"Nuc. Heralé" Photos Authorities Place Ban on Racing on the River Local Chinese made an attempt last Wednesday to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, although, owing to an oficial ban on. racing on the river, much of the colour and ceremonial associated with this particular ocean sion was absent, Despite the lack of the usual exeitement and merrymaking attendant pon the thrilling races, crowds by thousands flocked to the Pang Soong, Yuan amusement garden, near Kaochangmiao, Nantao, where, on ment of 20 cents big money. they were privileged to gaze upon elaborately decorated dragon-boat, manned by eight oarsmen in bright blue coats and wide straw hats, From 1 p.m. until dusk the crowds came. They came on foot, trudging dozens of mites. 'They came by tram, by motor-bus, and the more aMueni in motor ears, 'They came early and stayed late, parents leading small children by' the hand and relating to them the legends behind the observance, which, to the modern Chinese, almost has lost its signifteance.
The onlookers lined the banks of the Luke to view the boat, the only one officially permitted in' the day's observance. Others with better-illed purses hired small sampans ana wandered in the wake of the dragon~ boat, hung with flags and festooned vith banners, a miniature Buddha temple, Still others enjoyed the musie from the boat and watched the Iwo small' and' beautiful maidens pevehed on the boat's bow. directly ihave the dragon's head, as they took jen in the pavilions overlooking. the pond and ate cakes of sticky rice which in former days was thrown to the river dragons, Racing on the river being banned, all day police boats patrolled the Whangpoo, especially the "Nantao Bund section, searching for possible lawbreakers. A few stalwart river-men and coolles, anxious to keep Intact the old festival traditions.
'The elaborately. de flocked to. sce' last Werlnesday: attern Bardens near Kaochang. Mise, Below, in contrast to the garden bow! racing banned by river police who. ko noon inthe Pang Soons. Yuan, an occasion of the Pulth, Moon Fes one of the boats decorated for that portion of the Whanspoo under Constant surveillance. The boats. however. drew hundreds of curious onlookers. decorated boats and waited for 9 possible opportunity to race them off the Bund. They were forced, however, to keep hidden in the Vackwaters close to shore. The boats. gay with bunting and lanterns, drew a large crowd of curious spectators Who clambered on lumber piles and roofs 40 view them.
Dragon Boat Festival Day, which has "been observed for over 2,000 years, was a holiday for both for: lamers and Chinese, banking houses, the Customs house,' and consulates closing. Several other business houses. however, carried on as usual,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.