OCCASIONAL NOTE

The Kalimpong Homes, like the poor, we have always with us, and with the steady expansion of the work there is naturally a corresponding increase in the cost of upkeep.

In a letter which will be found elsewhere, Sir Archy Birkmyre, Chairman of the Calcutta Committee, and Mr. W.R. Gourlay, President of the Board of Management, appeal for two lakhs of rupees, which it is proposed to divide between four important heads of expenditure, the chief of which is the establishment of a hostel in Calcutta for the boys who find work in Calcutta after completing their school course.

“The war has increased the urgency for the hostel,” write Sir Archy Birkmyre and Mr. Gourlay, “as of the hundred and more old Homes boys in the Army, a considerable number, who went direct from school, will have to be placed out in civil life after the war.”

The other special schemes for which money is asked are a working capital fund, an adequate playing field, and a war prices fund. Nearly half the money asked for has already been subscribed in London, and it may be confidently predicted that Calcutta will not be behindhand in its support of a cause which has always lain near its affections.

That the two lakhs asked for will be subscribed in full may, therefore, be taken almost for granted, but there is no reason why an even larger sum should not be raised, as Dr. Graham and his colleagues will unquestionably be able to find an excellent use for every penny entrusted to them.

WORK OF HIGH COURT AFFECTED

Ample evidence was afforded at the High Court on Monday of the rapid manner in which the influenza epidemic is spreading in Calcutta and attacking all classes indiscriminately.

All the Judges took their seats as usual, but many pleaders and barristers, were absent. In a case before Mr. Justice Chaudhuri, counsel informed the Court that more than half of those in the office of the attorney instructing him were unable to attend work.

The work of the Sessions Court was brought to a sudden close by reason of an Anglo-Indian juror being attacked with fever. This was in the kidnapping case which has been occupying the attention of Mr. Justice Fletcher and a common jury for four days.

No other case being ready to be taken up immediately his lordship was obliged adjourn the court. In the secretarial departments of the High Court there are a good many absentees and the same is the case with most of the solicitors.

BUFFALO RUNS AMOK AT HOWRAH STATION

On Wednesday morning the Government Railway Police at Howrah, received information that a buffalo which had run amok and injured several coolies working on the lines at the south cabin was proceeding towards Howrah station, from the Sulkea side.

Sergeant Hayes of the Railway Police made for No. 2 platform which the animal had already reached and attempted to lasso it but failed. The buffalo charged the Sergeant, who escaped by jumping on to an empty brake standing at No. 1 platform.

The infuriated animal next made for the shunting yard, but appeared again on No. 10 platform. The Parcel Express had just arrived and vendors were busy taking delivery of the goods when the animal charged, scattering them in all directions.

The buffalo next smashed a weighing machine, proceeded to the third class booking office. The animal’s mad carrier was eventually brought to an end in the ghee shed, where Inspector Macdonald of the Railway Police had arrived with a revolver. It took several shots to kill the buffalo. The injured men, half a dozen in number, were removed to the Howrah Hospital.

COMMISSIONS FOR INDIANS

The following Press communiqué is issued:- The Government of India have had under consideration for some time past proposals for the grant of commissions to Indians.

Expression was given to their views by His Excellency the Viceroy in his speech at the War Conference at Delhi, and these views were at once communicated to His Majesty’s Government, but the latter’s pre-occupation with other matters has delayed their reply.

This reply has now been received, and it is to the effect that His Majesty the King-Emperor has decided to grant. A certain number of substantive King’s Commissions in the army to selected Indian officers who have specially distinguished themselves in the present war.

A certain number of King’s commissions conferring honorary rank in the Indian army to selected Indian officers who have rendered distinguished service, not necessarily during the present war, and who, owing to age or lack of educational qualifications are not eligible for substantive King’s commissions. Such honorary commissions will carry with them special advantages in respect of pay and pension.