OUR TROOPS ABROAD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1846, 29 June 1918, Page 3

OUR TROOPS ABROAD.

WITH THE 35th. REINFORCE-

MENTS

AT A PORT OF CALL,

Of the many ports of call touched by our boys on their way to and from the Front, there are probably none so interesting or fascinating ns that visited'by the 35th Reinforcements a few days ago. Several previous reinforcements have called at this place, but so little has been heard concerning it that a brief account of experiences there may be of interest.

The joys of another port arc passed, and we are now settled down to a further spell of life at sea. We had all eagerly looked forward to getting a ran ashore at that port, and when, after arrival there, it was’ announced that leave would he granted from 8.30 a.ra. until 0 p.m., everyone was quite jubilant. To those who had not visited this place before it was a real novelty. In the first place the blacks hovering around our transport called for much attention, many of them having brought curios from the shore in order that they might catch some of the new arrivals unawares. However, business was slack, as most of us had been warned as to the swindling powers of the natives. Secondly, their dress and their many other peculiarities, as well as the manner in which they worked, was an education. In the harbour there was much to attract attention—several warships, numerous Dutch steamers (now taken over by the British authorities); quite a fleet of old-time Chinese vessels; Catamarans (a peculiar vessel used by the natives, chiefly for fishing purposes); barges; and many other interesting craft. Another feature was the number of police patrol boats in the harbour, all persons other than soldiers having to be in possession of a pass endorsed by the Harbour Police before going on shore.

BARGAINING WITH THE NATIVES.

On reaching the town, one is immediately struck by the tremendous number of natives in the streets, and no sooner has a new arrival made his appearance than he is besieged on all sides by natives, most of whom possess a fairly good vocabulary of the English language, and each one intent on doing business. So attractive arc some of the shops that one is almost compelled to stop and inspect. And once a person stops his troubles commence. The natives Hock round with various articles, all doing their utmost to secure custom. Then, too, rickshaw men arrive on the scene, together with newsboys (selling’ Ihe local newspapers —very small edititons —for 4d and (id), guides, motor car agents, and the like. This goes on all day unless one is fortunate enough to get away from “the maddening crowd”; and although it is somewhat amusing, one feels inclined in use a cane, fist, or boot, freely. In any case it is only by making some threat that the unlives will disperse.' If they don't, then one is compelled to resort to violence.

The articles offered for sale are many and various, and of sneh a. nature that one hardly knows when to discontinue purchasing, unless, of course, his resources won’t hold mil any longer, which is very often the case. There are many thousands of different kinds of curios, silks, jewellery, etc., and apparently no fixed price is attached to the articles, the dealer being content to ask “your very best price, mister,” in the hope that it may be suitable to him. If it does not come up to his expectations he gives Iris price —ln most eases about six times as much as yon are prepared to pay.Howevely by using a little tact, he can, bo brought down very considerably, and you leave satisfied that you have made a “bargain.” ,A few personal experiences will serve to prove this: — In one place a. native dealer wanted 17s (12 rupees) for a box of cigars. I managed to purchase the box for 3s, At another shop some erepe-de-chene was placed before me. “How much?” I asked. “Twelve-an’-six yard,” was the native’s reply. Eventually I brought him down to 4s 6d per yard. It’s just the same with jewellery. Along with many other articles, some beautiful necklaces were shown me, and selecting what appeared to be a genuine article, I asked his price. He made reply something after the following manner, all the while holding the necklace in such a position as to show it to best advantage: —“This very good, mister; best moonstones, very best gold; you take Noo Zealan’ get p’raps five or six pound. Give me your very best bargain price.” I offered him 10s, with the result that he laughed and remarked that it was not brass. Calling me aside, he whispered in my ear: “I let you have it : for three pound.” I had taken a fancy to the article, but considered its value in that country to be less than half the amount requested. The deal concluded as follows: — “I’ll give you fifteen shillings.” “Oh, no! You very hard man, I think.” “All right, keep it!” As I turned to leave the shop, he called: “That your very best bargain price, mister?” “Yes,” I replied. “All right; for good luck I let you have it,” and he handed me the necklace, These natives do not like to lose custom, and when they see a likely buyer turning to go they will invariably come down to the price offered* So, from these few instances you can see that one needs to be acquainted with the business methods of these people

before making any purchase, olhorwisco there is a liability of being considerably out of pocket after a day among such keen business men as these natives.

