CONDITIONS IN INDIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18157, 31 January 1921, Page 5

CONDITIONS IN INDIA

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT’S VISIT.

AGITATION AT CALCUTTA,

Frees Association—By Telegraph—Copyright,

DELHI, January 28.

Extremists are making frantic efforts to boycott the Duke of Connaught’s visit to Calcutta. Shops, bazaars, hotels, and restaurants have been closed by order of the extremists. The Indians have been ordered to refuse work on the steamers on ''the river or to permit traffic in the main streets. There will be no illuminations. The tramwaymen have declared a general strike. The student population is aggressive. 1 Ghandi is making wild speeches declaring that the present regime, is “a kingdom of sin.”—A. and N.Z. Cable.

ARRIVAL OF THE DUKE.

LOYAL ADDRESS FROM THE CITY

DELHI, January 28. (Received Jan. 28, at 5.30 p.m.) The Duke of Connaught was warmly welcomed by large crowds at Calcutta during the Royal procession, which extended for two miles and a-half from Howrah station to Government House.

An address which was presented by tho 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 a proof of the King and Empire’s sympathetic interest in India. The address concluded with an expression of unfailing loyalty and devotion ; and also expressed 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 ex pressed his pleasure at renewing his acquaintance with the great city of Calcutta, which was the London of the East. He reminded his hearers of the potent influence of such a city in moulding public opinion, and in setting standards of public, conduct in other parts of the country. In the new chapter of Indian development which it was his mission to open Calcutta would necessarily exercise a predominating influence. He had every confidence that its citizens vmuld continue to be animated by those qualities which bad served them and their country so well in the past, and that others would continue to look to the city for right leading. He would gladly convey the city’s message of loyalty and devotion, and he shared their hope that the Prince of Wales would shortly visit India and win the same widespread affection which his magnetic nersonality had evoked in other parts of the Empire. The Duke of Connaught was subsequently welcomed by the Governor. _ The city’s welcome was very enthusiastic, but the non-co-operators previously conducted a strong campaign with the purpose of boycotting the visit, and this, coupled with the presence of Ghandi, had the effect that part of the city observed the strict “hatred example.” There were few public vehicles plying, and most of the shops were closed. —Reuter.