines by Pagans

50

The “Spider” at Itu

51

Oshogbo Railway Station: Lady Egerton and District Commissioner Mr. Gladstone, in Foreground

52

Cocoanut and Banana Palms

53

Sir Walter Egerton, Lady Egerton, Capt. Lawrence, Private Secretary, Capt. Lloyd, A.D.C.

54

Lower Niger

55

Lower Niger

56

On the Banks of the Lower Niger

57

Shipping Rubber, Lower Niger

58

Village on the Lower Niger

59

Idah, River Niger

60

Messrs. G. W. Christian’s Store at Idah, Niger River

61

Ejaws: Village Scene, Lower Niger

62

Bridge of Sighs, Lokoja, Northern Nigeria

63

Main Street, Lokoja Market

64

Native Judge or Alkale at Lokoja (A Copy of the Koran on his Lap)

65

Asaba Boys, Southern Nigeria

66

“Boys” who work the Cargo

67

Shipping Cotton, Lokoja, Northern Nigeria

68

Niger Company’s Depot at Lokoja

69

Produce Stores, Lokoja

70

Lokoja Market

71

Lokoja Market

72

Lokoja Market

73

Lokoja Market

74

Yams on the Beach, Lokoja

75

At the River-side, Lokoja

76

Lokoja

77

Lokoja

78

Marine Bungalow, Lokoja

79

European Hospital, Lokoja

80

Canteen at Lokoja

81

Bank, Lokoja

82

King Abiga, Lokoja, Northern Nigeria

83

Devil Man, Lokoja

84

Lokoja

85

Lokoja

86

Camp Road, Lokoja

87

Camp Road, Lokoja

88

Barracks, Lokoja

89

The Serrikin (King of Lokoja) and his Chiefs at the King’s House

90

Meat Market, Lokoja

91

Guard on Government Treasury, Lokoja

92

Messrs. Christian’s Store, Lokoja

93

Hausas Love Soap and Water

94

Coming in from the Country, Lokoja

95

Lokoja

96

Bridge of Sighs, Lokoja

97

Government Officials and others watching Gymkana, Lokoja

98

Hausa Women Hairdressing, Lokoja, Northern Nigeria

99

Barbers, Lokoja Market

100

Native Barber

101

Preparing Foofoo (Crushed Yams), Lokoja

102

Children at Play, Lokoja

103

Children in the Market, Lokoja, Northern Nigeria

104

Washing up, River Nigeria

105

A Quarrel, Lokoja Market

106

Washing Day on the Niger River, Northern Nigeria

107

Native Trading Canoe, Upper Niger, Northern Nigeria

108

Group of Hausa and Nupe Chiefs (Serrikin of Lokoja in Centre)

109

Black Bluejackets on the Government River Steamer “Kapelli”

110

S. W. “Ndoni” (Cargo Boat) on the Niger River

111

“Halstead” (Cargo Boat) on Niger River

112

High Commissioner’s Yacht “Corona” on the Niger

113

Hausa Canoe

114

Chief’s Canoe being saluted on the Niger

115

Nupe Town of Egga on the Niger

116

Egga, Northern Nigeria

117

Egbohu, Northern Nigeria, Landing-place of Expedition against Beda

118

Part of Rabba Village, Northern Nigeria

119

Unloading Salt, Jebba

120

Loading Steamer, Jebba

121

The S.S. “Scarborough” at Jebba

122

Looking up the Niger from Jebba

123

Mohammedan Mosque, Northern Nigeria

124

Palm Village, Northern Nigeria

125

Shonga, Northern Nigeria

126

Fulani Cattle, Northern Nigeria

127

On the Benue River

128

Camping on Benue River

129

Market at Lamugo, near Keffi

130

Cowrie Men paying Carriers per Basket

131

Making Lama Mats

132

Making Stools

133

Grinding Guinea Corn

134

Jukums at Abinsi

135

The Emir of Kano. (Now a Prisoner in Lokoja. Was the cause of the Kano Rising in 1907)

136

Three Hausa Traders with Bundles of Skins from Kano

137

Cattle, near Nafada

138

Camels at Nafada

139

Selling Cotton in Nafada Market

140

Chief of Kanam

141

Head Men in Vom

142

Miango Chief and Head Men (Ex-Chief on Left)

143

Chief of Wase

144

Camps in Hos

145

Hausa Loom

146

Second Chief at Ibi

147

Wase Rock

148

Amo Men

149

Hausa Girl

150

Kabba Boy

151

Hausa Woman

152

Hausa Boy

153

Brother Healy and some of his Pupils, Onitsha

154

View on the Niger River

155

Messrs. G. W. Christian’s Store, Onitsha

156

Sir William Wallace, K.C.M.G.

