The failure of the ordinary rains in India is, we
fear, pro- ducing a serious situation. At a meeting of the Legislative Connell in Simla on Thursday Mr. Woodburn acknowledged that distress would probably be sharp in about half of the ,North-West Provinces and the Punjab and throughout the old kingdom of Cade. That means, on a rough calculation, a region inhabited by thirty millions of people. Both he himself and the Viceroy deprecated panic and exaggeration, but it is evident that they think the danger imminent and serious. Preparations are already made for relief works, considerable grants have been made to the local Govern- ments, and all subordinate authorities have been directed to show energy in collecting supplies. Fortunately there is no failure of crops in Southern India, and the surprising fact has been discovered that wheat from California can be delivered in Kurrachee at rates which the people can pay. Delivery from Kurrachee is, however, rather slow. It is, indeed, the problem of delivery which will embarrass the Indian Government. They can get wheat from a dozen different sources—England for one—but the wheat must be distributed into villages accustomed to grow their own food, and divided by the breadth of kingdoms from the railway centres. Light tramways are the things wanted, but how they are to be laid in the time we do not see. That the Govern- ment will do all that a Government familiar with huge com- missariat problems can do is certain, but distress for food among millions so scattered would tax the German S taff.
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