Rights of Indian

Hokitika Guardian, 4 July 1922, Page 4

Rights of Indian

AIR SASTRES I’I.KA DIED

SYDNEY, -line 21

The cause of the Indians domiciled in Australia has been p'e. ded eloquently her by Air Siinjvusa Sastri, a man of wide political vision. liis advocacy of (he policy of equality,- and brothciliood is a skilful one. and leads by measured steps to the dominant idea—a vote for the Indian. One cannot repress admiration tor the earnestness and sincerity of the distinguished <?titioner. As president of the 20 members of the Servants of India S oclot ->' lie is vo'.vod to a life of poverty and self-denial, and his oath hinds him to serve the motherland in a missionu:\ r spirit all his life. Those who have heard him are enthusiastic in their praise of his culture, intelligence, and whole-souled conviction, and of the tact and strength with which he presents his case. Ho'addresses his alienees in fluent English, choosing his words with great deliberation, and investing his sentences with charm and great appealing force. -Resolute ami ardent in his quest for improved conditions for the Indians, he presents a graphic picture of-their susceptibilities, heart-burnings, and political aspirations. He is a strong advocate of restricted immigration of the coloured race he represents and appears quite undismayed at finding himself up against such a formidable harrier as the AVhite Australia policy. Asked prior to his departure from Sydney for Brisbane if anything had vet been decided arising out of his misthe AVhite Australia, Air Sastri s nid he tin,’ had informal conversations with the Prime Minister (Air Hughes), and on June 27th. lie was lo address the members of the Federal House of Rcpi esentatives, when his mission would be

explained 4»- 3etaU. -‘‘perhaps, 2 ’ • said' Mr Sastri, “the Prime Minister will hare consulted his Cabinet 'On the matter before that, -ainl by. that time he may be able to tell me something definite.” Mr Sastri u ni leave for New Zealand early in July.