Chronology of the life of Mahatma Gandhi - 1913

1913

January

2

Gandhi  left Durban.

1913

January

3

Gokhale  Reception Committee, Durban, wired Minister of Interior regarding cases of Agjee and  Ameappan.

1913

Before January

3

Gajjar, a  Cape Indian, visited Durban, declared a prohibited immigrant.

1913

Before January

3

H.S.L.  Polak wrote to Secretary to Minister of Interior regarding harassment of the Dayal  brothers by Cousins, Natal Immigration Officer; also wrote to The Natal Mercury regarding the Dayal brothers and Gajjar.

1913

Before January

3

The  Natal Mercury, in editorial, severely condemned Cousins.

1913

January

4

Gandhi  arrived in Johannesburg.

1913

January

4

Writing in Indian Opinion, commended Gokhale’s speeches on South African Indian problem  at Bombay and at Indian National Congress at Bankipore.

1913

January

4

In another  article, discussed changes effected in layout and content of Indian Opinion.

1913

January

4

Commenced  a series of articles on general knowledge about health in Gujarati section of Indian  Opinion.

1913

January

7

A.M.  Cachalia wrote to Secretary to Minister of Interior regarding Dayal brothers.

1913

January

8

Prosecution  of Dayal brothers, detained at Volksrust, ordered by Registrar of Asiatics.

1913

Before

8

Cousins  replaced by harry Smith as Natal Immigration Officer.

1913

January

11

 

1913

January

11

Contribution  of Rs.2,500 by Nizam of Hyderabad to Passive Resistance funds announced in Indian  Opinion.

1913

Before

11

Gandhi and  school shifted from Tolstoy Farm to Phoenix.

1913

January

18

 

1913

January

18

Indian  Opinion announced Gandhi’s decision to go to India about the middle of the year,  if expected Immigration Bill was passed in forthcoming session of Parliament.

1913

January

18

Gandhi  wrote in Indian Opinion of Government’s failure to keep their promise  regarding British Indians entitled to residence in TVL or Union and hinted at possibility  of a conflagration in the community.

1913

Before

18

H.S.L.  Polak met Chief Immigration officer, Natal, regarding entry of Agjee and Ameappan’s  wives.

1913

January

24

 

1913

Before

24

Split  between Botha and Hertzog during Gokhale’s visit to South Africa reported in The  Star.

1913

January

25

 

1913

January

25

Report in The  Times of Natal regarding Government’s decision to abolish £ 3 tax on  ex-indentured Indians. Gandhi, in Indian Opinion, welcomed above reported decision.  In another article, discussed provision in proposed Financial Relations Bill granting

1913

January

27

BIA  informed by Undersecretary for Interior that prosecution against the Dayal brothers would  be withdrawn and their registration effected.

1913

January

31

In Union  Assembly, T. Schreiner protested against color discrimination in Arms and Ammunition  Bill.

1913

February

1

BIA wrote  to Ministry of Interior asking that Indians coming from India and claiming rights of  residence in TVL be issued visiting passes by Immigration Officers at the coast.

1913

February

7

In Union  Assembly, Minister of Finance stated that repeal of £ 3 tax on Indians was still under  consideration.

1913

February

7

Ministry  of Interior informed BIA that all inquiries regarding Indians arriving at ports and  claiming rights of entry must be made at the port of entry.

1913

Before

Before 8

Minor son  of M.A. Kotwal, on return to Durban after temporary absence, disallowed landing despite  possession of domicile certificate as his father was not in Natal. Had to obtain Supreme  Court interdict to avoid deportation. Minor son of Moulvi Abdul V

1913

February

8

Gandhi, in Indian Opinion, criticized "tyrannical powers" vested in immigration  officials.

1913

February

11

In House  of Lords, Lord Ampthill asked question regarding outcome of Gokhale’s visit to South  Africa and moved for Papers. Under -Secretary for Colonies replied the visit was  unofficial and he had no papers to lay before House.

1913

February

13

BIA again  wrote to Ministry of Interior urging that Indians returning from India be granted visiting  passes at ports of entry.

