TRAFFIC REGULATION

To The Editor Of The Statesman

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SIR, – The increase of motor traffic in Calcutta causes one to regard overhead railways as a possibility of the near future. The congestion is great and the pedestrian has difficulties to face when passing over crossings. One mistake made in regulating the traffic is that vehicles when coming from side streets into Chowringhee are allowed to draw up to the edge of the road, thus blocking the way for foot-passengers. Should not all vehicles halt clear of the crossing so that foot passengers may not unnecessarily be delayed? Undoubtedly great credit is due to the police for the manner in which they control traffic in general, but the greatest controller of all is the bullock-gharriwallah. This worthy individual makes it almost impossible for the car sprinter to show off his fine points to the suffering public. Let us be thankful that this brake on top speed is with us; spare him your adjectives; and let some benevolent committee award a badge to him who moves most slowly but surely.

D.P.T.

Calcutta.

TAXATION AND THE MARRIED MAN

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – It is a very noticeable fact that there is nothing done practically for the family man in India. Yet if the Government only used a little common sense it would I am sure save the funds a great deal of unnecessary expense and thus reduce our taxes. For instance, if the lot of the family man had been ameliorated by helping him to meet the high prices in clothing and education, the dissatisfaction in all the Services would not have been so great. It required the money down in the right place promptly; whereas now all-round increases (permanent) have been granted in most of the Services, the bachelor receiving the same as the man who perhaps has six or seven children. It is obvious the former has “made,” as the saying goes, and the latter – well, to put it mildly, he has not been satisfied. But the point is – what was it Government set out to accomplish? Have they succeeded?

A SUBSCRIBER.

Etawah.

BANGALORE WAR MEMORIAL

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – I understand that the site for the Bangalore War Memorial has been selected and that the Hon. Mr. Cobb, British Resident, has offered to obtain a suitable design from an English expert. Does this mean that Mr. Cobb intends asking an expert in England to send out a design, I wonder? If so, what is wrong with our own architects in this country that they are not capable of designing the Memorial? Most of the architects in India at the present time are Fellows of the Royal Institute of British Architects and fully qualified men who know the conditions of this country absolutely. These men, most of them, have to stay in the plains all the year round, and is it fair when a choice job like this comes along that they should be put aside and a man in England, who knows nothing of the conditions of India, is given the work?

T.C.I.

Simla