CHINESE MISSIONS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 19 March 1927, Page 10

CHINESE MISSIONS.

NO OCCASION FOR PANIC. By. Telegraph—Press Association. DUNEDIN, March 18. Referring to cable messages, the Rev. J. Barton, Foreign Missions Secretary of the Presbyterian Church, deprecated anything like a panic. Ho pointed out that arrangements were already in train for banding over the control of the New Zealand mission work to the Chinese Christian Synod. This was in fulfilment of the constant intention of the mission, whose aim was to build the Chinese Church. Letters received indicate that detailed arrangements for the transfer are being carried out, in a friendly fashion. The Chinese Synod desires to retain the services of the Mission staff. In the meantime the New Zealand Church will continue financial contributions. Mr Barton added that the position regarding the mission schools was difficult, but 'the'r usefulness was not necessarily ended even if the regulation i« enforced. So far as he could judge his own mission would not find it impossible to function under the now order. The main thing was for th% Church and State to realise that China was determined to be mistress of her own house, and adopt a policy accordingly. "SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.” SAYS EX-MISSION AR Y. By Teleg-«apb —Press Association. WANGANUI, March 18. Referring to the latest cabled news from China, regarding the restriction of missionary activities by the Nationalist authorities, Rev. G. H. McNour, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand, who resided in Canton for twenty-five years, and who was engaged ior the Jast ten years in educational work there, stated that the facts relating to the registration of private schools in China have been well known to all missionaries for over a, year. Although the Nationalists threaten some restriction of missionary education, it ill believed by tho majority of educational missionaries that satisfactory re-adjustment can be made to meet the requirements of the China Government. Tho regulations aitn at nationalising all schools within China, and prohibit the teaching of religion, whether Chinese or foreign, within school hours. 11 is just a reproduction of tho secularing of education as carried out in the United States and New Zealand. In these days of developing 'nationalism the Chinese Government looks with suspicion on any cultural influence that might seem to threaten such development. Mr MeNeiir believes that tho. cabled statements are ai deliberate misuse and distortion of facts, for purposes of antiChincts© and ianti-mis.siona.ry propaganda, and should not be taken seriously.