CHINESE GAMBLING HOUSES.

Evening Star, Issue 3815, 17 May 1875, Page 3

CHINESE GAMBLING HOUSES.

These “ bells ” seem to flourish up-country. The Chinaman who committed suicide at Bendigo a couple ef days ago did so in a fit of despondency consequent on having lost all his money in the gambling establishment that is planted in that township, and concerning which the Bendigo correspondent of the * Cromwell Argus ’ writes“ I was not aware of the existence of a gambling house in our very midst, open and accessible at all hours of the day and night, until lost Sunday. Ajs I was walking post the building with au acquaintance, I inquired what was doing there. “ Come in," said he, “ and you will see.” I accordingly entered the den, the atmosphere cf which reeked with a mixed odor of opium, baked pork, and cocoonutoil. Turning down on our left, through a passage dividing suites of smoking-rooms, I entered tno inner temple, where, to my astonishment, I saw several of our local magnates occupying places of honor, and mingling: in perfect harmony and goodfellowship with the “heathen Chinee" and a few specimens of the genus “larrikin.” The Chinamen of course predominated, but all exhibited the same eager anxiety and nervous interest in the swindle. The place was perfectly crowded, and all were crushing towards the table, which was the only piece of furniture I could discover. On lookmgnp, I noticed Chinamen roosting all along the tie-beams, and othe.ra clinging in a dexterous nuinnCT to the rafters, all their attention seemingly riveted on the table. The enterprising proprietor must be doing a very snug business, as even the fair sex honors the crib with its patronage."