All societies consist of their fair share of ne’er-do-wells, addicts, cheats and liars. Others with no  such character flaws become engulfed in such destructive behaviours due to not overcoming life’s challenges.  The calamities that befall them comprise the kaleidoscope of events such as the loss of a child, serious injury or collapse of one’s business. In all probability the Chinese of Port Elizabeth were no more or less guilty of engaging  in such destructive behaviours. For the most part, the bulk of the Chinese population was law abiding and industrious citizens to boot.