THE CHINESE LABOUR CORPS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16501, 31 July 1919, Page 7

THE CHINESE LABOUR CORPS.

Of all the changes made in individuals by the war there are probably none more striking than those the people of China are now noting in the returning Chinese who served in.the war zone under the standard of the Chinese Labour Corps. Something like 100,000 Chinese worked for the Allied nations at all kinds of labour connected with the progress of the war in Franco and Belgium, earning all told the estimated sum of £6,000,000, practically ail of which returns to their native country. Taken from various parts of China, they were put under military discipline, taught efficiency according to western standards, and subjected to conditions of life in an altogether different human environment, that has, so to speak, "made new ’Chinamen of them.” The question that the best thought of China is now considering is what shall he done with them, and plans are being discussed to keep these former members of the Chinese Labour Corps together and use their improved capabilities on government work. Even if they scatter, however, those 100,000 western trained workers will surely bo an influence for good in the life of the nation.