INDIA

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1930, Page 5

INDIA

THE COMMISSION’S REPORT

AN UNANIMOUS ONE

(British Official Wireless)

(Received this day at 11 a.rn., RUGBY, June 9

After an inquiry lasting 24 years the Indian Statutory Commission, on which all three political parties were represented, has submitted a unanimous report. Volume Une, now issued, consists of over four hundred pages and discusses tbe conditions of the problem of existing constitutional structure; working of Reformed Constitution; administrative and judicial system of publicfinance ; growth of education in British India.

The second volume dealing with the future developments will present the Commission’s conclusions and recommendations and will be published on 24th, June.

Discussing the prescribed goal of the British Indian policy, tbe Commissioners stated that Parliament must determine what steps should be taken to eliminate obstables in the way of pursuing a policy of progressive realisation of responsible Government in lnuia in co-operation with Indian peoples theme,elvse. The Commission’s task was not to decide but to report-. The Commissioners state the ancient social system of Hinduism Tins evolved rigid complications of innumerable classes from Brahmin at the top to the pariah at the bottom, and continues to control tbe lives and thoughts of more than two hundred millions of India’s 320 millions.

A sense of unity, however, was growing as the result of British influence, making it possible to speak of India as a single entity. Two other influences nyiking for unification were the prevalence of English as a general means of communication among the educated men in India and the growth of determination among politically minded classes, to uphold the claim of India as a whole to its due place in the world.

The report adds, it would be a profound error to allow geographical dimensions or statistics of population to belittle the significance of what is called the Indian Nationalist Movement. While it is true that tbe movement directly affects the hopes of a very small faction, and the leaders do not reflect active sentiments of the masses absorbed in pursuing the traditional course .of their daily lives, it does, however, have fin essential characteristic of all such manifestations in the concentration of all forces, which are roused by an appeal to national dignity find national self consciousness.

Referring to the complications of the language, the report states only two and-a-half millions are literate in English, which has a wider range than any vernacular. Hindustani has the widest currency among the vernaculars’, but it is far from being generally understood all over India, in which there are altogether 222 vernaculars, The Commissioners declare: “Any quickening of general political judgment, any widening of rural horizons beyond the traditional and engrossing interest of weather, water, crops and cattle, with a round of festivals, fairs and family ceremonies nnd dread of famine, is hound to come very slowly indeed.” 1

Only 10.2 per cent, of the population live in urban areas and here those who give attention to politics are mainly found.

QUEEN NOT RECONCILED

(Received this day at 9.40 a.m.)

BUCHAREST, June 9.

It is definitely stated that Princess Helen has refused a reconciliation, therefore she will not be crowned Queen hut will be given the title of Princess Mother.

Queen Marie declared:—“l strongly object to reports that 1 fled from Roumanin. Prince Carol and myself have always been great, standfast friends. I am overjoyed at- his return and expect the repercussions of his elevation to the Throne will he excellent.” Prince Carol obtained the custody of Prince Michael, who is now residing at Controceni Palace, while his mother is remaining at Kisselelf Pal-

]t is reported that Madame Lupescu 's grief stricken, nnd was confined to Vr bed for twenty-four hours. Later sfiie suddenly departed for Switzerland.

The press generally is honeful that Prince Carol’s return will effect a stabilisation of the Government credit.