The good old Lantern Festival has passed, but not without leaving Certain marks attesting its time honoured spirit, of abandon, In the French Concession, for instance, a police constable and a Council wall Sui retain the impress of the holl-day, as the Chinese press records, seems that in China, as in every country, the public experience certain" lation when something "happens" to a policeman, and if a arecracker, accidentally or otfierwise, explodes on his neck there is general rejoicing. The Chinese papers fell the story as follows:—
"As the 18th was Lantern Festival, a small number of children ware jetting off firecrackers on two sides Jof Avenue Haig in the evening and fa larg crowd of spectators had a Jgembled. Some of the children began throw firecrackers at one another. At this time, a constable of the [French Police happened to pass by Janda firecracker fell on his neck. The spectators clapped their hands Jand shouted with joy. The policeman returned to make a report to the Police Station on Avenue Petain, "At 920 pin. Inspector Mel hose detective sergeant, Tseng, and a large number of Chinese and foreign policemen to the scene. The Chinese Police Station Jat Siccawei was also notified telephone. Hong Tseng, the officer {in charge of the station, immediately despatetied Police OMcer Vu Chur yao, Stall Oflleer Mo Wen-ping and jo party of Police to the place to maintain peace and order.
"When the police parties arrived, the number of spectators became greater and greater and all trae was blocked. The concrete defence [work of the French Municipal Coun-jell at the place became a target of firecrackers. Order was, however, observed by the spectators, Later 1,000 people assembled. Despite [persuasions by Police OfMlcer Vu Chu yao and other oticers, the crowd refused to disperse.. Afterwards, Chow Zung-hsiang, Chairman of the [Chamber of Commerce of Siceawel_and Commander of the 10th Company fof the Nantao Volunteer Corps led a party of volunteers to the scene and persuaded the spectators to disperse. He held a consultation with the foreign detective. Soon after the large number of Chinese Jand' foreign Police retired.
Spectators dlapersed: at about mid-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.