ROYAL VISIT TO INDIA

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 108, 31 January 1921, Page 6

ROYAL VISIT TO INDIA

ENTHUSIASM IN CALCUTTA

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT WELCOMED

By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. (Rec. January 29, 5.30 p.m.) ’ Delhi, January 28.

The Duke of Connaught was warmly welcomed by largo crowds at Calcutta duriug the Royal procession over a route two and a half miles long from Howrah station to Government House. An address was presented to him by the Corporation of Calcutta, which referred to the developments in the city since his last visit in 1889, and declared that the present visit, was proof of the KingEmperor’s sympathetic interest in India. The address concluded with an expression of unfailing loyalty and devotion, also of profound regret at the postponement of the Prince of Wales’s visit, to which all were looking forward in tha near future.

In reply, the Duke of Connaught expressed pleasure at renewing his acquaintance with tho great city, which was the London, of the East. He- reminded his hearers of the potent influence Of such a city in moulding public opinion and sotting standards of public conduct ini other parts of the country. In the new chapter of Indian political development which it was his mission to open, Calcutta would necessarily exercise a predominant influence. He had every confidence that its citizens would continue to be animated by those qualities which had served them and their country so well in .(he past, and that others would continue to look to the city for right leading. He would gladly convey the message of loyalty and devotion to the King, and shared their hope that the Prince of Wales would shortly visit India and win the same widespread affection which his magnetic personality had evoked in other parts of the Empire. , The Duke of Connaught was subsequently welcomed by the Governor. _ The ' city’s welcome was very enthusiastic, but the non-co-operators had previously conducted a strong campaign, with the purpose of boycotting tho visit, and this, coupled with the presence of Ghandi, had an effect. Part of the city observed a strict “hatred example. There were few public vehicles plying and most of the shops were closed.Reuter.

EXTREMISTS’ ACTIVITY. Delhi, January 28. The extremists are making frantic efforts to boycott the Duke of Connaught s visit to Calcutta. The shops bazaars hotels, and restaurants have been closed bv the order of tho extremists: and Indians are to refuse to work the steamera on the river or to permit traffic 1 the main streets. There will bo no i - luminations, and the tramwaymen have declared a general strike. « uden population is aggressive. Ghandi is making wild speeches, dedarin., the present regime to he ‘a kingdom of ein.’’—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.