THE MODERN EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1915, Page 5

THE MODERN EAST.

PROSPERITY OF JAPAN. VISITOR'S IMPRESSIONS. Some impressions of a recent visit to the Far Fast were recently supplied to the Melbourne Argus, by Mr. Harry Henty, one of the principals of the firm of Messrs'. James Hentry and Co. "A Japanese," said Mr. Henty, ''is a terror to ask ijuestions, hut when he is asked one lie is mute. I think what impressed me most was the growth of •Japan The city of Kobe has increased enormously during the nine years since I was last there. Japan is a big nation, and is going to be a bigger one." Shipbuilding is very active in Japan, Mr. Henty found, and many largo and handsome merchant vessels are being turned out. British officers admit that Japanese are excellent engineers, and that their vessels are of the finest workmanship throughout. Japan is commercially prosperous, and money is flowing into it from all directions. The silk trade has had a great expansion, while the German toy trade has been completely' annexed, for the present, at least; Earthenware manufacture has' Bprung up with wonderful rapidity, and Mr. Henty's firm recently placed one order for a million cups and saucers there. Japan has, in fact, far more orders than she can supply. A great deal,of new business is being taken up —all that can be dealt with, and perhaps a little more. The Japanese are adapting themselves to western sports, and baseball, is largely played in the cities now. There are Germans all over China, and their hold on trade there and over the rest of the East is very strong. Although they can get no goods in British or Japanese ships, they can, of course,

get hero in those of neutral countries, such as the United Spates. The hotels, too, are chiefly managed by Germans. But Australians were found in a good many parts of China, particularly attached to the railways. There did not appear to be any unrest in China. The feeling was that the president wuld become Emperor before long. ■ Dr. Morrison has a great control over the country, and his knowledge as to details of private business arrangements in other parts ok the country was a surprise.

Mr Henty noticed the rows of drapery shop 9 in the Chinese towns, and remarked on the excess of counter-hands over customers. , It appears that in these establishments there are usually a number of partners. Each, therefore, appoints a few members of his family to watch the others, Pekin is outgrowing its garments. The outer wall is being removed Jo make room for new streets. Much labor has been spent, and enormous quantities of the wall removed to allow for the. motor traffic and other modern conveniences. The process of transition from Eastern to Western civilisation may be fraught with difficulties, but it is necessary. 'During that process converts may in their zeal lose their admiration for the ancient. AVliat other reason or excuse, Mr. Henty asks, could be made for the miscreant who has whitewashed the georgcous marble of the Temple of Heaven, the beauty of whU-h is renowned throughout the length and breadth of ■the civilised world.