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1897

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 William 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?).