After seven months' interval, public rickshaws made their re-appearance north of the Creek on Monday, the "Shanghai Mainichi" reported yesterday.
"Formally", the area, however, will not be opened to rickshaw pullers until to-day when 50 picked men will have the "fares" of Hongkew all to themselves.
Eventually, the daily added, the number of pullers will be increased to 500, Decision to allow public rickshaws in the northern and eastern districts was reached at a meeting attended by representatives of the Consulate-General, Army and Navy.
The pullers are managed by Japanese and Formosan "bosses", the "Mainichi" reported.
They were the first to "go into action", since they were the only British battalion stationed in Shanghai when hostilities broke out, and had to bear the brunt of the defence work until the arrival of reinforcements from Hongkong. Donning tin hats and fighting equipment with the typical cheerfulness of the British soldier under all conditions, active service included, the Loyals took up their position on the perimeter, and inspired a feeling of confidence in the local community merely by their presence on the Settlement boundary.
Although there are doubtless many things about the Loyals Battalion which will not be forgotten by grateful Shanghailanders, who are not slow to appreciate protection offered during times of emergency, there is one outstanding achievement in the world of sport which will live in the memories of the local community long after the Loyals have arrived in Singapore, their next station.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.