South African Federation: Natal Referendum, 1909
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- Creator
- Durban Closer Union Society
- Government of Natal
- Natal League
TitleSouth African Federation: Natal Referendum, 1909
Reference codeICS74
Date1909
Scope and ContentLeaflets concerning the Referendum Act 1909 and the Constitution Bill in Natal, including leaflet on the Transvaal and Mozambique agreement; leaflet on supposed Dutch dominance; leaflet issued by the Natal League, proposing the rejection of the Act of Union; leaflet urging workmen to vote against the Closer Union Draft Act; leaflet 'Union and the Empire', proposing the acceptance of the Act of Union because of German naval and colonial expansion; leaflet from the Durban Closer Union Society urging a 'vote for Union'.
NotesThe first European settlers in Natal were a party of British traders who came from Cape Town in 1824, and were given a concession of land by the Zulus. In 1838 some of the Dutch emigrant farmers who made the Great Trek settled there. Two years leater they proclaimed the Republic of Natalia, which the British Government refused to recognise. They eventually surrended after defeat by the British. In 1845 the colony was proclaimed a dependency of the Cape of Good Hope, and in 1856 it became a separate British colony, with limited self government. In 1907 'responsible government' was granted, and following the referendum in 1909 Natal became one of the four original provinces of the Union of South Africa.
Conditions governing accessOpen for research although at least 24 hours notice before a research visit.
Extent1 file (10 items)
Finding aidsHandlist available in the Special Collections reading room
Level of descriptionfonds