"ENTHRALLING CITY"

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 105, 28 January 1938, Page 4

"ENTHRALLING CITY"

Miss E. F. Maclean Writes Of Pekin Writing to a friend in Wellington from Pekin, China, Miss E. F. Maclean, Tinakori Road, secretary of the Wellington Women’s Club, gives an interesting description of that beautiful city. At the time of writing she was preparing to leave, as it was getting too cold and everyone was already wrapped up in their wadded clothes. This is an enthralling city, Miss Maclean writes, and besides all the marvels to be seen (which seem never-ending) there is always the glamour of the street life. Rickshaws abound, and you can hire one for a few cents. Almost all the rickshaw boys speak a few words of English. They say there are more titan 30,000 in Pekin. I engaged one for the time I am here, and the boy is “on tap” all day, and night, too, if' necessary, and also acts as my guide. It is very peaceful here, though the town is full of Japanese soldiers. Yesterday afternoon I went, to the Pei Hei.'one of the beautiful artificial lakes, much used by the late Empress as her winter palace. There are three large lakes in Pekin, each one lovelier than the other, and these are full of the glorious pink lotus blossom, and have little boats plying about between the tea-houses on the shores. The town was full of people yesterday for a procession of school children, scholars and apprentices carrying flags to celebrate a big Japanese victory. The city was also decorated with lanterns. They were ordered to do this by the Japanese Government, and it did seem pathetic making the vanquished people do this. The Chinese are rather like children outwardly, and seem to accept things in a passive sort of way, and they are very lovable. The shops are fascinating. Truly the Chinese are a nation of craftsmen. One buys different things in different streets in the Chinese quarter. There Is Jade Street, Embroidery Street, Carpet, Copper, Jewellery, Bead, Fur Streets, and numerous others. Furs are very cheap here.”

From Pekin, Miss Maclean went to Japan, via Kjjrea, and later sailed for Hong-Kong. She expects to return to Wellington about the end of February.