THE DAILY PROVINCE
MARCH 4, 1908

p. 1

FIFTEEN HINDUS THROWN INTO JAIL
------------------Failed to Pass Natal Act Tests and Will Appeal in the
Police Court.

------------------“Yes, sahib, it is an order and we will obey, but why should we be
stopped when Chinese and Japanese can come in?”
This was the question propounded yesterday afternoon at the C. P. R.
detention shed by Hara Singh, one of the fifteen Hindus refused admission
under the Natal Act.
Provincial Officer Munro wished to escort them on board the Empress
of Japan pending deportation, but the C.P.R. absolutely refused to accept
delivery and so the officer and his Hindus had to wait on the wharf while
telephone calls to headquarters were put through.
“Will you go back to the ship?” asked the interpreter.
There was a vigorous shaking of heads, and Hara Singh, who seemed to
be the leader of the party, said that sooner than go on board the Empress of
Japan again they would jump into the water.
Then they were told that they would have to be put under arrest. Tomorrow morning the men will appear before Magistrate Williams on charges
of being illegally in the country. Mr. A. D. Taylor will prosecute on behalf of the
provincial Government.