Report on the Niger Coast Protectorate: Health and Continuity of Administration

In 1894, Sir Claude Macdonald noted in his Report on the Niger Coast Protectorate (August 1891–August 1894) that the 'good work' of the Native Pastorate Church derived largely from the fact that its officials were Africans capable of withstanding the climate, providing continuity of work that European-run missions could not match. He used this observation to justify employing indigenous rulers in local government: the local chief would never need leave and could continue under even an inexperienced cadet officer. This became a standard economic and practical argument for the Warrant Chief System throughout the period covered.