The conference between the Hon’ble Mr. Maude, Member of the local Council, and Mr. Gandhi is reported to be the result of a deputation of Planters Association waiting on the Government at Ranchi last week. It is reported that the deputation urged before the Government that the inquiry which is being carried on now has created great stir and agitation amongst the ryots and asked that either this inquiry should be stopped or in the alternative the Government should appoint a commission including representatives of planters and ryots to hold a public inquiry. The Muzzaferpore branch of the European Defence Association have also through their parent body in Calcutta submitted a representation to the Government of India on the subject.
In the meantime news has been received from Motihari of a factory at Olaha, an outwork of a huge indigo concern known as Tarkaulia concern, having been completely burnt down by fire, involving loss of thousands of rupees, and planters suspect it is a case of incendiarism.
What happened at the conference between Mr. Maude and Mr. Gandhi has not transpired but it is understood that Mr. Gandhi intended to continue his enquiry.