157

Mr. S. R. Bastard

158

Mr. Laws in front of Office with Bars of Tin ready for Transport

159

First Camp at the Tin Mines, Naraguta

160

Naraguta Camp

161

Part of the Fuel Market, Bauchi

162

Surveying Party at Juga

163

Pagans paying a Visit to discuss Matters at Jos

164

Pagans bringing in a Present, Jos

165

Naraguta. Pagans coming in for Tin Loads to Jermaan. (We were fighting them a year before)

166

Carriers leaving Naraguta Camp

167

Carriers crossing Delimi River

168

Naraguta. 190 Bars of Tin leaving Camp by Asab Pagans

169

A Camp. Survey Camp at Jos

170

Horses being brought as Tax

171

Part of actual Working Face, Naraguta

172

Launders at end of Tail Race at River’s Edge, Naraguta

173

Naraguta. Making Dam

174

Naraguta. Construction of Dam. Rukubar Pagans

175

Naraguta. View showing Back of Dam

176

Naraguta Dam

177

Naraguta

178

Naraguta

179

Naraguta

180

Naraguta. Four Sluice-boxes in Labourers’ Creek

181

Naraguta

182

Naraguta. View of Sluice-boxes, Labourers’ Creek

183

Naraguta. Moving Boxes to Face of Stope, Bala’s Stope

184

Naraguta. Two Sluice-boxes

185

Naraguta

186

Naraguta

187

Naraguta Camp

188

Opening Foot-bridge, Delimi River, Naraguta

189

Labourers’ Camp on the Tin Fields

190

Naraguta. Tin-workers working the Bed of the River in dry season

191

Naraguta. Construction of Leat by Rukubar Pagans

192

Naraguta. Construction of Leat by Rukubar Pagans

193

Washing Tin in Delimi River, Naraguta

194

Delimi River

195

View of Delimi River between Naraguta and Jos

196

Naraguta. View showing Flood-boxes on Leat

197

Naraguta

198

A Camp

199

Naraguta. Tributers washing Tin

200

Tin Washing

201

Naraguta. Half-length new Main Tail Race

202

Naraguta. No. 2. Looking up Main Tail Race

203

Naraguta. Lower View, No. 2, Main Tail Race

204

Naraguta. Close to Main Working Face, No. 2 Stope

205

Naraguta. Tin Mining. Yorubus Working in the Ground

206

Troops leaving Naraguta Camp for Bauchi

207

Nafuta Gorge, looking towards Juga. The Juga River runs down the centre and passes to the Nafuta Flats

208

Nafuta Gorge. The River at this point is lost to sight to thirty feet below the big boulders in the middle of the Ravine

209

Proposed Dam Site, Juga

210

Prospecting on Dubbo or Topaz Valley

211

Mr. C. G. Lush’s Camp at Juga

212

Camp of Messrs. Lush, Huddart and Walter Wethered

213

Messrs. Huddart and Lush prospecting on one of the Creeks of the Dubbo or Topaz Valley Property

214

Face of Alluvial, 16 feet deep, averaging about 6 lbs. of Tin per cubic yard; Dubbo or Topaz Valley Mine

