INDIAN AFFAIRS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 March 1924, Page 2

INDIAN AFFAIRS.

INDIAN POLITICS. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. DELHI, March 19. The Legislature began the consideration of tho estimates for the various departments. Tho first, a demand for 33 i lakhs for the land revenue department was totally rejected hv 05 to 63. the Sarawnjists and Nationalists combining against the Government. They said they had decided (o oppose the whole Budget in view of the refusal of a round-table conference, the failure to release political prisoners and the failure to withdraw repressive laws. Jbe demand for twelve lakhs for the Excise Department moved by the Alinister, was passed by 05 to 61. Owing to a Nationalist member deciding to sup]>ort demands made bv tlio .Minister and opposed by the officials, the demand ot nine and a-half lakhs for the Stamps’ Department. was consequently rejected hv 04 to 63. The Legislature adjourned.

INDIAN AMBUSH. DELHI’. Alarch 19. One British officer and two Indian soldiers were killed and six wounded as the result of an ambush of a picket of the 39th. Juts near Chagmala. One ] ewis guu was also captured. The enemy casualties are unknown. INDIA'S FIGHT. DELHI, March 18. The Nationalist Party, in the Assembly, refused consideration of the Finance Bill, as a protest against the Government failure to accept their recommendation to call a round table conference, with a view to grant further consliuitioiial reforms. The Party disregarded Fir Malcolm liailev’.N grave warning that the British t iovornilient, belonging to whatever party, - was bound to oppose obstruction. Sir 11. Alai lev quoted Mr MacDonald's message to Indian extremists that the Labour Party would not. be coerced. He pointed out that the rejection of the Bill would make it impossible for the British Parlia-

mi-nt to consider any measure lor furi her'advances. The Bill was rejected by GO votes to The Viceroy’s certification is expected before the Bill .goes to the Upper Chambers. ALLEGED BOLSHEVIKS. DELHI, March 19. The trial has been opened at C'awnpore of eight Indians who are alleged to be Bolshevik agents. They are charged with a conspiracy to establish he organisation of the Communist International throughout India. Four of the accused were absent from the trial, two being absent from India. The prosecution alleged the accused were attempting to use the Indian Workers and Peasants Association to secure the complete separation of India from Britain, and that with such an economic programme as won Id easily appeal to ignorant people, the organisation intended to secure full control of the Indian National Congress, also that financial help was given by a Russian revi dut ion ary organ isa t ion.