STRIVING FOR UNITY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 882, 28 January 1930, Page 11

STRIVING FOR UNITY

RECONSTRUCTION OF CHINA NATIONALIST PARTY’S WORK The troubious times experienced by China since the dynasty was overthrown and subsequent efforts toward reconstruction and unification of the country, were interestingly described by Mr. F. T. Sung, Consul-General of the Chinese Republic in Australia, at a dinner given in his honour in the Hotel Cargen last evening. On his way to Australia, Mr. Sung broke his journey at Auckland, and last evening he was welcomed by a representative assemblage, including the Hon. J. B. Donald, representing the Government, Mr. J. B. Paterson, on behalf of the Mayor, INI. Paul Serre, dean of the Consular Corps, and Mr. T. S. Ou, Chinese Consul in New Zealand. Mr. Ah Chee presided. According to Mr. Sung, the Nationalist Party in China had advanced substantially toward its goal by 1924, and four years later gained control of Peking and then commenced the period of reconstruction which the country was now experiencing. Today there was a greater national spirit in China than at any period in its history. China’s claim to international equality was substantially advanced by tlie inclusion of commercial treaties with 12 nations in 1925, and in a few years he claimed that his country would be ready to participate in the councils of the great nations of tlie world. The abolition of extraterritorial rights of foreigners at treaty ports, at the beginning of this year, was welcomed by his country, he said, and tlie results were awaited with tlie keenest interest. The Nationalist Government, he said, had all the machinery to enforce the law. The Nationalist Government, in pursuance of its policy to improve conditions of Chinese living overseas, had set up a commission to work for the abolition of laws in other countries which treated Chinese inequitably and for the removal of difficulties confronting - Chinese merchants and for the industrial education of Chinese abroad. In New Zealand, as in other counties, a study of these inequalities was being made. Many countries had dealt with Chinese immigration on a purely domestic basis without the conclusion of definite treaties or agreements. In other countries the Governments had come to definite understandings, agreeing on limitations to migration. China had not had the opportunity of such mutual agreements, and with the new policy of seeking equality in all matters, including the status of Chinese people overseas, it was possible that the next few years would see some outstanding examples of modification in this respect.

Among other toasts honoured were "The Chinese Republic,” proposed by the Rev. W. Mawson; "The New Zealand Government,” proposed by Professor R. M. Algie, and responded to by the Hon. J. B. Donald; “The Mayor and Council,” proposed by Mr. C. Ah Chee, and responded to by Mr. J. B Paterson. The health of Mr. Sung and Mr. Ou was also honoured.

PEACE AND RAILWAYS REQUIRED

LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT “Twenty years of peace, a reduction in armaments and a general extension in railways, then China would go rapidly ahead to prosperity.” These were the views of Mr. J. A. Jackson, who arrived by the Rotorua this morning. He has spent many years school teaching in China, and has come to New Zealand to engage ruit farming at Karakare. “Generally speaking, the position in China at the present time is stable, and I think tlie country is in a stronger position than at any other time since the revolution in 1911,” said Mr. Jackson. “It has party Government, and not democratic. Shortly before I left, the Shanghai Municipal Council engaged 100 policemen from London, and this certainly gives an indication that the troops which are at present there will be withdrawn.” But the prosperity of China most of all depended upon peace within China. There was good trade and big markets to be obtained, while comjjetitiou was very keen, especially between Japan and America. “I do not agree with all we hear about the teeming millions in China which are cooped in, and must in the near future find expansion. There is room for expansion in China itself The districts of Mongolia and Manchuria are not yet developed, and all that is required is an extension in the railway, and this land would soon be opened up,” said Mr. Jackson. While in China, Mr. Jackson was engaged in teaching white children, and during the voyage from Liverpool he gave various lectures to the passengers On board the ship.