Henry Binns facts for kids

Sir Henry Binns was an important leader in the Colony of Natal, which is now part of South Africa. He served as the Prime Minister of Natal from 1897 until his death in 1899. He was known for his strong opinions and for working to improve the colony.

Life Story of Henry Binns

Early Life and Moving to Natal

Henry Binns was born on June 27, 1837, in Sunderland, England. His family were Quakers, a religious group known for peace. He went to Ackworth School and finished his studies in York.

In 1858, Henry Binns moved to Natal, British South East Africa. This area is now part of South Africa. Soon after arriving, he played in what was called the first big cricket match in Durban.

Military Service and Business

In 1862, Binns became an officer in the Victoria Mounted Rifles. This was a volunteer army group. He took charge of the unit in 1875. Later, this group joined the Natal Mounted Rifles.

He also became successful in the sugar business. He owned a sugar farm and started a sugar company in 1868.

Entering Politics

In 1879, Henry Binns was chosen to be a member of the colony's Legislative Council. This council helped make laws for Natal. In 1883, the council changed, and members were elected by people. Binns was elected to represent Victoria County. He kept his seat for 16 years until he died.

People said he had a sharp way of speaking in the Natal Parliament. He often had strong debates with the Colonial Secretary. He was known for speaking clearly and not wasting words.

Important Achievements

One of his big achievements was helping to extend the Natal Government Railways line. This railway went to Harrismith in the nearby Orange Free State. This helped trade and travel.

In 1894, Binns led a group to India. They wanted the Indian government to agree to a new tax. This tax was for Indian workers in Natal who stayed after their work contracts ended. The original idea was a high tax of £25. However, the Viceroy of India did not agree. So, a smaller annual tax of £3 was put in place. This tax made many Indian people in Natal upset. Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed it.

However, Henry Binns also spoke out against another unfair law. This was the Dealers' Licences Act of 1897. This law made it hard for Indian traders to do business in Natal. Binns called it an "un-British measure."

Becoming Prime Minister

In October 1897, Henry Binns became the Prime Minister of Natal. He took over from Harry Escombe. Binns wanted Natal to have good relationships with the nearby South African Republic (ZAR). This was different from some of his cabinet members who strongly supported the British Empire.

Even so, under his leadership, Natal joined a customs union with the Orange Free State and the Cape Colony in 1898. This reduced Natal's economic ties with the Transvaal.

Henry Binns died while still in office on June 6, 1899. He was buried in a military cemetery in Durban. Sir Albert Hime became the next Prime Minister.

Binns also served on the boards of the Natal Bank and the Durban Tramway Company.

Family Life

Henry Binns married Clara Acutt. They met on the ship when they were both moving from England to Natal in 1858.

His only child who lived, Percy Binns, became a Chief Magistrate in Durban. He was a lawyer at the same time as Mahatma Gandhi. Sir Henry's grandson, Peter Binns, later founded Treverton Preparatory School.

Today, there is a statue and a plaque honoring Sir Henry Binns. They are in the building of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in Pietermaritzburg.

See also

• Binns family
• Colony of Natal
• Harry Escombe