PRINCE IN INDIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 December 1921, Page 5

PRINCE IN INDIA.

VISIT TO CALCUTTA. A WARM WELCOME. NO DISORDER OCCURS. By Telegraph.-—Press Assn.—Copyright. Delhi, Dec. 25. Although the boycott and general strike imposed by Gandhi’s agents had a marked effect in Calcutta it failed to produce as great an impression on the reception of the Prince as the agitators had striven for. As far as the progress from the station to the Government House was concerned, the Prince was well cheered, but, although there were crowds of Europeans, it is estimated that there were not more than 5000 Indians on the entire route. Dalhousie Square, where the Prince paused to receive an address, was the rallying point of the bulk of the Anglo-Indian population, with the result that the reception was as enthusiastic as any in London. Near the throne on the open stand sat the Tibetan delegation. Reports received indicate that the hartal is proceeding quietly throughout the city, and the greatest possible precautions are being taken to cope with any outbreak of disorder. The city is filled with troops, including horse, foot, guns and armored cars, which were drawn up in the side streets abutting on the processional route. A volunteer battalion numbering 5000 helped to keep order, in addition to civil guards to a total of another 5000. The hartal is not as complete as in last November, for many cabs, trams and omnibuses are running, and the majority of private servants have not succumbed to the terrorist threats. The Gandhi emissaries, who have been canvassing the city steadily for the past few weeks, succeeded in forcing a closure of the bazaars.

The Government’s new policy of repression has resulted in approximately 10,000 arrests in ten days; 750 were arrested yesterday, and 8000 still remain in custody. The mill workers, who are a sinister factor in the unrest, usually flock to Calcutta on these occasions, but to-day they were tightly bottled up beyond the Hoogly, and very few succeeded in trickling past the cordon which rings the city. All possible preparations were made by the Europeans to cope with the week’s stoppage of supplies, and some hotels laid in five days’ supplies. Servants showing signs of striking through pressure by Gandhists were warned and permanently dismissed. Every vacancy in the hotels was filled immediately by Goanese. The Prince attended the races during the day, and the city was wonderfully illuminated at night. 'The Prince spent Christmas Day quietly.