CHINESE REJOICE 1945

[NZBC]

CHINESE REJOICE

notable anniversary

AUCKLAND CELEBRATIONS iliis is the first time for many years that we have been really able to celebrate with peace, joy and happiness in our hearts," said Miss Betty Ah Chee, oi Auckland, who made the speech of greeting in English on behalf of the Chinese Association at yesterday's celebration in Auckland of the anniversary n ,ii I V I ld atIOJI the Chinese Republic. ioday marks the rebirth of fn, nC ,7.' frce China and there is a need rot us to Jocus all our energy on its leconstruction." All other speeches were giyen in tho Chinese language. Ihe celebrations, which were held in the I rince Edward Theatre, Newton were organised by the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Chinese Association, lhe chairman, Mr Ng Dai Bak, read the wiH of Dr Sun Yat Sen, "Father" of the Republic, after which addresses were given by Messrs Ng Fong, Chan Yim Sang H C. Wong, Gum Leong Lowe and the Rev. Y. Chau. I he Dai Tung Music Society produced the second part of tho play "Human Integrity," written by Mr N. Wai Poi, of Auckland, the first part of which was performed in Auckland some months ago. In conformity with Chinese cusi*' u wornen s roles in tho play were taken by men, their impersonation being remarkably good. The performers were all amateurs.

Against a background of Chinese scenery, the story was carried to its conclusion with the reuniting of the parties separated by tho Sino-Japanese war and the final defeat of the enemy. The audience was almost entirely composed of Chinese and the performance was given in the national language. A great many of the Chinese in Auckland left China while that nation was at war, and many of the scenes in the play showing refugees carrying their belongings and fleeing before the Japanese held poignant memories for them.

Chinese shops, restaurants and other businesses were closed yesterday. A special church service was held last night in the Chinese Church, Cook Street.

SHOPS CLOSED IN HAMILTON SPORTS MEETING AND DINNER (0.C.) HAMILTON, Wednesday Celebrations to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Republic were held by the Wnikato branch of the New Zealand Chinese Association in Hamilton today. All Chinese business shops were closed for the day. In the afternoon a sports meeting was held at Hinemoa Park and a dinner followed in the association's rooms at night.
New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25330, 11 October 1945, Page 7

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[NZBC]

CHINA'S DAY

WEEK-END GATHERINGS SERVICE AND DINNER Chinese residents of Auckland made many new friends during the week-end, when they celebrated their country's National Day, marking the 31st anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Republic. A commemorative service held on Saturday afternoon in the rooms of the New Zealand Chinese Association, oti City's Avenue, was attended by nearly 100 members of the local Chinese community. Singing of the Chinese National Anthem was followed by the repeating in chorus of Dr. Sun xat Sen's message to the people of China. The religious service was conducted by Mr. Gum Leong lx>w. The principal speaker was Mr. Ng Day Pak, who was followed by Mr. Y. S. Cham and the Rev. Y. S. Chan. The function concluded with two items bv a Chinese orchestra, with Chinese instruments.

European Guests Entertained In the evening the newly-tormed Chinese-New Zealand Society entertained about 80 European and Chinese guests to dinner in the cafeteria ot the Auckland University College. Nine Chinese dishes were served, including food made from dried mushrooms, oysters, bamboo shoots and other delicacies, all imported from China. The famous luxury dish, bird's nest soup, proved exceedingly popular. Chopsticks were provided and European guests were patiently coached in their use by English-speaking Chinese people at each table. Guests later gathered in the adjacent smoking room. The president of the society, Mr. Henry Ah Kew, acted as host. He read a message of good wishes from the Prime Minister, the Tit. Hon. P. Eraser. The guest of honour was the Mayor of Auckland, Mr, J. A. C. A Hum, who paid high tribute to the gallantry of the Chinese nation in the war against Japan. He said there would be no going hack to pre-war conditions and stressed that it was one of the duties of the great democracies to help other nations to enjoy higher standards of civilisation. Greater Understanding Urged The Rev. Y. S. Chan, whose speech was interpreted by Miss I'inlay, who formerly resided in China, appealed tor greater understanding of China's problems, resources and philosophy. He outlined the society's objective, which was to foster relations between China and New Zealand by giving opportunity for individual contacts and study. The Rev. C. W. Chandler, of Cambridge. recalled that the Archbishop of Canterbury had lately conducted a special service in St. Paul's Cathedral for Chinese people in London. Jhe Ambassador, Dr. Wellington Koo, had read the lesson. Mr. Chan spoke yesterday afternoon to a large gathering in the city ot members of the New Zealand People s University on "China and the Whole World." A service was held m the Chinese Church in Cook Street last evening, Mr. Chan officiating. An address was given by Madame A. Mil bum, who referred to the fellowship of great Christian nations in arms. She outlined the history of Chinese-American diplomacy.

LINK WITH DOMINION

NEW ERA IN RELATIONS

(P.A.) "WELLINGTON, Sunday A feature of the celebration of the .list anniversary of the Chinese Republic by the Chinese community in Wellington yesterday was the presence of the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. _P. Fraser, and Mrs. Fraser, at the official gathering. This is the first occasion that a New Zealand Prime Minister has attended the annual ceremony. Between .100 and 400 Chinese nationals were present at the function. The chairman, Mr. William Kwok, recalled that among all the members of the League of Nations in 1931 New Zealand had been the only one which advocated resistance to the first Japanese aggression against China. Had that resistance been offered then, said Mr. Kwok, there might not hare been a world war in 1939. He hoped that the presence of the Prime Minister and Mrs. Fraser was a sign of permanent co-operation and friendship of the two nations.

The Chinese Consul-General, Mr. Wang Feng, said that, apart from its significance as China's national day, October 10 this rear had a special significance in marking the opening of a iipw era in relations between New Zealand and China. In a recent telegram to Mr. Frnser, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek had stated that it was his firm belief that the friendly ties which bound the two countries would be one of the most important factors in bringing peace and prosperity to the Pacific. Mr. Fraser said the principles Dr. Sun Yat Sen put forth not only moved the millions of China to fight for their freedom, but also gave a charter to mankind. That those principles were coming to fruition was due to the Chinese people and in part also to the great Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Chiang Kai-shek. China's soul was free and before long the country would he free, too. New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24402, 12 October 1942, Page 4 paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=NZH19421012.2.51&srpos=61&e=-------100--1----0henry+leong--