CALCUTTA’S NEED OF AN AERODROME

To The Editor Of The Statesman

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SIR, – The want of an aerodrome at Calcutta strikes a business man as a serious matter in these days of rapid progression and more especially so after he has made a flight over the city. Every other city of note in India has its aerodrome, but Calcutta – a natural stopping place on the route from Europe to Rangoon, Singapore and Australia – has none. While flying today it became clear that the Dum Dum site is an ideal one, and as it is Government property one cannot help wondering why Government does not make it over at once, so that it may not be said that the metropolis of the East is minus up-to-date arrangements. Dum Dum with its splendid communications is eminently the spot which will keep Calcutta its place as the most progressive city in India. It is up to the Government to forget Delhi awhile and make Dum Dum the homing place of the Handley-Page aeroplane which we call Calcutta’s own.

HEAVIER THAN AIR.

Calcutta.

MISSIONS IN BENGAL

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – In view of the very serious situation caused by the adverse exchange, may I suggest that a joint appeal be issued by all the Protestant Societies working in Bengal and Assam? Every one of us is suffering, and the danger is that if each individual Society makes its own public appeal, the ones not so well known amongst us, but doing equally good work, will suffer the most. I am thinking just now of a small mission on the Himalayan Hills where the missionaries are on the point of being unable to feed themselves. May I very earnestly suggest that individual appeals should cease for the present until all may join together in one body; and surely those of our Indian friends who have personally benefited through missionary institutions, and who may, incidentally, have much to thank the Missionary Societies for the atmosphere which has made this possibly, will not fail to help us.

A MISSIONARY SUFFERER.

Calcutta.

THE HOUSING QUESTION

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – Your readers have been horrified by the awful revelations presented by the Domiciled Community Committee, and they have also been edified and delighted with the prospect held out by the Regent and other building companies which are aiming at providing new and attractive suburbs. The Mutual Provident Building Company is also preparing a scheme for a snug little colony with its own club house and recreation ground. It is, however, at present the only company which is tackling the problem of re-housing the people on a comprehensive scale with an eye to helping those who, though not rich, are prepared to help themselves. The “Mutual” has prepared schemes to suit both the well-to-do and those whose salaries are small, who are paying rents beyond their means and yet have no prospect of rising to any better position than mere tenant.

W.H. PHELPS.

Chairman.