In Chinas Outback

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 17, 20 January 1940, Page 3 (Supplement)

In Chinas Outback

A NOTHER book of travel and ri mission work by J. Edwin Orr comes from Marshall, Morgan and Scolt. "Through Blood and Fire in China" is the MtTOimt of a two months' tour Mr. Orr liad witli liis friend (!ili in tlio intorior of the Republic in the latter part of last year. On the way, he spent a short time in Thursday Island and wliere lie was surprised to learn that the 1000 odd Philippine Islands havo a population double that of Australia. He entered China by Hongkong, and met religions leaders, and addressed meetings there, and at a number of other places, having all sorts- of adventures on the way, and making the acquaintauee of people of all ranks and occupations, including Dr. Kung, Premier of the

Republic nml brother-in-law of Chiang Kai-shek. Though he did not meet the Generalissimo, ]ie lias much to toll us about him. The troubles of the Republic lie lays at the door or the Communists' and tlio Japanese. More than once his life was in danger from the bombs indiscriminately dropped by the latter, whom he severely criticises, both for their policy and brutalities, especially to women and children. China, he thought, was being purified by licr tribulations, and if, -as she believed, Japan was destined to fail through exhaustion. the Christian Church would have everything to gain. He found the Chinese authorities very favourable to the Gospel. The most lasting impression he took away was the absence of pessimism and complaint among the people. The reader will iiiul the book informing and satisfying. H is illustrated by several photographs. <?»