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Loss of crops due to drought and elephants by Xhama; inability of poor villages to repay loans |
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To Zhekwera, stopping at Dzulake on the way. Found a large concourse of Kenoma litigants awaiting me. Dzulake have been partly burnt and want a loan. Chama came in with a wail that most of their rice failed in the July drought and what was left was eaten by elephants. It appears to be true and that Raluma and Tehema are little better off. Obviously they will have to be exempted from giving supplies at Pedi and probably should have exemption from revenue for about three years, as they have gradually got so poor and so much in debt that no one will lend them anything and they are living on roots and wild vegetables. It is little use giving them a loan as they will never be able to pay it off. If a loan is given it will have to be regarded from the start as a bad debt. |
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Halted Zhekwera - One or two cases only. |
