ELTHAM.
(From Cur Own Correespondent.) Eltliam, September 3. Mr. Pierce de Launay, who is probably now somewhere in France, forwards an interesting letter to Jdr- C. B. Martin, in which he says that whilst at Colombo he Has enabled to go ashore, and he describes the day spent there. They were Bent ahead of the_ptlier men. and inarched to four outposts, some distance away from each other, thus forming a square and preventing the soldiers getting out of 'bounds. After the troops reached the Y.M.C.A. building they were dismissed. The institution has a fine building, where one can buy fruit, meals, curios, etc., at the legitimate prices, whereas buying from the natives one is sure to be had Very little walking jvas done by the
whites; if only to go'for a 100 yds, one whistled for a rickshaw, and for a tenminutes' run 10 cents was charged, and as it takes C cents to equal a penny, riding is not very expensive, even if you are not free from the cadging pests who run alongside. Referring to the Cinnamon Gardens, he says words fail to describe the palm groves, lovely Oriental fiowers, and curious shrubs, amongst t't'ssc being the cinnanion, coffee, rubber,' and eucalyptus trees. No soldiers being located here, the police headed for the B'hndd'.st Kalini Temple, and had a look at "his nibs" from the open door. To rater would have meant taking on" 'boots, ro they did not trouble. The guide showed them another part of the temple and a book presented <hy the late King Ed war V also a le tter from the Mayor of the town statjng that the priests" of tliis religion were educating and doing a lot of good for the black race and would the reader contribute towards same, so «.'c threw in a day's pay. We were told thn natives can live well on 2-5 cents per week ('l'/td), and as education is equally cheap, one of them will lie a mass of education on my contribution. The temple is about one mile from the gardens, so. after shouting for the little coon that was dragging us about, we headed him off for the real bfack quarter. Here the streets were very narrow, mid the houses are better deescribd as hovcK Rickshaws were only able to tmvel at a walking pace owing to the howling, jabbering, seething men. women, and children. It was very difficult to tell Hie men from the women, owing to both sexes wearing their hair long and dressing the same. Whilst there, n, black rushed out of a- shop saying he would give 23s for a sovereign. This was all right, so we parted with a couple; IS per cent, on your money will do me. In the fruit area we sampled many varieties never feard of before. The ground covered nhont half an acre, and was chockful of fruit—pineapples, five for' Gil; bananas, three stalks for Is, each stalk having nbont eight dozen on it, but they are smaller than wo are used to in New Zealand. Before leaving. I cashed one hipee note (U 4d),'equal to 100 cents, info 5-cent pieces (a square nickel com), and then threw these into the air. My word, there was a scramble, much like what-you see at a picture show. Scenting possible trouble through the mix-up after the coins, we left, and hope by tins time tlu-v have decided the ownership of the various coins—and mixed fruit. The White population is stated to be 7000 and the Hack 3<W.fioo. Pierce conclude* his letter by stating the nights at sea were being tempered with steady breezes, and ilso desired to be remembered to his numerous friends in EHham and districtMr. George Cullen, who lias been foretnnn of the Eltham Borough Council for quit* a number at years, left for Wellington this morning, where he takes tip a similar position at Eastbourne. Another old Elthaniite has also taken his departure, Mr. C Straek having decided to take up farm work in Midhirst district. This decision has been partly with the desire to assist his son, who lias fcLnrned from the front and is not enjoying the best of health, and it is to be hoped a change to outdoor employmiMit will restore his shattered health.' Before leaving the council's employ. Mr." Straek was presented with a small memento from his comrades, the overseer (Mr. Burle) making the presentation and wishing him every success in bis new sphere. Mr. K Parrott wa9 a passenger for Wellington this morning, and expects Nj be away until the end of the week.
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Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1918, Page 8
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768ELTHAM. Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1918, Page 8
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