The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1911. WOMEN IN CHINA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 95, 5 December 1911, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1911. WOMEN IN CHINA.

The great upheaval in China possesses much interest for women, for, in the past, that most conservative country iias always treated the sex with little courtesy or consideration. Now there seems to bo some hope of better conditions for the women of China, for the loaders of the revolutionary movement—men of the progressive type, and westernised by upbringing and

education, have promised that should they succeed, they will adopt a policy which is broad enough to please the most carping of critics. In the scheme of political, industrial, and economic freedom, aimed at, the women of China will for the first time in history of that Empire receive direct and personal considerations. In the past they have figured as chattels, indeed, necessary evils; as factors, they cannot but help materially in influencing and altering the social condition of their country. It is a colossal task, this changing of the old order for the new, and the prejudice of centuries is behind it all. To the Westerner, the life of a Chinese woman is colourless and unendurable, but education is fast removing the stumbling blocks in the road of progress, and enlightenment, and a Chinese lady has had tho temerity to publish a book, which deals with women '-ml their position as economic units. The publication naturally aroused some stir, but it has been most favourably reviewed by English reviewers. At present in China, a woman has no le;al position, and this fact is tho motive behind the movement for emancipation. A woman of tho upper and middle classes is brought up entirely useless and reliant on others for sustenance and service. The folly of this has come to ho appreciated by

those women who have studied abroad, uul returned to China as disciples of the new gospel of freedom. China has her famous women, who have distinguished themselves in art, science, uid letters, notwithstanding tho prejudices prevailing, and it is to them that the leaders of tho movement are

looking. Instead of remaining at home with crippled foot, the modern Chinese girl will he permitted to attend schools and colleges, whore she will ho taught on the most approved methods, adapter! from English and American schools. Already the change lias begun to make itself felt, and tho application for admissions to tho schools already in existence are greater than can he coped with. The teachers so far are Fmglish and native, with a Chinese professor who imparts the wisdom of Confucius, and other philosophers.

CHIPS THAT E3O NOT ROLL. Ships that do not roll have long boon prayed for by those who go down to tho sea in such, and it will be cheering to the prospective voyager to know that it is now possible to cross the Atlantic in a liner warranted not to roll. The yesscl is the new Canard liner Laconia, which, it is stated, will probably run her trial trips before Christmas. This steamer constitutes a new departure in British shipping, for she will be the first liner under the red ensign to bo fitted with anti-rolling tanks. It is currently reported that if the tanks are a success in her case they will be provided—of course, on a scale suited to her vast dimensions—in the Cunard Company’s 50,000-ton liner Aqnitania. The tanks in question are on the principles enunciated by Dr. Frahm, and already subjected to severe tests of efficiency at sea in vessels of considerable tonnage. It hardly needs to bo pointed out that if, by the use of this device, the rolling of a ship can bo reduced to a minimum in a heavy beam sea, the comfort of the ocean passenger will ho enhanced in a singular degree. Hitherto British ship owners have not shown undue haste in availing themselves of this mechanical device, although in principle it is by no moans new, if t Jig stiiTenn nts now made are correct; Sir Phil!;) Watts, for instance, Jong since ma In a number of valuable experiment.’, in the direction indicated. It hi- however, been left for the Ceimans to lead the way in the practical application of tho idea. It is stated that, following upon the proof which has boon given of their utility in other German steamers, tho Ham-bnrg-American Company lias been induced to have anti-rolling tanks fitted in their liners Amerika and Kaiserin Auguste Victoria, as well as in their big intermediate steamers Cleveland and Cincinnati, and in the cruising steamer Victoria Luise, formerly the famous greyhound Deutschland. It is likewise believed that the HamburgAmerican Company will similarly equip the two 50,000-tou liners now being built for them in German yards. Dr. Fralun’s system has gained great popularity in an unusually short space of time, and his name will be much blessed if the invention proves -n ything like the success anticipated.

THE WOOL MARKET. Tlia N.Z. L. and M. Agency Company’s Produce Circular, under date October 26th, refers as follows to tae wool market:—Since the close of the London sales there has been considerable enquiry privately and ' a fair quantity—both merino and crossbred—ba« changed hands at firm prices. On the other hand a dull tone has prevailed in the manufacturing districts, and values for tops have receded, very low prices it is reported having in sou. o instances been accepted for forwar ddelivery. At the same time consumption continues upon a hugs scale, and any further downward movement does not seem warranted, though, as is customary at this season of the year, there is a strong desire in some quarters to depress prices here with a view to establishing a lower level of values in the Australas’.’.r markets.