From the South China Morning Post this week in: 1914
On December 15, the Post reports that clocks and watches made in Germany, or made by Germans, are to be boycotted in England. An important London firm has just notified Swiss manufacturers that all articles supplied must be accompanied by a categorical guarantee that they have been manufactured in Switzerland by Swiss workmen, paid with Swiss capital by Swiss employers.
An excellent story is told of the courage of a Senegalese cook who walked out under heavy shellfire to carry food to his comrades in the trenches. On his head he carried the pot of soup, in one hand coffee, in the other bread. The soldiers called to him to hide or stoop, but the cook took no notice and safely arrived at the trenches. All he said was: 'I'm not afraid, shells will not pierce black skin.'
The Marquis of Londonderry has taken an active part in stimulating recruiting in Durham county, especially among his own workmen. More than 1,000 of his employees have enlisted since the beginning of the war, and he is giving to the wife of each married man a free house or rent allowance and coal, in addition to a weekly payment to wives and mothers to supplement their separation allowances.
Police in Canton have issued a notice that those desiring the use of a wedding chair on entering the city must apply to the police station for a permit, so the bride need not be searched.
On December 17, Lady May reports that 345 garments were sent in this week by the women of Hongkong and Pakhoi, and 257 were sent to Queen Mary's Needlework Guild in London for sailors and soldiers on active service. Ninety-eight were sent to Miss Bird in Brighton for families of soldiers and sailors at war. The women of Canton have also sent a large box of garments to Lady Lugard for the Belgian refugees at home (in London).