The British Somali Recruits.

Manawatu Herald, 16 May 1903, Page 3

The British Somali Recruits.

♦- A florewpondent with, the Bohotleh HffiWmJri Somaliland gives a picaccount of th# recruits drawn by the British from the friendly tribes. The Somali m uniform on* parade, we ard told, looks smart and serviceable; his uniform il distinctly attractive, being composed of a pair of khaki “ aborts with a dull green jersey over-all, strapped with leather on bow ehouldeni dack biue putties, Somali shoes, anA a red fez with black tassel. On a special occasion he wears a kbaki blouse, and be carries the small arms and accoutrements as the Indian sepoy, the rifle being the .808 with the Martini action. On parade’ he is wraped in a white “ tohe," which, together with a pair of Temali shoes, comprises his sole covering. Hb isdeoidedlyintelligent, and learns his drill with great facility, considering that all the words of command am in English, and his officers do not speak the Somali language. The “khaki” iever has affected the children, and it is not uncommon, says this correspondent, to see groups of boys armed with sticks, going through military movements quite. acerbately. They have picked up the drill and even - the words of commend by watching the levies on parade. The average Somali has unbounded confidence in . himself. But he is rather effeminate. ' t< gi' a toilet is a constant source of anxiety to himself," we are told, k una the pains he will take to curl his crisp black hair by the application of various substances to his head • is incredible. He is fond of finery, is of luxurious and indolent habits, ; end keeps up an incessant fire of chatter. He is grasping, and in the ‘ matter of food is greedy. Timid in the presence 6! a European, he is fiaily excited and quickly loses bis

head.” The Somali’s chief pastime is dancing, but the dance consists in a great deal of violent stamping, accompanied by clapping of hands and a weird and monotonous wail. The most successful dancers are those who raise most dust. Somali women do not dance; they do not even Smile. The men hold them in complete subjection, and treat them with very small consideration. So far the levies have been rather unsteady under fire, but they promise, with training, to develop into useful soldiers.