INDIA.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17061, 4 February 1921, Page 7

INDIA.

THE DUKE'S VISIT.. BENGAL COUNCIL OPENED. (By Cable—Press Association—Copyright.) (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) DELHI, February 1. The Duko of Connaught formally inaugurated the Bengal Legislative Council in the Town Hall at Calcutta, in tho presence of the new Indian Ministers and members of the Executive Council. Big crowds lined tho streets and cheered the Duke, whose speech outlined the heavy responsibilities conferred upon tho new Council in the farreaching changes which its inauguration portended. The Dtike said he cherished great expectations regarding the era now dawning upon India, in whiclj. Indian members would be associated with their European fellow-citizens. The Governor of Bengal, in a speech, dwelt on the changes involved under the reformed scheme. The number of voters, which was formerly 12,000, was now over 1,000,000. . He appealed to the Bengaleso and British members to work together in unity. GANDHI EXPLAINS. DELHI, February I.' Gandhi sent a letter to tho Duke of Connaught explaining the reasons for the bovcott of his visit to Calcutta, which, lie said, is meant as a demonstration against tho system, not against the Duke. The non-co-oper&tors were seeking to destroy the, system which made the recent happenings under General Dyer possible, and resulted in a wanton affront to Islam. Gandhi adds that the Duke, of Connaught had cqjtne to India, not to end, but to sustain the system, and asked him and every Englishman to try to appreciate the viewpoint of the non-00-operators. FEONTIEi~UNEEST. (Router'.. Telegrunß.) DELHI, February 1. Sections of the Waziri tribesmen continue recalcitrant. After a British expedition had destroyed the village of Hakin, the tribesmen surrendered more rifles, in accordance with the terms ol the recent agreement. The Mahmuds also continue their attacks on British pickets and convoys. As'a result of skirmishes a number of casualties have been reported on both sides, A NEW DOCK. (Keuter's Telegrams.) CALCUTTA, February 2. The Duke of Connaught laid the foundation of King George's . Dock, which will cover an area of 190 acres, providing berthing accommodation for thirty-five additional vessels. The work was begun last year, and will take six years to complete.