Kite flying

Kite flying was a popular activity in the Chinese community at Redan, and inspired the children of the area to make them as well. Not everyone approved of kite flying, or other pastimes: "KITE-FLYING TO THE EDITOR OF THE COURIER. SIR, How long is the kite-flying nuisance to be tolerated in the streets of Ballarat? Scarcely a day passes but horses are made restive, and persons lives jeopardized by the very objectionable practice alluded to. Last evening as a young man was driving a horse and carryall down Ascot street, the animal became frightened at a boy with a large kite, and suddenly swerving threw the driver out and bolted, a little boy in the vehicle managing to scramble out behind when he saw control over the horse was lost. Away went the affrighted beast careering down the street, leaping gutters, turning and twisting about in a manner that threatened an early destruction of the carriage, but he was eventually secured in Talbot street before much damage had been done. The driver was picked up on the footpath in Ascot street, and after the application of a little cold water to his lips and temples was able to pursue his journey, the little boy who got out behind coming off with no worsen fate than a liberal bespattering of mud from the gutter in to which he fell. There are so many pieces of open ground in and near Ballarat, where boys may enjoy their pastime without danger to others, that the practice of flying kites in the streets becomes inexcusable. Yours &c. CITIZEN."

The City Council attempted to prevent them in February 1881: "Cr Wilson also drew attention to the danger from kite-flying, and moved the attention of the police, should be drawn to it. Cr Morrison seconded the motion provided that the practice of bowling hoops should be prohibited. Agreed to."

From April 1881: "Kite-flying with the Chinese at the Redan is now (writes the Star) a favorite pastime on Sunday mornings. The Celestials exhibit great invention and much artistic ability in the construction of their kites. By an ingenious use of reeds, the kites, which are handsomely variegated, and are fashioned as to rise to a wonderful height, emit succession of humming sounds very much relished by the urchins in the locality. The youngsters station themselves at every vantage point to gratify their eyes and ears."

By 1902 the idea of kite flying took on a patriotic flavour: "The School of Mines students are famed for introducing novelties in their manner of celebrating any great occasion. They have decided upon having a giant kite flying display on Coronation Day. Already kites of all sizes, shapes, and designs are in course of preparation, and several standard 'works” on the subject are being assiduously studied."