Conisbrough Gentleman’s Visit to Egypt

Whilst we in England, and particularly in South Yorkshire, have been favoured with a spell of wretched weather, the residents out in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, are, notwithstanding that they are passing through their winter season, experiencing glorious conditions. The sun is shining brightly, and the delicious scents of the tropical plants are being wafted through the town, making an English resident’s life out there a veritable paradise when contrasted with the dull and murky atmosphere of England, with its December and January fog bound shores. Cairo is fast becoming a very English residential town, and even the natives are beginning to pick up the Anglo lingo.

Mr Frank Ogley, of Hill Top House, well-known in Conisbrough, together with his wife, have recently paid a visit to Cairo. Mr F Ogley, been interested in agricultural pursuits, paid more particular attention to that industry of the country.

Mr and Mrs Ogley left Tilbury.on 1 December in the SS “Persia,” a vessel of 8000 tons, and were favoured with a splendid voyage. The sea was very calm, and the dreadful Bay of Biscay produced no excitement.

The first call was at the “gate” of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, and afterwards Port Said, where they landed. The most notable feature was the site of Stromboli, the burning mountain, which was in eruption. This was passed by the vessel about 11 o’clock at night, and presented a most wonderful picture, the burning lava and debris all been poured into the sea. Stromboli is situated upon a small island, which is inhabited by people earning a livelihood by the cultivation of grapes, which grow there in great profusion.

Upon landing at Port Said, Mr and Mrs Ogley boarded the train, and in about four hours time were in Cairo. The country, through which they pass, was mostly leaven, and only glimpses of the Suez Canal were obtained. Cairo has developed greatly during the past decade, and the modern portion is decidedly English, although of course, many French and Americans are to be found there.

The town was made the headquarters and all the sites were visited, the outstanding feature being the Pyramids, which is a wonderful picture. The mosques, where the Mohammedans worship, are quaint structures, and are interesting to English eyes.

Old Cairo is composed mainly of the native Arabs, who to say the least, are not very cleanly in their habits. Their low huts are topped with flat mud roofs, to which the occupant ascend by means of a ladder, then through a small hole, and then they lay and bask in the sun. It is hard to say what real industry they follow, but the majority no doubt live on the tourists who visit the country. As to agriculture the soil is particularly fertile, and two crops a season are the rule. The implements used are of a very rudimentary character, the plough, – which, by the way, is drawn by oxen – being nothing more or less than a piece of wood, with a spike fixed at the end, and, which merely scratches the ground.

The crops generally, however, are very fine and if rain fell more frequently the results would no doubt be something magnificent. Showers are only experienced three or four times a year, and should the farmers by any means be favoured with one extra, they are particularly jubilant.

At the present time an irrigation scheme is being commenced, viz the damming of the Nile, Should this prove successful, the country promises to become exceedingly prosperous.

This is Mr Ogley’s opinion, and he has thoroughly studied this question, his words should be worth something. As usual in countries like Egypt, the women occupy a very inferior position, and one more subservient to the wishes of their lord and master. Most of the hard work falls to their share, but they rarely grumble.

Mr and Mrs Ogley commenced a return journey on 18 December, and travelling overland from Marseilles, arrived on 28 December, after having spent a most interesting and enjoyable holiday.