INDIA CONFERENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 8 December 1930, Page 7

INDIA CONFERENCE

FURTHER PROGRESS STRUCTURE OP FEDERATION ABOLITION OF DYARCHY (Britißh Official Wirelosß) RUGBY, sth December. Further progress was made to-day with ihe committee work of Hie Indian Round Table Conference. The Federal Structure Sub-Committee completed the work of provisional classification of subjects which might be regarded as federal, and then began consideration of the component elements of Federation. Discussion on this was proceeding when the meeting adjourned until Monday, when two meetings will be held. The Provincial Constitution Subcommittee had a further meeting. A general discussion, with particular reference to the abolition of dyarchy having left no doubt that such a course was favoured ,the Sub-Committee 'proceeded with consideration of questions that arose if the practicability of abolishing the distinction between reserved and transferred subjects were accepted. The Sub-Committee particularly addressed itself to questions of what, in such case, were to be the constitution and composition of tho Executive, what are to be tho powers of the Governor vis-a-vis, his Executive and Legislature, and what, if any, provisions are necessary to safeguard the administration of law and order and the rights of minorities.

A useful note was struck during the discussion as to the distinction to be made between the statutory provisions regarding essentials and the growth of conventions regarding matters of secondary importance. When the Burma Sub-Committee held its first meeting to-day the Chairman, Lord Russell, explained that the terms of reference precluded the principle of separation. He emphasised the desirability of encouraging in every way the prospect of continual cordial relations between India and separated Burma. After a general discussion on procedure, it was agreed that a statement of head's of subjects for discussion should be circulated for tho next Meeting on Monday.