PERPLEXITIES OF BRITONS IN INDIA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22316, 29 April 1947, Page 4

PERPLEXITIES OF BRITONS IN INDIA

MOST of the news from India is devoted to racial clashes, curfews and constitutional problems. No doubt all these are part and parcel of the most eventful era of that colourful country and are therefore worth recording. But the general public, m the Dominions as well as in the Homeland, would like to hear more about the British people who, as a result of the Government decision to quit, are facing an uncertain future. Reports are circulating in New Zealand that many British residents in India arc turning their eyes towards the Pacific Dominions as their home. Sonic of them have large capita] at their disposal and are ready to invest it wherever they can find a comfortable niche for themselves. It would he to the benefit of New Zealand in the long run if a warm welcome could be extended to these Britons in India who must start afresh. We would find them acceptable for their own sakes as woll as for their money. This Dominion needs a bigger population comprising citizens in all walks of life. At the moment housing difficulties are admittedly a serious bar. to liberal immigration, but, if the reported easing of the timber situation has the effect anticipated, conditions may be different in a year or two. In the meantime an official statement of the New Zealand Government’s policy would be interesting and it could prove helpful. Gleanings of news from India suggest that the British people who feel that they must leave are suffering from a great deal of perplexity which is especially hard on those who are middle-aged or over.