Otago Witness Illustrations THE NEW EGYPT

Otago Witness, Issue 2676, 28 June 1905, Page 39

Otago Witness Illustrations

THE NEW EGYPT

CURIOUS SIDELIGHTS ON CRIME AND GxVMBLING.

Great interest attaches usually to Lord Cromer's annual report on E^ypt and the

— Guy, photo.

Soudan. The volume describing the conuition of these countries for 1904- was recently issued.

The British Agent makes no secret of his opinion that the question of withdrawing the British garrison and thereby sacrificing all the vantage ground gained since the occupation began in 1882 will not arise for a. long time to come. Only 3500 officers

and men are now in Egypt and the Soudan. Referring to the agreement with France, which legalised "a situation tainted with ai certain degree of uncertainty, and even of I irregularity," Lord Cromer says: — " I rejoice that my connection with Egynt ha* lasted long enough to see the friendly relations of tVe past re-established , after an interlude of misunderstanding,

which was detrimental alike to British, French, and Egyptian interests" Brigandage has been stamped out, but crime shows an increase, largely due to acts of revenge arising out of quarrels. It is quite common to set fire to a neighbour's roof or water wheel by means of lighted rags soaked in petroleum. One thousand million locusts were de-

stroyed la<=t year, the work being stimulated ' by Government rewards for the destruction ' of eggs. I The r moking of haschisch, the baneful drug nrepared from Indian hemp, is still a fruitful source of insanity. Its importation and consumption are- illegal, but the demand among its votaries persists, though the price is now 2s per lb. Nearly 50,0001b

was seized by the Customs officers and police last year. Gambling is also rife in Alexandiia and Cairo, and is carried on in establishments having the appearanco of private houses. The entry of the police is announced by an electric bell, and the gamblers are found reading the papers or engaged in other ir.nooent pursuits.

This building was erected by the late Mr W J. M. La mach, who, with his family, occupied it for many years. After his death, the whole of the furnishings were sold, and the building has since remained empty, on.y a caretaker remaining in charge. Larnach's Castle being situated on a high ridge of Otago Pen nsula, forms a- prominent landmaik for many miles round Dlinedin.

A roulette table, of British manufacture, seized by Iho Cairo police, was found to be capable of manipulation by the croupier in any manner he thought fit. Education in Egypt ha? some odd sides. Chi'dren flock to the village schools and endeavour to commit the whole of the Koran to memory. This accomplishment carries

exemption from military service and ensures a sort of livelihood. Thanks to the efforts of the Grand Mufti (High Priest), the Moslems are becoming convinced that the savings banks established b/ the Government are not contrary to the law of the Prophet. Of 29,000 depositors at the end of 1904- as many as 13,000 were - Mohammedans.

The Soudan continues its uneventful re ooveiy from the effects of misgovernmeni and war. St Rudolf Slatin, a high autho rity, writes : "I think it no exaggeration to say that if it were not for the possible danger of attack by wild animals, any mdi vidual could pass unarmed through the whole country under the Soudan Govern ment."

From £8000, the amount raised shortly after the victory of Omdurman in 1898, the revenue of the Somlan has risen to £576,000. The natives are taking kindly to rai'.way travel, and the new fourth -class fare introduced for their benefit lia.-> proved a decided success.

This snapshot shows a group of cocksfoot grass cutters perched in various attitudes oa an old tree stump, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury. —York, photo

In the distance, pait of the Flat, between South Dunedin and St. Kilda, may be seen, bounded seawards by the Ocean Beach

This view, taken a short time ago, shows the natuie of the work in excavating and levelling the road to obviate the former steep grades. This portion ot the line is now completed and ready for running. A considerable amount of work at the Elgin road and Havel/ick street curves, as well as at the oimine '-lied, howevei, leniams to be done heioie the hue will be leady for traffic.

(Photos by Guy.)

This picture is lent additional interest by the brave act of Mr Pearce in saving the life of the lady passenger on his vessel at the imminent danger of losing his own life. See article c sewhere in this issue.

The siewaid who, ou the last homeward trip of the s.a. Rimutaka, so gallantly jumped overboard and rescued a passenger, Mts Weeks, from drowning.