LORD READING’S RETURN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3768, 1 June 1926, Page 53

LORD READING’S RETURN.

LONDON, April 23. \ The King has been pleased to approve that the dignity of a Marquisate of the United Kingdom be conferred upon the Right Hon. the Earl of 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 Quern were represented at Victoria station at the homecoming of the Right Hon. the Earl of 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 home was through an avenue formed by cheering aightseers. The ex-Viceroy and Jiis wife landed at Dover early in the afternoon, wheie they were met by their son and daughter-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 or office in India, Lord Reading said: “It has been a wonderful experience. In spite of all the difficulties ana troubles, I have never bad a moment’s regret for what I have gone through. India ie, I assure you, a marvellous country. There have been difficult . times, and after the anxieties of the last fe-.v years I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey home. It has been a few weeks of rest; better than anything I have had for the past five years. . “I 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 experience in India. lie went on to say than, in view of the peculiar position he now occupied, he must refrain from making public critical observations, L.:t he would say that it was a mistake to talk despondently about India and its future. PEACE AND ORDER PREVAILS. There was Vnuch to be emphasised in re* spect to the 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. and order prevailed, except, perhaps, through communal differences and there were infinitely better relations with the Government: also, far less racial animosity among the Indiana against the British. “Don’t taka a dark view in speaking- or writing about India; it is a much better proposition than most people think,” Lord Reading said emphatically. Asked as 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 are taking up residence at their Cur ton street house tor the time being, but shortly will go to their country for a rest and for the letter’s recuperation after her serious operation in India.