LINK WITH INDIA

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10812, 31 January 1921, Page 5

LINK WITH INDIA

LOYALTY AND DEVOTION DUKE OF CONNAUGHT WELCOMED AT CALCUTTA. EXTREMISTS HOLD ALOOF. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright Australian and S,/.. Ch uif» Association. (Received January 29, 5.30 p.m.) DLiaHJ, January 28. The Duke of Connaught was warmly welcomed by large crowds at Csdoubta during the Royal procession, which was two and a bail! miles long—from Howrah station to Government House. An address presented by the corporation of Calcutta referred to the developments in the city since the Duke’s last visit in 1889, and declared that the present visit was proof of the KingEmperor’s sympathetic interest in India. The address concluded with an expression of /unfailing loyalty and devotion, al<so profound regret at- the postponement of the Prince of Wales’s visit, to which all were looking forward in the near future. In. reply, the Duke of Connaught expressed pleasure at renewing his acquaintance with, the great city, which was the London of the East, and reminded his hearers of the potent influence of such a city in moulding public opinion and setting the standards of public conduct in other parts of the country in the new chapter of Indian political development, which it was his mission to open. Calcutta would necessarily exercise a predominant influence. He had every confidence that the citizens would continue to be animiaited by those qualities which had served them and their country so well in. the past, and that others would continue to look to the city for a right leading. He would gladly convey the message of loyalty and devotion, and shared their hope that the Prince of Wales would shortly visit India, and win the same widespread affection wttfiich. his magnetic peraonEulfEtT (had evoked in other parte of the Empire. The Duike of Connaught was subsequently welcomed by Ifce Glovernor. The city’s welcome was very enthusiastic, but non-00-operato-TTS bad previously conducted a strong campaign with the purpose of boycotting the visit, and this, coupled with the presence of G'handi, had it© effect. Part of the city observed a strict “hatred example.” There were few public vehicles plying, and most of the shops were dosed. An earlier message stated: —The extremists are making frantic efforts •to boycott the Duke otr Connaught's vssit to Calcutta. The shops, bazaars, hotels, «and restaurants have been .dosed by the order of the extremists; and Indians are to refuse to work the steamers on the raver, or permit traffic in the mad n-streets. There will be no ib lunumationis, and the tramwaymen have declared a general strike. The student population is aggressive. Ghandi is making wild speeches, declaring the present regime to be “a kingdom of sin.”