CHINA'S PROGRESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22779, 13 July 1937, Page 13

CHINA'S PROGRESS

ROADS AND RAILWAYS RAPID MILITARISATION COUNTRY'S EFFICIENT ARMY The rapid progress that China is making in material tilings, such as roads, railways and aeroplane services, and the efficiency of her soldiers, were commented upon by the Rev. Dr. Arthur Taylor, secretary for Scotland of the China Inland Mission, when he arrived from Sydney by the Niagara yesterday on a short visit to the Dominion. Dr. Taylor, who last visited New Zealand 2-1 years ago, spent 16 years in China, and is regarded as one of the leading authorities on the country. He left there only two months ago, after completing a lengthy tour of the country, travelling through ten of the great provinces, and interviewing many of China's military, political and religious leaders. "China is the key to the world's future," said Dr. Taylor. "She has awakened, and there is nothing now to stop her. Of course, if sl!t> develops • along wrong lines, she may take up the attitude that might is right, and J that will be serious. But if she develops ! properly, she must play a most vital ; part in world affairs." A Unified China Dr. Taylor said that 14 years ago there was nowhere in China the unity that existed to-day. The Chinese people were rallying round Marshal Chiang Kai-shek as if he were a king, and the reaction to his capture recently by Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang had shown the world how united China had become. His wife was an outstanding Christian woman, and it was very largely due to her good influence that the Chinese people were giving such devotion to Chiang Kai-shek. . ' "China is, making rapid progress m material tilings," continued Dr. Taylor. "The railways are good, and there are fine roads between 'every big city, and efficient aeroplane services. Proof of ' this is provided by the fact that 14 years ago it would have taken us nearly five years to accomplish the journey that we did in six and a-lialf months." • Efficient Soldiers Dr. Taylor said that the leaders of China were militarising the country rapidly. This was largely clue to encroachment by Japan on one side and Russia on the other. The Chinese troops were now far different from what they were in the past. They were efficient and well disciplined, and a Chinese soldier was equal to a Japanese when ho was properly trained. Dr. Taylor is a noted lecturer in Scotland, and his lectures have covered New Zealand as well as his own field of China. He is a doctor of divinity and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. While in the Dominion he will preach and lecture on China. Accompanying Dr. Taylor is his wife, who also travelled with him through China. She is a graduate of Auckland i University College, and a daughter of j the late Mr. C. E. Button, M.P., a i i well-known Auckland barrister. !