1913

February

14

Gandhi, in  letter to Gokhale, mentioned that, owning to internal troubles in Botha cabinet, the  promised legislation would again be postponed; if so, he would not be able to leave for  India about the middle of the year. Said ministers were not carrying

1913

February

24

Undersecretary  for Interior informed BIA that arrangements at ports for TVL Indians seeking entry could  not be altered.

1913

February

28

M.A. Gouge  lost appeal against Licensing Officer’s refusal to transfer his trading license to  himself and son.

1913

March

3

In Union  Parliament, Financial Relations bill, mentioning proposed abolition of £ 3 tax on  ex-indentured Indians, passed second reading.

1913

March

4

BIA, wrote  again to Secretary for Interior regarding removal of hardships at ports for TVL Indians  already registered or eligible to register.

1913

March

8

Dawad  Mahomed returned to South Africa after tour of Middle East and India.

1913

March

9

The  Johannesburg Indian Literary and Debating Society formed; Gandhi elected patron.

1913

March

14

In Cape  Supreme Court, Justice Searle rejected Hassan Esolp’s appeal against deportation of  his wife, Bai Miriam, on the ground that she was not Hassan Esop’s lawful wife as her  marriage had been contracted according to Mahomedan.

1913

March

15

Gandhi,  writing in Indian Opinion, explained procedure and evidence required for entry of  minors and wives into TVL.

1913

March

20

A TVL  Syrian appealed to High Court that two Stands in Wolhuter Township be registered in his  name on ground that Syrians were exempt from laws applying to Indians and Colored  persons; judgment reserved.

1913

March

Before 22

Gandhi,  commenting in Indian Opinion on case of Ebrahim Cassim’s minor son, Hassan  Mia, said that Union Government’s insistence on production of birth certificates of  minors seeking entry showed that it wanted to create difficulties or to stop entry of

1913

March

24

Wrote to  Private Secretary to Minister of Interior asking that out of six names of educated British  Indians submitted by Gandhi for entry for the past year, the two rejected by Registrar of  Asiatics be restored, in keeping with terms of Provisional Set

1913

March

26

Tamil  Benefit Society meeting held at Johannesburg to consider Justice Searcle’s judgment  in Bai Miriam’s case.

1913

March

Before 29

Master of  Natal Provincial division of Supreme Court, in the case of Bai Janubi, a Mahomedan widow,  questioned validity of her marriage for assessing succession duty and demanded that  Supreme Court ruling be obtained.

1913

March

29

Gandhi,  commenting in Indian Opinion, on above case, ascribed this "unexpected  calamity" to new interpretation of an old law.

1913

March

30

Mass  meeting of Indians in Hamidia Islamic Society hall, Johannesburg, called to consider the  Searle judgment, expressed distress and requested Government to introduce remedial  legislation recognizing validity of marriages solemnized according to India

1913

April

Before 1

In  Klerksdrop, European owners of Stands, as ordered by Public Prosecutor under Gold Law,  served notices of eviction on Indian tenants.

1913

April

1

Government  of India issued notification prohibiting recruitment of indentured labor for South Africa  with effect from July 1911.

1913

April

2

Gandhi  attended meeting of Cape British Indian Union held to demand changes in Union  Immigrants’ Restriction Bill (UIRB henceforth) so as to protect Cape rights.

1913

April

5

In letter  to L.W. Ritch, Gandhi expressed feeling that UIRB would not be passed without the  amendment asked for. Wrote to Maud Polak about hardship to Transvaal (TVL henceforth)  Indians under the gold Law and about Klerksdrop persecution.

1913

April

 

In Natal  Provincial Council, G.H. Hulett moved resolution seeking Union legislation to grant  Provincial Council control over issue of trading licences.

