To the Editor of the "Norta-Curna Dairy News."
Sin,—A newcomer to Shanghai had a conversation with me a few days ago, in which he expressed his great regret and surprise at the fact (which was one of the very first to be brought to his notice), of practically all nationalities being represented on the staff of the Shanghai Municipal Couneil—except the Portuguese.
He asked me whether there was any good reason for the exclusion of the latter (lady—stenographers excepted), and as I could not, and cannot, enlighten anybody on this important subject, I thought of writing you these few lines, T understand that, not very long ago, one or tWo Portuguese applied to the Council for positions (one supporting his application with a letter from a British Consular official), but none was admitted on the ground (almost inv able) that there were no vacancies.
Yet a while later some Japanese and others got in, to the great astonishment. of the Portuguese applicants, who were just as capable, if not more, than the others, and ever since, many of our residents have been unable to understand why in an International Settlement like Shanghai such distinctions should exist. Will you be so kind as to give us an ex planation?
Thanking you for the trouble, I am, ete., Very Puzzixp Inpeen. Shanghai, Nov. 1.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.