OCCASIONAL NOTE

A notable appeal, even in these days of sacrifice and mutual help, is made to the princes and people of India in the letter signed by Viscountess Northcliffe and Lady Hall which appears in today’s issue of The Statesman.

It relates to a scheme under which a vast quantity of pearls and other valuable jewels are being collected so as to form, as it were, one gigantic necklace which is eventually to be sold, and the proceeds given to the British Red Cross Society to further its beneficent work in caring for sick and wounded soldiers throughout the Empire.

Already, it will be seen, 1,500 pearls have been contributed, the donors including Queen Mary, Queen Alexandra and Princess Victoria, the President of the Appeal Committee.

There is a special appropriateness in the extension of the appeal to India, which has always been celebrated for the value and variety of its gems, and which now has a unique opportunity of proving its generosity and its sympathy with the noble work of the Red Cross.

While pearls will doubtless be the most prominent feature of the great necklace, gifts of jewels of every kind will be welcomed, and thus it will be open literally to millions to contribute, for most people in India who are even moderately well-to-do wear jewellery, and many of them are extremely wealthy in this respect. The credit of India is at stake, and those who know her best are most confident of her response to this appeal.

MAHOMEDAN EDUCATION

At the Bombay Presidency Mahomedan Educational Conference, the following resolutions were adopted:- That the conference was of opinion that there should be an increase of pay for teachers employed in primary schools, and that the number of free studentships in secondary schools be raised from 15 to 25 per cent; that the University be urged to hold examinations twice a year, and that students be examined on subjects they may have been plucked in the previous examination; that rooms be reserved for Mahomedan students in colleges, as also a room in which such students may say their prayers; that Anglo-Urdu middle schools be established in each district, and a high school in each division and that administrative powers be given to special Mahomedan deputies; that an Educational Inspector should be appointed for Urdu schools, and that the Government be requested to discontinue the text examination for admission to the training college.

FIGHTING NEAR ARCHANGEL

A telegram from Moscow, via Berlin, states that M. Trotzky, in an order, says that the members of the Archangel Soviet who ran away to save their skins are traitors. They are punishable with death and shall be arrested.

Reuter’s correspondent at Archangel, telegraphing on the 4th of August, says the Bolsheviks last night occupied Isattogorke, the next station to Archangel, with reinforcements, but were driven out this forenoon by White Guards.

Search parties of peasants are bringing in numerous Red Guards found hiding in districts farther south who are revolting against the Bolsheviks.

BURMA’S WAR LOAN TRAIN

The War Loan special train today made progress round the suburban line, passing along Strand Road and stopping at various points. A total of Rs 6,24,250 was sold in War Bonds and Cash Certificates, making the two days total over Rs 30,56,000, a result far beyond expectations.

The Bombay Burma Trading Corporation today bought two lakhs’ worth. The method adopted of handing over the scrip against cash without delay or formality greatly impressed the small native purchaser. Tomorrow the train starts on a four days’ journey to Prome, stopping at all stations.

MADRAS HOTEL TRAGEDY

With reference to the report that Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy were the victims of a tragedy in a hotel in Madras, on investigation by the Chintadripet Division Police under Inspector Moss, it transpires now that they were not Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy but Mr. and Mrs. Kearley.

It is understood that Mr. Kearley was an engineer. After taking his course in the Military College at Rurkee he was working at Mardan, Rissalpore where he is said to have deserted from the army.

He was subsequently traced to Calcutta in connection with his marriage with Miss Curtis, who shared the same fate in madras as befell her husband owing to his troubles.