MODERN CHINA

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 191, 9 May 1921, Page 9

MODERN CHINA

WONDERFUL PROGRESS .Perhaps even ths members of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce did not fully realise Australia’s lethargic interest up io tho present in the immense trade possibilities of China until Mr. E. 8. Little, the newly-appointed Trade Commissioner in the East for the Commonwealth, in an address before the chamber, revealed to them how all the other nations of the world, attuned to China’s changed mental attitude and outlook, arc aggressively fighting to establish strong trade relations with this vast country of 450 millions of people (states the "Sydney Morning Herald” of April 23).

Japan, America, Canada, and othqr countries, realising the progressiveness and the spirit of modernity which have entered into the life of China, have lireatl.v increased their trade with that country. They have established there well-organised services under commissioners. But what, adds Mr. Little, has Australia done? "\Ye have,” he remarked, "less than one-tenth of 1 per cent, of the trade of China. . Do not, however, conclude from what I say that there are possibilities for Australian trade in China simply for the asking. All the nations of the world are to-day fighting to their last ounce of strength for that trade. They have sent to China their finest representatives to foster and promote that trade. If we want a share in it we also must go and fight for -it. A new nation has come to light—a great rigorous nation with immense trade possibilities. I earnestly trust that when I return to China I will receive the backing that I want. I hope to see Australian products there—good stuff, true to label—and to see Australian trade representatives there, for in this effort to make our enterprise in China a success, they will receive from me every assistance within my power.” Mr. Little, who has lived in China for 35 years, and whose knowledge of th* Chinese language has enabled him to travel through it without an interpreter, said he had secured a competency in business, and in taking up this work he had been prompted purely by patriotic motives. The great problems of the world had now shifted io the Pacific, but it had appeared to him that Australia was not taking ills share and its part in this g.reat development of the Pacific. He was goifig back to China in his present capacity simply because ho wanted to do something for his country—not as a hireling, giving as little and taking as much as he coujd, but to give as much as he oould and take ag little, in the hope that hits efforts could be of some assistance to Australian trade. ■As soon as he could train other men for the office ho would retire, an honorary capacity, still do what, he could to strengthen vur trade relations. (Applause.)

Mr. Little refuted the idea that China was stagnant while Japan had made great progress. Japan, it was true, burst into the world as a great military Power., and made a spectacular entry into world polities. It was wonderful—the information Japan had secured about Chinn. One would see a pedlar who was really a lieutenant-colonel, an intelligence officer, or some other high official. In that way information had bedn gained, and Japan knew all about China. Japan, organising her forces, had become a great nation; but China had advanced just as rapidly, although not in the same spectacular way. China had not embarked on a military career, but she was steadily setting her house in order and developing her trade and commerce in a manner that was perfectly marvellous to any close observer.

Mr. Little proceeded to give an instructive word picture of the progressive elements that had entered into the life of China. He spoke of China’s thousands of miles of splendidly equipped railways, which were paying bigger dividends than any railways in the world; of her proposal to double and treble her vast network of railways when the money market improved; of big centres studded with factories run by electric power; of her enlightened Press, which permitted China to discuss intelligently tho affairs of tho world; a Post Office whose organisation was wonderful, and which had entered into contracts for the carrying of mails by aeroplane into even tlie mos* - inaccessible places; and other phases of advancement in keeping with the spirit of modernity. In. education, ns in most other things, a change, had come over Chira. She was sending tens of tlic’isands of students all over the world—some were coming to our own universities here—and they were returning to their own country trained in all tho professions and arts. China, awake io all the modern influences of life, wanted the things that other advanced countries possessed. Those things China wns getting from other countries, but not from Australia. In the equipment of China’s vast system of factories and in her railway communications. such as in the manufacture of locomotives, Mr. Little illustrated Australia’s opportunities for trade.