Every Day Life on a Ceylon Cocoa Estate by Mary E. Steuart

JANUARY 28th. - For weeks past the principal topic of conversation has been the expected arrival of a magnificent casket presented by the Buddhists of Burmah to the great temple in Kandy, for the purpose of enshrining Buddha's tooth. The money for this valuable shrine has been many years collecting, and the costly undertaking which appealed to the religious enthusiasm of the Burmese was only lately accomplished. Two thousand Burmese pilgrims came over to take part in the presentation, and to visit the various spots held sacred by their co-religionists in Ceylon, including Adams Peak, and Anaradhapura. These pilgrims had amongst them the High Priest of Burmah, a very rich old lady said to be possessed of L250,000, five princesses, and many noblemen, and other ladies and gentlemen, with their retinue. While on pilgrimage they demanded no special privileges, excepting that when in Ceylon the most distinguished travelled first class. Otherwise, from religious motives, they discarded for the time being all social distinctions, mixing freely with the other pilgrims, regardless of rank and willingly undergoing the unavoidable amount of discomfort of a crowded ship, and other drawbacks incidental to the movement of masses of people.

A Ceylonese Reception Committee was formed, who arranged that the visitors should all be hospitably entertained both at Colombo and Kandy. The casket was brought over in several pieces and put together in Ceylon, the Customs Duty alone amounted to Rs5500, which was paid by a devout Ceylon gentleman. A number of extra jewels, rubies, brilliants, sapphires, catseyes, &c. were also given by Sinhalese, these were incorporated in the shrine when it was finally put together in Colombo. The value of the casket is now said to amount to sixty thousand pounds; a sum which speaks volumes for the religious enthusiasm of the donors - the Burmese people.