THE INDIAN COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1930, Page 6

THE INDIAN COMMISSION

(Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, June 8

India is .described as a land almost infinitely a diversity in its religious aspect. The principal sects, Hindus, are dispersed among 216 millions ol them, and there are nearly seventy millions or Mohammedans. Rivalry and dissension between them are among the chief stumbling blocks in the way of Further, the Hindus are divided into 2,300 castes, thirty per cent of whom are untouchable by the others. Although considerable efforts were made to ameliorate this state of affairs these depressed classes’ progress is likely to- remain slow. Europeans iir 0 about a million and a half, the -British civil administration totalling twelve thousand. Small as their numbers are, the part played by the British organisation and leadership is incalculably great. The report refers to the growth of the women’s movement in recent years, and it expresses its opinion that India cannot reach the position it aspires to until its women piny their part in the education of its citizen.

The Commission was strongly impressed by the argument for the separation of Burma from India.

Much space is devoted to the British Army of 60,000 and the Native troops of 150,000. The Commission actively search lor an adjustment, but Ind>an statesmen will have to play their part in co-operation. The report also lays stress on the extent to which the Indianisation of the civil services is proceeding. It points out there are only 3,500 British in the whole service. In the police force the British are only 1400 out of 187,000.

The chapter on the North-West Frontier outlines the problems of both of an international and local character, and its complexity. While the rest- of India advanced towards local government, in this portion there had been no change of any kind. The Commissioner says, they will, in a second volume, propose a mode of tieaiment which, (while recognised as a special position of this area in relation to the important position of defence of India), will give the people a voice in framing their own laws under which they live. Regarding education, these people must get a .'great improvement in the matter and a supply of teachers is required. (Political sentiment is most widespread among the educated Indians. There is a demand for equality with the Europeans and a resentment against any suspicion of diffeiential treatment. •• '