In its summary for the month of November 1860, The Natal Mercury noted that the news was principally confined to one topic. During the month an important change has taken place in our social fabric. A new element has been introduced and transfused into our population. An event which has been contemplated for years, but which few have-ever viewed as a naked realization,
is at last an accomplished fact. The first two installments of East Indian, or Coolie, laborers have
arrived, and been partially distributed among employers.....