REASONS FOR SELF GOVERNMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 July 1918, Page 5

REASONS FOR SELF GOVERNMENT.

I THE SCHEME OUTLINED. CENTRAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE TO PARLIAMENT. Received July 8, 6.5 p.m. London, July 7. The Indian Commission's report pays that the time has now come when India's sheltered existence cannot be prolonged without damaging her national life. Her nationhood within the Empire will be something better than Indifi has yet attained. The great task is to call forth her capacity for self-reliance in nationhood instead of her caste feeling. The eoqimittee worked out the scheme with the object, as far as possible, of giving complete popular control by local bodice with the largest possible independence, and securing a progressive realisation of responsible government of the prpvinces, some measure whereof should be granted the provinces forthwith, with a view to granting complete responsibility at the earliest possible moment. The Central Government must remain responsible to the British Parliament, but, with that exception, its authority must remain indisputable pending experience in the proposed changes in provincial constitutions. The committee emphatically reject the argument that local self-government must wait until other reforms create a suitable atmosphere. They assert that Indian hope* and aspirations have been aroused to such a pitch that they cannot be appeased by the mere grant of control over urban and rural boards. Moreover, the development of the country has reached a stage at which a wider application of self-government would be justified. Government without the people's co-operation is increasingly difficult. The franchise and the composition of the provincial legislatures is not detailed, hut the retention of the communal electorate is recommended for Mohammedans where they are in a minority, and similarly in regard to the Sheiks. ;