THE NEW DELHI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21258, 12 February 1931, Page 9

THE NEW DELHI

GIFTS FROM DOMINIONS. FOUR SUPERB COLUMNS. (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, February 10. The four superb columns at the New Delhi, which are gifts to India on completion of the new Imperial Capital from the four great dominions of the Empire, were unveiled to-day. The Viceroy (Lord Irwin) recalled that the present inaugural ceremonies marked the fulfilment of a decision proclaimed by the King-Emperor 19 years ago. Work on the wonderful new capital had extended over 15 years, and at times 20,000 men had been engaged simultaneously on the £10,000,000 city. It was the outcome of a co-operative effort on the part of British architects, town planners, engineers, and Indian artists and craftsmen, and the result was extremely beautiful and impressive. To-morrow there will be a great fete at Delhi Fort, and on Thursday the Indian War Memorial Arch, which forms the gateway to the New Delhi, will be the scene of'a commemoration ceremony, during which the Fire of Remembrance, which will remain perpetually burning, will be lit. “A WONDERFUL DREAM CITY.” CALCUTTA February 11. (Received Feb. 11, at 9 p.m.) Thousands of people, including a distinguished assembly of officials and ruling princes, witnessed the first public ceremony in connection with the inauguration of India’s new capital at New Delhi yesterday, when four columns, presented by Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, were unveiled by representatives from the dominions. The columns are of red stone and are designed on the lines of the famous columns erected by Asoka, the great philosopher, in the fourth century. On the base of each column are carved the aims of the dominion, and on the column itself words recording the gift. In accordance with an old Hindu custom, each column is surmounted by a terrestrial globe of white stone with bronze galleons in full sail on top, symbolising the spirit of adventure and exploration. The Viceroy, in his speech, thanked the dominions for their generosity and goodwill. He said that the columns would help to commemorate the days when the dominions fought shoulder to shoulder with India in the Great War, and they told the long history of self-sacrifice which was their proud Imperial heritage. Sir John Monash, representing Australia, in an appropriate speech offered congratulations to India upon her realisation of the Nobel ideal and the completion of a wonderful dream city.

Sir Joseph Bhore, a member of the Viceroy’s Cabinet, unveiled New Zealand’s column and read a message of felicitation from the Governor-General (Lord Blodisloe).