Letters from Hastings K. Banda to the Rev H. M. Phiri, 1932-c 1957
Scope and Contents
Letters from Hastings K. Banda to the Rev H. M. Phiri, his uncle, in Nyasaland., 1932-c 1957.
1. Banda expresses surprise that money he sent has not been acknowledged. He sends his uncle the news that Bishop Vernon and his wife, the organisers of the Nyasaland Foundation, have been accused of the misuse of church funds, and consequently the Bishop is suspended. Banda has found that the bishops in the General Office use all the mission money while the Ministers in the Field go without. Disappointed, he is considering resigning from the A. M. E. Church, but would continue to support Mr Phiri privately. He plans to spend a year or two in Scotland, either at the University of Edinburgh or the School of Medicine. Meantime, his people are to be told that he will soon be returning home to help them, but at present he is not in a financial position to answer their pleas for aid. Chicago, 11 August 1932.
2. Work has kept the writer very busy. The death of his beloved chief has saddened him and left him unsure if his successor will be as friendly towards education. He no longer receives help from the A. M. E. Church, so he has to be independent, and finds living and Medical School expensive. Sorry that he cannot assist Mr Phiri with his debts. Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, 14 February 1937.
3. Banda is now in London "where I have a large and very good medical practice of my own". He advises his uncle on "domestic difficulties" and encourages him to join the African Congress which he believes is the only way the people can effectively organise themselves and be represented on the Legislative Council, Government Boards and Commissions. Harsden, London, 21 April 1946.
4. Having completed his studies in America and Edinburgh, he is now a practising physician in London. He congratulates his uncle on his work - "You have brought the A. M. E. Church to Central Africa", and is glad to hear that he is a member of the Nyasaland African Congress. Harsden, London, 2 July 1946.
5. Dr Banda sends £10 by Chief Masa. He is glad to hear that his uncle intends going home and advises him on choosing a piece of land. He, too, has chosen a piece of land for himself and his family. Happy to hear that Mr Phiri agrees with his suggestion that the whole country should be divided and given to certain families - "The land is our own. It must not be given to Europeans without our agreement". Harsden, London 5 February 1950.
6. Dr Banda explains his plan to take part in the development of the country by "farming on a large and scientific scale". He himself hopes to have a farm not only Thimbi but at other places too. He asks his uncle to plant trees that give oranges, mangoes, lemons and other fruit. Other trees will provide timber and matabwa. The result is to be a place that Europeans, especially the Government, will admire. Gives further details of his plan for a house, stock for the farm, a lorry and labour. British taxation is heavy, but he is able to send £36 this year to the recipient and, once the farm is paying, he will be able to help more. Brondesbury Park, London, 14 June 1950.
7. Dr Banda sends more money. He hopes Chief Mwasi will be elected Karonga. Someday he will be home and able to help. Brondesbury Park, London, 4 July 1950.
8. Expresses the hope that he will be able to begin work on his land next year. He advises his uncle against borrowing. The lorry which was bought for the farm was expensive, and must be cared for. If the farm is to succeed, it must be carefully managed. Brondesbury Park, London, 26 July 1950.
9. Again Banda urges care with money. He will help as he is able. He is interested in purchasing a large piece of land. Brondesbury Park, London. 30 September 1950.
10. Fragments of letters. "Important that our history should not be forgotten". Banda urges his uncle to write it down. "If you write down in full in Chewa, I shall write it in English, so that it can be remembered by all our children who will be coming after we are dead". ND
Dr Banda is glad to hear that the Church has given his uncle a place where he "may be able to find something or an opportunity to do something". "All the people in Nyasaland ... must join Congress and help it work for the freedom
and independence of our country". Begs his uncle to help Congress in every way. [Ghana]? 1956-1957.
Dates
- Creation: 1932-c 1957
Creator
- Banda, Hastings Kamuzu, c 1898-1997 (First President of Malawi) (Correspondent, Person)
Language of Materials
English
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Full Extent
10 items
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
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