FOREIGN SENTIMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 188, 11 August 1931, Page 6

FOREIGN SENTIMENT

’"(TIE different attitude displayed to-day towards the sentiment and feeling to that which prevailed years ago has been manifest in more than one recent incident. A particularly pleasing example of this consideration for the sentiment of people in a distant land has recently been provided by the people of Geneva. A few decades ago the Sacred Bell left Japan and found its way to the property which is now Ariana Park. The park came into the possession of the Geneva Government, whereupon the Sacred Bell was handed to Mr S. Yoshisaka, the Japanese representative at the International Labour Office. “The miraculous return of the bell,” said Mr Yoshisaka, “which the faithful in Shinagawa believed lost forever, aroused a deep religious emotion in the entire country.” In witness of their gratitude, the Mayor of Shinagawa sent to Geneva a ceremonial kimono of thanks, as well as a film showing the reception ceremonies when the bell was received in solemn state in Yokohama and transported to Tokyo. It is not generally known that the Auckland Museum houses an ancient Tamil Bell which was washed up on the East Coast. The presence of this bell indicates that Chinese sailors were in or near these regions at some period of history. The history of the Tamil Bell is yet to be unfolded, but it is possible that the time may come, and that soon, when the Chinese will appreciate the return of that bell to its homeland- Should the circumstances arise then it is to be hoped that the gracious act will be as fruitful of goodwill as was the return by Geneva to Japan of the Sacred Bell.