NEW ZEALAND SOLDIERS AT DURBAN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1751, 25 August 1917, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND SOLDIERS AT DURBAN.

A New Zealander who was in Durban recently writes interestingly about that city. He states that the Australians made matters so warm there that when New Zealand soldiers came in later transports they found a number of awkward restrictions imposed. The hotels were closed to them, and only officers and warrant officers are now entitled to enter for a drink, and even then they must possess permits. Naval officers receive similar treatment. Outside the borough boundary is “out of bounds’' for all troops, and no leave is given after 10 p.m. The marine parade, he says, is a beautiful stretch of ocean beach, on which the City Council has spent thousands of pounds, It is lined with deck chairs fur the convenience of people who desire a rest. Side shows hold sway during the week days and nights, and concerts by bands and vocalists arc given in the open air. The place is a living mass of humanity at night. It is a semi-tropical town, and the winter is as warm as a New Zealand summer. Here in winter can lie found the wealthy residents of towns on the higher lands, which they leave to avoid the piercing cold weather. The buildings arc pretentious, though ' not in many cases large. The Town Hall (in which concerts are held on week afternoons and evenings) and the post office are magnificent. The hotels on the beach, too, are very tine, while those in the city are also first-class. “ Altogether it gives one the air of a splendid business place, and I have not seen such a place, since the war broke out where gold is so plentiful. Provided one spends it in the town one can get any quantity from the banks.” The ladies of Durban have a large place ('ailed The Hut, whore they supply tea and cakes and fruit salads to soldiers and sailors for a nominal sum. Other places of recreation are provided for them by various associations, and the Hew Zealander was able to see for himself how greatly the privileges were appreciated. (Soldiers and sailors arc granted free rides in the tramcars except for two hours during the day. The Zulu riehsha runners attract attention an account of their amusing head-dress, while the Kaffirs who coal the boats are also fond of a fancy “rig.” Some of the latter have whistles, and as they run up the gangways make hideous screeching noises, at the same time jostling the others in front, which prevents the workmen slackening off . Permanent coolies get £2 10s a month, whether (hey work or not. There are no white labourers, and the niggers do all the dirty work. Cheap labour can be got in abundance; the blacks are, in fact, the white man's ,slave, and it explains why the city is so well laid out and kept clean. The English Tommies have an aversion to the colonials they meet in South Africa owing to the conduct of one particular contingent of Australians, and have barred them at their canteens.