MISSIONS IN CHINA

Otago Witness, Issue 3244, 17 May 1916, Page 7

MISSIONS IN CHINA

ADDRESS BY PROFESSOR HEWITSON.. There was a fair attendance at the Trinity Methodist Church en the 10th, when an address was delivered by Professor Hewitson on "A Visit to Missions in China/'. Tho Rev. Clarence Eaton, who presided over the gathering, in the absence, through indisposition, of the Rev. W. A. Hay, introduced the lecturer. Professor Hewitson, after graphically describing his trip -across to China, which, he said, occupied a month, dealt with the typo of Chinese ho met, as compared with those to be seen in New Zealand. The men in Canton were line intellectually, and -were capable of any task set them, while they also had exceptionally fine moral qualities. Their persistency., too, was extraordinary. "When yon consider ail this," said Professor Hewitson, "you will what a danger he is." China was awakening, and it was surprising what rapid strides she had made during recent years. It had been said that what Japan had done in 30 years China would do in 15 years. Tho resources of the country were unlimited. Professor Hewitson hero dealt with the lack of knowledge- on the part of tho British people of tho condition of affairs, and pointed out that, of all the merchants in China, fewer than 2 per cent, could speak Chinese. As against this, the Germans were keenly interested in Chinese trade and the language. America, too, was doing a great deal to get the China trade. He merely mentioned this to show the short-sighted policy of tho British nation in no!; grasping with both hands, so to speak, the opportunity offered it to develop commercial relations with China on sound line?. He pointed out that in Germany to-day there were more English papers read than there wore German papers road in Erw-dand. Professor Hewitson described the magnificent country he had seen in China, and the beautiful cities, some of the latter, lie snid. being equally as beautiful as tho city of Dunedin. Ho next dealt in detail with the wonderful work that is being accomplished by the different missionary societies in China, particularly in tho school?! and colleges, and said that the fruits of fchia wonderful work woro heinrr felt already in the affairs in China., and would be still more felt in "the near future, when that great country was really awakened to the benefits of civilisation. Professor Hewitson, who spoke for just about two ho-ars, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks by J"