MOURNING A LEADER

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12169, 20 June 1925, Page 5

MOURNING A LEADER

DENSE CROWDS IN CALCUTTA FUNERAL OF MR DAS. (Sydney "Sun" Cable.) DELHI, June 18. From dawn crowds of people commenced gathering in Calcutta to witness the funeral of the late 0. R. Das, leader of the Swarajists. It is estimated that 400,000 people awaited the arrival of the body by train from Darjieling, and a procession of 30,000 followed it along a route of seven miles packed with people, to the burning ghat, where the last rites were performed'. The bodv was completely covered with flowers. A number of accidents occurred owing to the crush, but otherwise everything was orderly.

Mr Das was the leader of the Swarajisls (Home Rule for India) party, and exercised enormous influence. He and his party sought to end the rule of the British by systematic obstruction. “Mr Gandhi and Mr Das in turn has led his adherents to an it was declared recently, “and neither, when the impasse itas reached, has had the ability to provide practicable means of escape or to formulate his ultimate demand.”

ON BOARD A SEALER “We then landed, and awaited favourable winds for the continuation of the flight with the remaining 120 litres of petrol to a spot within range of the Hobby’s patrol area. “We estimate that the area observed on the return trip as 60,000 square kilometres of hitherto unexplored area, “Immediately after landing, the Norwegian sealer Sjoeliv, from Barras fjord, passed to westward. We at once went on board, and were gladly received. Our ’plane was taken in two. Towards night the wind freshened to a gale, so we were compelled to make for shelter under the land to the west side of Lady Franklin Bay, and remain there during the night. There was no improvement on the 16tli, to the ’plane was secured on the land at Ice Bay, and the members of the expedition left with Sjoeliv for King’s Bay in order to got petrol to bring the ’plane back. During the navigation of the ’planes the Goerz solar compasses were of essential importance, and operated entirely satisfactorily. No other ’plane except the Dornier type could have withstood the strain. Their peculiar construction fitted them particularly for our requirements. The R-olls-Royce engines in the first few hours secured our confidence. Not once on the latter flight, during which there was not a possibility of landing, did wi feel any anxiety. During our stay in the north the engines always started instantaneously, and saved the ’plane when w© were compelled to move it away from the threatening pack ice, HE WILL TRY AGAIN Australian and N.Z Cable Association (Received June 19, 10.15 p.m.) OSLE, June 19. Amundsen’s return was not announced until 10 p.m., when crowds paraded the streets, cheering and singing. The Norwegian Government telegraphed to Amundsen: “Congratulate you and your brave companions on wonderful journey. Welcome home!” (Receivedi June 19, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 19. Tho news of Amundsen’s safety was welcomed most heartily in London. The fact overshadows even the security pact in most of the newspapers. Amundsen states that he is determined to renew his attempt to reach the Morth Pole,