Apart from the native plnees of business there are a number of European warehouses and shops, mostly larger places than those occupied by the natives, while some of the public buildings and hotels are fine places, quite equal to any of New Zealand's best. So keen are the business men that after selling articles they ask the purchaser for his card, or a recommendation, in order to secure the custom of any New Zealanders whomay happen to call there at some future date, When one goes into a shop, the native brings out a bundle of cards, making such remarks as, “You see, me sell Sir Joseph Ward. You know him?” and lie produces Sir Joseph’s card; also those of many other well-known New Zealanders who have called there. DEMAND FOR GOLD. Another point worthy of mention is that the natives are very anxious to receive payment in gold, while money-changers are to be seen in various part of the town. On the occasion of our recent visit there, was a keen demand for gold, and some of the troops .received as much' as 24s for a sovereign. Once a sov-i ereign is left at this place it probably goes no farther, .perhaps to a. melting pot.

VEHICLES IN USE. As to modes of conveyance, the town is well up-to-date, having a good electric tramway service, while motor cars are rapidly taking the place of horse carriages. However, the ricksha is a vehicle that will always remain a novelty, and our troops found much enjoyment in riding about in th£ rickshas during the day ashore. THE NATIVE QUARTERS. Not only is the interest of the place contined to the natives and their business methods, but there is much else worthy of note. In the native quarters, an area even more thickly populated that the town, the buildings and dwelling places are of a more or less antiquated type. One can here see native life in its lower form; the habits of all arc dirty, while everywhere the peculiar odours, so noticeable in all native tropical towns, are even more pronounced than in the town itself. And no wonder, when one passes, in close proximity, such places ns fish markets, fruit markets, native confeclionery shops, and the like, with hundreds of dirty men, women, and children sitting and standing about the premises. Animals and poultry wander about in and out of the places, probably recognised members of the family. With people living under such conditions, everything points to the fact that such places as these are the root of (he terrible diseases ■ which break out among the natives. ' • 1

AMONG THE PALAIS. A trip to the outskirts of the town a (fords an appreciable, change. Life is somewhat different, and it is here, that one lias a glimpse of the beautiful Oriental scenery. For miles and miles cocoanut palms grow in profusion, while there is an abundance of Indian shrubs and undergrowth, giving the atmosphere a freshness that is welcome after the stuffy town. The residences are quite attractive in these parts, the designs being many and various, and not a few of them quaint. Most attractive, however, are the Indian temples, mosques, churches, and schools, whore groups .of natives, mostly Mohammedans, in special attire, can be seen worshipping or studying.

In addition to the foregoing, there is much else of interest in and around the town; and altogether our troops had a most enjoyable and interesting day ashore. Time was limited, but it afforded all those who had hitherto been practically in the dark as to the outside world a great opportunity of getting an insight into the life of the natives of the East.

It was quite amusing to watch the troops returning to the ship with their purchases—some with large bunches of bananas, some with pineapples and other fruit, some Carrying model Catamaranas, while almost everyone had a parcel of some .description, in most eases containing articles that would be treasured by the friends and relatives for whom they were no doubt intended. PRAISE FOR THE TROOPS.

The behaviour of the troops whilst on shore was all that could be desired, as may be judged from the following extracts from Routine Orders (by Capt. R. J. R. Seddon, O.C. Troops):— Par. 3. Review by the 6.Q.C. — The G.O.C. Ceylon (General Hackett-Thomson), after reviewing the Reinforcements at ——— yesterday, requested the O.C. to convey his great pleasure at having had the opportunity of seeing New Zealand Troops at r , and furthermore, expressed his delight with the appearance of all ranks after the day on shore. In addition, the General stated that, having had New Zealand soldiers, of whom he was proud, under him in the late South African campaign, he considered the 35th Reinforcements to be worthy chips of the old block. Par. 4. Appreciation.—The O.C. desires to state his appreeiation of the manner in which all ranks conducted themselves when ashore at —— yesterday. The behaviour was not only a credit to this reinforcement, but to the country of our birth (New Zea-

land), and will benefit the reinforcemeats to follow us. Such good conduct shall be taken into consideration, and will carry great weight when considering leave to be granted from time to time.