PARIS OF THE EAST

Evening Star, Issue 18238, 31 March 1923, Page 2

PARIS OF THE EAST

AUCKLANDER IN SHANGHAI. “ The most cosmopolitan place imaginable; it is known as the Paris of tho East, and that is no misnomer cither,” writes Mr Harry Millard, of Auckland, _ from Shanghai, whither he went worshipping at tho slirino of Rugby in an effort to promote a Chinese Rugby team for a tour of Australasia, and remains for the moment praying for a chance to acquaint his countrymen in the Antipodes with a team of Chinese Soccer players on tour. Proceeding to deal with the Eastern Paris, he writes: “The night life hero is wonderful. The cabarets and cafes are worthy of a place ten times its population. One place in particular is especially worthy of mention—the New Carlton. It is a kinema, cafe, dining room, and cabaret combined. One could compare it very favorably with tho Trocadoro in London. It is most elaborate, and appears much too big for tho population, but it is a veritable gold mine. Then there are numerous others not quite so large, but the smallest much bigger than Auckland’s Dixieland. Some arc open until daylight; tho first to close is at 2 a.m., others at 4 a.m., and yet others do not close at all. LIVING EVERY MINUTE.

“ Tho licensing laws arc very lax. All through you may obtain anything from water to absinthe from the bar run in connection with the place. The whole place is overrun with Chinese servants, who do everything but think for you. _ Tho whole city is a scene of unbridled gaiety. Every hotel has its own orchestra (jazz) at meals, and its own ballroom. Dinner is not commenced until 7.30, and. goes on until 10.30, when supper is introduced, and obtainable at any time thereafter. The whole population must vie with cadi oilier in living every minute of their time. Tho life is very" obvious, and the onlooker secs most of the game. It appears to mo there are no half" measures; you must cither ho in it, or else stay out altogether. One may obtain spirits and all liquors at all chemists. Kincmas and theatres don’t commence until 9.30 p.m., and an interval at midnight is quite common EXILED RUSSIANS.

“ There is quite a vast number of Russians here, well-to-do and otherwise, but

mostly otherwise. They drift down (o this place in largo numbers. One may see at all limes men in uniform, down at heel, unkempt, uncared for, remnant of armies, destitute, fed by famine committees hero. The aftermath, or rather the presence of the war, is very marked —officers in uniforms which were once gay, and called for respect and the salute, looked upon with indifference, and sometimes with pity. What an ending! No country, no home, no friends, no kith or kin! It is very sad. I sometimes get into conversation with as many as 1 can understand. I have spoken to many well learned, who held rank, and have asked them to give mo their opinion as to what the outcome is going to he. They are hopeless, dejected, and cannot foresee what will eventuate. One man plainly told me that Russia was waiting to be saved if some country more fortunate than herself cared to save her. However, her destiny is in the lap of the gods, and time alone will prove what her future will be.”