Saigon; French China.

Samoanische Zeitung, Volume 21, Issue 48, 25 November 1921, Page 7

Saigon; French China.

fRv H. T Moors. v i

One of the principal public squares has an enormous bronze statue of Gambetta in heroic attitude and there are numerous other embellishments in other places. The people are a cross between the real Chinese and the Siamese, and are often called Annamites ; they are light brown, fnd have a peculiar cast of countenance. As labourers they are said to be quiet and industrious. Numbers of tnem are artistic workers in brass and in wood carving, and Annamite laces aud embroideries are exquisite. Their art stores are very interesting and expensively stocked, One of the best was kept by a half-caste lady of about 50, who was comfortably reclining in a divan and clad in white silk pyjamas She was literally ablaze with diamonds, all of which were tor sale. She took this method of displaying them I was told by a diamond traveller who was with us that he frequently sold many thousand of pounds worth of diamonds to several bright half French Annamite women, who travelled in the interior selling the stores unset or mounted, just as the customer desired Usually about one third of the purchase price was paid down, and one of the city banks guaranteed, the balance in six months. Some 01 the Annamite nobility are quite wealthy, and have large estates in the interior. The jinrickshaws of Saigon are the best in all the Ealst. and are mouuted on pneumatic tyres The "steeds" are very speedy, but never tail to 1 e dissatisfied however much they are over-paid according to the tariff displayed on every vehicle. These chaps take one to' the Botanical Gardeo very quickly. On a kioll I saw in a great circular iron cage a magnificent tiger and was told that these might be hunted within 40 miles ol the city. Tbey were little' feared, and seldom injured anyone ; they live on native game. In these gardens IJmet a sagacious and amusing elephant ol enormous size As" I came down the roadway towards his quarters he noted that I was worthly. of consideration, for he was paying no at temion to passers by As soon as be was convinced that he might succeed, he came out of his store baru; rushing across a small lawn, he commenced saluting me with energetic salaams As I stood watching his efforts lomake himself agreeable some one said "He is begging for money"; so I tossed him a copper hut he did not touch it, but continued begging I was told that he needs two as One is not enough When I pitched him another coin be gathered them Up with his proboscis an'i threw them to a woman at a fruit stall and she delivered him some sugar cane. When he had finibhed this, he again made himself agreeable, standing erect and wheeling about his tons of bulk, like a two year old I was told—"He is now asking for a silver coin." So I pitched him a silver twopence, and this he also invested ; this time in bananas. If a coconut be bought for him he puts his foot on it, and gently cracks it.

A stout uative matron wearing a peculiar hat with a broad trimmed rim was pointed out to me oo the street and I Was told that she might have something to sell that I would like. She smiled and pointed to a coolie who carried her bundles Chinese fashion. How she made me understand I do not know, but I soon called two rickshaws, and she in one and I in the other, with the coolie iollowing, were on the road to an open-air Cafe, where she exposed her ware and I made some purchases. These women make up their goods in the interior and bring them to town when they have enough to offer. The steamers lie range along the wind (or asphalted roadway)

bordering the river.—This is about 100 ft. wide, the warehouse being opposite. After 5 o'clock every evening the fashionable people of the town delight in driving their motor- cars along this highway, giving their wives and children an airing. I noticed many natives and real Chinese in very expensive cars. The Government of Saigon appears to be highly satisfactory and the place appears prosperous Even In the markets some of the women sellers wear heavy gold bangles, belts and other jewellery. These ornaments are of purest gold, very yellow and solid As we stayed in Saigon five days I was able to take a journey of some thirty miles into the interior. I should have liked to go onward by train into Statu but had not sufficient time to do so Considerable streams criss cross this whole region, and are used by canoes and motor-launches. Very few police-officials are to be seen in Saigon, and although there are many kiidsof people there is very little friction ; all moves smoothly. I know nothing ol the morality of the plac'- I did not see or hear of a lewd woman anywhere thereabouts.