CHINESE REPUBLIC.

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 14, 12 October 1942, Page 6

CHINESE REPUBLIC.

31st Anniversary Of Foundation

WELLINGTON CELEBRATION

A feature of the celebration of tbe 31st anniversary of the Chinese Republic toy the Chinese community in Wellington on 'Saturday afternoon was the presence of the Prime Minister, who was accompanied by Mrs. Fraser. This was Hie first time that a New Zealand Prime Minister had attended tlie annual ceremony, and he made a statement, reported elsewhere, on New Zealand’s attitude to the question of extra-territorial rights in China, signifying the Dominion’s concurrence with the statements issued simultaneously in London and'Washington. There were between 300 and 400 Chinese nationals at the ceremony, at which the majority of tbe speeches were in the Chinese tongue, an interpreter, in some cases, translating into English afterward. Most of those pre-, sent were weaving ' small paper pen-, nants bearing slogans in their buttonholes, such as: "Down with the Japanese” and “Long Live the Republic.’ These were, of course, written in Chinese ideographs. The Chinese national colours were prominent everywhere. Among those present were a number of Chinese in uniforms of the New Zealand military forces and tbe Royal New Zealand Air Force. The ceremony opened with the playing of the Chinese National Anthem, after which everyone present turned toward the picture of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the founder of the Republic, hung centrally at the back of the platform. After three solemn bows, there was a two-minute silence in the founders honour. „ The Prime Minister and Mrs. 1< rascr, ou their arrival, were received by the chairman of the ceremony, Mr. William Kwok, the Chinese Consul-General, Mr. Wang Feng, and Mrs. Wang Feng, the Chinese Consul, Mr. Sze Tsao Tsung, and other Chinese representatives. When they had been conducted to their seats the New Zealand National Anthem was played. Bouquets were presented to Mrs. Fraser and Mrs. Wang. In welcoming Mr. and Mrs Eraser, the chairman said that in addition bein°- leading personalities among the people of one of China’s Allies, they had also been personal friends of Thev had long been workers for tie S ideals as those of the Chinese Republic, the equality of mankind and social reform. Mr. Kwok recalled that among a 1 the members of the League in 1931, New Zealand had been the only one which advocated resistance to the first Japanese aggies“““.tot CM... Had ance been offered then, said Mr. Kvv ok, there might not have been a world was in 1939. Special Significance. The Chinese Consul-General said t-hsit a-nart from its significance as China’s National Day, October 10 this year had special significance in marking the opening of a new era in relations between New Zealand Chum. In a recent telegram- to Mr. I.ras , Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek had stated it was his firm belief that the friendly ties which bound the two countries would be one of the most iW°rtant factors in bringing peace and prosnerity to the Pacific. During his term of office Mr. Fraser had taken every opportunity to strengthen those ties. Mr. Fraser said he had the privilege last year of meeting Dr. Wellington Koo in London, and on his recent visi to Washington he had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. Soong and the Chinese Ambassador there. He had told them how well China. spnted in New Zealand, 'both by tbe Chinese people and by their ConsulGeneral, Mr Wang. AU of them had expressed great pride m the part the Chinese community in Wellington, and in New Zealand, had played in supporting the war effort, not only of .New Zealand, but also of their own country. “The principles Dr. Sun Yat Sen put forth,” said Mr. Fraser, ‘not only moved the millions of China to fight for their freedom, but also gave, a charter to mankind. That those principles were coming to fruition was due to the Chinese people, and inl part also to the great Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Chiang. So now-China’s soul is free and before long her- country will be free, too. A lovers of freedom everywhere hailed the establishment of the Chinese Republic, so will they hail with inestimable joy the day when the last Japanese foot'is driven from her soil. Mr Fraser then made the statement on extra-territorial rights, which was received with long applause when translated to the gathering. “I hope that we shall be here again next year celebrating the Chinese victory,”" said Mr. Fraser. SPECIAL SERVICE Intercession For China Special prayers for China, in the form of a Litany of Intercession and a prajd in Chinese" were the chief features of u special service in St. Peter s Church, Wellington. last night, in connexion with the Chinese anniversary. Among the. hu» L congregation were the 1 rime M nisßi, Mr. Fraser, the United kingdom Hl„ll Commissioner, Sir Harry Batterbee, and Ladv Batterbee, the Consul-General lor China, Mr. Wang Feng and Mrs. M ling, the Consul for China, Mr. Sze Isao Tsung, representatives of the Chinese Association, and also of the Chinese community. , Taking as his text a passage from the First. Book of Kings, chapter lb, verse 21; “How long pause ye between two opinions. If the Lord be God, follow Hun, but if Baal follow him,” the \ en. Archdeacon Bullock drew an analogy between the actions of Pontius Pilate in temporizing in the judgment of Jesus till lie was finally forced to a decision and took the course of washing his hands of the matter and the action of the nations over the .first aggression of Japan against China 11 years ago. In a world robbed of religious conviction aud moral standards history had repeated itself, he said. Too many tried Io be neutral ,in moral tjinslionV and put off the day oi decision. No one could wash his bunds of decision for ever. The history ot our times provided only 100 much evidence of attempts to escape decision. To every nation came the day of decision. ".Men thought they were secure oy passing resolutions in the League ot Nations against the first Japanese aggression.” he continued. “They were unwilling to shoulder the burdens those resolutions laid upon them. But this was not an end, but only the beginning. Abyssinia, and that day in the League of Nations when the Emperor pleaded for his people; Austria, Czechoslovakia; ami then Poland. Had not Britain,l?on that f'nti fill morning, acted as she did, she would have been expunged from the Book of Nations. Then tlie manhood of nations began to assert itself and faith began again to live." China hud been tlie first to be embroiled in Illis war, said Arehdeaeou Bullock, aud for many weary years had borne the bent aud brunt of battle. Because she had seemed so remote we had thought it did not. concern us. So she fought ou resolutely in the principles of the great Dr. Sun Yat Sen, ably led by tlie Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, and through disappointments mid pain had been fighting our battles with less than our weapons. “This war.” declared the Archdeacon, “will not end with the defeat, of Hitler mill tlie entry of our troops into Berlin. It. can only end when China is re-estab-lished in her own rights.” The prayer in the Chinese language was delivered by Mr. Chiu Kwok-ehun, and the Litany was read by Canon N. F. E. Rdbertshawe.