INDIA COMMISSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1928, Page 1

INDIA COMMISSION.

IMPRESSIVE SEND-OFF. ~ RUGBY. Jan. 19. Lord Birkenhead, Secretary of State for India, speaking at the luncheon of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, referred to the commission which, headed by Sir John Simon, left London to-day for India to investigate there the subject of constitutional reforms. He said that the members of the commission had undertaken a task which meant that they must spend four months this year and seven months next year in India, and then tliej would have to devote many months 'more to studying the material they had collected. He had the highest hopes of the success of the commission, and added: “ I have formed a clear view that the less interference from this side the better, unless any matters of real principle upon which the Commission desire to consult me become involved.” The departure of the Indian Commission was attended by an unusual demonstration. Several hundred people were assembled at Victoria Station. Mr Stanley Baldwin. Lord Birkenhead. Viscount Peel. a former Secretary for India the Karl of Winterton. Undersecretary for India, and a large number of members of Parliament oi all parties were present. j Sir John Simon expressed his tmim.s for the splendid send-off. A great cheer was raised when the train moved off. the Cabinet Ministers joining m. There were many Indians in the ei >"d