NEW HOPE IN INDIA

Hawera Star, Volume L, 4 March 1931, Page 5

NEW HOPE IN INDIA

DISPERSAL OF DIFFICULTIES VARIED PROBLEMS APPROACHED SALT TRADING* AGREEMENT. (United Preea Aflttociatiou— By Electric Telegraph *'K> **¥'•• Received 11.30 a.m. to-day. DELHI, March 3. Following a two-hour talk between tlie finance member and Ghandi at New Dellii, an inipoi'tant agreement was readied whereby the coastal inhabitants will in future bo (permitted to gather, manufacture, and sell salt without infringing the excise laws. Acknowledgment of this principle is not likely to interfere with the Government’s salt monopoly, under which the Government supplies salt to the major portion of India. The agreement overcomes another serious obstacle and clears a path for settlement, rendering possible Congress participation in the implementing Round Table Conference proposals.

PROSPECTS OF AGREEMENT. VICEROY—GANDI DISCUSSIONS. CALCUTTA, March 2. Following farther long discussions between the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, and Gandhi, there is a new feeling of optimism over the prospects of an early agreement. They will meet again today, when it is thought a final and favourable decision may be reached. Gandhi is chiefly pressing for the , salt laws to be changed. It is now revealed that 74,(XX) jute mill labourers have 'been dismissed from mills in the vicinity of Calcutta. During the past week the railways have also been dismissing hands on account of the civil disobedience campaign and the stagnation of trade.