MODERN CHINA'S GROWTH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 72, 26 March 1930, Page 9

MODERN CHINA'S GROWTH.

reformation of education

"PETTY WARS" NOT IMPORTANT.

(By Telegraph,—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. • China's "petty wars" do little more than scratch the surface of the national consciousness, says Professor Wmg Kai Ming, principal of a college in Canton, who arrived by the Marama to-day. To a great extent China has shaken off the shackles of tradition, he said, preserving what ie good, but assimilating all that the West can offer and business .principles. Contraryjo popular beliefs, China is not being; torn to pieces between rival political factions. The Nationalist Government is firmly established, and it has been responsible for many good reforms, Tot the least important being those in the field of education, ' .., The Government has been responeible for a complete reformation In the teaching system on Western lines, Much has been taken from America. At present there are 2000 Chinese men and women securing higher education in the United States alone. Students are also to be found at European colleges. Women are taking a prominent part in the educational growth of China. Thay attend the universities for arts and ecionce course#,' and special medical schools have been established by the Government for women alone. German professors are found in nearly all the medical schools. In addition, instruction classes have been inaugurated all oyer the oountry for the education of adults; With all her modern progreesiveness, said the professor, China had not forsaken entirely her ancient traditions, Behind her stretched a vast civilisation almost swallowed in the mists of antiquity. She etill remembered her classics, her mythology and the philosophy and religion of Confucius. Although she was setting out to atune her life to modern standards, her "Westernising" would not destroy her individuality nor dim the memories of her ancestors.