SCENES OF GREAT SPLENDOUR.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18615, 10 July 1930, Page 9

SCENES OF GREAT SPLENDOUR.

Opening Of India House. MEMORABLE SPEECH BY KING GEORGE. British Official Wireless RUGBY, July 8. Amid scenes of great splendour the King-Emperor formally opened India House to-day. Magnificent uniforms and dresses were worn by Indian Princes and Princesses and other distinguished visitors who attended the function. The Prime Minister (Mr Ramsay Macdonald) and several Cabinet Ministers were present, also Lord Chelmsford and the Marquess of Reading, two former Viceroys, and Sir John Simon, who was chairman of the Indian Statutory Commission. The King and Queen, who drove in an open carriage with outriders through the crowded streets, were welcomed on their arrival by the Indian High Commissioner (Sir Abul Chatterjee), and accepted a gold key from the architect, Sir Herbert Baker. Having unlocked the door the King handed the key to the High Commissioner and entered the building, when presentations were made. The interior of the building is designed on palatial lines, in which rare Indian woods, rich Oriental carvings, and inlay work in coloured marble, play an important part. On the marble floor of the Entrance Hall symbols of the Indian Provinces are inlaid, and these are repeated in the carved white marble balustrade of the gallery above. The library, in which the guests were assembled, has an arched ceiling, and Is panelled in rich red Indian timbers. The premises will serve as the headquarters for the High Commissioner, the importance of whose duties has steadily expanded since the office was created in 1919. The King’s Speech. The King’s speech in formally declaring the building open was broadcast and relayed in several distant countries, in many of which, according to the Press reports, reception was excellent. In an impressive passage the King referred to the present situation in India. He said: “At this critical period of India’s history, when the thoughts of all who love that country are centred on constructive effort, and on laying well and trul> the foundation of India of the future, I regard it as a happy augury that we are able to open a building which marks the end of one period of advancement and the beginning of a new.

“But India House stands for more than that,” the King said .“A I look round me I see emblems of the religious Provinces and States of India. The building which contains them surely testifies to the unity of India in herself. The position of India House among those of her sister nations here in the centre of my capital further smybolises the unity of the greater Commonwealth of which she is a part. For a deeper realisation of that twofold unity I most earnestly pray. During recent months I have watched with an anxious heart the troublous passage of events. Trusting in Divine- guidance, I hopefully await the day that shall restore the gift of true understanding, and thus unite every race and creed in one desire to bring peace and contentment to my Indian people.” Occupies Twelve Floors. After receiving the officials and foremen engaged in the erection of the buildings, the King and Queen made a tour of inspection, taking a lift to the topmost story, and then passing out on to the roof, which commands a fine panoramic view of London. India House occupies 12 floors, and has been erected at a cost of £324,000. Many of the carvings have been specially worked by Indian craftsmen and the library is decorated with mural paintings by Indian artists.