The African Lakes Company halting station. An illustration taken from a page of 'The Graphic' newspaper depicts a group of Malawian workers digging a road, under the supervision of a British overseer, at the African Lake Company's halting station. The company was established in 1878 to provide supplies and services to missionaries based in the area. Mbame, Nyasaland (Malawi), circa 1889. Mbame, Blantyre, Malawi, Southern Africa, Africa.