A CHINAMAN'S KIT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16186, 24 July 1923, Page 3

A CHINAMAN'S KIT.

A STRANGE COLLECTION. After most of tlio passengers on board the Marama liucl disembarked at Wellington a long line of eighteen Chinamen who had been detained pending the passing of the education test and other sundry details, came ashoro and inarched in solemn procession to the Customs buildings, where the new arrivals paid their poll tax, and returning men met their friends. Of the eighteen Chinamen eight or nine were old residents of the country, (he others being new arrivals. All passed the education test, and, after being granted pratique, made their ■ wav to the Customs shed, where they waited for their baggage to bo cleared. There were tin trunks, sandal wood and lacquer work boxes, sacks, and every known means for tho carriage of goods. I’he work of clearing sucli a conglomeration of baggage occupied considerable time, and the Customs officials were confronted with a difficult task. “Any dope here?” one of tho men asked as he poked a linger into the corner of a box. Tho Ohinnmail smiled blandly. “No savvy dope,” he grinned. The official produced a weird array of articles. “Eh, what these?” he asked. The owner’s friend came to the rescue. “That’s tho medicine for tho cold !” lie explained as the official produced about .three dozen weird packages, lie passed to tho next. The box was practically empty, tho owner travelling light. Two blankets, a tin mug, paper, and a Chinoso pen were all the box contained. Tho next one yielded goods that a curio dealer would envy—about three dozen dainty pear knives and forks, beautifully finished and worked spoons, and countless numbers of mysterious bottles. “Eli, there, what’s all this?” lie asked the owner. Tho Chinaman was quick with a reply: “Some my fiend, Borne my other fiend, some me!” lie explained. “Oh, and how many aro yours?” “About one dozen me,’ he answered. A. curious lacquer box was the next one opened, and quaint gowns from the Orient gleamed in a dirty sotting—rich Chincso robes, with gold and silver worked in. Boxes and sacks were opened, and tho contents carefully gone through. * “How much dope you got?” was asked, but the owner dissented gravely. <!‘Me no smoke,” he answered.