CHINA'S AWAKENING.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13101, 28 April 1908, Page 10

CHINA'S AWAKENING.

INTERVIEW WITH A MAXDARIN. (press association telegram.) AUCKLAND, April 27. "The yellow peril, what is it?" said Mr Thomas Ling, a mandarin of high degree, and an emissary of tho Chinese Empire, in the course of an interview to-day. "I have heard much foolish talk in Australia and New Zealand of th? awakening of China, and the consequent danger of xVustnalasian territory. It i 6 true that Ghana is awakening, and that our country is making wonderful progress. Out Government h doing more for its ; peonle now than h has ever dcaio before, but as for ever venturing beyond our own empire and attempting to annex the Islands of the Pacific, that is a policy wo do not dream of. Admittedly we are building an army tor our own self-defence. It is essential that we should do so, but wo have not thought further than taking our place amongst the nations vi tho world.. Wie are at present? actuated with but ome desire—to awaken our .people to their own otrength, tand to laave our omoire rank as it ehoni'd amongst the foremost of the world." '"What is being done to bring about tlrat awakening?" Mr Ling was asked. "The adoption of approved Western methods," was tho .reply. '"The first ctep has been, to make a determined effort to s-upprees tiie evil of opium smoking. . It is wonderful what remarkable success has been achieved."

''What of China's industries? Is tl.'ore a-ccimerpcnding movement in commercial circles synonymous with the cnakenOniS of the people ?"* "Yts, that is one of the paints whifih have .bran -most thoroughly real:i ed by ihe Government," Mr Ling replied. "Too long China has been the dum-oing" groinid cf the manufactures cf tihe other nations. No country in t'h-j- world imports so many outside ni anu fact aires as China, doss to-day, but now we are keen upon developing our commercial status, as- wo are upon improving our a'rmv and our position .Generally. Between Australia and China there is already a fair exchange j oif trade, and I hope the appointment of a Chinese Consul in. Auckland will he the first &t?p towards the establishircoit of bett?;r relations •bc'hreen this country and China.*'

j Mr Ling left by the Manuka this evening for Sydney.