INDIA OF TO-DAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17365, 29 March 1928, Page 10

INDIA OF TO-DAY.

"VICTIM OF EXPERIMENT."

iICW COUNTRY IS RULED.

FACING MANY PROBLEMS. Having been closely in touch will! India and her problems during the last 14 years, Mr S. N. Ziman, a New Zealand Rhodes' Scholar, pave, a very in- . structive address on "The Government of India" at the Hamilton Rotary Club luncheon yesterday. Dealing with 'the great divisions of race, caste and rehgion which made India unlike any other country, Mr Ziman said there were 25 per cent Mohammedans and about 75 per cent j Hindus in India. Religkin was far j more than a code of ethics. It j governed every action with the result that the people were divided much more completely than by a natural, physical barrier. The Mohammedans regarded all persons outside their religion as infidels, but fortunately the climate made for tolerance. The Hindus with their multiplicity of gods were utterly abhorrent 'to the Mohammedans. In spite of this the two sects lived together very well. State of Unrest. "Wfthin the las't few years animosity has arisen between 'them owing to political agitation," said Mr Ziman. j "The Pan-Islamic movement is partly j I responsible for this, while both sects fear that the English will leave the country and thus leave the way clear for one to conquer the oiher. This accounts for the fanatical violence one reads of, which overshadows the destiny of the country at present. Caste. "Then there is the great division •of caste. In New Zealand it is almost inconceivable to realise what caste means. Over 60,000,000 people calling themselves Hindus 'are con- ' sidered utterly unclean by the remain- i ing 240,000,000. In the main caste j there are four minor castes and 1000 sub-castes which are ail recognised in social life. A Hindu is born into one of those castes and cannot change unless 'he becomes an outcast." Further evidence of the 'great division of the peoples, continued the speaker, was given by the fact that there were 130 languages in 31 different scripts. Hindustani was spoken mostly in the north and English in the south. Under these conditions there was no rule common to language or

literature. Method of.Qovernment. Outlining the system of Government Mr Ziman stated that there were 570 native states, each of which was selfgoverning and free from British interference. These states had no distinct boundaries. Until 1919 the Governor had complete 'control over all departments. For 100 years England had ruled India, bringing peace which the people had never had before. Some of the changes in 1919 included the substitution of native for British ofheers. The former had the same training and traditions but were not so proficient. The scheme had been carefully thought out but rested on very flimsy foundation. The Government relied more on the conservatism and prestige of its rule than administrative powers. Gradually the institution of British Government undermined the district administration. Task Of Civil Service. "During the transition period the life of a district officer was not very pleasant," said Mr Ziman. •"lie had to carry on district government and yet abide by the laws of Parliament, which made it extremely difficult for him to carry on. That he did so without any serious native disturbances speaks well for the Civil Service." "A federal system of government now exists in India with Delhi as the centre. Delhi .is responsible for internal and external security. There are eight provincial governments. The Upper House contains 60 members, 34 of whom are elected. In the LowerChamber there are 144 members, 133 of whom are elected. The provinces have unlimited legislative power, especially in the direction of education and public health. The Viceroy has the power of veto but it is only exercised at certain times in a modified way."

Restricted Franchise. Mr Ziman said the legislature at Bombay was a very dry affair. One heard nothing but lengthy political phraseology with little humour. As far as the franchise was concerned, out of 350 millions only li millions were allowed to vote. This was due to the fact that only 8 millions were literate. British Government could not altogether be blamed for failing to improve the position as women were denied the right to vote. This was one of the reasons why democratic institutions had not nourished.

Commission Boycotted. The Commission ' wliieh was at present inquiring into the working oi reforms had been appointed by the House of Commons to overhaul recent legislation. Unfortunately the Commission had been hoyeotied owing to the fact that no Indians were nominated. Although Sir John Simon, the chairman, had allowed Indians to he co-opted and included on .the Commission the boycotting movement still continued. Those anxious to oppose British rule had united and were causing a good deal of unrest. The fact that statesmen of considerable repute had been denouncing the Commission had not improved the situation. ~ lf -If we believe that democratic selfgovernment can be achieved without any trouble or suffering we make a mistake," said Mr Ziman. If, however, the toil and energies ot the British administrators 'have been in vain we must look at the position with much misgiving. India has been the victim of experiment." The warm appreciation of members for Mr Ziman's address was expressed by the Rev. Frank Harty.