MISSIONARIES ATTACKED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19720, 10 December 1926, Page 7

MISSIONARIES ATTACKED

A SEVERE CRITIC RESPONSIBLE .FOR CHINESE TROUBLE CAUSE LOSS TO P. AND O. BUT COMPANY HOLDS ITS OWN By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright. LONDON, Dec. 8. Lord Inchcape, addressing shareholders at the Peninsular and Orient Company’s meeting, in mentioning the losses of the company through the Chinese trouble, expressed the opinion that missionaries were largely responsible for the antagonisms. He asked: 4 4 How would we regard the Chinese if they studded Britain with Buddhist missionaries?” Christian missions were justifiable among cruel and uncivilised peoples, but not attempts to break down China’s ancient faiths. 4 4 The sooner we give up Indian and Chinese missions the better.” The Rev. Mr Hoare, a shareholder, protested thbt the missionaries did not disparage the Chinese religion, but merely tried to show that their teach-■ ings were fulfilled by Christianity. Missions were in no wise responsible for the unrest. Those acknowledging the supremacy of the head of the Church must continue missions, whether they conflicted with the Peninsular Co. or other interests. Lord Inchcape did not reply. Com petition from the Air. Referring to the prospects of competition from aeroplanes and airships, Lord Inchcape siaid that he did not believe in the prophecies that they would hit shipping companies badly within the next few years. The Peninsular Company would hold its own for many 1 a long day, .although liner shipping at i present was doing badly A conservai tive statement prepared by accountants ! showed that if the company were • wound up and its ships and investments I sold at current rates, they could disI charge their full obligations to preferi ence holders and give deferred holders ; more thav the present market value of their holdings. He mentioned that the coal strike had cost the company £200,000 for coal alone. Missionary Secretary’s Reply 44 1 wonder if Lord Inchcape is aware that missionaries work in China under exactly the same treaty provisions as commercial men,” paid Mr Barclay, secretary of the Church Missionary Society, adding: 4 4 lf Chinese dislike missionaries, what about business men? P. and O. officers possess the same right but no more right than missionary organisations.

4 4 The Chinese probably rdalise that the P. and O. operate in China for their own profit, whereas the missionary aims are altruistic. Letters rrom our people in Western China, where there is considerable anti-foreign feeling, show that they are well treated.” The P. and O. balance sheet shows divisible £400,746, of which £200.000 goes into reserve and £56,034 is carried forward.