Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/121

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DEPUTATION TO LORD SELBORNE 31 rment, this law remains on the statute book, and is being fully enforced, though many laws, which were considered to be in conflict with the British constitution, were repealed as soon as British authority was proclaimed in the Transvaal. Law 3 of 1885 is insulting to British Indians, and was accepted totally under a misapprehension. It imposes the following restrictions on Indians 2-(a) It prevents them from enjoying burger rights. lb) It prohibits dwnership of fixed property, except in streets, wards, or locations set apart for the residence of Indians. (c) It contemplates compulsory segregation in locations of British Indians for purposes of sanitation. And (dl It imposes a levy of £8 on every Indian who may enter the Colony for purposes of trade or the like.

REFORMED ADMINISTRATION OF ORDINANCE It is respectfully submitted, on behalf of the Britishllndian Association that the Peace Preservation Ordinance should be so administered that (al it should facilitate the entry of all refugees without delay, (b) Children under sixteen should be exempt from any restriction whatsoever, if they have their parents or supporters with them. (c) Female relatives of British Indians should be entirely free from interference or restriction as to the rights on entry. And (dl a limited number of Indians. though not refugees, should on the application of resident traders who may satisfy the Permit Oiiioer that they require the services of such men. be granted permits for residence during the period of their contract of service. (el Indians with educational attainment should he allowed to enter the Colony on application.

REPEAL OF COLOUR LEGISLATION. Both the Law of 1885 and the Peace Preservation Ordinance and all other colour legislation affecting British Indians, should be repealed so soon as possible and they should be assured as to- (al Their right to own landed property. (bl To live where they like, subject to the general sanitary laws of the Colony. (c) Exemp- tion from any special payment. (dl And generally freedom from special legislation and enjoyment of civil rights and liberty in the same manner and to the same extent as the other Colonists.

SUBSTITUTES SUGGESTED Though the British Indian Association does not share the fear of the European inhabitants that an unrestricted immigration from India will swamp the latter, as an earnest of its intention to work in harmony with them and to conoiliate them, it has all along sub- mitted that·~·(ct) The Peace Preservation Ordinance should be replaced by an immigration law of a general character, on the Cape or the Natal basis, provided that the educational test recognises the great Indian languages and that power be given to the Government 60 grant residential permits to such men as may be required for