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Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1931, Page 4

Tim advance made by the eOiileionct between the Viceroy ol India and Mr Gandhi seems to promise a happier dojjjroi* o{ success than wiiw at nno tinio thought possible. The <.*oul ernice was a now step dr-signed to seek tor peace with honour. If that lms really been achieved all will be well indeed. India has been in a state ‘of serious unrest, and to quell the disturbances with any show of force will involve a tremendous cost. There are those in England of whom Mr Churchill is the mouthpiece, who are fearful that too much weakness was being shown, and that there was time and occasion for the wielciing of the big stick. On the whole it must be confessed that as the late President Roosevelt pointed out, once he studied the marvels of British rule in Egypt Britain was able to do a great work iu controlling colored races under her domain, without resorting to the big stick. The stage now readied in India is hopeful, despite the difficulties of the case, Caste is a great barrier iu India to a complete ■settlement of any preat national issue. The rjval jealousies in the religions of the Hindus and Mohammedans have proved a very serious menace to the peace of TVidia. That Britain lms su well held the scales of justice in India for so long, is further proof of the success of the use of the olive-branch in preference to tho big stick. Ibe retention of India is of course vital to the interests of Great Britain oveiseas, and the present policy is to hold the country by peaceful methods. A measure of government by the Indians will be built up as the nationals show aptitude for tho task. Considerable advance in that direction has been made already, and many positions ol trust have been filled very honourably by-Indians who in many respects have proved their ability. India is a country of a vast population with varied instincts. The satisfactory government is one in which fresh problems are frequently recurring, and these can be met. only as they arise. For the present what appears to have bod) the greatest difficulty in the history of India has been overcome in a peace!ul wa v and tlmt achievement is surely mi encouragement for the future, and a guarantee that Britain is working along commendable lines,