The factory pertaining to this enterprise, situated near Pretoria, is
recognised to be the most extensive and best equipped of its kind in
existence. It is capable of turning out all the dynamite and similar
blasting material needed for the gold and other mines of the State, also
every description of explosive needed for modern ammunition.
Its equipments include ateliers and laboratories under the conduct of
eminent scientists and men of most advanced technical proficiency. The site
is a farm named Modderfontein of about 8,000 acres near Pretoria. The
industry provides employment for over 5,000 persons. In connection with this
factory is a foundry at Pretoria for casting shells, etc. The various
ingredients, such as sulphur, guhr, saltpetre, etc., are believed to be
plentiful in the State, but their exploitation is found to be more costly
than it is to import the pure articles from Europe.
The investment is represented mostly by French and German shareholders, the
Transvaal Government also possessing a portion of the shares. The contract
with the State conveys a complete monopoly for the manufacture and
importation of all descriptions of explosives, and is so framed as to base
its subsistence upon international rights. One of the conditions is that the
issue of ammunition is relegated to State control. In this manner burghers
only get supplies, whilst Uitlanders are limited to very small quantities
for sporting purposes by special permits.
