The Natal Indians.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 71, 24 November 1913, Page 5

The Natal Indians.

MASS MEETINGIN DURBAN. STRIKE LEADER ARRESTED. LBr Electric Telegraph— Copyright J [United Press Association.] (Received 9.10 a.m.) .Durban, November 23.

Six hundred Indians entered from Natal estates, and 10b' were arrested and the rest sent back.

A mass meeting of 5000 resolved to call a general strike. A proposal] to postpone it for a fortnight was coldly received. Naidhu, representing Ghandi, made a fiery speech, but counselled those employed in hospitals and electric light stations to remain at their posts. He was arrested.

AN OFFICIAL PROTEST.

London,.November 22

Viscount' Gladstone, Governor-Gene-ra! of South Africa, in a despatch to the British Government, explains that the conversion of 'mine compounds into gaols at out-stations is essential, owing to the number of Indians marching in organised bands and courting arrest. He protests against the false, exaggerated, and mischevious statements current in England and in India, and says that the allegations of shooting and Hogging to coerce Indians to work are absolutely false. The passive resisters at the Newcastle mines (north of Durban) have resumed work, and orderly conditions have been restored without serious hardships. The Durban correspondent of the Daily Mail reports that colliery employees are keeping Indian workers in barbed-wire enclosures. The wire is connected with electrical stations, and any Indians attempting to escape receive a shock of 220 volts.

Mr Laughton, K.C., considers that indentured Indians are not obliged to leave Xatal or to pay poll-tax, because their contracts are not signed, but are only thumb-smudged, and are silent regarding repatriation.

IMPARTIAL INQUIRY URGED

(Received 9.10 a.m.) Delhi, November 23. Lord Hardinge, Governor-General

of India, has again urged Karl Crewe to hold a through and impartial inquiry into the treatment of Indians in Xatal by a strong committee on which the Indians are fully represented.