LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 212, 2 June 1921, Page 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

REFORM IN INDIA

Sir, —So very few people realise the importance of tho development of India that 1 hope you will allow me to call attention to some vital points in its present state of rapid change, or peaceful revolution.

The Inxffan National Congress has been holding its sessions for over 30 years, and although it has no legislative powers, yet it has distinctly helped to formulate national demands and ideals. Most of the Congress resolutions have been given effect to in the framing of the new Reform Bill which camo into operation this year. In the first six weeks of their activity the new Legislative Assembly and the Council of State have accomplished some excellent work. A resolution was accepted by the Government /'That InZdan lives and honour are on the level with British lives and honour in the eyes of the Government, that this sound principle was departed from in the administration of martial law in tho Punjab, and demanding larger compensation for the victims of Jallianwalla Bagh. The Council of State accepted the Hon. Mr. Tastris’s resolution asking for a committee to consider tho repeal or amendment of tho various repressive measures on the Statute Book. Two committees are in actual fact now investigating these, one coaling with the Press legislation, and the second with the other weapons of the executive. The report appears this month, and the necessary legislation will be introduced in the autumn session.

A number of resolutions have been introduced in the Assembly vitally affecting labour. The hours of work are to be reduced to GO. The minimum ago of children is to be raised from 9 to 12 years, aivl that of half-timers from 12 to 15 years. The Factory Act will be extended to factories employing 20 persons and more. The Government will also examine the possibilities of creating health services to look after labour, especially women and children, and of public service agencies to deal with unemployment. A Joint Select Committee of the two Chambers is now scanning the provisions of tho Factory Act to suggest further improvements. The primary function of the Indian Army has been defined. It will not as a rule be employed outside India, but only in grave emergencies and after previous consultation with the Government of India. The Commander-in-Chicf and General Staff in India are to te appointed by tho Cabinet, but on the nomination of the Secretary of State with the approval of the Government of India. The right of free admission of Indians to commissioned rank in the military, naval and air forces has been secured, and no less than 25 per cept. of the commissions in the military are to be given to Indians every year. Further, th® right of entry into Sandhurst has been admitted, and the commander-in-chief has given an. assurance that 'he will start an Indian Sandhurst at Depra Dun as soon as funds permit. The pay of officers, whether British or Indian, are to be placed on the same level. An adequate Territorial Force is to be started, with a view to reduce the British element in the Indian Army. The Advisory Board for Indian students in London is to be reconstructed with a majority of Indians on it. A resolution was moved asking for a statutory guarantee of fiscal autonomy for India. Within barely a mouth of the passing of the resolution, Mr. Montagu established ,tho convention of fiscal autonomy, giving India the same freedom as is enjoyed by the Dominions. Just recently the Madras Provincial Legislature has given the vote to women on the sama terms as the franchise is framed for the men.

These are a few points in the first six weeks’ working of the® Indian Reform Act. Yet many people held that Indians were not ready for self-government.

What have the revolutionary, non-co-operators, led by Mr. Gandhi, the Tolstoyan anarchist, to show for their activities? A few Indians have resigned their titles, a. few hundred students have left their colleges, and a few score of ihe legal profession have ceased to practise in the law courts. They have accomplished no constructive work worthy of the name, but they 'have made a big nofse, and frequently they would not allow their opponents to be heard at public meetings’. Then there have been one or two minor riots; but there is a danger of a more serious outbreak as ihe more violent elements realise that the movement has failed. Which element is accomplishing the real and lasting work to bear fruit later on? —I am. etc.. JOHN GRIFFITHS. Hon. See. N.Z. and India League.

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE IN LONDON

Sir, —A few years back it was understood tue New Zealand Dairy Division had an officer stationed in London. Could you tell me if that appointment is still maintained, and, if so, what aro the duties of that officer? What, I would particularly like to know is whether any officer reports on the quality of our butter and cheese on its arrival in London; and, if so, are the iaotories concerned with the said, report supplied with a copy of the same, or are they able to obtain it on application?—l am, etc, QUALITY.

[’There is no officer stationed in London representing, the Daily Division of the New Zealand Agricultural Department attached to tiie High Commissioner’s office; however, there is one official described as a produce representative, several divisions of the ‘Department of Agriculture coming within his purview. Regarding the other point you raise, tho Departanent advises that during the Imperial Government’s commandeer of the Dominion’s produce, the practice of forwarding to New Zealand Departmental reports on the quality of our butter and cheese on its arrival in London, was discontinued. As soon as the free butter finds its way on io the Horae market the official responsible will doubtless again undertake the responsibility of furnishing the Department with these reports.]

GERMANY’S REPARATION PAYMENTS

Sir, —I see an article in to-day’s Dominion (Page 8, May 28) pointing out the Wunders of demanding cash payment from Germany. As I read this matter it said seven millions cash and the balance of this first payment of the indemnity in bills, which, 1 understood, would be met by goods or trade. Would you kindly throw some light on this subject?—l am, etc., A REGULAR SUBSCRIBER.

[As the reparation terms are now fixed, Germany is required and has undertaken to issue at intervals bonds to a total amount of G6OO millions sterling. The bonds are to bear interest at five per cent., and Germany is to establish a sinking fund for their redemption. In order to provide interest on the bonds, Germany is to pay annually to tho Allies a fixed sum of 100 millions sterling, plus an amount equal to 25 per cent, of the value of her exports. Germany’s exports in 1913 were valued at. 496 millions. Twenty-five per cent, of this amount, added to the fixed payment of 100 millions, would provide interest on bonds Io the amount of 4480 millions. As German exports increase and a larger sum becomes available annually for interest, tlio bond issue will be increased until the total of 0600 millions is reached. The operation of the scheme will depend largely upon the extent to which the reparation bonds command acceptance as negotiable securities in the markets of the world. It has been suggested that at a discount, based upon their comparatively low Tate of interest and other considerations. the bonds may prove readily negotiable. Should this expectation, be realised, the bonds, as time goes on,

■will be widely distributed, not only lit Allied, but 'll! neutral countries. In. those conditions, though Germany must pay ultimately in goods, the goods will be correspondingly distributed through the channels of world trade. This would apply to tho annual interest payments as well as to the ultimate redemption of the bonds. The Allied plan aims at exacting payment from Germany without inviting the serious dislocation of industry in Allied countries which would result from the direct importation of German goods on a scale sufficient to cover the reparation payments. Apart from the function they may perform in w<yi’ld trade, it has been suggested that the German tends might be tendered (with a covering guarantee) ill payment of Allied debts to the United States.]