PUBLIC MEETING.

White Ribbon, Volume 32, Issue 370, 18 April 1926, Page 6

PUBLIC MEETING.

“PACIFIC, RELATIONS.” (By P'ofessor OondliffoJ -Mrs Taylor, who occupied the chair. ,hri‘-My pointed out in introducing the speaker, that the question of International Relations has been one of our departments ot work under the title of P( ace and Arbitration. Miss Jennings song a couple of delightful songs as n prelude.to the k-o----ture.

Professor Condiiffe apologised for the alienee of the lantern slides promised. Ktcrntly he had l>e*n to Honolulu U> a Convention of Nations. The first jawbreaking title of the subject to be dis ousted sent a number of delegates home by the first boat. The idea of the Oonferrnce originated with the Y.M.C.A., but on account of its expense, the idea of the Convention changed somewhat, too late for the substitution of fresh delegates from most of (the countries represented. Journalists, missionaries, and social workers came from America, politicians and statesmen from Japan and China. A representative of the Chinese Christian Church was an out stun ling figure in the Convention, ami will certainly be heard of more proud n- * n ly anon. Australia had the first sp*nker, Mr Roberts, of Melbourne, who impressed everyone with the breadth of his views ui. 1 the abundance of his information. Mr Koo h«*ld attention at once by his compelling |>ersonality and set the tone of the Convention very high. Following the opening, methods were introduced new in character, which should bring to light main issues to lie di < ussed in groups, and report to the whole Institute. The result is a ■ at difficulty when dealing with large problems. hut by |>oolMKg -dom and information It workbetter than might have been expected. (’hoice of chairmen of croups was nn important point. Some experts occupied too much time in ox

plaining what the busineas was. Juniors were the best on the whole. This Institute and its organisation is something quite new. Three types of representation are required: scientists, business men, and idealists. From 112 subjects, that selected by vote as of first importance, was immigration, would l>e qu.te disastrous to admit large blocks of Asiatic immigrants into either New Zealtyid or Australia, and the subject was not interesting to the Conference. The United States Bill to exclude Japanese as such was not lik«*d. The only point Jaj*in and China are concerned about is the national relationships. Problems of economics were mainly concerned with Western commercial methods. .Vlodernly equipped factories are to be found in the neighbourhood of tiny villages around Bombay. Towns are built to accommodate workers much as the'” were in the early part of the 19th century in England, i.e., with more regard to cheapness than sanitation or health. tine arrives at the healthiness of such towns by thrate of infant mortality. In Bombay, the infant death-rate was 618 per 1000. Such babies as live are often drugged by opium to keep them quiet. Housing problems in Bombay are probably worse than anywhere else in the world, and in China and Japan are also very Ixid. Students, especially in Chinn, are smouldering in rebellion against all civilisation. Ther. are injudicious missionaries who do not improve the state of things, though, fortunately, these are few. No conclu

sions were arrived at. Only one resolution -that of thanks for hospitality—was | Kissed. The purpose of the Con ference was not to j*tss resolution*, but to discuss and gain Instruction on problems. The early Hawaiian missionaries were tamest people, and their descendants r j>ccame very wealthy, but regard their wealth as a trust, and spend it wisely. It is probably the most mixed nation ality country in the world, but has no race problem. It may be considered a test of how far friendiinrss can exist among different peoples. The Institute was formed on similar lines for the same purpose. A small committee was formed in the United Slides to carry the Institute on permanently. A very large grant was obtained from the Carnegie Trustees. In Japan the scheme has been received most favourably. In China there are over 100 Study Circles in Universities considering the matter. Little eff«*ct will result on the history of the world from our influt no . New Zealand iK'ing so small, but we have some infill <*ncc, and it was usuml to support the Mother Country. The point made is that there can l>e no peace in the l*aciflc without the whole nations of the world having some say in it. The welfare of the native races is also a ft ret charge on all (lovernments concerned. Such are the conditions, tliat New Zealand cannot afford to be out of the social, economic and religious movements that are tailing place.