The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956)(about) |
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Saturday 20 February 1858
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CASTLEMAINE.
THE GUÍÑESE NEW-YEAR FESTIVITIHÍ.
Sínco Saturday last all the Ohinese camps have been in a continual bustle, It is custo- mary for the Celestials, at their New-Year, to visit as many au possible of their friends and acquaiiitauces, to exchungo tho compliments oi the season, The various conveyances are now almost wholly monopolisod by dark visaged passengers, on festive thoughts|intent. It is amusing to watch John's ill concealed surprise and gratification as he rolls along, perhaps for the first timo, in a wheeled vehicle. Most of tho holiday-makers will bo noticed to havo taken a reef in their nether integuments, by adopting the European pan- taloons, though they still cling to the blue cot- ton jumper of their country. The quan- tity of porkers and poultry sacrificed during tho past few days, to appease the cravings of the Celestial stomach, must have bean very largo, and it is no exaggeration to say that there bus bcon lamentation in every ' hen-roost and piggery, for the loes of some of
its tenants. Some of the storekeepers havo drivon a thriving trade in supplying the Chinese with the various articles of consump- tion which they most affect. Among these may bespeoiliod, old tom, brandy, and porter, which apparently, nie ns grateful to the palate of thu Oriental as to that of the Anglo Saxon. While tho Celestials are far from co- inciding with the total-abstinence system, it must bo owned that they aro abstemious by habit, and sut an example of moderation to
mnnv intomnnrafc« IPiirnnnnna oliiV], Hi,i,r
will do well to follow. In tho very height of their merrymaking, tho Obincso manifesta subdued enjoyment which seldom exceeds tha bounds of good senso, or allows the animal instincts to overpower their reason, At tbeir feasts there ure no besotted braw- lers to disturb tho harmony of the party by tbeir insano bcllowings, aud no pot-valiant debators auxious to prove the force of their arguments by knock- ing their opponents down. On the contrary, the utmost good humor prevails, aud, were it not for the occasional dischargo of a cracker or a pistol, and the profusion of lamps, which look like clusters of illuminated pearls, no one would imagino that it was high festival in tbeMongolian camps ; and that 1,000 Celes- tials were there wagging their beardless chins over all the edible and potable luxuries of the season. In many cases the Ohinesa hava made presonts to their European friends of tea and confectionary, besides requesting the favor of their company to supper. When tbeso Invitations havo been accepted the visitors hove invariably beentreated with "dis- tinguished consideration." The seat of honor, though it might be nothing more than a plank, resting on a couple of casks, or an empty chest, has been tendered to the guest, and they have been so earnestly and repeatedly pressed to partake of tho ohow chow, that at length they have been forcod in self-defence to resist the smile; and importunities of the master of the feast, and cry " hold enough." In some of the Chi. nese stores numerous oblong squnTO pieces o: red paper, inscribed with Mongolian letters may be observed fastened side by sido on th< walls, and which are evidently regarded with much complacency by the proprietor. Thesi mysterious vermillion slips are, we under
the number of calls which the storekeeper has received from his frionds sinco the begin- ning of the new year. How uniformly doas human nature exhibit the same characteris- tics in every latitude and amidst every va- riety of our race. It is the same vanity and love of display which leads the Chinaman to decorate the walls of his tent with tawdry scraps of rag, and the drawing-room belle to distribute tho glazed und scented tokens of her fashionable visitors over her drawing
room table.-Miner's Right.
DEATH FROM AN UNUSUAL CAUSE.-Dr. Pra shaw held au inquest on Monday, on the body of Thomas Winsroulcigh, of Kictoria-gully, who had been convoyed to Dr. "Merson's on Sunday morning for advice Die was in articulo mortis, and died in the surgery within I half an hour after his arrival. Dr. Merson 1 mado a post mortem examination, and 'stated
that the deceased had died from strangulated femoral hernia. Ile stated that it was the first instance in which ho had found a case of fluoh disease in a male patient. Dr. Merson re- duced the hernia easily by the taxis, just
-, _...«.»! ultu murun.
cation had advanced greatly, and no skill could have saved him. Extensivo inflamma- tion had taken place, and was in consequence of neglect on the part of tho patient permitted to result as it had done. The verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence. No blame was attributable to anyone but the de- ceased himself, as he had been urged to apply for surgical aid by his friends, and obstinately refused to do BO. Tho assistance of a surgeon on the day preceding his death would in all
probability have caved decenaed's lifo.-Mount
Alexander Mail.
Au Amux- Wc hoar that an affray haî taken place with somo aboriginals, at thj Caledonian Inn, Nino Mile Forest, in willoh I Mr. Russell,' innkeeper, has bcon severely | wounded in the bead by a boomerang used by ! one of tho 'blacks. We havo not yet Iearnoi'
tho particulars of the quarrel. -Portland Guar
? dian.
SERIOUS ILLNESS OF MB. G. V. BROOKE.-Wa regret to learn that this eminent tragedian is lying dangerously 111 at Ballaarat. Tele frapbic messages havo been received from Mr.
Ceir urging upon Mrs. Brooke the immediate necessity of repairing to Ballaarat, and the tenor of the messages was such as almost to
preclude the hope of her husband's recovery,
Milbourtu Evenin!/ Mail,