1889: Klerksdorp Mounted Police From: The Representative (Klerksdorp) January 16, 1889. Through the courtesy of the officer commanding, we were enabled to be present at the inspection of the Klerksdorp Mounted Police held last Saturday at noon by Mr. W. H. Neethling, Landdrost for the Schoonspruit Goldfields, at the new barracks situated to the west of the New Township near the Gaol. The inspection commenced in the stables and we must praise the men for the excellent order, which reigns there. There is sufficient room for about a dozen horses, which were all well-groomed and appeared to be well taken care of. The accoutrements (saddles, bridles, etc.), neatly arranged on brackets along the wall, were as trim and as clean as elbow grease could possibly make them. In fact, the most strict martinet in any Service would have been at a loss to find fault. From there we proceeded to the men's quarters, where the Landdrost inspected the kits. Here, likewise, cleanliness and order reigned supreme. We noted that whilst the single men sleep in the barracks, permission has been granted to the married men to erect houses for their wives and families on spare ground adjoining the main building. From the Landdrost and Commandant, GMJ van Dam, we learn that a large piece of ground surrounding the barracks will shortly be enclosed with a wire fence. This will enable the men to let their horses roam about in the enclosure during the daytime, and leave sufficient room besides for a drill ground. We were shown all over the premises and all information asked for most freely and kindly given. As regards the Klerksdorp Mounted Police, experience and observation have both made us acquainted with the undeniable fact - that the corps is constituted of respectable, orderly men and, notwithstanding what grumblers may say to the contrary, we are of the opinion that we have every reason to be proud of the force at the disposal of the Authorities. Betting is not in our line, but we are prepared to challenge the whole State to produce a better police force than that under the control of Commandant Van Dam. It is, however, most painful to note that a large police district like ours with a radius of 42 miles has got to be protected and watched over by a force consisting of only ten men. Taking into consideration the large amount of revenue, which the Government derives from these fields, it might surely place the police force on a proper footing. Comdt. van Dam, ably assisted by Sgt.-Major Constable, has shown that he thoroughly understands his duty and we trust that the Government will listen to his advice and give him that support and assistance to which he is justly entitled. The public expect to be well served at all hours, both night or day, and does not ask whether the Policeman on duty is overworked or not. On all occasions we have met with the greatest civility at the hands of the Force and we shall be very glad indeed to hear that Comdt. van Dam's representations at Headquarters meet with approval and that before long he will be at the head of at least 25 mounted men, and—not one too many for the large district which he has to protect. [The Nongqai – “Klerksdorp” 1938-02]
95 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1A – ZARP
