CHINA’S NATIONAL DAY

Southland Times, Issue 24868, 7 October 1942, Page 5

CHINA’S NATIONAL DAY

Special Observance This Year (P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 6. A suggestion that at all public functions next Saturday, which is China’s National Day, appropriate reference should be made to China and her war effort and that flags should be flown in her honour was made by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser. He said he had consulted a number of church authorities and with their whole-hearted support he invited all churches in New Zealand to make special reference to China in their services next Sunday. “For some years now, more particularly since the beginning of China’s great resistance to Japanese aggression, a tribute to China has been paid in New Zealand on China’s National Day,” said Mr Fraser. “Since the last observance our two countries have become fighting Allies in the cause of world freedom, and it gives me great pleasure to invite the people of New Zealand this year to celebrate the day in a manner befitting our sincere admiration for all she is doing and our heartfelt sympathy for her people in all they are suffering in a cause which is as much ours as theirs. Not only in the present struggle, but also in the great work of post-war reconstruction, China is deserving of all we can give in both material and moral support. To the extent that we of the British Commonwealth of Nations and our other Allies can come to the fullest understanding of China and her aims depends in particular the future peace and prosperity of the whole Pacific area. To the Chinese resident in New Zealand, many of them of the second generation New Zealand bom, we have cause for gratitude. On top of their very large contributions to China’s war effort they have been most generous givers to our own patriotic funds. For Generalissimo and Madame Chiang Kai-shek to whose patriotism and outstanding capacity as leaders of their great country is joined a spiritual greatness as sincere Christians, I am sure our people will devote a special thought in their tribute to China.” Mr Fraser added that the Chinese consular representative, Mr Feng Wang, and the Chinese community generally were co-operating with the Government in the observances.