NEGOMBO

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 130, 28 November 1929, Page 28

NEGOMBO

! TAEADISE OF CEYLON

AN OLD-WORLD TOWN

Negombo is favoured with perhaps the richest soil in Ceylon,- which accounts for the magnificent appearance of the vegetation throughout iho district. ' The luxuriance and variety of the vegetatfon surpass any ether in the island, and every reference to Negombo since the arrival of- Europeans in the fifteenth century has noted this fact. Its products include many exotic fruits from .Java and Malay Peninsula, whilst the indigenous plants and trees include almost the whole flora of Ceylon in the most beautiful combination, writes Major Quinlan in the '' Sun-News Pictorial.'' Here may be seen the Jack and bread fruit amidst the stems of the areca and coconut. The black pepper and betel plants creep up the side of lofty trunks, cinnamon, and a great variety of flowering shrubs fill the spaces, and the charming foliage is blended with a richness that defies description. V It is a concentration of botanical specimens that would delight a disciple of Linnaeus, and is well designated "The Herbarium of Ceylon."

DUTCH LEFT THEIR MARK. Prom the earliest times, and especially under the Dutch and Portuguese, it has been the home of the cinnamon plant, and modern methods of culture have intensified the beauty and productivity of the district. ■The Dutch influence is still to be geon in the architectural features of tho bungalows, and their proverbial genuis for the construction of waterways connecting together the larger saltwater lakes by means of canals. The whole town is a model of neatness and cleanliness befitting its beautiful surroundings. Situated by the sea and overlooking a large lake is the Best House, for such these miniature hotels are called in Ceylon. <- . Here the visitor making a brief visit for the day only, or the resident who prefers a long and peaceful holiday, will find every comfort and such delicacies as unrivalled tropical gardens and

fisheries can afford. The quaintest craft will be seen sailing to and fro in front of the hotel, and the visitor can, if he desires, take part in; the fishing operations and help to land the heavy hauls which daily are distributed all over Ceylon. For Negambo is the chief fishing village of Ceylon, and fish auctions take place each day on the sands. , The visitor will find a never-failing gouree of interest in observing the quaint operations of the fishing industry,' and the remarkable fishes themselves, with their strange shapes a,nd beautiful colours. The number of species caught number no less than six hundred. Of edible fish, the favourite and fortunatelythe most plentiful is the Seer. It is this fish which will grace the breakfast table each morning ajb the Best House. In size and shape it resembles the salmon, but its flesh its white. By some its flavour is thought to be .superior to the salmon.

FISH THAT WAIK. "Amongst the most curious fish brought from the deep is the sawfish. These resemble sharks in the body, .but the head has attached to it a huge flat blade with sharp teeth,projecting on either side. This dangerous Weapon in a full-grown fish of some tvrelve to fourteen feet Jong extends to about five feet in length. With it these monsters charge

amongst shoals of smaller fish, slaying thent right and left and devouring them at leisure. The red fire-fish is of a remarkably brilliant hue. and there are the sword fish, the walking fish with arms and legs by which it crawls on the bottom of the sea, and the dog-fish marked like <). tiger. Sea turtles of largo size are itften captured.. The visitor to Negombo need never feel bored.- Sailing on the lake is one of the- pleasantest recreations imaginable, and the bathing is delightful. In the town also there are many things of interest which should not be~ missed. The manufacture of curiosities in brass by primitive methods is still carried on, and many articles of real merit may be seen and purchased. The old-world appearance of the town, with an ancient Dutch fort of the 17th century still mounting two guns, reminds us of the early history of Negombo. Originally Portuguese, this site was a stockade and Negombo merely a health resort. Later the Dutch conquered the Portuguese early in the sevententh century, and the stockade was converted into a fortress with four batteries.

BUSINESS SIDE OF CONQUEST. The Dutch' were quick to see the commercial possibilities of Negombo, and its suitability for cinnamon cultivation, ana their fortress was neces-. sary to control a hostile population. The old fort is now occupied by the Court and offices of the Government. The town has a .population of over 20,000, mostly Cingalese. A large proportion of the inhabitants are adherents of the Roman faith, a heritage which-has descended to. them, from the' Portuguese. ... They are very proud of their Church of St. Mary, especially the magnificent altar of marble, which cost over £1500, mainly contributed by the poor fisherfolk, who set aside a proportion of their catch to the fund required. Negombo does not receive the publicity given to other towns in Ceylon, but for those who appreciate beautiful scenery with a flavour of the past, combined with a delightful climate and a variety of simple pleasures,- it ranks easily first among the lovely places or Ceylon.