AFGHAN METHODS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 107, 13 August 1910, Page 10

AFGHAN METHODS.

Ernest Thornton, an Englishman for some time employed at Kabul in the organisation of the Amir's tannery and boot factory, 'has, with the aid of his wife, written an interesting book dealing with their experiences. The Amir of Afghanistan was very friendly towards the Thorntons, and particularly appreciated Mrs. Thornton's English cooking. His favorite dish was treacle pudding. When he first sampled this delicacy he was so pleased that he had a portion instantly conveyed to his brother-in-law, who after an exhausting day at court had to be roused out of his sleep to taste the royal bounty. "The Amir favors 'English fashions in clothes and occasionally brings a tailor from India to replenish his royal wardrobe. "After such a revision his Majesty spends days in sorting his discarded suits, hosiery, gloves, etc., into lots. When at last they are ready he will call up one of his page-boys and, pointing to a lot, say: Ton may have those for thirty rupees, and you'—beckoning to another luckless one—'may take these for eight rupees.' The young fellows have no alternative, and therefore pay and remove their bundles without murmuring as the Amir proceeds with hia sale.

"One day the Government fur-keeper came into court and told the Amir that many thousands of astrakhan skins were lying in the stores and not improving there. Hebibullah Khan pondered a few moments, then remarked loudly, 'All my subject who love me will wear black astrakhan hats!' "Nobody was allowed inside the arrie next day without a black hat. By night every scrap of astrakhan was sold." There are some gruesome stories of Afghan justice. The Amir had given Orders that owing to the scarcity of timber three trees'should be planted where one was felled. One day a poor man came up to be tried for breaking a bough off a Government tree by the road near to the leather works. He was asked why he did it. "Sahib," said he, "I had no wood to bake bread with." The Amir was not satisfied with the excuse. Fortunately the man did not live for further torture. A baker who sold short weight was baked in his own oven. A moolah, disaproving of the Amir's proposed visit to India, prophesied that he would never return. The rash priest was summoned to wie royal presence and asked whether he had really made the observation alleged. The moolah, knowing there had been plenty of witnesses present when he had made these remarks, said :"Yes, it is true. I did say so." '"Then say it again now," was the command. The priest repeated his statements, and as he finished them Amir Habibullah cried: "Do not speak another word!" Sending for a tailor, he made him sew up the lips of the moolah, saying: "His mouth shall not be opened should I return safely; but should I fail to return, open his mouth and proclaim him a true prophet throughout Afghanistan."