INDIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3495, 8 March 1921, Page 17

INDIA.

LONDON, February 26. A departmental report from .Joliore shows that India has some peculiar labour troubles. The labourers cannot be induced to work in surveying gangs in certain districts, as they are continually harassed by tigers. One man-eater recently secured his fifth successive victim. Another added the eighth victim to his list, compelling the abandonment of the village. February 28. After a series of imposing social farewell functions at Bombay, the Duke of Connaught departed for England on board the steamer Malaga. Big crowds along the route accorded the departing guest an enthusiastic send off. DELHI, February 28. Pending a conference between the Government and representatives of the Rail way and Telegraph Services, the threat ened general strike has been postponed till March 15. HEAVY TAXATION FORESHADOWED. DELHI, March 1. In the Legislative Assembly the Minister of Finance presented the Budge*, which contained proposals for heavy taxi tion. He referred to the world’s trade depression, which led to the inability of India's customers to buy her produce. The Government’s attempt to maintain til* rate of exchange had failed, and at the

present moment there was no practical step apparent whereby the depression could De ended. Meanwhile there was no cause for pessimism. The position was due to causes external to India, and should before long cure itself. He stated that India’s deficit for the current year amounted to 12 crores (a crore is 10,000,000) of rupees, and he anticipated a deficit of 18 crores during the coming year. The military expenditure had amounted to 70 crores-, which was 20 crores in excess of the estimate, due to frontier operations. There had been large increases in civil expenditure, due to large advances to pay railway, telegraphic, and other employees. The Minister said he hoped with a good monsoonal season that the exchange rate would show a substantial recovery. His Budget figures were all based on an average exchange of Is Bd. The proposals for extra taxation include an increase of general ad valorem duty of 7i per cent, to 11 per cent, duty on luxuries, and to 20 per cent, on liquor, tobacoo, and imported sugar. Railway rates also would be considerably increased and postage rates would bo doubled. In income tax there would be the maximum rise, and the super tax would be increased. No increase would be made in cotton excise goods. This was for a special financial reason. It was hoped to obtain 19 crores of rupees from additional taxation, which would provide for the estimated deand would leave a surplus. Dealing with military expenditure, the Minister said that the present position of affairs in Central Asia, the Indian frontier, and certain factors within India,

rendered a further reduction in the fighting forces unjustifiable. RIOTS IN CALICUT DELHI, March 2. There were serious riots at Tricheur (part of Calicut) between the Loyalists and non-co-operators. A Loyalists’ procession was attacked, and the Loyalists retaliated by burning the mosque and dwellings, resulting in bloodshed. The police in endeavouring to quell the disturbance were overpowered. The military dispersed the mob. Public offices were closed. The authorities have asked the Govenrmout for military reinforcements.