The older brother was generous and very helpful to his employees, one of them being my uncle by marriage. My aunt earned extra money by helping out as a confinement lady. Tai Sing Shop employees learned a lot from this towkay and often went their way upon having saved enough to start their businesses or move to another town in Sarawak.
My relatives frequented the textile shop because it was one of the two shops in Sibu for the Foochows to buy their condolence gift (of 1 chien of material) for the bereaved family. When relatives were travelling or were not able to buy personally the material, they could call the shop 12, Blacksmith Road (tel 602). The shopkeeper would send the gift to the family of the newly departed. This gift is called the Wang Lien.
After the funeral, the Wang Lien would be shared among the bereaved. Quite often there would be gossips about the unfairness of the distribution. But the materials of 1 chien would really be too short for any adult wear. Just enough for some baby clothes.
That was the WHITE (death) package deal in those days. We just had to pay up for our order of Wang Lien and Ah Mui (as in Plum) the towkay would tick against the name. He had a very good register (Chinese accounting book) for IOU
This traditional WHITE business carried on for many years. Their competitor was Tai Lung which is still operating in the 21st Century. Tai Lung is also the more popular shop for RED business, or wedding deals.
Tai Sing did not continue for some unknown reasons.
But we do miss the understanding proprietor who was cheerful, helpful and very hospitable. Women from down river or villagers were welcome to take some materials on credit and he would take out the long account book to make a record.
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