1913

April

6

In Union  Parliament, T.L. Schreiner asked for abolition of £ 3 tax consequent upon the stoppage of  indenture. General Smuts, answering, refused to interfere and informed House that attitude  in India being discouraging very few indentured Indian might c

1913

April

7

Gandhi  sent to E.F.C. Lane his alternative proposals for ending TVL struggle; either amendment  of UIRB to exempt educated immigrants from operation of TVL registration law and Clauses 1  to 6 of Orange Free State (OFS henceforth) Constitution, and prote

1913

April

8

Sought  confirmation from E.F. C. Lane that six educated Indians a year would be allowed to enter  Union or TVL, whichever of his two proposals be adopted.

1913

April

11

Deputation  of Durban Indian leaders met Mayor to discuss position of Indian during Coronation  celebrations.

1913

April

15

L.W. Ritch  commenced legal practice in Gandhi’s Johannesburg office.

1913

April

17

Joseph  Royeppen, Leung Quinn and other passive registers released.

1913

April

19

Smuts, in  interview, told Gandhi he would pass UIRB in current or following session; explained why  "we do not want Asia to come in" and appealed for peace; asked Gandhi to agree  to the Governor General having power to make regulations regarding educati

1913

April

19

In letter  to Smuts, Gandhi urged him to settle the question of the entry of six educated Indians a  year so that passive resistance could be suspended.

1913

April

20

Communicated  to E.F.C. Lane unwillingness of Natal Indian Congress, British Indian Association (BIA  henceforth) and Cape Indians to cease passive resistance unless TVL problem was settled.  Expressed hope that his alternative solution would still be ado

1913

April

21

E.F. C.  Lane informed Gandhi that Government could not proceed with UIRB during the current  session; Government keenly desired solution of "vexed question" and would  deliberate over a settlement during the recess; meanwhile Indians should stop passive

1913

April

21

Gandhi met  E.F.C. Lane. Told him passive resistance could be suspended if certain assurances were  given. Lane telephoned Smuts who agreed to some assurances being given.

1913

April

22

Gandhi, in  letter, informed E.F.C. Lane that passive resistance could be suspended provided Smuts  gave certain assurances.

1913

April

22

Smuts, in  reply to above, expressed intention to introduce legislation, during following session,  which would: (a) repeal Act 2 of 1907 (TARA henceforth), subject to reservation of rights  of minor children; (b) give legal equality for all immigrants; (

1913

April

22

Appeal of  Rambhabai Sodha dismissed by Court.

1913

April

24

Gandhi,  speaking at Kimberley meeting of Indians, said they were "nearing a solution of the  difficult question".

1913

April

25

Smuts  withdrew UIRB in Union Assembly.

1913

April

26

Gandhi  returned to Johannesburg.

1913

April

27

At meeting  of Indians in Johannesburg, Gandhi explained correspondence with Smuts regarding  Provisional Settlement and advised acceptance of proposals. Meeting decided (a) to call  off passive resistance if Smuts fulfilled his pledges; (b) to send H.S.L

1913

April

27

Indian  Opinion announced that TVL Chinese had decided to accept proposals for Provisional  Settlement.

1913

April

28

Gandhi, in  interview to The Star about Provisional Settlement, announced intention to retire  from public life after finalization of settlement.

1913

April

29

Gandhi met  E.F.C. Lane.

1913

April

29

Gave, in  letter to E.F.C. Lane, British Indians’ interpretation of the terms of the settlement  and sought Smuts’ confirmation; made request for R.M. Sodha being allowed to  register, for reinstatement of Government servant, who had been removed for pass

1913

May

1

BIA  PETITIONED Secretary of State for Colonies regarding grievances of TVL Indians, including  those arising from law 3 of 1885, the Gold Law and Townships Act.

1913

May

1

Gandhi  Addressed Vrededrop farewell meeting for Joseph Royeppen.

1913

May

3 (?)

Gandhi met  Smuts.

1913

May

4

Wrote to  E.F.C. Lane regarding categories of Indians and Chinese who might apply for voluntary  registration.

1913

May

4

Wrote to  A.E. Chotabhai thanking him for £ 300 sent for professional services in connection with  his son’s case and saying he intended to hand over Phoenix to trustees and would use  sum for school there.

1913

May

Before 8

Harilal  Gandhi left home without informing Gandhi.

