South African Railways and Harbours: Report of the General Manager of Railways and Harbours for the Year Ended 31st December, 1913, with Supplement.

Published by The Union of South Africa, Pretoria, 1914, hardcovers, large formats, leather bindings with gilt lettering, fold-out map, photographic imagery, tables & diagrams, some wear to spine on supplement otherwise condition: very good.2 Dover, 1971, softcover, illustrated, 290 pages, some wear to cover, otherwise condition: very good.

This is a critical historical document detailing the integration, expansion, and administrative activities of the newly formed South African Railways (SAR).

The 1913 annual report covers several defining elements of the country's transport infrastructure:

Consolidation: The report captures the foundational era of the SAR, which officially amalgamated the Cape Government, Natal Government, and Central South African Railways following the Union of 1910.

Harbours: 1913 was a pivotal year, as the administration of South African harbours was officially transferred to the SAR

.Infrastructure Growth: The document details track extensions, the standardization of the 3 ft 6 in Cape Gauge network, and heavy rolling stock modifications.

Social and Labor Climate: The report falls in a turbulent year that saw the passage of the Natives Land Act and major mining and railway strikes. Historically, this period highlights how state-run transport was used to enforce labor migration and imperial spatial control.

This copy belonged to Sir Thomas R. Price KCMG, a prominent  South African railway administrator and civil servant. He played a pivotal role in the modernization and integration of South Africa's rail infrastructure during the early 20th century. : Following the end of the South African War, Price was appointed the General Manager of the CSAR in July 1902. He successfully oversaw the network that linked the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony. When the Union of South Africa was established in 1910, Price was a key figure in merging the CSAR with the Cape Government Railways and the Natal Government Railways to create the South African Railways (SAR).

The Grain Elevator System: In 1911, the Union Government commissioned Price to investigate bulk grain handling technologies in Europe, the United States, and Canada. His comprehensive Blue Book report laid the groundwork for South Africa's national grain elevator network, heavily boosting the country's agricultural export potential.