WELCOME TO THE REV. E. Y. P. LEE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2484, 23 September 1922, Page 3

WELCOME TO THE REV. E. Y. P. LEE

VISITING CHINESE 3 MISSIONARY.

On Tuesday evening last, in the Masonic Hall,-a welcome was extended to the Rev. E. Y. P. Lee, vicar of All Saints’ Church, Yaurnati, Hong Kong, a graduate of Canton University and Union Theological College, who is visiting New Zealand on a mission to his fellow countrymen resident in this Dominion. There was a representative attendance, including the of-fice-bearers of All Saints’ Church and vestry. The Rev. W. H. Walton introduced Mir Lee, and in doing so referred to the importance of Christian missionary work in China, and his connection with the Wellington Chinese Mission.

The Mayor (Mr Chrystall) extended a welcome to the visitor, and expressed his personal sympathy with the work he was engaged upon. Mr Lee, who, was received with prolonged applause, thanked those present for their welcome. He said that he experienced some difficulty in expressing hi.s thoughts in English, but would endeavour to make himself understood. He then outlined the church work being carried on in China, where great progress was being made in almost every province. Most of the mission work was carried oft in- the important ports, the difficulties of travel and other drawbacks making it impossible for English missionaries to reach' the people inland. The Chinese themselves had formed a society, called the Anglican Chinese Inland Mission, and two priests and several teachers had started working in the province of Shan-Si. He explained the organisation of the Anglican Churches in China, mentioning that there were no lesjf than five in Hong Kong. The services were conducted in the same manner as the English churches. The Chinese Bible was a direct translation from the Greek Testament, and the prayer book was accurately transTated. The Sunday school had had an immense influence upon the work in many cases resulting in the parents of the children being received into the Church. The boys’ school, of which he (Mr Lee) had charge, was a branch of St. Paul’s. College, Hong Kong. It had opened with 19 pupils, but now consisted of over 100. In the girls’ school the scholars were taught to read and write both in Chinese and English, and also to sew. Religious instruction was, of course, the main point. Social distinction between men and women made it necessary to train a number of women, who underwent a course of study for three years before being able (o co-operate with the priest. Mr Lee went on to speak of the great importance of ,mission work amongst those living in New Zealand, most of whom intend returning to China later in life. “Wjliat a great thing it would be,” he said, “to send them back to China as missionaries of Christ, instead of the opposite. Many who have returned already are now leading merchants in China, and by their example are an immense influence- for good in the business community.” He made an appeal for their prayers, and hoped that through the efforts of the Church in New Zealand many of his fellow countrymen may be brought into the Kingdom of God, and that the light of the Gospel may shine throughout China. Mr Tyer, after thanking the ladies for providing t-lie for the gathering, referred to the industry and peaceful qualities of the Chinese living in New Zealand, and he reminded his hearers of the fact that centuries ago China was in possession of vast stores of knowledge, whilst to-day she possessed men of great intellect who, like the guest of the evening, were striving to uplift their country spiritually. Mr Lee had asked for the spiritual support, of those present, and he (Mr Tyer) felt that that support should he accorded him. During the evening songs were rendered by Mr S. H. Poole and Miss Retter. A collection was taken up to defray expenses; the balance, amounting to close on three pounds, will be sent to China towards the upkeep of one of the Chinese scholars.