1913

May

8

Gandhi  wrote to H.S.L. Polak giving him estimate of expenses for his visit to England and India  and telling him of Smuts’ favorable response to demands of passive resisters.  Writing to Dr. Pranjivan Mehta, suggested that six Natal satyagrahis be educat

1913

May

15

Natal  Indian Congress addressed Memorandum to Secretary of State for Colonies regarding proposed  arbitrary education test, curtailment of existing rights in UIRB, and £ 3 tax on  ex-indentured Indians.

1913

May

15

Harilal  Gandhi returned to Tolstoy Farm from Delagoa Bay.

1913

May

16

Klerksdorp  Indians appealed to Minister of Interior for withdrawal of notices under Gold Law and  repeal of the Law.

1913

May

17

Transvaal  Draft Municipal Councils Ordinance (TDMCO henceforth) (Draft Local Government Ordinance)  published in Government Gazette.

1913

May

Before 18

Harilal  Gandhi left home finally for India.

1913

May

18

Gandhi  wrote to Minister of Interior asking for Smuts’ answer to his proposals regarding  Provisional Settlement contained in his letter of April 29, 1911.

1913

May

18

In House  of Commons, questioned asked regarding Gold Law and Townships Act and resulting hardships  to TVL Indians.

1913

May

19

Smuts  informed Gandhi that:

1913

May

19

Passive  resisters with valid claims to registration, but deported under TARA or TARAA, could apply  for registration by December 31, 1911;

1913

May

19

Asiatics  with valid claims to registration, who left South Africa owing to passive resistance,  though not deported, could apply for registration provided both of above categories did  not exceed 30;

1913

May

19

About 180  Chinese and Indians in South Africa, refused registration under the voluntary system,  could apply by December 31, 1911;

1913

May

19

The seven  educated Indians now in TVL named by Gandhi would receive temporary authorization for  residence pending alteration of law, when permanent documents would be issued.

1913

May

19

Smuts  also expressed hope Asiatic community would regard acceptance of requests as final  settlement and said that on he hearing from Gandhi passive resistance prisoners would be  released. Gandhi, in reply to above, said 180 Asiatic passive resisters in

1913

May

19

Wrote to  Gokhale apprising him of good results secured by passive resistance and of the hardships  of Indians in TVL, Natal and the Cape.

1913

May

20

Smuts in  telegram to Gandhi informed him that

1913

May

20

180  Asiatics included also those who failed to apply in time on grounds of three years’  prewar residence in TVL.

1913

May

20

Existing  individual rights would not be taken away but various provinces would be affected by  future general and uniform legislation;

1913

May

20

Well-known  or educated registered Asiatic need not give thumb or finger-impressions for taking out  licences.

1913

May

20

Gandhi, in  reply conveyed acceptance of the Provisional Settlement on behalf of the BIA and gave list  of passive resisters to be released.

1913

May

After 20

Drafted  statement for proposed British Indian Deputation to Smuts.

1913

May

22

BIA  published notice in Indian Opinion asking passive resisters eligible to register  under the Provisional Settlement to submit their names to Honorary Secretary.

1913

May

23

Gandhi, in  interview to Reuter, explained Provisional Settlement.

1913

May

26

Drafted  letter to Registrar of Asiatics enclosing list of Chinese entitled to register under  Provisional Settlement and also names of three Mohammedans for special certificates.

1913

May

27

Writing in Indian Opinion expressed satisfaction at Provisional settlement but warned that  passive resistance would be resumed if Smuts did not keep his promise to repeal TARA and  amend TIRA or if fresh anti-Asiatic legislation was introduced.

1913

May

30

In London,  H.S.L. Polak spoke on South African Indian problem at meeting of league of Honor.

1913

May

31

Gandhi  wrote to G.A. Natesan expressing satisfaction with Provisional settlement and praising  Natesan’s work.

1913

June

1

Klerksdorp  Indians informed that Minister of Interior could not make any alterations in Gold Law.

1913

June

2

Gandhi at  Park station saw off R.M. Sodha, leaving for India.

1913

June

2

Five  passive resisters released under Provisional Settlement.

