MR. HWANG.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1118, 4 May 1911, Page 6

MR. HWANG.

HONOURED BY METHODISTS, MR. FOWLDS'S TRIBUTE. A number of lending Methodists nicl at dinner in Godber's Cuba Street restauraiil last evening, with Mr. Yung-lianj Hwang, Imperial Chinese Consul, as guest of honour. Mr. Hwang, who is himself a Methodist', is about to leave for Melbourne, where ho will take up the position oi' Chinese, Acting-Consul General for Australia, and the gathering of last evening was arranged to bid him farewell. Mr. W. E. Redstone, presided, and was supported by tiio lion. G. Fowlds, Mr. T. H. Shah (who succeeds Mr. Hwang at the consulate, in Wellington), the Rev. E. 0. Blamircs, Mr. 11. X. Holmes, V.M.C.A. secretary, and others.

What Methodist Ministers Say. The Rev. E. O.Blamires said that only the short notice of tho gathering had prevented a larger number of ministers and others being present. A meeting of .Methodist ministers had, however, passed a motion appreciative of Mr. Hwang's personal qualities, and his assistance to the Church, and expressing good wishes for his future. Personally, Ms. Blamires was grateful lo Mr. Hwang for repeated assistance at the Central Mission at Duucdin and here. Mr. Hwang hail stood in this city as an exponent of brotherhood, and his attitude as a representative of the great Eastern empire was significant of a great international unity which would yet be brought about, and which would bo as firm as the Rock of Ages, and ns strong as that love, which was, stronger than death. .Mr. Hwang was cno of God's gentlemen. (Hear, hear.)

Remarks by Mr. Fowlds. The Hon. G. Fowlds, Minister for Education, said he had known Mr. Hwang all the time the latter had been in New Zealand, and had always known him favourably. As a Minister he had often come into contact with Mr. Hwang and had sometimes had to say "No" to his requests. . ' ■Mi\ Hwang: Very few. (Laughter.) Mr. Fowlds accepted the amendment, and added that it was extremely, difficult to say "No" to Mr. Hwang, who-was always so . sure that . his requests were reasonable- and moderate'.'' Ho had felt it a privilege to know Mr. Hwang both officially and socially. Mr.-'Hwang seemed to him to be a full-blown flower of what education could do, joined with the Christian religion. The departing consul's presence in New Zealand had been of great advantage to his fellow countrymen. Ho had been able to show cause to Parliament why an amendment should bo inado removing some of the restrictions on tho entry into this country of educated Chineso tourists, students and visiting merchants. To the Chinese living in New Zealand, tho opportunity of meeting and knowing Mr. Hwang must have been a means of elevation of their ideals, and of setting a standard for their own lives. If they would all riso to tho standard which he had set, our own people would not raise the objections they now' did to their piesencn in our midst. But Mr. Hwang had not only done good to his own people. He had done a great (leal of good to our people. His presence and his inspiring utterances from platform and pulpit must have gone a long way towards removing t-rroneous prejudices from tho minds if many persous. Tn going to tako up an important position in Australia, Mr. Hwang was only taking one of many steps oi promotion in tho service of his country. In days to come, some of those present, on. taking a trip Home; might find Mr. Hwang in London, as Ambassador of the Chinese Empire. (Applause.) Mi. J. Loiiiiu. and Mr. 11. N. Holmes expressed similar sentiments on behalf of the lavmen of the Methodist Church.

Mr. Hwang's Reply. Mr. Hwang, in his reply, asked Mr. Blamires, to convey his gratitude to the Ministers of the Methodist Church-ill New Zealand for tlie kindness shown , 'by this farewell function and in ways, lie felt unworthy of the praises that had 1 been spoken, but. his motto had always been that which ho had learnt in his student days in America—"First of all, bo a man." He did not know that ho had given help to the Methodist Church in New Zealand, but lie knew that . he had gained much help from it, and from tho good and noble Christian gentlemen connected with it. He thanked Sir. Fowlds for his kind expressions. lie did not remember that Mr. Fowlds had often said "No" to him. Ho had certainly found that Mr. Fowlds met him courteously and always stood by reasonIn leaving New Zealand ho thought it likely that he would return again, as his appointriient in Australia was only that of He would bo delighted to see any of his New Zealand friends in Melbourne. He did not desire any high diplomatic position, such as had been spoken of. He would rather go back in due time to China" and do some solid work there. . The Chinese people, were remarkable for simplicity, honesty, and a peaceful nature. Ho was proud of their unpretentious ways. If they were labourers they lived as such, and did not dress (o deceive people as to what class they belonged to, and so long as they maintained their honesty he did not think they would bo a cause of danger to any community. Honesty, integrity, and simplicity were the best qualities any class of people could have. In going to Australia, said Mr. Hwang, in conclusion, he would carry away pleasant memories of tho kindness ho had received at the hands of the Government and people of New Zealand. (Applause.) Before the gathering broke un Mr. Hwang's health was drunk with enthusiasm.