Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life/South Africa 1906

Documents libres.

South Africa 1905

Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life ~ South Africa 1906 written by Mohandas K. Gandhi

South Africa 1907

1906, January 1

£1 tax on Indians aged 18 or above enforced; Natal Early Closing Act came into force.

1906, January 2

Earthquake disaster in San Francisco.

1906, January 20

Mansukhlal Hiralal Nazar, at one time Editor, Indian Opinion, died.

1906, February 3

Hindi and Tamil columns of Indian Opinion discontinued.

1906, February 9

British Indian Association, in letter to Colonial Secretary, protested against changes in permit regulations.

1906, February 10

Association protested to Johannesburg town Council against restrictions on Indians using team-cars.

1906, February 14

Association took exception to prohibition of Indians’ traveling by particular trains between Pretoria and Johannesburg.

1906, February 16

Association joined issue with Transvaal Leader on question of Indians using tramcars in Johannesburg.

1906, February 22

In statement to Dadabhai Naoroji, Gandhi stressed need for safeguarding Indian interests under responsible government in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony.

1906, February 26

Suggested to Dadabhai Naoroji that a deputation wait on British Ministers on behalf of South African Indians.

1906, February 28

Spoke at presentation of address by Natal Indian Congress to Abdul Kadir, retiring President.

1906

Zulu Rebellion broke out during this month.

1906, March 7

Gandhi appeared for plaintiff in tram test case at Johannesburg.

1906, March, before 10

Natal Indian Congress protested to Colonial Secretary against imposition of prohibitive fees for certificates and passes under Immigration Restriction Act.

1906, March 10

Gandhi criticized resolution of the Congress of Associated Chambers of Commerce of South Africa regarding "continual influx of Asiatics".

1906

Waited in deputation on Assistant Colonial Secretary regarding permit grievances in the Transvaal.

1906, March 11

Addressed meeting at Pretoria.

1906, March 12

Appeared in tram test case and won.

1906, March 16

Bill to amend Cape Immigration Restriction Act of 1902 published in Government Gazette.

1906, March 17

Gandhi exhorted Indians to volunteer their services to the Government on the occasion of the Zulu Rebellion.

1906, March 19

In letter to Dadabhai Naoroji, drew attention to hardships under Peace Preservation Ordinance and Law 3 of 1885 in the Transvaal.

1906, March 21

Addressed colored peoples’ meeting at Johannesburg.

1906, March 24

Commended colored peoples’ petition to Imperial Government for franchise and other rights.

1906, March 30

Dr. Abdurrahman met Lord Selborne regarding grievances of Cape colored people.

1906

Dada Osman appealed to Secretary of State for Colonies against refusal to him of trading licence.

1906, March, before 31

Imperial Government set up Commission on Transvaal Constitution.

1906, March 31

Gandhi deprecated import of Indian labor for Transvaal mines.

1906, April, before 7

British Indian deputation met Railway authorities at Johannesburg to represent Indian grievances.

1906

Gandhi wrote to Leader, pointing out anomaly in restrictions on Indians’ entry into the Transvaal.

1906, April 12

Addressed letter to William Wedderburn on deteriorating condition of Indians in the Transvaal.

1906, April, before 14

Durban town Council passed resolution calling upon Licensing Officer not to issue fresh licences to hawkers.

1906

Natal Indian Congress decided to send deputation to England under Gandhi’s leadership.

1906

Hajee O. Ally waited on Sir Richard Solomon, Acting Lt.-Governor, concerning Malay Location.

1906, April 23

At Durban meeting to consider future of Indian Opinion, Gandhi reiterated its objects and appealed to Indian community to make it its own.

1906, April 24

Welcomed establishment of Young Men’s Mahomedan Association for promoting education; was entrusted with task of drafting its constitution.

1906

Addressed Natal Indian Congress meeting which then offered to form an ambulance corps.

1906, April, before 26

Was interviewed by The Natal Mercury regarding proposed deputation to Imperial Government.

1906, April 28

Criticized Natal Stores Employees’ Association for irresponsible statement on Shops Act.

1906

Issued statement in reply to criticism at meetings of Young Men’s issued statement in reply to criticism.

1906, May, before 5

Met General Manager, Natal Government Railways, regarding prohibition of Indians from traveling by certain trains between Johannesburg and Pretoria.

1906, May 5

Appealed to Natal Government to consider Indian position regarding Land Clauses Bill in a statesmanlike manner.

1906

Commended idea of starting chamber of Indian merchants.