1913

June

2

South  Africa British Indian Committee (SABIC henceforth) wrote to Colonial Office regarding  operation of Gold Law and townships Act in TVL and other hardships of Indians.

1913

June

3

Gandhi,  writing in Indian Opinion set forth the achievements of Satyagraha to date.

1913

June

5

Gandhi and  L.W. Ritch addressed gathering at Johannesburg after passive resisters’ football  match.

1913

June

5

BIA sent  petition to TVL Administrator and Provincial Council protesting against TDMCO.

1913

June

6

BIA wrote  to Secretary of Interior on behalf of Klerksdorp Indians regarding operation of Gold Law.

1913

June

9

Gandhi  attended banquet given to William Hosken in Johannesburg.

1913

June

10

Writing in Indian Opinion, criticized TDMCO as being designed to crush Asiatic hawkers.

1913

June

15

At  Roodepoort, Tamblin, a white, charged under Gold Law for subletting Stand to Asiatic.

1913

June

16

Gandhi  spoke at farewell to Sorabji Shapurji in Durban.

1913

June

17

H.S.L.  Polak wrote for SABIC to Colonial Office regarding TVL Indians’ grievances, including  hardships caused by gold Law and Townships Act and £ 3 tax on ex-indentured Indians.

1913

June

19

Natal  Indian leaders informed Town Clerk, Durban, that they could not participate in official  Coronation festivities because of racial discrimination shown.

1913

June

19

First  meeting of Imperial Conference in London under president ship of Secretary of State for  Colonies.

1913

June

19 (?)

India  Office Memorandum to Imperial Conference on position of British Indians in Dominions.

1913

June

21

Gandhi,  along with Natal Indian leaders, met Mayor of Durban regarding Coronation celebrations.

1913

June

22

Coronation  of King George V at Westminister Abbey. In Durban, Indians boycotted celebrations.

1913

June

24

Gandhi,  writing in Indian Opinion affirmed loyalty to the King.

1913

June

27

Indian  Immigration Board deputation discussed with Smuts problem of finding other labor,  immigration from India having stopped.

1913

June

27

In house  of Commons, Sir William Bull asked question regarding operation of TVL Gold Law and  Townships Act against Indians.

1913

June

30

Justice  Wessels of TVL Division of Supreme Court in judgment ruled that no Indian could bring more  than one wife into the country and "that must be a woman who actually was a  wife."

1913

June

1

Gandhi,  writing in Indian Opinion, praised H.S.L. Polak’s work in England.

1913

July

After 1

Wrote to  Dr. pranjivan Mehta seeking monetary assistance to the extent of £ 1,000 for expanding  activities at Phoenix.

1913

July

4

Wrote to  Dr. Murison regarding anti-tuberculosis work in Durban.

1913

July

5

BIA and  Hamidia Islamic society wrote to Secretary for Interior, asking whether Justice  Wessels’ judgment would affect the existing practice of permitting Mahomedans to  bring in more than one wife as sanctioned by their religion.

1913

July

8

Gandhi,  writing in Indian Opinion, discussed Justice Wessels’ ruling in Bai  Rasul’s case that an Indian may bring in only one wife; said it was not possible to  have in British Dominions laws insulting to any recognized religion.

1913

July

11

At  Roodepoort, Tamblin sentenced by Magistrate to £ 2 fine or 10 days’ imprisonment  under Gold Law for subletting Stands to Asiatics.

1913

July

12

In House  of Commons, questions asked regarding TDMCO.

1913

July

20

Lord  Ampthill and Sir M.M. Bhownaggree wrote for SABIC ato Colonial Office regarding treatment  of Indians in Colonies and attitude of Imperial Conference; requested that General Botha  be asked to receive deputation.

1913

July

Before 22

BIA and  Hamidia Islamic society informed by Smuts that Justice Wessels’ ruling regarding  immigration of Mahomedans’ had been noted and Smuts would consider individual cases  of hardship brought to his notice.

1913

July

About 26

SABIC  wrote to Colonial Office regarding entry of Indian wives into Natal.

