The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1932. INDIA TO-DAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1932. INDIA TO-DAY.

Interesting references were made recently a.t a farewell at London tendered to the newly appointed Governor of Bengal, Sir John Anderson G.C.8., who in the course of a rather unusual speech said:—“l have never during iny .27 years of service asked for a post, and, equally, I have never refused one. ji I did not go to the war; I had to stay at home. In that I was fortunate. 1 would never claim to be a strong Imperialist, but I have a profound faith in the country and in the Empire, I believe it is* still in our power to -be the most potent influence for good in the world, and if it is thought by those competent to judge ! that I can be of use anywhere in the, service of the country hll niy instincts would prompt roe to respond to tile call. That is. the, spirit in which I go, b’ut please do not misunderstand me. 1 do not go with any feeling of sacrifice. I am looking forward to the future with the keenest interest. I know I. am not going upon any joyride, but I have no doubt that I shall find much that is pleasant in the experiences that await me. At all times in my work it ha© been my good fortune, as ninny will bear witness, to have the goodwill and ready co-opera-tion of those with whom I have been associated. I am certain that that* goou fortune will not desert me in India, .1 go I assure you with a single mind to use such talents as God' has given me and such experience as I , have, gained in the interests of good government in India. I go .with an open mind, with every desire to avoid •hasty judgments and to profit by all the, experience that can be placed at myf disposal from whatever quarter. I have spoken in a very personal strain. That, I know, you will for--1 give • it was inevitable under the cirjumistanqes.”. Another, speaker: at the ■same function was Sir Samuel, Hoare who said—“ Sir John Anderson goes, out to India at, -a very, interesting, moment. I eAid particularly at a very interesting moment mid not at' a critical moment, because, I do not accept the statement that the moment i» critical. No doubt in India ! to-day there is the kind cf upheaval in. progress that goes on in every country of the world when constitutional changes are under discussion, but I would not admit that to-day India is passing through any special crisis. It is passing through very much the same kind of phase, that every country, both of the East and the West, passes through in .similar circumstances. I would therefore describe, the situation as indeed he lias described it. not* as critical hut as very interesting. He is succeeding my old friend Sir Stanley Jackson, a very popular, a very courageou'3. and a very patriotic gent’eman. I should like, on your behalf, to offer him publicly the congratulations that I have already sent him by telegram upon his very fortunate escape. And I .should particularly like to add a further word of congratulation to the distinguished Moslem ViceChancellor of Calcutta University, then Colonel Suhrawardy, hut now, I am glad to think, distinguished by a knierhthood conferred upon him by his Majesty. Sir John is going out at this very interesting moment, the moment when we need the help and co-operation of all our friends, both in the United Kingdom and in India.”