1906, May, before 12

British Indian Association wrote to Lord Selborne regarding permits and visitors’ passes.

1906, May 12

Gandhi supported home rule for India "in the name of justice and for the good of humanity".

1906, May, before 14

Constitution Commission held three meetings at Johannesburg.

1906, May, before 18

Lord Selborne turned down British Indian Association’s representation regarding permits.

1906, May 18

Judgment favoring Indians’ right to use trams awarded in Coovadia test case.

1906, May 19

Johannesburg Municipality notified repeal of tram regulations and restoration of smallpox regulations which would serve to restrict the use of trams by Indians.

1906, May 21

Gandhi questioned, in Transvaal Leader, the ethics of Johannesburg Town Council’s action.

1906, May 22

Led representative deputation to Constitution Committee and presented Indians’ viewpoint.

1906, May, before 25

Lord Selborne refused to reconsider Indian stand on permits.

1906, May 25

Gandhi secured acquittal of minor boy charged with violating Law 3 of 1885.

1906, May 26

Apropos of Queen Victoria’s birthday celebrations, appealed to public men of South Africa to abjure race hatred and color prejudice.

1906, May 27

Wrote to brother, Lakshmidas, declaring his disinterestedness in worldly possessions.

1906, May 29

Presented statement of constitution Committee.

1906, May 30

British Indian Association decided to include Haji Habib and Ally in deputation to England.

1906

Natal Government accepted Congress offer regarding ambulance corps.

1906, June 2

Gandhi pleaded for better amenities to deck-passengers. Addressed meeting of Indians in Durban to raise funds for ambulance work.

1906, June, before 6

British Indian Committee, London, suggested Gandhi alone proceed to England to present Indian case.

1906

Chairman, British Indian Association, and Henry Polak not allowed to use tram in Johannesburg.

1906

British Indian Association decided to file test cases regarding permits if Government failed to redress Indian grievances.

1906, June 8

Gandhi informed Dadabhai Naoroji that deputation to England was deferred in view of ambulance work at the front.

1906, June 9

Appealed to Indians for contributions to Soldiers’ Fund.

1906, June, before 13

Issued statement of The Natal Mercury on difficulties of Indians.

1906, June 16

Indian Stretcher-bearer Corps’ pledge of allegiance published in Indian Opinion.

1906, June 21

Ambulance Corps received marching orders.

1906, June 22

Gandhi given rank of Sergeant-Major by Government. Entrained with Ambulance Corps.

1906

Wrote to Gokhale about Corps; invited him to visit South Africa on way back home.

1906, June, before 23

Bhayat’s right to a permit under Peace Preservation Ordinance vindicated in court.

1906, June 23 / July 18

Gandhi on ambulance duty at the front.

1906, July 19

Stretcher-bearer Corps disbanded.

1906, July 20

Members of Corps feted at Stanger. Gandhi spoke at congress reception in Durban.

1906

Suggested that Indians be allowed to join permanent volunteer corps.

1906, July 23

Congress resolved to present medals to members of Corps. Gandhi spoke at Diamond Jubilee Library meeting.

1906

British Indian Association emphasized necessity of sending deputation to England.

1906, July 30

Gandhi sought Wedderburn’s opinion on deputation’s usefulness.

1906

Wrote to Principal Medical Officer of Natal Militia suggesting formation of permanent Ambulance Corps and exphasizing special training for it.

1906, August 4

Pointed out difficulties of Indian refugees seeking to reenter the Transvaal.

1906

Wrote on differences between Lyttelton and Elgin constitutions.

1906

Colonial Secretary informed Legislative Council of Government’s intention to introduce Bill to reregister Asiatics in the Transvaal. British Indian Association proposed immediate action.

1906, August 6

Gandhi wrote to Dadabhai Naoroji about hardships of Transvaal Indians under proposed re-registration and suggested that latter interviewed Secretaries of State for India and Colonies.

1906, August 7

Sir Henry MacCallum, Natal Governor, thanked Gandhi for services rendered by Stretcher-bearer Corps.

1906, August, before 9

In letter to The Rand Daily Mail, Gandhi demanded full civil liberty for Indians.

1906, August 11

Analyzed in Indian Opinion, Colonial Secretary’s statement on re-registration Ordinance.

1906, August 12

Spoke at Hamidiya Islamic Society exhorting Indians to organize a protest against Colonial Secretary’s statement on Ordinance.

1906, August 13

In letter to Dadabhai Naoroji, pointed out need for equitable legislation by Imperial Government concerning the Transvaal. Natal Indian Congress petitioned Lord Elgin regarding Municipal Consolidation Bill.

