THE FLOODS IN NORTH BENGAL

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – Before the public subscribe to the piteous appeal, for cash and cloth, by the Bengal Social Service League, under the above heading, in your issue of the 15th instant, I might inform them, that there is any amount of cash to be earned by work, for these destitute Bengalis, on the tea gardens of Cachar and Sylhet, where a man can earn at least 8 annas daily. They would be provided with comfortable houses, and a hospital with medical attendance free. I would suggest that the Bengal Social Service League approach the Garden Managing Agents in Calcutta on this matter, going to these people with cash, they should bring them in challans to our gardens, to earn “good cash for good work.” There need be no suffering in Bengal, through famine caused by floods or drought for anyone able to work. I am prepared to take 500 of these people, provided the “Relief Workers” supervise them, and get them to do as good work as our coolies.

PRACTICAL PLANTER.

Sylhet.

THE CLOTH FAMINE IN BENGAL

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – I was glad to find in your editorial columns a reference to the miserable conditions of respectable villagers in many districts of Bengal on account of the cloth famine. Anyone who has lived in close contact with the villagers knows that the picture given in the Ramkrishna Mission report is substantially true. The evidence is abundant and the suicides mentioned have been authenticated. The worst is by no means over and the evil is every day increasing. Your editorial appeals for charity, but there is a still higher and stronger claim – the appeal of justice. In the jute districts, where the distress is very great indeed, out of the jute thus bought jute merchants have been making fabulous profits years after year. In England, all this is called by one simple name – war-profiteering. In a war like this, which is declared to be fought on behalf of the oppressed and the helpless, it is a hateful thing that the poor should be made to suffer and the rich should grow richer out of the very poverty of the poor.

C.F. ANDREWS.

ROAD HOGS IN CALCUTTA

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, -As Mr. Hobbs and other of your correspondents say, it is time something were done to stop the disgraceful driving which exists in Calcutta. I have been rather interested in this and have given a certain amount of attention to the motor traffic problem. My suggestion is that careful records be kept by the police of all reports against drivers and the owners who employ them and that after a car belonging to one of these private taxi owners has been reported, say, 3 times for road hogging, the police not only fine him (the driver), and stop his licence, but that they also cancel the licence of the taxi owner. I would also suggest that the police publish at intervals their rules concerning main roads and bye-roads. Any day you may see private cars going full speed up Theatre Road and crossing Camac Street, without slackening speed or sounding their horns. A few more special constables, and more drastic fines will help a good deal.

A.S.