1897

January

2

Letter in The Natal Advertiser supported steps to give Gandhi and his friends a "fitting reception" when they  landed in Durban.

1897

January

13

Gandhi interviewed on board the Courland by The Natal Advertiser. Landed at 5 p.m. and was assaulted by section of Durban  mob, but escaped serious harm through the intervention of Mrs. Alexander, the Police  Superintendent's wife. Besieged later in Parsi Rustomji's house, was rescued by Police  Superintendent Alexander by device of disguising him as an Indian constable.

1897

January

14

Natal Government reported incident  to Secretary of State for the Colonies and blamed Gandhi for having landed at an  inopportune time under bad advice.

1897

January

14

Interviewed by Attorney-General,  Gandhi declined to have his assailants prosecuted and gave written expression to his wish  that the matter be overlooked.

1897

January

22

Wrote personal letters of thanks  and sent gifts to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander for their help when attacked by the mob.

1897

January

28

Sent cable to Dadabhai Naoroji,  Hunter and Bhownaggree reporting landing incidents.

1897

January

29

Addressed to them letters in  confirmation of cable, giving details.

1897

February

2,3,4

Addressed letters to the Press  appealing for aid for Indian Famine Relief Fund and issued circulars in English and some  Indian languages for the Purpose.

1897

February

6

Appealed to the clergymen of Durban  for rallying support for famine relief.

1897

March

2

Natal ministers informed Governor  that Gandhi's injuries were not serious and "in accordance with his wish, no  proceedings were taken for breach of peace."

1897

March

15

Completed memorial to Mr.  Chamberlain concerning the anti-Indian Demonstration and subsequent developments.

1897

March

26

Presented to the Natal legislatures  petitions against anti-Indian Bills pending before them.

1897

April

6

Wrote general letter to influential British and Indian friends with which were enclosed copies of memorial to Mr. Chamberlain.

1897

Original memorial delivered to Natal Governor for transmission to Mr. Chamberlain.

1897

Released to the Press correspondence with the Natal Government concerning the landing incidents.

1897

April

13

Wrote to the newspapers refuting allegations against him in connection with Indian immigration.

1897

May

7

Informed Chairman of Central Famine Relief Committed, Calcutta, of the collection by Natal Indians of £1,539-1-9 for famine  relief.

1897

May

18

Interviewed the British Agent at Pretoria and submitted written plea that the British Government bear the costs of Test  Case in respect of the interpretation of Law 3 of 1885.

1897

June

9

Cabled Hunter regarding the enactment of the Quarantine, Dealers' Licenses, Immigration Restriction and Uncovenanted  Indians Protection Bills.

1897

June

22

Spoke at opening ceremony of Indian Library on Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Day.

1897

July

2

Petitioned Mr. Chamberlain regarding the four anti-Indian measures.

1897

July

10

Addressed circular letter to public men in Britain and India regarding the discriminatory laws.

1897

September

11

Appeared in defense of Indians charged with being prohibited immigrants and had them discharged.

1897

September

14

Indian Hospital opened in Durban, with Parsi Rustomji's munificence and Dr. Booth's supervision, in which, later, Gandhi served two hours a day as medical assistant.

1897

September

18

Communicated with Dadabhai Naoroji, William Wedderburn and others about the implications of Mr. Chamberlin's address at the  Colonial Premiers' Conference in London.

1897

November

13

Wrote to The Natal Mercury and the Colonial Secretary repudiating allegations of organized attempts to contravene the  Immigration Act.

1897

November

15

Wrote to The Natal Mercury on the same subject.

1897

November

18

Addressed Colonial Secretary on  same topic.

1897

December

9

Attended a Christian Mission meeting and conveyed the gift of a tank from a Parsi donor (Rustomji?).