215

Juga Camp: Pay-day

216

Rafinsiroma Camp

217

Rafinsiroma Dam, looking south-east

218

House-building, Rafinsiroma Tin Mines

219

A Group of Natives

220

View in Amo

221

A View in Vom

222

Mr. G. W. Christian, a Nigerian Trader

223

Steamers discharging at Baro

224

Baro Yard

225

Baro Beach just before the Railway was begun: Baro-Kano Railway

226

Setting out Earthwork at Patatifi, Baro-Kano Line

227

Temporary Bridge over the Bakogi River, Baro-Kano Line

228

Engine of the Emir Class on Steel Bridge, Baro-Kano Line

229

Earthwork in Progress, Baro-Kano Line

230

Straightening Road at Railhead, Baro-Kano Line

231

Niger End of the Line: View from Baro Hill

232

General View of Baro Station

233

Mr. H. W. Laws, Engineer to the Niger Company

234

Map of Southern Nigeria

235

Map of Northern Nigeria

236

Map showing Route of Railway from Baro to Rigachika

237

Map showing Railway and Roads to Tin Fields

238

Alluvial Tin Districts in the Bauchi Province

239

Plan of the Naraguta Tin Mines showing Workings

240

Properties of the Juga (Nigeria) Tin & Power Company, Limited

241

Properties of the Lucky Chance Mines, Limited, in the Dubbo District

242

The Dubbo or Topaz Valley Property, belonging to the Lucky Chance Mines, Limited

243

Rafinsiroma Tin Property, belonging to the Lucky Chance Mines, Limited

244

The Polchi Alluvial Tin Property, belonging to the Lucky Chance Mines, Limited

245

The Bilidi Alluvial Tin Property, belonging to the Lucky Chance Mines, Limited

246

The Federri Alluvial Tin Property, the Tin Fields of Northern Nigeria, Limited

247

Doss or Dila Tin Property, the Tin Fields of Northern Nigeria, Limited

248

The Kurdum River Alluvial Tin Area

249

The Rein, Forum, Ribon, and Kurdum Alluvial Tin Areas

250

The Rein Alluvial Tin Area

251

The Farum Alluvial Tin Area

252

The Shen Alluvial Tin Area

253

South Bukeru Tin Area

254

Juga District

255

Gel Tin Lode and Alluvial Company

256

The Northern Nigeria (Bauchi) Tin Mines

257

Route from Minna to Tin Fields

258

New road from Railhead to Tin Fields

259

NIGERIA & ITS TIN FIELDS

EARLY DAYS IN NIGERIA

In 1879, when Sir George Taubman Goldie organised the amalgamation of the rival trading firms of the Lower Niger and formed the United Africa Company, only a few far-sighted people could have had any idea of the possibilities of future commercial greatness that were possessed by this utterly unattractive and uncivilised region. “The Niger,” as Colonel Mockler-Ferryman tells us, “was absolutely tabooed; its name was mentioned only in whispers, and the British public regarded it as an unlucky, pestilential spot, out of which no good could ever come.” It must be remembered, in explanation of this pessimistic attitude, that all attempts to explore Nigeria and open up commerce on the river had failed more or less completely; a great number of lives had been sacrificed in successive expeditions, and no practical good had been accomplished. McGregor Laird, some quarter of a century earlier, had founded the African Shipping Company, with monthly sailings to the West African ports and, with the grudging co-operation of the Government, had contracted to keep a steamer on the Niger. But Laird died in 1857, when his spirited enterprise appeared to be on the point of yielding tangible results, and the country was still under a cloud when, twenty years later, the first organised attempt was made to develop its commercial resources.

THE PROTECTORATE PROCLAIMED

The United Africa Company’s efforts were recognised by the grant of a Royal Charter in 1886, but its mission and its potentialities failed to appeal to the general public; and even when in 1900 the Territory, with its area equal to that of Germany and the British Isles combined, was added to the Dependencies of the Empire, the new Protectorate was regarded with indifference and suspicion as a present burden and a probable source of future trouble.

That was but a decade since, yet it was only the other day that Lord Crewe declared that “there is no part of the Empire about which higher hopes may properly be entertained than the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria;” and the Colonial Report, in emphatic corroboration of this optimistic opinion, asserted that “very few countries have witnessed such great changes for the better in such a short space of time, as has been the case with this Cinderella of the British Dominions.”

It must be admitted that the Nigerias have been of late years more favoured in the matters of ocean transport and inter-communication. Since McGregor Laird started his monthly service to Lagos, the African Shipping Company has been succeeded by six shipping lines—the British and African Steam Navigation, African Steamship, Elder Dempster, Woermann, Hamburg-America, and the Hamburg-Bremen-Africa—the first three of which, to all intents and purposes, may be classed as Elder Dempster’s. Twenty-five liners and Elder Dempster’s regular services call at Lagos each month—one nearly every day of the week. Two vessels of some four thousand tons are exclusively employed in bringing Welsh coal to Lagos; and a cargo service, another Elder Dempster enterprise, now runs from inside Lagos Lagoon to Hamburg, thus avoiding the transhipping of cargo in Lagos Roads or at Forcados. Persons who only know of Elder Dempster’s famous service of ocean liners, which leave Liverpool every Wednesday and arrive at Lagos Roads sixteen days later, may be surprised to learn that they have a large and distinct inter-colonial service between Lagos and Secondi. These vessels, built of light draught to enable them to cross Lagos bar, not only afford shippers a short and rapid means of forwarding their produce, but are of immense service to the growing number of natives who travel, mostly for trade purposes, between Lagos and the smaller ports along the Gold Coast; while another Elder Dempster service runs weekly to and from Porto Novo in Dahomey and Lagos, carrying general outward cargo and bringing back produce for shipment to the United Kingdom and the Continent.

These services, which cater for the ramifications of the commercial activities of West Africa, are practically unknown at home, and the organisation and development of this enormous industry was, to a great extent, the work of one man—the late Sir Alfred Lewis Jones. It has been said of him that “when the story of our times comes to be written comprehensively, he will be bracketed with Cecil John Rhodes. One obtained a large territory for the Empire; the other enhanced immeasurably countries formerly judged as of questionable value. He was a pioneer in building up their commerce, and is of still higher estimate—he was instrumental in making them more fit to live in by revolutionising the health conditions.” His varied commercial enterprises in West Africa are well known, and it is unnecessary here to enlarge upon them. They ranged from coaling and engineering companies with dry docks, to banking—which facilitated relations between the natives and the European traders—and included his cold-storage scheme, which the medical faculty admit has been one of the most powerful factors in lowering the mortality of West Africa. This object was also largely assisted by the investigations carried out at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The school was financed by Sir Alfred Jones, who also provided the means for putting the resultant discoveries into practice. He further established a branch of the School at Grand Canary, and arranged with Elder Dempster a cheap service from the West African Coast to the Canary Islands for malaria patients, whose lives depend upon their reaching that Mecca for invalids. By such means the dead merchant prince has lowered the death-rate among Europeans and natives in West Africa to a degree unthought of fifteen years ago, and he has built in that part of the Continent a monument to his name more enduring than brass, because the foundation was made for the betterment of his fellow-men.

