IN LOVELY DURBAN

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 106, 8 May 1933, Page 11

IN LOVELY DURBAN

RATAL'S GAKDEX CITY

KAFFIRS AND INDIANS

(Specially Written for "The Post.") PiETERMA'StITZBUBG, March 8. After a brief and pleasant journey from Australia of only thirteen days when the Indian Ocean had proved to be mild and friendly, it was most interesting to sight Durban, which spread out, green and charming; after watching what seemed like an immense coastline, when compared with anything seen in New Zealand. There is a wide cultivated sea-front, with fine hotels and tropical trees, while in the evening a Continental appearance is gained with chains of electric lights, kiosks, and a double road for motor traffic. The town is beautifully planted with flambuoyant, pepper, jaekaranda, and other flowering trees. It may be called a "Garden City" of the most attractive kind. To the new arrival the sight of the natives who come to "work the ship" in all kinds of ways, is a verjr curious one. The Kaffirs do this work, and are "elegantly attired" in sackcloth and nondescript garments which give a comical appearance to the uninitiated onlooker. The hotel servants are mostly Indians, and are always in white costumes with turbans, sometimes with a red scarf as well. They are quick and quiet, and civil to a degree. The problem of the heat of the temperature is undoubtedly met by Kaffir or Indian servants, and, in speaking to a good many people, the verdict is in favour of the Kaffirs. They are a far finer people than is generally jimagined. in New Zealand, intelligent and tcaetiablo. ABOUNDS IN LOVELY GARDENS. Durban abolinds in lovely gardens, both private and civic, and the Town Hall and all ptiblie buildings are exceptionally handsome. ' There are many efforts made to help the poor and distressed, and in this place, as in all others in the Union, great efforts are made not to distinguish between the races, particularly in regard to the children—every effort is made to provide assistance, medical, social service, and religious. ( A very beautiful children's home is to the credit of the newspapers, several of which contribute to its ppkeep, so that a large number, of invalids and distressed little ones are given regularly a few weeks at'the' seaside. It was built and equipped by a wellknown newspaper proprietor, Mr. Playfair, and he and his wife attend and superintend the place, which is beautifully arranged and kept. Most of the workers are voluntary people. To the credit of the young and fashionable girls of Durban, who call themselves "The Bachelor-Girls' Club," is a fine home for young girls sent from the Child Welfare Department, called "Cambridge Home," as it was opened by Lady May Cambridge. Other fine and special works have been entirely done by women city councillors) not one of whom has failed to leave ; her record of good work, one in connection with the Children's Hospital, and another in the direction of the cleaning up of the European markets. Durban appears proud of its women councillors, and they are likely to. be . able to carry on for some time. HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS. Durban is specially interesting on account of its historical associations and a historic fort, the centre of many heroic deeds,, is now kept as a show place partly, with .lovely flowers and plants,, and partly-as'a home for old pensioners, the women having a portion, of the old barracks as well as the men. The old, powder magazine, with walls eighteen inches thick, is now a tiny chapel, dedicated to "Hi. Peter in Chains,", with some small but fine windows and an altar, over which are some very battered standards. There are many touching brasses and tablets, one, as well as a fine statue, being to the. memory of Diet King, who accomplished a wonderful feat in reaching a British force and getting the little garrison relieved. A wonderful place visited through the kindness of the Mayor of Durban, Mr. Oliver. Lea (who entertained the New Zealand troops in the late wartime, and has very kind recollections of them) . was a unique place, called ,"ThO' Valley of a Thousand Hills." With all its attractions New Zealand has nothing quite of the kind to show, and it has to be seen' to be believed. A. visit to an Indian Mosque was an interesting and impressive experience, as also was one to the Indian market. There •■ are so many wonderful and in-teresting-places and things to he seen in Durban it is hard to choose those most worthy of mention. SERVANTS AND KAFFIR KRAAL. The "Scheme of Things" in this country is greatly assisted by the native servants, and the womenkind Have a great deal to be thankful "for that in the summer months they have reason-ably-priced, efficient, and polite assistance, which smooths their part of life to an immense degree. There are some who think that life is made "too easy" specially for the young ones, but" undoubtedly there is an atmosphere of brightness and pleasantness in the land which is very wonderful and delightful, and makes it an ideal place for a holiday. The. National Council of Women is very active throughout the whole country, and the ideals are much the same as in'1 New Zealand, making a Very gratifying "sisterhood" for members from other parts. A very interesting visit was to a Kaffir village, with round huts, which are made by those who adhere to their original religion, and square ones which are built by Christian's. The huts and villages are very clean, and for a good space around each there is a clearing kept free of all rubbish or undesirable matter. Inside the kraal (or hut) visited, the mud floor was swept and clean, though there was a sitting hen and the family cat comfortably installed, There were several people in the hut, and when one of the visitors asked about sleeping quarters, a smiling native brought forward a small block of wood, which represents the "men's pillow, and a sort of upsidedown stool which allows for the women's peculiar head-dresses, which go on for years in something like the Japanese • mode. Each married woman's "wedding ring" is a skin skirt which she wears for the rest of her life! That great efforts are being made to educate them was shown by an exercise book, taken from a Kaffir girl aged about eleven, on her way back from school, which showed, neatly written, modern history and geography. In tune with tho country, they are cheerful, happy people. ON THE RAILWAYS. In leaving Durban the traveller could not fail to be struck with the good arrangements made on t}ie railways— from the time the name and coachnumber of tho traveller can be seen on entrance to the railway station and then the card on the window of the carriage or coupe, to the airy carriages Weddings! Simplicity and charm in arrangement. The. present-day fashion for brides' and bridesmaids' bouquets by Miss Murray, 36 Willis Street. Jel. 40-54L—Adyt, , :.~:". .:.::. 7 .:..:_......, j

and coupes, the latter each with a nice wash-basin and clean towel for the use of travellers. Then the sleeping arrangements are excellent. A "boy" comes in to see if the traveller wishes a bed, and being told that one is required, comes along at' any , hour named, makes up a; very comfortable one, and takes it away at the time named in the morning. For this comfort the charge is three shillings for one or more nights, only one charge being made, however lojig the journey. All bedding, including blankets and pillows, is sterilised after each journey, and great care is taken to ensure perfect cleanliness. This seems to compare most favourably with the arrangements made in other countries, which are much questioned by travellers at times. The railway stations in Natal are fine buildings, handsome and convenient, with good platform arrangements, and the attention given to travellers by all concerned is beyond praise. WELCOME TO VISITORS. The kindness of the welcome given to visitors by both public and. private people in Durban is wonderful, and with all the attractions of this semitropical place, allied to the pleasantness of the, trip from New Zealand, if taken at the right time of year, there should some day be a great, interchange of visitors. The facilities extended to tourists by the publicity officials are wonderful, and the almost bewildering choice of attractions is rendered easy and pleasant by those who are always ready to advise and assist. M.H.C.