INDIA FEDERATION

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1931, Page 5

INDIA FEDERATION

FINANCIAL PROBLEM. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 19. Conversations have been proceeding to-dav between the N. tive States’ delegation to the Indian Round Table Conference and the British India delegates, cm the subject of the financial aspects of the proposed federation. There were differences under discussion. These have arisen on the report to the Federal Structure Committee by the Finance Sub-Committee, paitieularly in reference to the proposal that an Expeit Committee should he set up on this subject and that its conclusions should he embodied in the Draft Constitution. In the public discussions last week, the Native States’ delegation claimed its right to a full knowledge of the implications of the financial commitment before entering into a federation, and it is understood that efforts are being made to find a formula that will allay fears on the part of the British India delegates that this would involve an unnecessary delay in proceeding with the work of building up a federation. THE: “UNTOUCHABLES.” CALCUTTA, October 20. Mass meetings are being held throughout India to protest, in the strongest language, against the Indian National Congress’,s attempt to cheat the “untouehablasc” out of what they claim to be the right to separate electorates in any Indian constitution to be framed in London. A meeting was held at Madras at which Air Gandhi was described .as the greatest enemy of the “in•touchaides.’ This is typical of that community’s temper. Prior to the meeting, Union Jacks and portraits of the King were carried in processions through the streets, crowds shouting, “Loyalty to the British Government!” The “untouchables” number nearly eighty millions, or roughly a quarter of India’s population.