MAGNIFICENT PEKIN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 222, 19 August 1937, Page 13

MAGNIFICENT PEKIN.

CENTRE OF MILITARY ACTIVITIES.

Hostile armies are gathering around Pekin in North China. In the age-old city there are on every hand mementoes of conquests and dynastic changes, and evidences of the influence of fipreigners who visited China centuries ago. The changes that have taken place in Pekin during the past 500 years a.re small, indeed. The present dispute, therefore, is taking place in a setting of the Middle Ages. Madame Pao, wife of the ConsulGeneral for China in Australia, Dr. C. J. Pao, has lived in Pekin for long periods. She says that the ancient capital is easily the most interesting and beautiful city in all China. > As Madame Pao is an American, she went to Pekin after living in the modern Western world. “My first impressions of Pekin were vivid and lasting.” she said in a recent interview. “I was instantly impressed bv the venerable temples anil the P’Ogtiificent palaces. With wonder l gazed at the examp'ps of the art of the oraft=men, and wandered about shrunk into insignificance in comparison with the handiwork of the people who flourished so uianv hundred* of years ago. “Writers, artists and observers from everv country under the sun went to Pekin to increase their knowledge ot the Chinese and of Chinese culture, «"vd Madame Pao.

MANY DISTINGUISHED RESIDENTS “One of the most beautiful homes in the city is owned by an American woman. the wife of a former American Minister to Chinn. During her husband’s term in Pekin she became so attached to the city that she decided to reside there permanently after his. death.” . i r “Distinguished Chinese people from all parts of the country come to the o.d imperial city to see the temples and altars typifying the splendour and wealth of the past rulers. Pekin lias been the centre of ninnv famous gatherinJs, .find is regarded by all Chinese with profound respect and veneration because of its age and traditions. ft was appropriate that Madame l* 1 ? should first meet Madame Chiang Kaishek, wife of the Generalissimo, in the ancient city. _ , , ' . “The first time I had the privilege of meeting Madame Chiang was at a reception given by the then Political Council, of which my husband was a member,” said Madame Pao. Her personality attracted me very much. She is well liked by. the Chinese people, and is considered, as the'first lady in the land.” *