THE KING-EMPEROR OPENS INDIA HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19117, 9 July 1930, Page 1

THE KING-EMPEROR OPENS INDIA HOUSE.

SCENES OF GREATEST SPLENDOUR IN LONDON. (United Press Assn.—Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received July 9, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, July 8. Amid scenes of great splendour the King-Emperor formally opened India House to-day. Magnificent uniforms and dresses were worn by the Indian Princes and Princesses and other distinguished visitors who attended the function. The Prime Minister and several Cabinet Ministers were present, and also Lord Chelmsfbrd and the Marquess of Reading (two former Viceroys) and Sir John Simon. 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 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 where the 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 the 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 w f ere 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 in formally declaring the building open was broadcast and relayed in several distant countries, in many of which, according to Press reports, reception was excellent. In an impressive passage the King referred to the present situation in India. lie said: “At this critical period of India’s history, when the thoughts of all who love that country are centred on a constructive effort and on laying well and truly the foundation of the India of the future “I regard it as a happy augury that we are able to open this building which marks the end of one period of advancement and the beginning of a new. But India House stands for more than that. “As I look round me I see emblems of the religious Provinces and States of India. A building which contains them surely testifies to the unity of India in herself. The position of India House among those of the sister nations here in the centre of my capital further symbolises the unity of the greater Commonwealth, of which she is part. For a deeper realisation of that two-fold unity I' most earnestly pray. During recent months I have watched with 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." After receiving officials and the foremen engaged in the erection of the © £ES El © HI ©3 ©3©] HI SI HI ©3 ©3 HO ©I ©3 ©3 ©1 111 ©

building, the King and Queen made a tour of inspection, taking the lift to the topmost storey and then passing out on to the roof, which commands a fine panoramic view of London. India House occupies twelve 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 wflth mural paintings by Indian artists.