How does the village chief’s interaction with the magistrate and James Jarvis support John Kumalo’s earlier statement about chiefs, “He is a trick, a trick to hold together something that the white man desires to hold together.”

The chief’s interaction with the magistrate and James Jarvis proves that he is an ineffective and powerless leader. He does not understand the work the two other men are doing, and when he tries to assist with placing sticks and flags, he is told he is doing it wrong. All he can do is follow their orders, and ensure that no one moves any sticks after the magistrate and Jarvis leave. He himself can do nothing to help his people, or lead them forward.