1913

July

28

H.S.L.  Polak spoke at Universal Races Congress in London.

1913

July

31

Farewell  address signed by Gandhi and A.M. Cachalia presented to H. Kallenbach on his departure for  Europe.

1913

July

31

Anti-Asiatic  Conference at Potchefstroom decided to form an organization to protect interests of whites  against Asiatic.

1913

August

31

SABIC  wrote to Colonial Office regarding entry of Indian wives into TVL.

1913

August

3

L.W.Ritch  served with notice by Krugersdorp Resident Magistrate against transferring or subletting  Standards owned by him to Colored persons and violating gold Law.

1913

August

5

Gandhi,  writing Indian Opinion, advised Natal Indians to help Dr. Murison’s campaign  against tuberculosis in Durban.

1913

August

12

Wrote to  Secretary for Interior saying he would try to complete by August 21, 1911, list of passive  resisters covered by Provisional Settlement.

1913

August

12

Writing in Indian Opinion on notice served on L.W. ritch under Gold Law, called on Indians to  remain firm.

1913

August

13

Addressing  BIA meeting in Johannesburg, explained that L.W. ritch was prepared to face imprisonment  to protect Indians’ rights of equitable ownership in Krugersdorp.

1913

August

14

The  Times, London, wrote on UIRB and Provisional Settlement.

1913

August

15

BIA wrote  to Secretary for Interiro seeking his intervention in preventing prosecution of L.W. Ritch  for having Colored persons on property registered in his name at Krugersdorp.

1913

August

18

Amended  rules for employment of women and children of indentured Indians published in the Union Government  Gazette.

1913

August

19

Gandhi,  writing in Indian Opinion, congratulated L.W. ritch and TVL Indians on their  decision to resist Government’s attempts to oust Indian merchants under Gold Law and  townships Act.

1913

August

21

Forwarded  to Registrar of Asiatics revised, though not yet final, list of Indians covered by  Provisional Settlement.

1913

August

22

Union  Ministers’ minutes to Governor General on £ 3 tax and TDMCO.

1913

August

28

Governor  General forwarded to Colonial Office Union Ministers’ minutes of £ 3 tax in Natal  and TDMCO.

1913

August

28

TVL  Division of Supreme Court upheld appeal by Tamblin against Roodepoort Magistrate’s  sentence under Gold Law.

1913

September

3

Gandhi  addressed meeting at Johannesburg held to celebrate Dadabhai Naoroji’s birthday.

1913

September

5

Reuter  cable announced famine in Punjab and Rajasthan.

1913

September

6

SABIC  wrote to Colonial Office regarding harassment under Gold Law and Townships Act of Indian  equitable owners of property in Krugesdorp, Klerksdorp and Roodepoort.

1913

September

7

H.S.L.  Polak wrote to Cape Times regarding anti-Asiatic agitation.

1913

September

9

Gandhi,  writing to Maganlal Gandhi, declared that money spent by individuals in constructing  houses on their share of Phoenix land could not be returned to them.

1913

September

16

In Durban,  Natal Indian leaders formed "The Anti-£ 3 Tax League."

1913

September

23

Gandhi,  writing in Indian Opinion, welcomed decision of Germiston Indians to oppose move by  Town Council to prohibit their trading in Georgetown Location.

1913

September

24

In letter  to Dr. Pranjivan Mehta, said he was preparing himself for work in India.

1913

September

27

Gandhi,  along with Tolstoy Farm’s schoolboys, attended football match at Johannesburg.

1913

September

28

Italy  invaded Turkish territory.

1913

September

30

Wrote in Indian  Opinion regarding Natal Indian Congress inquiry whether he could preside at the  forthcoming session of Indian National congress, and his conditional willingness.

1913

October

1

Indians  served a month’s notice by Germiston Municipality to vacate Stands in Georgetown  Location.

1913

October

1

"The  Germiston Indian Association" formed.

1913

October

2

Gandhi  attended meeting of Muslims at Johannesburg held to condemn Italy for waging war against  Turkey.

1913

October

7

Wrote in  letter to Harilal Gandhi of invitation to preside at the Indian National Congress.

