J.G. McDonald, while handling Rhodes's farming and other interests in Matabeleland, and managing De Beer's Rhodesian (Zambian and Zimbabwean) farms, was also employed by Goldfields and by the Consolidated Exploration and Development Company. His letters, although diffuse and repetitive, cover a wide range of topics. Unless otherwise stated, he is the signatory.

Tenants farming the 100,000 acres in the Matoppos (Matopos) on varying terms and with varying degrees of success included Percy Ross, H.J.M. Huntley, W.H.J. van Rensburg, Fielders, [B.F.?] Webb, E.C. Weaver, and (in partnership), A.C. Hull and Bett. There are references to Inyanga (Nyanga), Grimmer, and Norris.