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Matjiesfontein is reputed to be the most haunted town in South Africa. The history of this Karoo oasis includes; fortification during The South African War (formerly known as The Anglo-Boer War) as headquarters of the Cape Command, refuge for Jamieson Raid reformers, and the venue of controversial war crimes hearings.
With such a colourful history, many stories abound of ghost sightings, though they are after all just stories—or are they?

There are no malevolent ghosts here. The ghosts of Matjiesfontein are said to be both playful, and even mischievous, or they are totally unconcerned with events around them

There are a few ways to get to Matjiesfontein: one of them is of course by railway. The original station here opened on 1 February 1878 as the railway made its way north, reaching Lainsburg later the same year.

The Dining Room at The Lord Milner Hotel has been serving its guests for the last 120 years.
These days—using local ingredients sourced from the district—Head Chef Tronette Dippenaar creates contemporary takes on traditional South African dishes; including a variety of lamb dishes, using Laingsburg Lamb.

To a small girl-child, who may live to grasp somewhat of that
which for us is yet sight, not touch.

Note.

These Dreams are printed in the order in which they were written.

In the case of two there was a lapse of some years between the writing of the first and last parts; these are placed according to the date of the first part.

Olive Schreiner.

Matjesfontein,
Cape Colony,
South Africa.
November, 1890.

*The second poem in the series

The drought and heat tolerant Red Hot Poker Plant is native to South Africa.