Hardback no DJ. Howard Timmins Cape Town. Can't see a date but foreword by The Hon. N.C. Havenga is dated 1955. 183 pages inc index.
There are some marks and foxing but apart from this the book is well bound and in good condition. Please feel free to ask questions. Postage will be R21.30 including Insurance.
"South Africa's Mineral wealth is one of her greatest blessings. from the gold mines of the Witwatersrand and the Free State to the diamond fields of Alexander bay, the copper workings of Messina and the coal fields of Middelburg, the country's prosperity radiates from the nucleus of her mineral exploitations.
It is therefore not surprising that men, who, through their knowledge and skill discovered this hidden wealth and set the huge wheels of industry in motion, should occupy an important place in the annals of our history.
Dr. Hans Merensky is one of these men. It was not without reason that he was called The Wizard Geologist, for his geological discoveries rank among the most important not only in South Africa, but in the world.
In the comparatively short space of twenty six years, he was responsible for opening up imporyany deposits of platinum, diamonds, chrome, vermiculite and phosphate, and the combined value of these deposits is astronomical. As Minister of finance during these years i was particularly aware of the financial benefits that these discoveries brought to South Africa, and the diamonds of Alexander Bay alone contributed immense wealth to our Treasury and enabled the Government to build up the assets of our country over a long period of time.
Throughout merensky's years of achievment I was in contact with him and our acquaintance, which started with his first platinum discoveries at Lydenberg, had become a cemented friendship by the time he made his last find of phosphate at Phalaborwa. And every time I saw him I was impressed anew by this man. He was a genius.
he was not only a geologist, but also a farmer, and his achievments on "Westfali", particularly his experiments with water conservation, have proved to the farmers of South Africa what could be done, not with money but with initiative.
He was the son of a german missionary, but he became a true South African, and his lie's work was dedicated to the country of his adoption. And he was something else - something very rare in this tumultuous world of the present - a gentleman, whose charm and modesty never forsook him for a moment.
It is very necessary that his life's work should be gathered together in one volume. It makes a story that is extremely interesting reading, and i have no doubt that this boo will earn a place on the shelves of our country's Africana. it has been a considerable achievment for such a young writer to turn tedious mining rports and technical datat into such a readable book, and one that not only tells the life story of Dr. merensky but incorporates a considerable slice of recent South African history.
N.C. Havenga
"Allanvale
Memel O.F.S.
May 1955"
Geology / Diamonds / Mines /
