LORD READING’S RETURN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19802, 29 May 1926, Page 12

LORD READING’S RETURN.

“FIVE GREAT YEARS.” PEACE AX'D ORDER IN INDIA. KING'S HONOUR FOR EX-VICEROY. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, April 21. Tire Kint; has been pleased to approve that the dignity of a Marquiaato of the United Kingdom be conferred upon the Eight Hon. the Earl oi Reading, G.C.8., G.C.5.1., G.C.1.E., G.C.V.0., on the completion of his term of office as Viceroy and GovernorGeneral of India. The King and Queen were represented at Victoria station at the homecoming of the Eight Hon. the Earl oi Reading (as he then was) and Countess Reading. A large number of official people took part in the reception, and there was a popular greeting in the street. The first part of their drive homo was through an avenue formed by cheering sightseers. The ex-Vioeroy and lus wife landed at Dover early in the afternoon, where they were met by their son and danghter-in-law, Lord and Lady Erleigh, and a few other relatives and intimate friends. They travelled by special train to Victoria. Giving his impressions of his term of office in India, Lord Reading said: “It has been a wonderful experience. In spite o. all the difficulties and troubles, I have never had a moment’s regret for what I have gone through. Indio is, I assure you, a marvellous country. There have been difficult times, and after the anxieties of the last few years I have thoroughly enjoyed the jouvni y home. It has been a few weeks of rest; better than anything I have had for the past five years. “1 am very glad to be back in England, but I cannot pretend that I leave the scene of my recent labours without regret. To me the five years in India have been five great years, and if only my period of office has 'been of any sort of use to the Empire, to the country and people of India, I am more than satisfied.' “Unforgettable,” was the word he used later in the conversation to describe his expedience in India. He went on to say in view of the peculiar position lie now occupied, he must refrain from making public critical observations, but ho would say that it was a mistake to talk despondently about India and its future. TRACE AND ORDER PREVAILS. There was much to be emphasised in respect to tho progress which had taken place in India, and this was apparent when a comparison was made between the situation now with what it was five years ago. reace and order prevailed, except, perhaps, through communal differences and there were infinitely better relations with the Government; also, fur less racial animosity among tho Indians against the British. _ Don t take a dark view in speaking or writing about India; it is a much bettor proposition than most people think,” Lord Reading said emphatically. Asked us to his future arrangements, and particularly as to whether he would take up politics again or re-enter diplomacy, Lord Reading replied; "I have no fixed plans. My mind has been wholly fixed on India, to the exclusion of all ideas for the future. Marquis and Marchioness Reading arc taking up residence at their Curzon street house for the time being, but shortly will go to their country for a rest and for the lattur'a recuperation after her semens operation in India.