48
c] He is a rigid adherent to his contract though agreeable to modifications, e.g. piecework if advantageous to him.
d] He is unequalled as a judge of human character; the best procurable class of white overseer is therefore necessary to obtain the best results.
e] He is fond of litigation and lodging complaints, and, though he can be "sworn," his evidence must be accepted with considerable reserve.
f] He is not addicted to crimes of violence or drunkenness, but is an inveterate gambler and indulges freely in immorality with women, if opportunity offers.
In spite of all the seriousness there was some humour amongst the British officers and NCOs with the Chinese, as these few examples may illustrate :
a] Four coolies had left a railway truck which they were loading and disappeared, thereby delaying work. When charged with leaving work, each had a ready answer. No. 1 declared that he was sick and obliged to retire. No. 2 had seen some friends in the distance and had left to talk to them for a few minutes. No. 3 felt the need for some tea, so had slipped away to get it. No. 4 was forlorn at being left alone and so left to escape the solitude.
b] The O.C. had occasion to rebuke some gangers [Chinese NCOs] for slackness. They listened intently and on conclusion of his speech a babel of sound poured forth from the delinquents. The O.C. asked as to what they were saying and the interpreter, a graduate of Peking University replied, "They wish to say, Sir, that they all like you very much!"
c] A melancholy coolie asked the British Orderly Officer if he could make a complaint. 'I wish to be sent back to the Depot. The men in my hut are wicked men.'
'How's that?' enquired the officer.
48
c] He is a rigid adherent to his contract though agreeable to
modifications, e.g. piecework if advantageous to him.
d] He is unequalled as a judge of human character; the best procurable class of white overseer is therefore necessary to obtain the best results.
e] He is fond of litigation and lodging complaints, and, though he can be "sworn," his evidence must be accepted with considerable
reserve.
f] He is not addicted to crimes of violence or drunkenness, but is an inveterate gambler and indulges freely in immorality with women, if opportunity offers.
In spite of all the seriousness there was some humour amongst the British officers and NCOs with the Chinese, as these few examples may illustrate :
a] Four coolies had left a railway truck which they were loading and disappeared, thereby delaying work. When charged with leaving work, each had a ready answer. No. 1 declared that he was sick and obliged to retire. No. 2 had seen some friends in the distance and had left to talk to them for a few minutes. No.3 felt the need for some tea, so had slipped away to get it. No. 4 was forlorn at being left alone and so left to escape the solitude.
b] The O.C. had occasion to rebuke some gangers [Chinese NCOs] for slackness. They listened intently and on conclusion of his speech a babel of sound poured forth from the delinquents. The O.C. asked as to what they were saying and the interpreter, a graduate of Peking University replied, "They wish to say, Sir, that they all like you very much!"
c] A melancholy coolie asked the British Orderly Officer if he could make a complaint. 'I wish to be sent back to the Depot. The men in my hut are wicked men.'
'How's that?' enquired the officer.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.