To the Editor of the "Norru-Cuina Datwy News."
Sux,—The annual drowning season 18 here again. Already, although the river is-not near its highest level, to the knowledge of the writer, seven sampans going alongside steamers have been capsized and one or two men drowned. (In fairness 1 admit that in a few cases the blame lies with the sampan man), We did expect that after the drowning of a veteran missionary here last year when endeavouring to board a steamer on which he, with his, family, had taken passage, the shipping companies. would have made some provision for the safety of their passengers, but so far all we have are rumours of "something going to be done in the. winter of 1923,"' so the loss of life is to continue for two summers yet!
Our hopes were greatly raised by seeing two small steam launches arrive, one for a British, and one for a Japanese company, but observation proves they are not for the preservation of life, but for the more precious cargo, which, we have been assured again and again, is much more profitable than passengers, That depends upon circumstances. Note the following:—Last year a valuable life was sacrificed through the shipping companies making no provision for passengers to board their steamers, but no compensation was given to the bereaved widow and her two Lee who travelled down to Shang-
On the other hand at the game time as the above occurrence~ a lighter loaded with cargo, was carried by the swift current across the bows of a gunboat: the back of the lighter was smashed and some of the cargo fell into the river and was lost. This being cargo and not a passenger compensation thad to be paid in full by the steamer company, "more profitable One can only infer that the steamer companies reverse the order of an ancient maxim and practise, if they do not preach "How much better is a sheep than a@ man'?!
But unfortunately the responsible members of the shipping community do not live in: Ichang, and therefore have not, like the writer, had the experienced of being Twice Capsizep. Ichang, July 4, 1922.
EVENING DRESS, To the Editor of the "Norra-Cama Dairy News."
Srr,~I suggest that the present evening dress for men during the hot months, consisting of black trousers, mess jacket and stiff collars and cuffs is unsuitable, and should be-discarded, and white flannels or "ducks" with soft shirts and collars be accepted instead.
jiccently this matter was under discussion and quite a tew ladies were in favour, of abolishing thu present garb which, by the way, 1s unbecoming to 93 per cent. of the men who wear it and is quite unsuitable and uncomfortable for the* hot months.
Quite a number of men who are accustomed to accompanying ladies to various functions favour the proposal that this matter be brought to the notice of the Shanghai ladies, say, through their social organizations. If they favour the change being made, it would be heartily welcomed by the men accustomed to wearing evening dress regularly. a I am, ete., Maori.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.