THE PRINCE’S TOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18455, 17 January 1922, Page 5

THE PRINCE’S TOUR

RIOTING AT MADRAS. CEREMONIAL NOT AFFECTED. 'i ‘ Preaa Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. DELHI, January 14. The rioting at’ Madras ,more serious than at any demonstration against the Royal visit /since the rioting at Bombay. A well orgamsed and very determined attempt was made by the leaders to impose a complete boycott and a general strike. Their efforts to prevent the'natives from approaching the Prince’s route and the reprisals against those who refused to take part in the boycott led to rioting, in which the troops and Europeans were stoned. Some J buildings, were damaged. Repeated collisions with the mob resulted in the employment of armoured cars, and bayonet charges by the Leinsters. This was, only a stone throw from Government House, where the Prince wa& staying, yet the outburst failed to touch in any way the actual welcome. There was splendid ceremonial. His Royal Highness drove through the streets in an open barouche. The native element was strong in the stands, windows, and balconies. His Highness later visited the Legislative Council. Both going and returning to Government House he saw and heard nothing of the grim struggle which was being waged by the mob and a handful of police, who were later reinforced by infantry. It was stranger still, so dnarply defined was the dividing line between the calm and the unrest, that the Leinsters on guard at the main gate of Government House were not aware that beside' the rear gates a detachment of their comrades was being stoned by vicious natives. Mr Gandhi and his organisers , worked hard and with unusual daring to impose a complete hartaj with the familiar tactics of intimidation which have been followed daring the past fortnight. 1 The rioting started in the Triplican quarter. The mob, inflamed by the absence of the police, who were on duty along the Prince’s route, extended their activities to the European quarter. The arrival of a Lewis gun sent the majority scuttling into the bazaars but they soon' dribbled back, apparently aware that the troops had received orders not to fire. prder was completely, restored when a strong detachment of troops appeared and drove.the rioters into the river, keeping them waist-deep in the water. , Only two deaths are reported, both of the victims being natives; but a number were admitted to hospital suffering from minor injuries. The authorities refused to per~mit public processions to escort the bodies after the inquest, fearing incitement to fresh disorder. <■ The Prince ip the afternoon visited, the races, where he had an enthusiastic reception.—A. and N.Z. Cable.. A SULLEN SILENCE. THE RIOTERS QUIESCENT. DELHI, January 15. The disturbing elements in Madras have settled into sulky silence. The city is quiet, and no further trouble is apprehended.—Reuter.