1906, August 18

Favored adoption of Hindustani in India for achieving nationhood.

1906

Reported Malay Location Committee’s decision to challenge Town Council’s rejection of petition.

1906, August 21

Cape Licences Act gazetted.

1906, August 22

Draft Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance published in Transvaal Government Gazetter.

1906, August 25

Gandhi demanded British Indians be no longer classed with colored people.

1906

British Indian Association in letter to Colonial Secretary protested against Ordinance.

1906, August 28

Gandhi cabled India concerning re-registration under Ordinance; suggested commission of enquiry.

1906, September 1

Led deputation to Colonial Secretary at Pretoria.

1906, September 4

Ordinance introduced in Transvaal Assembly.

1906, September 8

Gandhi described Government’s persistence in enacting Draft Asiatic Ordinance as crime against humanity.

1906

Gandhi described Government’s persistence in enacting Draft Asiatic Ordinance as crime against humanity.

1906, September, before 9

At meeting, Gandhi interpreted "the Black Act" as first step to hound Indians out of country, and called for resistance.

1906, September 9

Spoke at Hamidiya Islamic Society meeting, on political situation in the Transvaal and stressed need to send deputation to England; advised people not to register, and offered himself to court imprisonment first.

1906, September 11

Mass Meeting of British Indians at Johannesburg demanded withdrawal of Ordinance; warned Indians would resort to resistance if Ordinance became law.

1906, September 12

British Indian Association sent Transvaal Lt.-Governor resolutions passed at Mass Meeting. Gandhi wrote to The Rand Daily Mail, explaining his stand.

1906, September, before 14

British Indians Association wrote to The Star affirming Indians’ resolve not to submit to unbearable conditions.

1906, September 14

Indian woman, Punia, traveling by train, arrested and detained at Volksrust for being without separate permit.

1906, September 15

Punia tried, ordered to leave Colony and re-arrested at Germiston for defiance of order.

1906, September 18

High Commissioner informed British Indian Association that Ordinance had not yet received formal assent.

1906, September 19

Apropos of Punia case, Gandhi wrote to Press criticizing Transvaal Government for its war on women and even infants.

1906, September 20

Declared his readiness to accept court of inquiry to investigate illegal influx of Indians into the Transvaal.

1906, September 21

Wrote to Leader, Challenging its statement that Indians were bringing into Colony women of indifferent character as wives. The Natal Mercury published official explanation of Punia case. Indian meeting finally decided to send Gandhi and Ally as a deputation to England.

1906

Lord Selborne informed British Indian Association that assent would not be given to Ordinance until deputation had visited England.

1906, September 24

Lord Selborne communicated to British Indian Association Lord Elgin’s view that deputation would serve no useful purpose.

1906, September 26

Association inquired of Transvaal Governor if Ordinance had been accorded royal sanction.

1906, September, before 29

Lord Selborne wrote to British Indian Association, refusing to accept letter’s point of view regarding Ordinance.

1906, September 30

Association wired Transvaal Governor requesting Imperial Government to withhold assent to Vrededorp State ordinance till deputation had represented Indian viewpoint.

1906

Deputation accorded farewell on eve of departure.

1906, October 1

Gandhi and Ally entrained at Johannesburg for Cape town, en route to England.

1906, October 3

Deputation reached Cape Town and after reception by leading Indians, boarded S.S. Armadale Castle.

1906, October 8

British Indian Association forwarded to Transvaal Governor text of cable to Secretary of State for Colonies requesting stay of Vrededorp Stands Ordinance pending representation.

1906

Association petitioned Lord Elgin regarding Vrededorp Stands ordinance.

1906, October 9

Transvaal Leader retracted statement of its Durban correspondent libeling Indian women.

1906, October 10 - 11

Gandhi wrote dispatches for Indian Opinion; was studying Tamil.

1906, October 20

His answers to questions regarding Asiatic Ordinance and methods of resistance published in Indian Opinion.

1906, October 20

Gandhi and H. O. Ally arrived at Southampton, England. Gandhi interviewed by The Tribune and The Morning Leader. Met Dadabhai Naoroji.

1906, October 21

Deputation reached London. Accompanied by Prof. Parmanand, Gandhi visited J. H. Polak and stayed with him for the day.

1906

Met Pandit Shyamji Krishnavarma.

1906, October 22

Gandhi wrote to The Times answering charge of Asiatic influx into South Africa.

