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100 Years Ago | 10 January 1919

On this day a century ago, these were some of the news items The Statesman readers got to read about India and the world.

100 Years Ago | 10 January 1919

OCCASIONAL NOTE

The British Government may be behindhand in some respects but no one will accuse them of neglecting the post war possibilities of aerial development, as in peace-time they certainly neglected the war-time possibilities of flight. General Salmond arrived in Delhi within a month of the signing of the armistice. A body of British officers is shortly to commence the survey of a chain of landing grounds via Burma, Siam, Sumatra, etc., to Australia. To judge from an interview between a representative of our leading Bombay contemporary and “a distinguished Air Force officer,” preparations for an aerial survey of the Cape-Cairo route are even more advanced. Three distinct parties have already commenced work, or will at once commence work, in Africa. To one, which has already left Cairo, has been assigned the route from Cairo to the Katanga region; another will operate in Central Africa; and a third will work northwards from the Cape. The expert who discussed the question in Bombay was optimistic but he did not minimise the tremendous difficulties confronting the parties. Aviators held, he said, that India was “an ideal country for flying.” Africa, on the other hand, presents the greatest difficulties as regards the finding of sites, the draining and condensing of the lime-saturated water with which they are often soaked, the guarding of the aerodromes when they have been selected, and the safeguarding of the health of the aviators. There is clearly no question that aviation is to be the mode of transit of the future, but equally there is no question that immense problems still confront the pioneers.

RUSSA ROAD SOUTH

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The Calcutta Improvement Tribunal delivered judgment in a case in which Government on behalf of the Improvement Trust, in pursuance of the scheme for widening Russa Road South, acquired about two bighas of land comprised in premises No. 122, Dhakoria Road, belonging to the Hon. Mr. P.C. Mitter. The Land Acquisition Collector awarded Rs 12,211 in all. The claimant made a reference to the Tribunal, claiming about Rs 18,000, i.e. at an all round rate of Rs 459 per cottah. Babu Bepin Chandra Mullick, vakil, appearing with Babu Benoy Krishen Mukerjee, pleader, on behalf of the claimant, contended that on the basis of proved sales and awards, the Collector’s valuation was inadequate. The Trust, on the other hand, relied on the claimant’s own purchase in December 1913; also on sales of two neighbouring plots of land. Mr. Monoranjan Mullick, vakil, argued the case for the Government. The Tribunal, after hearing both sides, held that the price paid by the claimant in 1913 was not too low as argued on his behalf. The Tribunal, however, held that owing to the execution of the two Bhowanipur Schemes there has been a substantial rise in land value, and enhanced the Collector’s award by Rs 2,706. The claimant was allowed his costs.

ROOSEVELT’S DEATH

Mr. Roosevelt died from a lodgment of a clot of blood on the lung. He died in his sleep. Nobody was present. The late colonel was apparently in good health and excellent spirits forty-eight hours previously. The profound sorrow prevalent throughout the United States is expressed equally by his political friends and antagonists. The suddenness of the event shocked Washington, where the Supreme Court and Congress are being adjourned as a token of respect. Flags at the White House and other public buildings and on warships are flying at half-mast. In deference to the family’s wishes the funeral will be private.

SIR GEORGE BUCHANAN

Sir George Buchanan today severed his connection with the Rangoon Port Commissioners, of which he has been Chairman and Chief Engineer since 1901when the Port income was only Rs 9 lakhs. When he was on deputation at the end of 1910 the income, even in a war year, was Rs 50 lakhs. The Commissioners presented him with an illuminated address referring to the valuable and important work he did for the port and expressing their good wishes for his and Lady Buchanan’s future welfare. The address was presented in a handsome silver casket. In his reply Sir George said he relinquished his connection with port with the greatest regret, and alluded to the problems yet to be solved and the leeway due to war conditions to be made up. He said, now that the air is full of reform schemes and the discussion of reform schemes it is fairly obvious that Port Commission will be carried along with the municipality and other public bodies on their march to self-government and independence.

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