GHANDI influence IS ON THE WANE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 41, 11 May 1927, Page 13

GHANDI influence IS ON THE WANE

INDIAN THEOSOPHIST’S VIEW VISITOR TO NEW ZEALAND A tin of New Zealand jam first set Mr. R. F. Gorvala thinking of New Zealand. That was many years ago. Last evening He realised an old ambition when he stepped off the Marama at Auckland. Mr. Gorvala is a prominent theosophiat from Bombay, India. With is wife he attended a Theosophist Conference recently in Sydney. Now they have come on to New Zealand, where they will spend a holiday, seeing as much of the Dominion as possible. Until recently Mr. Gorvala was assistant secretary to the Government of Bombay. Neither he nor his wife had been out of India until they decided to journey to Australia. “It has been a great adventure,” laid Mrs. Gorvala, who speaks beautiful English, with just the slightest, ■oftest accent. “Ghandi is no longer popular,” said Mr. Gorvala. “Mrs. Besant, the leader of our movement, became very unpopular with the people when she advocated assisting the Government and at times she was hooted when she •poke publicly. Now that the Ghandi influence has waned she is gradually coming back.” Mr. Gorvala said that Mr. C. JinaraJadaoa, who is vice-president of the Theosophical movement, is at present In Italy lecturing. Theosophy is growing slowly but surely everywhere. "The theosophists are very happy,” •aid Mrs. Gorvala. “Among the people there must be poverty in India. The crops are not good. We would be glad if some of the Australians would come to India and teach the people how to •ultivate the land.” Talking of the Ghandi movement, Mr. Gorvala said that latterly the people have seen their mistake. They cannot do without the co-operation of the Government, for without it India tannot rise.

“Mrs. Besant has always advocated helping the Government,” he continued, “but at the same time she has advocated that it be given Dominion •tatus.”

Speaking of the trouble in China, Mr. Gorvala said that there had been •ome feeling in India when the British Government sent Indian troops out there, but it would not have any great •ifect on the people. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gorvala are enthusiastic about the beauties and hospitality of Australia and the Australians. They have done all the •ights, as they intend to do the sights ®f New Zealand.