INDIAN AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1921, Page 2

INDIAN AFFAIRS

NEW INDIAN CHAMBER. OPENED BY DUKE OF CONN AUGHT. BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., GOPTRIGIIT. AUSTRALIAN ANI) N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. DELHI, February 8. There* was another brilliant function in connection with the Duke of Connaught inaugurating a new Legislative Chamber at the famous Hall of Audience in Delhi Fort. The Duke with Viceroy and Lady Chelmsford, proceeded in great state, with full escorts of artillery and cavalry. They moved through massed crowds to the Fort, from which royal salutes were fired. A large ampitheatre was filled with a most representative audience, including nearly a hundred ruling princes, bejewelled and c lad in richest robes. Officials were in full dress. The whole ceremony was splendid and imposing. The King’s proclamation, inaugurating the Chamber was read. In summoning princes to a larger share in councils he did so with full reliance on their proved devotion to his throne, and in .a confident anticipation that mutual understanding and identity of interest would be fostered thereby.

The Duke of Connaught, in his opening speech, said the magnificent court of the old Mogul Emperor was a fitting stage for the ceremony He stood there nt the bidding of an Emperor mightier even than the old Mogul, an Emperor

whose policy was framed with a breadth of wisdom unknown to the rulers of past ages, an Emperor Whose desire was that every breath of suspicion and misunderstanding should be dissipated, and who invited the princes to take a larger share in the development of their motherland. The Duke paid a tribute to the princes for devotion and assistance shown in the war, and said he was confident they would approach the questions before the Chamber in a spirit of co-operation and loyalty. During the past half-century, great Indian states had emerged from seclusion, and now rightly aspired to pay a wider part in modern life. That day’s ceremony would promote a fulfilment of such desires, strengthen their bonds of unity l>otween the princes and the Empire and promote its well being

THE DUKE AT DELHI

DELHI, February 7. Princes and ruling chiefs participated in a brilliant assemblage which welcomed the Duke of Connaught. The whole proceedings were marked by much enthusiasm. Extremists’ efforts to create disaffection had no apparent effect, the whole city being in a joyous mood. CONSTITUTION OF STATES. UKCTER’S TELEG R A MS. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) DELHI, Feb 8. The Viceroy in his speech invited the Indian Princes to find an Indian title for the Chamber. He said the Constitution of the Chambers would absolutely prohibit discussion therein of internal affairs of individual States or actions of an individual ruler. Commissions inquiry would provide the machinery for deciding the affairs of individual riders, and the recommendations would be made to the Secretary of State for the more important. The Bombay states would have direct relations with the Government of India. The scheme would shortly be put before His Majesty’s Government affecting tlm important Punjab States in the same manner, and Gwalior State would be brought into direct touch through an Independent Resident. ' The Viceroy added that the Chamber was an Advisory consultative body without executive powers, and represented the recognition of the right of Princes to be consulted in framing the policy of the Government relating to States, and to have a voice in the councils of the Empire.