DRAMA OF PACIFIC

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1922, Page 1

DRAMA OF PACIFIC

THE PART CHINA WILL PLAY.

WELLINGTON, May 11. An interesting address on modern China as compared with the Orient of even a decade ago was delivered by the Rev. C. Douall, 8.A., a t St. Peter’s Church last evening before a largo assembly. The Rev. Mr McDouall has just returned after spending many years in the Near East, and had much to say of China—political, inilitiny, and social] WORLD CENTRE OF TO-MORROW. lie commenced by pointing out the fact that China must inevitably play a tremendous part in the drama of the Pacific, which he believed was to be the world-centre of the future. We were faced with the possibility of n conflict; but whether of arms or industry no one could sav. But- most of all. it would be a conflict of ideals. The ethics and religions of the Pacific races were opposed. “They will not square,” said Air McDouall. “CHINA IS AAYAKE!”

China was not asleop; she was not powerless. By virtue of her immense productivity and command of cheap labour she would he hound to command the markets of the world. The Chinese commercial ability was great; she commanded “the persistence of tho Germans with the quickness of the Japanese.” Their sheer weight of numbers would make the Chinese a factor to he considered in the world problem. Japan he did not consider seriously, nor had lie met anyone who had lived out East who did so. INTO THE AIELTING-POT.

At the present time the country of (he dragon was making an intense study of things western, and the whole country was reaching a high standard in imitation of European civilisation. With the revolution the whole life of tlie country had gone into tho meltingpot, and China was learning fast. She had made great strides commercially, and had her eves turned towards the west. In some quarters it was feared that the spectacle of Germany might lead to China exalting the sword. She had before her Japan as an example The social superstitions were passing, and most extraordinary of all women had achieved their emancipation and had entered professions, a thing inconceivable under the old order. Tho old superstitions had gone overboard, and attempts had been made by the Government to give the people a religion which would meet their needs; but the effort had been unsuccessful. The speaker quoted, “Behold the open door,” and urged that we should not lose our opportunity of giving China the Christian faith and securing the foundations of tlie nation.