THE PEARL TRADE

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, As is well known, owing to extraordinary circumstances the Government of India prohibited the export of pearls; but conditions have changed altogether since that decision was come to, and it is absolutely necessary in the interests of traders and many other parties concerned that the Government should reconsider their decision. Now things are returning to their normal state, and the Allied Governments are removing all restrictions on trade one by one. The revival of the pearl trade would considerably ease the exchange situation. Besides, considerable money has been locked up in India in stocks held by dealers, and to restore the free circulation of the capital restrictions on the export of pearls should be removed at once. Further, in a very short time another yield of the fisheries will come in and it may thus reduce the money value of the accumulated stock of pearls held by dealers.

AMULAKH M. SHAH.

Apollo Street, Fort, Bombay

THE POLICEMAN’S LOT

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, A few days ago a letter appeared in The Statesman lamenting the lot of European policemen in the superior branches of the service; and the extreme hardships experienced by them in the attempt to live on the small salaries paid, on account of the considerably increased cost of the actual necessities of life in both food and clothing since the last increase of the rates of pay granted in 1906, were admirably pointed out. It was probably no more than a coincidence, but a few days after the publication of that letter a Government communication granting a further increase in the rates of pay was published. Though I do not in any way wish to deprecate the necessity for this increase to members of the superior service, I certainly think the time has come when something should also be done to better the unenviable lot of the European reserve inspector. Though paid so poorly, a policeman, the reserve inspector included is supposed to “so live that he be free from debt and thereby beyond temptation.”

AN EX-RESERVE INSPECTOR.

THE ADEN FIELD FORCE

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, It is the subject of much remark by those who have been through the campaign that no despatch has yet been issued by the G.O.C., Major-General Stewart, regarding the doings of that little band of heroes of the Aden Field Force. It is well known that the Turks broke into Lahej, the territory of a friendly Sultan, and then proceeded to Sheik Othman, British territory, ten miles by road from Aden. After reinforcements were brought from Egypt the enemy was driven back to Lahej in 1915 and there he remained till he surrendered the other day. The battle of Sheik Othman, it is computed, was very much longer than that of Verdun. Seeing that the troops went through a hard time, enduring the heat, sand and deadly monotony of this war in Aden, it appears to reasonable people that some recognition and explanation is due to all the officers and men who were instrumental in keeping the flag flying in this Cinderella of the East.

BRASSO.