A GRADUAL AWAKENING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2150, 27 March 1908, Page 3

A GRADUAL AWAKENING.

THE MODERNISING OF CHINA. A MISSIONARY’S VIEWS. (Special ito tlio ‘‘Times.’’) WELLINGTON, March 26. From time to timo we hear stories about the awakening of China, but it is only when one comes into touch with <a European resident who has boon in tho country for some years that we realise the full significance of w'liat has taken, .and is still taking place. There is at present in Wellington a. .missionary, the Rev. T. Howard Smith, who is in a position to speak with authority on the subject, and he says the developments of the last few Years are marvellous. Europeans can now go through the country, blit in the main the motto of the -people is “China for tho ,Chinese.” Tho march of foreign troops to Pekinsome seven years ago, 'Mr. Howard Smith says, is largely responsible for the awakening. The Chinese Government is doing -a good deal in tho way of educating, and there are now some 200 newspapers in the country. Amongst them is m. -daily paper for women, which, -considering repression of women in China, is obtaining a good circulation. Another of the newspapers is edited -by .a noinan who was educated -abroad, and -who now tells her own- people .about the evils of opium-smoking, feet •compression, etc.' The missionary is being welcomed, and there is a fine -field for him. His preaching is now eagerly listened 'to even, m T elan, ancl the Dowager Empress takes an interest in the medical work of tho Loudon Society in the capital.