INDIA'S COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1917, Page 3

INDIA'S COUNCIL

Vicsioy Outlines Position.

And Coming Events

[REUTER’S SERVICE.—COPYRIGHT.] (Received Fob 9, at 9.30 a.id,) Delhi Feb 8 Lord Cholm:-ford presided at the first meeting of the Imperial Legislative Council winter session. In a lengthy impressive speech, he urged members to avoid controversial questions and to concentrate their energies to assist the Empire to achieve a victory. Regarding the abolition of the system of emigration of indentured labor, r-. the Viceroy emphatically declared that neither the Government nor the Secretary of State Department undid Lord Hardiuge’s pledges, but the abolition required much enquiry and investigation, in order to guard against the system being succeeded by a worse one. A special mission had been sent to Ceylon and Malay States and their report was expected at the ead of Februaiy. The intended conference of representatives of Indian aod Colouial interests; to meet in London, may formulate a scheme acceptable to both parties. The Colonial Office had wno'e hearfedly accepted the decision that the present form of emigration must cease. The coloDie9 concerned were showing the utmost readiness to cooperate and remove the objectionable

features. The Government of. India would presently undertake whatever legislation waa necessary in a wholly sympathetic rp : rit. Government intended to deal expeditiously with the Public Service Oommivsioij’a report, including the

question of increased employment of Ind'ans in high branches of the Service. Dealirg with the recent ordinance registration of European males from 18 to 50, the time has arrived for India to release for service in the field the British units which otherwise be employed in garrison duty. He proposed to introduce a Bdl whereby all Europeans, British subjects from 18 to 40, would be liable to general military service in ladi*. Those from 41 to 60 would be compulsorily enrolled for local military service and youths 16 to 18 for military training. They also proposed to enrol Indians in their own units for general military service in India for the duration uf the war, within six months. Lord 0 lelmsford paid a tribute to the frontier officers who bad brought to naught the schemes against ladia’a security. The political - import.-mce of the Mesopotamia campaign won'd be known in the future. Persia had remained benevolently neutral and Siam had crashed the endeavors of our enemies. Tho Amir of Afghanistan had stedfastly upheld neutrality. Referring to the enormous importance oE three representatives being chosen to attend the Dominion Conference he said it marked a new chapter in India’s hietjry. He was confident they would establish India’s claim to retain at the Council of the Empire the place won by, the loyalty of her people and tho gallantry of her soldiers.

A Peace Condition

Melbourne, Feb 9

In the Senate, Mr Fez ricks gave notice of motion repudiating any Imperial Conference decision oa Australia's behalf would cot be endorsed by Australian representatives. Mr Hughes urged that the House should disouss th 9 proposals to ba submitted to the Imperial Conference. He thought one peace condition should be that the Kaiser be deposed. He also advocated that the Allies form an Army Navy to police the world.