LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 49, 22 November 1920, Page 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WHY ARE INDIANS UNABLE TO LEAVE NEW ZEALAND? Sir,—The columns of The Dominion contained a paragraph -Gtaling that HO Indians wore en route to New Zealand via Suva, and Mr. Vcitcb, M.E., had wired to tho. Minister of Immigration requesting that measures be token to provent thorn from landing here. One naturally wonders if .Mr. Veitch and others who share his point of view would take up she case of an Indian who has beon striving to gee a passage to India since the end of Inst year. When tho Indian lecturer. Mr, Jinarajaaasa was in Wellington last February he told the lion, secretary of the Now Zealand and India League that if this man did not get his passage to enable <. him to reioin his wife and family in India Tie would soon become a .mental patient, and a charge on the affairs of the State. Although tho man had his passport and passage money, the many efforts made to get him a berth were unavailing. When tho Minister of Internal Aifairs was notified about tho facts of the case a formal reply ivas received. A few weeks ago the Indian did become n patient of the Porirua Mental Hospital, and the doctor,there was anxious.to obtain a passage for him because of the likelihood of him remaining an inmate for life. .

Evidently the shipping companies do ; not mind bringing 140 Indians, but it' one Indian or more wants to got back they are refused passages. If Mr. Ycitch and -the Returned Soldiers' Association are genuine in thoir professions, why should they not take up this case, as the man has left the hospital, and is again trying to get away? full particulars can be obtained from JOHN GRIFFITHS,Hon. Sec. N.Z. and India League. . Jolmsonville. November 18, VJ2O.