In dealing with the subject of labour in Africa, I must first ask you to remember that it is no easy task to deal in a comparatively short space with a theme that is not only complicated and elusive in itself, but also one that has many ramifications; I therefore propose to confine myself to an attempt at a résumé of the history of African labour, with some indication of the problem as it confronts us at the present day. Political views, economic interests, religious and racial prejudices, and national obligations, all have an important influence on our subject; the consideration of these, however, would be so controversial and so prolonged, that I must be content with a summary of facts, intended to serve as an indication of the nature of the problem, and the main difficulties which confront us.