The universal geography : earth and its inhabitants

ADXronSTRATION OF MOZAMBIQUE. 299much shallower than cither of the 3Iozambique havous. In the year 1754 thePortuguese, who liad already been long established at Querimba, occupied theisland of Ibo, which coxild be much more easily fortified against the attacks ofcorsairs. But trade and population have made little progress in these waters,where the coral banks off the coast are barren reefs, while a regular trafficcouldscarcely be developed with the neighbouring Xabiha (Ma-Biha) territory, sparselvpeopled b}' a few wild tribes. Speculators have often engaged native coolies onthe Ibo coast for the plantations on the French island of Nossi-be. The totalannual trade of this port averages little over £"2-5,000.Amongst the numerous islands which follow northwards as far as Cape Delgado,several, such as Matcmo, have small groups of civilised communities, while some ofthe villages on the neighbouring coastlands arealso under the direct jurisdictionof Portuguese officials. Such is Musimhwa {Mudmha), situated on the bay of likename about 60 miles south of the Eovuma estuary. Kccently also the Portuguesehave by force of arms vindicated their claim to the possession of Tnixje Bay, aninlet on the coast contiguous to Capo Delgado. This place had already been cededto them by previous treaties, as well as by the convention concluded with Germanyin 1880 But an attempt was made to dispute their right hy the late Sultan ofZanzibar, who based his claims on the nationality of the Arab traders by whomthe district was administered, and on the geographical explorations undertaken byhis command in the interior of the country.by the Portuguese gunboats in favour of the European power.The question has now been settledBut if Portugal has thus become mistress of the whole seaboard, she is stillrepresented in this region by a mere handful of her European subjects. In 1857a batch of emigrants was sent direct from Portugal to form permanent settlementson the shores of Pcmha or Miramhi Bay, south of Ibo, one ofthe best harbours onthe coast. They received free grants of land, cattle, rations, and arms ; but on theother hand they were subjected to a rigorous administration, including personalsupervision and the regidar observance of public worship. The result was thatdespite the relatively salubrious climate of thedistrict, the colony made no head,but rapidly fell into utter decay.On the mainland over against Ibo stands the village of Kinaiuja, a small jwrton ilontepcs Bay, where the JItepwesi (Montepos) River reaches the coast.ADMINISTRATION OF MoZAMHIQrE.Being formerly considered as a simjole port of call on the route to India,Mozambique depended administi-atlvely from Goa to the middle of theeighteenthcentury; but since the year 1752 it has been governed directly from Portugal.Like the province of Angola on the west coast, it is now administered by a governorgeneralassisted by a council of high functionaries. A provincial council has alsobeen instituted for the purpose of examining and sanctioning the local budgetsand generally superintending all affairs of secondary Importance. Special commit-