CHAPTER XXIX - PIETER HACKIUS, COMMANDER, INSTALLED 25TH MARCH 1670, DIED 30TH NOVEMBER 1671: THE COUNCIL OF POLICY, 30TH NOVEMBER 1671 TO 25TH MARCH 1672: ALBERT VAN BREUGEL, SECUNDE, ACTING COMMANDER, FROM 25TH MARCH TO 2ND OCTOBER 1672

Summary

For several months after the arrival of Mr. Hackius nothing beyond the ordinary quiet routine of life occurred in the settlement. The commander himself was for some time unable to take an active part in the administration of affairs, and it was not until June that he held his first council meeting. It had become necessary to make greater efforts to destroy the lions and leopards, which were preying upon the flocks and herds in the settlement, and the hyenas, which had even scraped up dead bodies in the churchyard and devoured them. As this was a matter affecting the taxation of the burghers, their councillors were invited to assist in the deliberations. It was resolved that the premiums for the destruction of ravenous animals should be increased, and that in general half the rewards should be paid out of funds raised by the burghers. In the particular case of lions killed between Table Mountain and the Tigerberg the premium was raised to £6 5s. for each, two-thirds of which was to be paid by the freemen.

In September the second large fleet fitted out by the French Company put into South African waters on its way to the east. Admiral De la Haye saluted the fort with five guns, and was answered with only one, which he complained of as an insult to his king. He expected to be able to get here whatever fresh provisions and sea stores he needed, but he was soon undeceived.