THE “CHINKS.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12404, 23 August 1918, Page 8

THE “CHINKS.”

"For ways that are .dark,” there was never a truer word spoken in jest. 1 have had some experience with “chink” labour, and at all times Uo is true to his countrymen—never “ splits on 'em,” and at tho same time has a keen sense of humour. If he can “put it across” a white officer it’s “good-la.” Give him a square deal and show no favours and ho will “play the game” your way. _ I know of a case where a “chink” was trying to “ swing it,” and when Secoud-Lieutnenant P. came along that “chink’s” place was vacant, so “P.” asks where “that chink” was. None of his pals know. As a matter of fact they did, but would not tell; so he strolls over to a near-by haystack where, he secs some “ chink ” clothing, including a pick and shovel. He starts haymaking with the pick, and after a coiiplo of good “ swipes ” out comes John Chinaman.

His pals had been watching this show, and they gave him the groat “ha ha.” They were nob the only ones who enjoyed it; there were two others. Second-Lieutenant P. and the “dug-out” “chink” were Ml smiles. You lee, this “clunk” had not “put it over ” tho white. Second-Lieutenant P. rose several degrees with Ins “ bunch.”

Once while digging this same party found a very largo boulder burring their way. It was in noli too large to be man-handled. So again Sccond-liie-ntenant P- got a hram ware; he went in search of a derrick complete. Ho got one from the E. 0., who promised to send if. to them. He had been away about forty-live nfmutes. and when lie returned all the “ bevy of braves” were sitting on the hank with broad grins. Second-Lieutenant P. looked and saw nothing hut earth. Tin? boulder had vanished —“Chink Magic.” L’ow wha-t happened was this. To the “chinks’” mind the boulder was not at the right level, so they had dug a largo hole, undermined the boulder, and rolled it into it and covered it up. Simple, wasn’t it? Would you have done as Second-Lieutenant P. or as the “chink” did? >

The language ho uses is of no consequence. All tongues are alike to him.

The "chink” wanted throe apples tor one penny, but the storekeeper said, “ Two apples for a penny ” there was no deal. The “chink’s” C.O. happened to bo passing at the time, so with mournful face and almost a sob in his voice, he explained to Ids ben. _ Ho newer wastes words— -six words in three tongues. One bears tbo expression, “Ob! he’s only a/obink.’” True, but properly handled, be becomes the, best kind of labour.—K. iu the “Daily Mail.”