LUNA PARK

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 566, 19 January 1929, Page 14

LUNA PARK

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS The numerous amusement devices at Luna Park continue to be well patronised during: the present warm weather. Healthy out-door entertainment is provided to suit all ages. The latest attraction at the park, the tight-rope walking act by “Blondin,” is proving of much interest, as also is the “Auto Silodrome,” a unique motor-cycle speeding device. The scenic railway, the river caves and ether devices are receiving a full share of partonage, while the Palais I)e Danse is popular with dancers. CHINESE TONG MOVEMENT BACKGROUND FOR NEW PICTURE The Chinese in New Zealand have their own benefit and social clubs, but as yet the peace of the country has not been menaced by such organisations. as the Tongs which started, in America over a century ago, and still flourish. It is the ‘wars” between various factions that form the novel background to the latest Wallace Beery, Florence Vidor picture to be produced at the Paramount studio, titled “The Tong War.” Chinese Tongs were, at first, mutual protection societies, and were organised originally on the Californian goldfields in 1860. There were only two Tongs at the start, the On Leongs and Hop Sings, but as the years passed more and more of the societies sprang up. Soon the Tongs developed into nothing more than gangs intent on the destruction of the other. Then started the Tong: “wars.” which were a series of internecine conflicts and gang lights. Many of the later organisations came about through competing gambling interests. the Tong being organised round the game and its owner or owners, as a protective measure.