CH. xrsr CHINESE FEAST IN MAN ADO 343 



At last came the Tapi Kong and his companions, and 

 finally more allegorical set pieces, flags, umbrellas, and 

 every coneeiTable thing that could add splendour, dignity, 

 and noise to the proceedings. 



As the long procession slowly marched through the streets, 

 the Chinese and many others who took an interest in the 

 proceedings illuminated their houses with lanterns and 

 coloured fires, and added to the confusion of the occasion by 

 letting off fireworks and guns. It was a strange weird 

 orgy ; the smeU of gunpowder, the clouds of dust, and the 

 din and noise of fireworks and guns and drums and bells 

 were overpowering ; but nevertheless there was order in the 

 chaos, good-humour and fun prevailed, and when the lamps 

 had burnt out and the Tapi Kong was once more safely at 

 home in his little shrine in the Chinese temple, Manado 

 assumed once more its mantle of peace and quietness. 



It is really an astonishing example of the success of 

 the Dutch system of government that a procession such 

 as the one I have just described, ostensibly of a religious 

 character, could take place amongst a mixed population 

 of Mohammedans, Chinese, Christians, and heathens with- 

 out a siagle case of riot or disorder. Where in the civilised 

 world, it might well be asked, could a small portion of 

 the community parade in the streets their own peculiar 

 rehgious observances without incurring the active inter- 

 ference of those holding different opinions ? 



The day after the Chinese New Year another gala was 

 held, but this was in honour of King William's birthday. 

 One hundred and one shots were fired as a salute from guns 

 on the fort, the Schuttery had a special church parade, 

 and the Europeans called to congratulate the Eesident as 

 the representative in Manado of the great king. In the 

 evening a grand ball was given by the Schutters in a large 

 tent erected in a compound near the church. 



