THE PRINCE AT LUCKNOW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17963, 13 December 1921, Page 7

THE PRINCE AT LUCKNOW.

AN.INEFFECTIVE HiRTAL. AGITATION IN CALCUTTA. ' 400 MALCONTENTS ARRESTED. Bv TelceraDhi-Preas Association—Copyrliht A and N.Z.—Router. DELHI. Dec. JO. Although the usual hartal was declared by the Gandhists in'connection with the Prince of Wales' visit to .Luckriow, his entrance to the city was not marked by the slightest disorder or Bign of hostility. The energetic action of the authorities in ar resting the most prominent agitators, sentencing some to imprisonment, and detaining the remainder temporarily, had a do-1 pressing effect on the extremists, and the only outward sign of political unrest was the prevalence of Gandhi caps worn in the streets and bazaars. The Prince had a great reception, and was welcomed by the Government and principal European and Indian officials, and then drove by a long route to Government House. Behind the line of troops there Were great crowds of natives along the route, and though there was not much cheering the Royal visitor was everywhere respectfully greeted. The city was effectively decorated, and the rank and file v of the Gandhists- disobeyed the injunction to boycott the Prince, and took a lively interest in the proceedings. The only cries for Gandhi came from a vehicle surrounded by wire-netting and guarded by native soldiers, in which were two agitators en routo to prison. Their free comrades did not respond as they watched the vehicle pass. Lucknov is laughing over one result of the hartal proclaimed in consequence of the Prince's visit. Tonga drivers declared a strike to prevent people following the Prince's activities, it being held to be a stigma on a respectable Hindu to walk where he can possibly drive. The authorities thereupon established a service with all available motor-lorries, each bearing the placard, " Come and see the Prince." These were packed, with delighted free-riders. Despite official efforts to prevent it non-co-operators are organising a reimposition of the hartal when the Prince reaches Calcutta on December 24. An interview between the Governor and Mr. C. R. Das, President-elect of the Indian National Congress, revealed the impossibility of reconciling the points of view of the' ex tremists and the Government. A communique issued to-night states that in view of the deliberate floutings of ordeis the Government is forced to take measures to protect law-abiding people. This was followed by the arrest of some 400 malcontents, including a number of leaders, among them being Das.