INDIA

Otago Witness, Issue 3494, 22 February 1921, Page 14

INDIA

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT’S VISIT. LAST OFFICIAL FUNCTION. DELHI, February 12. The Duke of Connaught performed his last official function—the laying of the foundation stone of the Imperial Legislative Chambers—in New Delhi. The A icerov (Lord Chelmsford) said the building would testify to the united interests of the British Indian States, and would also symbolise the integral connection of the Indian States with the British Empire. The Duke of Connaught declared that the building would stand as a symbol of India’s rebirth to higher destinies and her solemn entry upon the path of responsible government. He hoped that the New Delhi would become one of the great national capitals which would link the peoples of the Empire in enduring peace and prosperity under the British Crown. February 14. The Duke of Connaught’s visit culminated in a brilliant garden narty and a magnificent fireworks display given by the ruling- princes to signalise the Duke’s visit. The Maharaja of Scindia and Gwalior has waived Lis claim to 28 lakhs of rupees due to him for war expenditure. The Duke, on behaif or the authorities, gratefully accepted the gift. [A lakh is 100,000.] N OX - C 0 - OP E R A TORS 1 ’ DEMONSTRATION. DELHI, February 13. There was a great non-co-operators’ demonstration in the city yesterday afternoon. Ghandi and other extremist leaders in a decorated car escorted by mounted volunteers led a procession of 100,000 through the streets. The temper of the crowd at times was threatening. A.t one point they prevented an American photographer operating by forcibly holding his arms to his sides, but no serious incidents so far have been reported. UNJUST TREATMENT ALLEGED. DELHI, February 15. In the course of an interview the editor of a prominent moderate vernacular paper said that all classes in India were dissatis tied with the King’s message which was read at the opening of the Legislative Chambers at Delhi. The message was ap parentlv expected to express contrition over the Amritsar incidents, and to announce rectification in the treatment of Indians throughout the Empire. The latter question, he said, was causing great discontent, and was alienating the moderates, who favoured co-operation with the Government measures. He referred to the treatment of Indians in East Africa, South Africa, Fiji, and Canada, and he was particularly bitter regarding Australia. He said he was an Indian gentleman and a British subject, yet he was unable to go to Australia. He asked : “ Was it British justice that Australians could come to India and establish great trade agencies, while Indians were forbidden to do so similarly in Australia?” He added: ‘‘Unless this embargo is relaxed, when we get self-government, which undoubtedly is coming, we will forbid Australians to come to India.” He said he expected that these questions would be given early consideration bv the now Legislature in India. MELBOURNE, February 17. The Hon. A. Poynton, Minister of Home Affairs, explained that Indian tourists and merchants were continually admitted to Australia on the production of passports from their Governments certifying to their status. PRISONERS RELEASED. DELHI, February 15. The Duke of Connaught has departed for Bawal Pindi (in the Punjab district). The city shops were again closed in connection " with the non-co-operators refusal to join in the welcome to the Duke. Thirty-four martial law offenders have been released for offences in the war, and the sentences of 315 others have been reduced. THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. DELHI, February 15. In the Legislative Assembly Jamnadass Dwardass, of Bombay, moved a resolution

recommending the Governor-general first, to declare the firm resolve of the Raj to maintain that connection between India and the Empire is based on the principle of equal partnership and perfect racial equality, Indian lives being held as sacred as those of the British; secondly, expressing regret that martial law in the Punjab has departed from these principles, and is calculated to wound deeply the self-respect of the Indians; thirdly, to compensate families of certain Indians who suffered through the Amritsar troubles on the same scale as Europeans, and to punish further the officers guilty of an improper exercise of their duties. After a lengthy discussion the motion was withdrawn. The speeches were marked by a seriousness and moderation, with the evident desire on all sides to avoid bitterness and to comply with the Duke_ of Connaught’s appeal to (forget and forgive. QUESTION OF RACIAL EQUALITY. DELHI, February 16. After the withdrawal of Jamnadass’s resolution the Legislative Assembly adopted a motion declaring its firm resolve that the Government of India should maintain that the connection of India with the British Empire is based on the principle of equal partnership, with perfect racial equality, Indian lives and Indian honour being held as sacred as British lives and British honour. VICEROY’S TRAIN HELD UP. DELHI, February 16. The 1 iceroy (Lord Chelmsford) was travelling from Delhi to Calcutta, when his train was held up by non-co-operators near Allahabad. The Viceroy was compelled to return to Delhi. STRIKES AND DISTURBANCES. DELHI, February 17. Strikes and disturbances on the slightest pretexts are widespread on tho northern railways, which are working badly. The non-co-operators are attempting to withdraw the servants from Europeans, who are having to perform their own menial duties. At Calicut a magistrate sentenced four extremist leaders to six months’ imprisonment. Troops protected the court during the trial. Meetings are prohibited