In 1887 the shares, to the number of 2,000, representing a capital of L166,666, were held as follows:-- By Germans 819 shares carrying 30 votes.
" Hollanders 581 " " 76 " " The Republic 600 " " 6 " This astonishing division of votes which gave to the Transvaal Government 6 out of 112, although it subscribed one-third of the capital, and assured to the Hollanders twice as many votes as the other holders put together, although they only provided one-third of the capital, was the work of Dr.Leyds.The contract for the construction of the first 70 miles is not less surprising.Messrs.Van Hattum & Co.

were to build the line, at a cost mutually to be agreed upon by them and the railway company; and they were to receive as remuneration 11 per cent.
upon the amount of the specification.

The 11 per cent.

was to be proportionately decreased by a sliding scale so arranged that it disappeared by the time Van Hattum & Co.

had exceeded the contract price by 100 per cent.