RANJITSINHJI’S REIGN

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2177, 5 September 1907, Page 1

RANJITSINHJI’S REIGN

PROGRESSIVE jam sahib,

The Kathiawar correspondent of tho Times of India telegraphs: Judging from what His- Highness Jam Sahib Ranjitsinhji of Jamnagar has been doing for the past three months, there is little doubt that steady progress will be made and maintained under the close and enlightened guidance of such an able chief. For the first time in the course of seven years plague has been stamped out from Nawanagar by tho cordial co-operation of the people. For improving the city, which is very badly built and thickly populated. a City Improvement Trust lias been formed. For the .lower classes of people houses will bo built outside tho town, and tho bettor classes will bo allowed to build on tho Bediroad on easy terms. His Highness has sanctioned tho expenditure of £2OOO for repairing public buildings, they not having been repaired for the past fifteen years.

As a memorial to the late Jam Vibhaji, instead of erecting a statue at a cost of £I2OO, collected by the people. His Highness has expressed his desire to add 7000 r. (£466) more, and to build a training school, a female hospital, and a boarding bouse for students coming from the Nawanagar districts. It having been brought to his notice that the want of a grain market disseminates plague more .tliun anything else, orders have been issued for its construction. • Ills Highness keeps a vigilant watch over his officials, expecting them to do their work promptly and effectually. Every month His Highness calls for progressive reports from the beads of all departments, and invites suggestions for improvement, and then issues orders thereon. For nearly 50 yenrs the Nawunagar State lias been passing through unfortunate and critical periods, such as have scarcely befallen any principality in Kathiawar. Jam A r ibliaji, though very hospitable, allowed all powers to pass into the hands of the Khavaslies. In the twelve years which followed his death £130,000 had to be borrowed from Gotulal. Then came famine, and £IOO,OOO more were borrowed from Government.

The last two years have enabled the State to pay off the Government loan, and the Gondal debt is due in 1911. By that time His Highness hopes to free the State from the debt. At the same time he wishes to introduce much-needed reforms in tlie State rather than let it remain in its present neglected and backward condition. His Highness’s long residence with English people has considerably broadened his views, and lie looks at things from a broad and liberal standpoint. The most noteworthy incident of his life is the fact of His Highness having been treated all along before his accession to tlie gadi as a ruling chief at such Courts as Kashmir, Patiala, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Aiwar, Bikanir, etc., and the honor that His Highness received at his installation as the Jam Saliib of Jamnagar has been such as has ever been accorded to Kathiawar chiefs in the annals of the province. His Highness lias prohibited the discusion of any anti-British politics in his territory. This is highly commendable, and cannot fail to be appreciated by tlie agency and Government.

His Highness the Raja Saliib of Rutlam has returned to his territory after a very enjoyable sojourn ill Nnwanagir. The Jam Saliib had taken geat care to make him as comfortable as possible during his stay. 'He being a dashing, all-round sportsman, cricket, polo, tennis, and football matches were arranged, after which there was a very successful pig-stick-ing. Lion-shooting in the Gir was also arranged, and panthers were shot by the party, tlie one bagged by •H’is Highness of Ratlam being the largest, and measured 7ft Sin.' Two lionesses passed by the Raia Saliib, but they were not allowed to be shot. ■Shortly after a splendid lion passed by tlie Jam Saliib, but in order to give a chance to tlie Baja Saliib lie let it pass. Not being within easy reach of the Raja Saliib, it eventually fell to tlie gun of Doorsingji, the Jam Sahib’s brother.