The Great Durbar.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 145, 15 December 1911, Page 5

The Great Durbar.

THE CHANGE OF CAPITAL. FACILITATING THE GROWTH OF SELF-GOVERNMENT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright, London, December 13. A despatch to the Viceroy's Council states that the keynote of the transfer of the capital to Delhi is conversion to a series of autonomous provinces with the grant of a large share of the Government to Indians and power to the Government of India to interfere in cases of misgovernment. The removal will materially facilitate the growth of local self-government. It is generally recognised that the capital and great centre of Government, should be independent. Effect Ims b, en given to that principle in the United States, Canada and Australia. The development of the Legislative Council made the withdrawal of the Supreme Council from the influence of local opinion a matter of increasing urgency. It was not desirable that the Government of India should be subject exclusively to the influence of Calcutta.

The despatch also dwells on the place of Delhi in India legend and history, and adds - 'The only serious opposition is likely to come from the European commercial community at Calcutta." The cost of tlie move is estimated at about £-f.n:i;(,000. Vnioni&tb are disposed to reserve their opinion, but do not approve of the use ot the Royal prerogative to settle a matter which is a subject of acute party difference. The concessions to Bengal, involving the overthrowing of Lord Curzon's scheme, are much criticised.

THE ROYAL RECEPTIONS. MAGNIFICENT DRESSES AND JEWELS. GREAT RELIGIOUS CEREMONIAL. Delhi. December 13. There were fifteen hundred people at the King's reception. While the King was receiving the officers the Queen held a reception, at which there were over a hundred leading princesses, who presented her with a magnificent emerald brooch. The Queen thanked them individually, and conversed with her guests for two hours. The princesses wore magnificent dresses and jewels. The people's fete was unequalled In the history of the city. To-day three great processions ol Hindus, Mahoramedans and Sikhs offered prayers for long life, and happiness for their Majesties. Sixteen hundred leaders of different sects offered a combined prayer on the spot where their Majesties appeared later. The incident is unprecedented in the history of India. The Calcutta Englishman strongly criticises the changes, and declares they recall the extravagances of the Mogul regime. (Bengali papers rejoice in the revocation of the partition of Bengal. London, December 13. Excepting a few Conservative papers, the press generally is favorable to the Indian changes. The Radical press is enthusiastic, and says the change even surpasses the South African constitution. v

THE ROYAL GARDEN PARTY. IN THE SEATS OF THE GREAT MOGHUL EMPERORS. GREAT CROWDS. Received 15, 1 a.m. Delhi, December 14. Seven thousand attended the Royal garden party. Their Majesties appeared on a screened balcony, formerly used by the Moghul Emperors. They afterwards sat on their golden thrones clothed in their Coronation robes. The crowds clambered upon the parapets of the fort. It is estimated that a million people defiled right and left before their Majesties, cheering. They more banners indicating their various districts. Below the thrones sat the Ulemas Pundits, and a poet recited a Persian ode of welcome. There were dances and displays of horsemanship. Their Majesties remained forty minutes. Thousands afterwards kissed the thrones. At night there was n great fireworks display, and brilliant illuminations.