1906

Natal Indian Congress adopted resolution supporting Transvaal Indians’ struggle against Asiatic law Amendment Ordinance.

1906, October, before 25

Gandhi met Sir Mancherjee Bhownagree.

1906, October 25

Interviewed by South Africa.

1906

Called on Ally at lady Margaret Hospital.

1906, October 25

Winston Churchill, Undersecretary of State for Colonies, stated in Commons that Natal Municipal Franchise Bill was under consideration of Secretary of State for Colonies.

1906, October 26

Gandhi met Sir William Wedderburn and Dadabhai Naoroji.

1906

First anniversary of Bengal partition observed in India as day of mourning.

1906, October 27

Gandhi interviewed by Reuter.

1906

Met Sir Mancherjee Bhownagree and Sir George Birdwood.

1906, October 30

Met Sir Mancherjee Bhownagree.

1906, October 31

Drafted representation to Lord Elgin, Secretary of State for Colonies.

1906

Met Sir Richard Solomon at House of Commons.

1906, November 1

Attended National Indian Association reception.

1906

Interviewed by South Africa.

1906, November 3

Attended London Indian Society and Pan-Islamic Society meetings.

1906, November 6

Met F. H. Brown, Sir Curzon Wyllie and Ameer Ali.

1906, November 7

Addressed Members of Parliament.

1906, November 8

Deputation called on Lord Elgin.

1906, November 9

Gandhi and Ally met Sir Lepel Griffin and Lord George Hamilton.

1906, November 10

Gandhi saw Bernard Holland.

1906, November 11

Met Mrs. Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.

1906, November 13

Called on Secretary, British Committee of Indian National Congress.

1906, November 14

In Commons, Churchill promised to make inquiries in regard to genuineness of petition by Dr. Godfrey and Pillay.

1906, November 15

Gandhi met Mrs. Spencer Walton.

1906, November, before 16

Met William T. Stead and Miss Winterbottom.

1906, November 16

Wrote to The Times and gave interview to South Africa regarding Godfrey-Pillay petition.

1906, November, before 17

Met Theodore Morison, Sir Richard Solomon and Miss Smith.

1906, November 20

Dadabhai Naoroji felicitated by British and Indian admirers in London on election as President of Indian National Congress.

1906, November 23

Deputation met John Morley, Secretary of State for India. Churchill stated in Commons that Vrededorp Stands Ordinance of 1906 was still under consideration.

1906, November 23

Gandhi and Ally met Arthur J. Balfour, Alfred Lyttelton, Sir Raymond West and Lord Reay.

1906, November 26

Gandhi opened discussion on British Indians in South Africa at East India Association meeting.

1906

Liberal M.P.’s decided to ask Prime Minister, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, to receive deputation regarding Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance.

1906, November 27

Gandhi interviewed by The Daily News.

1906

A deputation of M.P.’s met the Prime Minister who said "that he did not approve of the Ordinance and that he would speak to Lord Elgin."

1906, November 28

Met Winston Churchill.

1906

Questioned in Commons about the desirability of instituting limited Native franchise in new Constitution of Orange River Colony, Churchill expressed hope that Colonial parliament would show proper recognition of principle of "equal rights for all civilized men".

1906, November 29

Gandhi and Ally entertained friends and sympathizers at farewell breakfast in Hotel Cecil.

1906, December 1

Left England for South Africa.

1906, December 3

Churchill informed Commons that Secretary of State for Colonies was not able "without further consideration" to advise His Majesty that the Transvaal Ordinance should be brought into operation and it would not "be further proceeded with at present".

1906, December 6

Transvaal and Orange River Colony granted self-government.

1906, December 18

Transvaal Deputation arrived at Cape Town.

1906, December 20

Left CapeTown for Johannesburg.

1906, December 22

Reception to Deputation at Johannesburg.

1906, December 23

Gandhi spoke at meeting of British Indian Association; at Johannesburg, address was presented to him and Ally.

1906, December 25

Pretoria, Boksburg and Germiston Indians presented address to Gandhi and Ally.

1906, December 26

Reception in Durban; Gandhi appealed for unity and continuation of struggle. In India, Dadabhai Naoroji declared Swaraj as goal of Congress; Vande Mataram sung for first time at Congress session.

1906, December 27

Indian National Congress by resolution expressed "grave apprehension" that the policies of the Ordinance were "almost certain to be enforced" as soon as Transvaal became self-governing, unless Imperial Government continued to extend firm protection.

1906, December 29

Reception to Deputation by Indian community at Verulam.