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From the book: A Documentary History of Indian South Africans edited by Surendra Bhana and Bridglal Pachai
Two petitions were submitted to the Durban Corporation, on 9 and 12 October 1866 respectively. The first, addressed to the town clerk, was signed by ‘5 Coolies’, and the second, addressed to the mayor, by ‘2 Coolies’. Source: C. O.2057/1866, vol. 259, Natal Archives.
(a) We the undersigned merchants beg respectfully to ask your permission to keep open our Coolie stores on Sundays also as is customary in the Mauritius because the Sunday is the day only for the Coolies to leave their estate to get their provisions[;] if we are not permitted by your authority we have no hope of our prospect in this Colony.
(b) We beg to request your permission to keep our store open on Sundays, for the benefit of the Coolies who are unable to purchase their provisions during the week. We at the same time undertake to close our shop during the time divine service is being held at different churches here.