REFORM IN INDIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13938, 21 December 1908, Page 7

REFORM IN INDIA.

A BOLD SCHEME. LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS. PRACTICAL STEP FORWARD. By Telegraph.— Association.—Copyright. London, December 18. Mr. Buchanan (Under-Secretary of State for India), is his statement to the House of Commons regarding India, explained that it was not intended to establish advisory councils, Imperial or provincial, as their functions could be better discharged by enlarged Legislative Councils. The enlargement of such councils, and- the extension of their functions to discussion of administrative questions were deep-reaching features of the new scheme. The provincial councils would, he said, be increased in size and greater reality given to their debates. The Governor's veto and the power of the Viceroy's Council would still be held in reserve. It was intended to secure large representation of the land-holding class and Mahommedans, also to largely increase the number of members elected by municipalities and district boards. The Viceroy's Council would be increased to 62 members, partly elected by special classes, but a permanent official majority would be maintained. Special communities and interests ought to be represented on the councils. Resolutions moved by unofficial members of the council, dealing with general administrative questions, could be submitted to the Government in the form of recommendations, and similar recommendations affecting the Budget would be considered. The Government also desired to vivify local and district boards, thereby training the people to manage local affairs. Executive Councils would be established elsewhere than in Madras and Bombay. Mr. Buchanan claimed that this was a real step forward to meet the political aspirations of honest reformers, while British supremacy would be maintained unchallenged. Indians would be educated to administrative work in the school of experience. It was important that these reforms should appear as the spontaneous gift of Britain to the nation to popularise India. No discussion took place in the House of Commons on the scheme. PRESS OPINIONS. A TREMENDOUS PROBLEM. . The Times welcomes the general character of the proposed reforms, especially the idea of increasing the strength.of the Legislative Councils, but gravely doubts the expediency of reforms affecting the composition and vigour of the local central executives. The Standard says the proposed reforms will not appease the extremist section of Indian home riders, while the moderates will only regard them as a partial concession to their demands. Nevertheless it is a spirited attempt to solve a tremendous problejn. The Daily News says the scheme is incomplete, but will help Britain to regain her moral strength and influence, which she has been losing for a decade. The Telegraph is neither pessimistic nor sanguine, but expectant, and says that certainly the utmost has been conceded which present circumstances admit. The Chronicle declares that the scheme is a great one. WELCOMED IN INDIA. (Received December 20, 8.7 p.m.) Calcutta, December 19. Responsible Indians welcome the reforms with enthusiasm. The official world regards the scheme as going further than was anticipated, but in view of Lord Morley's insistence on a permanent official majority for the Viceregal Council, accept the concessions to the provincial councils without misgiving. The leading Bengalis describe the reforms as generous. The native papers generally welcome the reforms, but the Bengali newspapers look for more concessions. A SEDITIOUS NEWSPAPER. (Received December 20, 8.7 p.m.) Calcutta, December 19. The editorial manuscripts and the printing machinery of a vernacular newspaper named Revolution have been seized at Lahore.