1913

October

8

BIA wrote  to TVL Administrator regarding Town council notice on Germiston Indians to vacate  Georgetown Location.

1913

October

10

Gandhi  wrote to Dr. Pranjivan Mehta saying it was not clear from whom the invitation to preside  at the Indian National Congress had come, but he had accepted it on condition that his  presence was really necessary and his freedom was not compromised. Sa

1913

October

22

Informed  Dr. Pranjivan Mehta that cable regarding president ship of Indian National Congress was  inquiry not invitation; that he had cabled that his name be not considered. Also informed  him of Manilal doctor’s intention to attend Congress session in I

1913

October

23

Spoke at  Johannesburg function to celebrate Gujarati New Year’s Day.

1913

October

24

Wrote to  Gokhale, requesting help for Manilal Doctor in his efforts against indenture system.

1913

October

30

Wrote to  Gokhale inviting him to visit south Africa; also explained misunderstanding over  president ship of Indian National Congress.

1913

November

6

A.M. Bhyat  opened store in Boksburg in premises registered in name of L.W. Ritch.

1913

November

8

In  Boksburg, mass meeting of whites protested against opening of store by A.M. Bhyat; asked  Government to proceed against L.W. Ritch, under Section 131 of gold Law.

1913

November

11

Gandhi, in Indian Opinion, expressed resolved to fight tooth and nail against £ 3 tax; also  called for funds to help the famine-stricken in India.

1913

November

13 - 15

At  Bloemfontein, South African Agricultural Union Annual Conference passed resolution urging  Government to stop issue of trading licences and transfer of land to Asiatic.

1913

November

14

Indian  Opinion announced Reuter’s news that, Gandhi having withdrawn, Pandit Bishen  Narayan Dhar would be elected President of Indian National Congress.

1913

November

14

Colonial  Office replied to part of H.S.L. Polak’s SABIC letter of June 17, saying the Union  Ministers’ minute of August 22 on the £ 3 tax correctly represented the facts, that  the legislation was passed with full consent of Imperial Government and that

1913

November

15

At Indian  Women’s Association Bazaar in Johannesburg, Gandhi read out address to Mrs. Vogl.

1913

November

18

Gandhi, in Indian Opinion, condemned as breach of faith, Natal Government’s attempt to  realize £ 3 tax from re-indentured Indians after their circular of April, 1910, granting  exemption.

1913

November

18

Natal  Indian Congress wrote to Minister of justice requesting him to abide by Government  circular of April, 1910, and not realize £ 3 tax from re-indentured Indians.

1913

November

25

Gandhi, in Indian Opinion, called on Natal Indians to take steps for abolition of £ 3 tax.

1913

December

6

In House  of Lords, Lord Lamington moved for production of correspondence between Colonial Office  and Union Government regarding position of British Indians in TVL; asked for information  on working of TVL gold Law, Townships Act and TDMCO.

1913

December

7

Gandhi, in  letter to E.F.C. Lane, suggested that if general legislation could not be passed in the  current session of Union Parliament, TIRA should be amended.

1913

December

8

In letter  to Gokhale, renewed invitation to visit South Africa.

1913

December

9

Writing in Indian Opinion, asked Indians to contribute liberally to Famine Relief Fund.

1913

December

20

Spoke at  Chinese rally in Johannesburg to pay homage to Alex Bonson.

1913

December

21

Wire from  E.F.C. Lane from Pretoria inviting Gandhi to meet him and see draft of new Immigration  Bill [UIRB (1992) henceforth].

1913

December

22

Gandhi saw  draft of UIRB (1912).

1913

December

On or after 26

H.S.L.  Polak, Chintamani and Sorabji Shapurji spoke at Indian National Congress in Calcutta.  Resolutions passed deploring South African Indians’ disabilities, demanding  retaliatory measures and urging Government to totally stop indenture system. Polak

1913

December

30

Gandhi, in Indian Opinion, condemned refusal of authorities to allow an Indian boy, Nathalia,  entry into Natal and called for matter to be taken to higher courts.