214 Australian Life 



natural slumber. At the same time foundation 

 of houses are generally destroyed through neglect 

 of improvements. However, this matter refer to 

 the same idea of our dwelling place. The best 

 time to inspect and improve is during the rainy 

 season. In conclusion with best wishes and sus- 

 tain, confirm interest to aid the sufferers. 

 "Yours truly, 



" WING Mow." 



As no cheque accompanied this lucid note, the 

 landlord took legal proceedings, and found that 

 his agreement had been signed by a Chinaman 

 who was not of age, and therefore not legally 

 responsible. This is only one of many examples 

 that could be adduced in illustration of the cun- 

 ning employed by the Chinaman in playing "the 

 game he does not understand." 



At Thursday Island, in Torres Straits, and at 

 Broome, on Roebuck Bay in the north of Western 

 Australia, are situated the headquarters of the 

 pearling industry. Most of the Japanese, Malays, 

 and Manila men in Australia are engaged in this 

 occupation, and from each centre a fleet of some 

 three hundred pearling vessels put out. The 

 crews and divers engaged on these boats are all 

 coloured men, who work under the commands of 

 a white skipper. The chief product of the in- 

 dustry is the pearl-shell, for the pearls them- 

 selves, although giving a romantic and speculative 

 interest to this occupation, are regarded as only 

 a secondary consideration. Most of the boats are 