THE NIGER COMPANY

But if the Elder Dempster Line have accomplished great things in establishing regular communication between England and the new Dependencies, much splendid pioneer work has been done in the country by the Niger Company. During the last few years they have opened up the Bauchi tin field in Northern Nigeria, and their trading and transport facilities have made it possible for them to carry out an enormous amount of development under great difficulties. The directors have had the courage of their convictions. In forwarding their own interests they have benefited the Protectorate, and if they have profited by their enterprise they have made the country a source of profit for others.

From the proceeds of the surrender of its charter to the British Government in 1900, the company were able to make a special distribution to its shareholders amounting to 145 per cent., and the sale of certain of their mining rights in the Bauchi Province has more than repaid them for the work that they had carried on in the district since 1902, and resulted in raising their dividend payment in 1909 from ten to twenty per cent. And in addition the Niger Company possess practically a monopoly of the transport to the tin fields, the value of which cannot be overestimated.

The Niger Company’s share of the credit that is due for effecting this great improvement in the present condition and future prospects of the Protectorate may be at once admitted; but much has been accomplished since the control of the country devolved upon the British Colonial Office. In 1900 only some 30,000 square miles, out of a total of 250,000 in Northern Nigeria, were under some form of organised control. The remainder was controlled and ruled under conditions giving no guarantee of liberty or even life. To-day the whole condition of the country is entirely altered. Sixteen provinces, comprising the entire Protectorate, have been organised by the never-ceasing efforts of Residents, and the sum total of the unadministered area does not now exceed the 30,000 square miles that were under administration ten years ago.

PROGRESS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA

At the date of the proclamation of the Nigerian Protectorates the Southern Colony was in a much more advanced state of development than its Northern neighbour, and was naturally regarded as the paramount partner. It had a sea border, a port at Lagos, which to-day is the most important town in West Africa, and it was destined to be the terminus of the first railway to be built in the new Dependencies. The markets and trading stations of the Niger Company were within its boundaries, the fertility of the soil was proved, its richness in rubber, tobacco, and coal was established, and its wealth of other vegetable products was well known. It is not at all surprising, then, that British pioneers and capitalists saw the splendid commercial future that was before Southern Nigeria, and were somewhat neglectful of the distant, isolated, and inaccessible Northern territories. Nor were they wrong, for the advance of its trade justified the most sanguine predictions, and, as will be seen by a glance at the appended tables (prepared in francs by Mr. C. A. Birtwistle, the Commercial Intelligence Officer of the Colony), its commerce to-day practically equals the total of the French Colonies of Senegal, Guinea, the Ivory Coast, and Dahomey:—

All French West African Colonies. Imports and Exports. Value in Francs.

Nigeria. Imports and Exports. Value in Francs.

1899

116,843,000

78,000,000

1900

129,861,000

90,575,000

1901

131,459,000

96,625,000

1902

130,906,000

112,325,000

1903

161,819,000

111,700,000

1904

155,949,000

130,100,000

1905

152,471,000

128,775,000

1906

163,442,000

144,925,000

1907

177,436,000

192,550,000

1908

193,090,000

184,550,000

It will be noted at a glance that whilst French West African trade has increased by 65 per cent., that of Nigeria has grown by 136 per cent.

ANTICIPATIONS OF NORTHERN NIGERIA’S FUTURE

Northern Nigeria, however, was known to be rich in iron, and the existence of other minerals was suspected; its suitability as a field for the exploitation of the cotton-growing industry was realised and the British Cotton-Growing Association reported a few years ago that “in Northern Nigeria alone lies the possible salvation of Lancashire.” Moreover, the Directors of the Niger Company had always foretold the ultimate importance that would be attained by the regions north of the Niger and the Benue. The company’s trade flourished in the south, new products were being continually discovered and new factories opened, and the optimism of its shareholders was justified by the declaration of substantial dividends, but Sir George Goldie consistently predicted the boundless potentialities of the unopened North, and as far back as 1889 declared: “We can hardly impress too strongly upon our shareholders that our hopes of future prosperity rest far less on the lower regions of the Niger than upon the higher, inner, and recently explored country.”