LIFE IN CHINA.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19880, 8 May 1936, Page 10

LIFE IN CHINA.

MISSIONARY LECTURE. A PRIMITIVE COUNTRY. “ There is still great scope for missionary work in China,” said Mr J. Thompson, of the Chinese interior Mission, addressing a large gathering in the Salvation Army Hall last evening. The speaker, who illustrated his lecture with lantern slides, discribed the fields of missionary activity. The headquarters of the mission were in Shanghai, and from here men were sent into the most uncivilised areas of that unknown country. The province of Chekiang, in which Mr and Mr? Thompson had been working, was about one-third of the size of New Zealand and supported a population oi three and a-half millions. Many heathens had been converted to Christianity in this region, and were now carrying their knowledge into the interior. Transport was very primitive in Chekiang, the common method of carrying goods being by the use of donkeys. These animals supported paniers hung at each end of a pole which was slung across the animal’s back. Shallow boats were employed for conveying goods between river ports. Rice Cultivation. Rice, which was the staple food of the people, was grown in flooded areas. The water, which was raised from the streams by the aid of a water-wheel, was flooded over the land. After the flooded ground had been ploughed Lite grain was sown. When the plants became established, the rows were hoed and the plants tended in order to prevent the mud hardening arouud the roots. The soya bean industry in China had developed considerably in the last few years. The religions of China might be divided into three sects, namely. Buddhism, Confuscianism and Dogmatism. Ancestor worship formed the basis of most of them. Throughout China many stone idols lay scattered—the remnants of ancient forms of worship. Temples or pagodas might also be seen. These were supposed to keep away evil spirits. Chinese architecture was at one time influenced by the Romans and today many bridges bore tin’ old Romsn arch in their construction.