WOMAN’S VISIT TO LHASA

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1924, Page 1

WOMAN’S VISIT TO LHASA

KALIAIPONG, Bengal, Aug. 0. Alme. Noel, the woman traveller, who recently visited Lusha in disguise, had as her only companion on the journey a Tibetan youth whom she adopted as her son. Instead of money she carried small gold, bars hidden in a waist belt. Once when stopped by Chinese brigands, who began to search her Alme Neel burst into tears when they found a few coins and not only convinced tho brigands that they were taking her all but also prevailed on them to return what they had already taken. She travelled as a beggar-pilgrim, visiting the shrines ill Tibet, and her disguise was so good that it was never detected, even during her two months' residence in Lhasa.

Aline Neel is a tiny, frail-looking woman of GO. She speaks Tibetan like a native. She said the nightly halts in the crowded caravanserais were the most dangerous and trying periods of her journey. Only by steadfastly maintaing her character as a beggarpilgrim was she able to avoid detection. The gold she carried was an additional anxiety, for she was unable to remove her clothes for fear ol someone seeing her hoard. FEW AIEN FOR POLICE. LONDON, August 2. Chief constables and police authorities throughout the country are concerned bv the difficulty in securing recruits for tlio police.

Nottinghamshire Constabulary require ten men ; no fewer than 380 candidates have applied, but only four have proved suitable. The Bristol force needs men, but of GOO applicants only three have passed the medical examination and satisfied other requirements. Candidates-for tho police force must bo of irreproachable character, between 18 and 30 years of age, at least sft Dins, in height and of sound education. The lowest rate of pay is £lB2 per annum and the highest £2,000, cadi with allowances, followed after 25 years’ service by a pension equal to half-pay of tho rank attained, or twothirds pay if another five years are served. Pensions are based on a n per <ent. contributory scheme. Police training is now organised scientifically and big towns like Birmingham. Alniieliesler and Liverpool have training colleges where recruits are taken through a course of police duties.