PARIS OF THE EAST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 7 April 1923, Page 9

PARIS OF THE EAST

AUUKLANDLIS IN SHANGHAI:

'i'he most cosmopolitan place imaginable; it is known as the Haris of the Fast, and that is no misnomer either,” writes Mr Harry Millard, of Auckland, from Shanghai, whither lie. went worshipping at” the slu'im; of Rugby in an effort to promote a Chinese Rugby team for a lour 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 Haris, lie writes; 'The. tligb! life here is wonderful. .The cabarets and cafes are worthy of a place ten times its population. One place in particular is especially worthy of mention--! lie Now Carlton. l! is a kinemn, cafe, dining room, and caharel combined. One could compare it very favourably with the Trocadern in London. If is most elaborate, and appears much 100 big for the population, but it is a veritable gold mine. Then there arc numerous others not quite so large, but llm smallest much bigger than Auckland's Dixieland. Some are open until daylight; the first to close is at 2 a.in., others at 4 a.in., and yet others do not close at all.

LIVING TA LI’V MINUTE

‘ Tim licensing laws are very lax. All through Von m iv obtain anything from iwater to absinthe from the bar run in connection with (be place. The whole place is overrun with Chinese servants, who do everything but flunk for you. Tiie whole city is a scene of unbridled gaiety. Every hold lias 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 i hereafter. The whole population must vie with each other in living; every minute- of their time. The life, is very obvious. and the. onlooker sees most of the came. It appears to me there are no half measures; you must either he in it, or else stay out altogether. One may ! obtain spirits and all liquors at all chemists. Kincinas and theatres don’t com--1 menco 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 mosllv otherwise. They drift down to Ibis place in large numbers. One may see at all times mer in uniform, down at heel, unkept, uncared for, remnant of armies, destitute, fed hv famine committees here. 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, look-' ! upon with indifference and sometime'; with pity. Wiiat 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 I can understand. 1 have spoken to many well learned, who held rank, and have asked them to give me their opinion as to what the outcome is going to To. ’They are ImpeU’SS. dejected, and cannot foresee what will eventuate. One man plainly fold me that Russia was waiting to be saved if some country more fortunate than herself eared to save her. However. her destiny is in the lap of the gods, and time alone, will prove what her future will he.”