The Madras Riots.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1922, Page 3

The Madras Riots.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION (Received This Day at 12.25 p*m») DELHI, January It. The rioting at Madras was more serious than any demonstration against tlie Royal visitor, since the rioting atBombay. It was a well organised and very determined attempt, made by the leaders to impose a complete boycott, and general strike. Their efforts to prevent the natives approach to the Prince’s route and reprisals against those who refused the boycott, led to rioting in which the troops and Europeans were stoned, and motor cars and some buildings were damaged. Repeated collisions with the mob' resulted in the employment of armoured cars ami bayonet charges by the Demisters, only a stone throw from Government house, where the Prince was s/laying, vet the outburst failed to touch in any wav' tlie actual welcome. The Prince was acclaimed by a special ceremonial and drove through the streets in an open barouche. The native element was strong in stands, windows and balconies. He later visit- < ed the 'Legislative Council and both. going and returning to Government ; House saw and heard nothing of the , grim strugle being waged by the mob , and a handful of police who later were : reinforced by infantry. 71 is stranger still, so sharply was the dividing line between calm and unrest that the ‘Leinsters on guard at the main gate of ' Government House were unaware that, besides the rear gates a detachment of , their comrades were being- stoned by vicious natives. Gandhi and his organisers worked hard with unusual daring, to impose a complete linrtel. with the familiar tactics of intimidation, followed during the past fortnight. The rioting started in Triplienn quarter. T-lie uiob, inflamed in the absence of the police, who were on dutv along tlie Prince’s route, extended their activities to the European quarters. The arrival of a Leins gun sent the majority scuttling mio the bazaars, but they soon dribbled back, apparently aware that the troops hat received orders not to fire. Order was completely restored when a sti.mg detachment. of troops appeared and drove the rioters into the river, keeping them waist deep in the water. Only two deaths are reported, both natives, but a number wore admitted to the hospital suffering from minor injuries. The authorities refused to permit, a public procession to escort tlie bodies after the inquest, fearing incitement to fresh disorder. ... , Tlie Prince in the afternoon visited I the races, and had an enthusiastic reception.