CONSUL HWANG.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2441, 4 March 1909, Page 2

CONSUL HWANG.

THE MAN AND . HIS VIEWS. The following sketch of the Chinese Consul for New Zealand, who came over by the Uliinaroa appears in the “Wellington Post” :- Consul Hwang is a typo of New. China. Three times round the world and once through an American college have not made him fees of a patriot nor less of -a diplomat. There arc, many Hwangs in China, far inland, training small Chinese in smaller uniforms, in the treaty forts as the gobetween for princely merchant- houses, on tho lawn at the Government House ball, with an “Honourable” at the commencement of the name and a “C.M.G .” at the other end, in a big P. and O. drinking champagne lor the last time before journeying to the eternal snows of Tibet, to teach the “Llamas” by the belli of the gods and a modern drilled army some of the meaning* of Chinese suzerainty, which is all only another way of saying that New Zealand Consul is one of a type, and it is a type which China is making with increasing accuracy. You will find the product very courteous, very interested, chary of confidences suggesting intentions of* purpose, but disliking noise. They are adaptable. The Consul will not be a week in Wellington before he will have fitted himself into his environment. It is a pleasure to discuss anything with the new Consul. The writer on a first acquaintance spent a most interesting hour in general discussion, and afterwards found that the only real opinion evoked might have come direct from the simple life.” Mr Hwang admits no ideal, but he betrays an ideal when he dwells on tho patriotism of these Chinese who have spent a lifetime abroad, and of those others who have never seen China. The bet-ravel is the desire to help these, to interpret for them, and to bo one of those who live away and yet are of China, to stand for China’s remembrance of those who remember her. The type does not make trouble, hut it not afraid of trouble. Some, of the Consul s views, as gathered on the Ulimaroa,' will he their own character sketch, and details of personal appearance may be left to -acquaintance in the streets. A “SIXTEEN-KNOT” INTERVIEW.

“What is the real reason -at the back of your appointment and of that of your colleague in Australia?” China appoints her Consuls in the game way and for the same purpose as other countries -appoint their consuls,” was the reply. “China is a nation -and must have her representatives abroad for the sake of these Chinese who live in a foreign land and for her prestige as a nation. '1 lie need for -a consul-general and a consul is an old need, -and it is now being met. I am on niy way to New Zealand to represent my country and to serve my countrymen. May 1 add that the Chinese I have met speak warmly and with appreciation of the treatment- they have received from broad-minded colonials.” “Will the awakening of China come slowly as a nation rather than through anv provincial movements? In a word, will it not be ‘evolutionary’ rather than ‘revolutionary’ ?” . The Concul replied slowly. “Yes. The movement towards reform along Western lines will not- come as a revolution nor will it be anti-dynastic. China is moving steadily and, so far, peacefully towards her goal.” “Yet there, has been -a wholesale importation of arms for malcontents during the last three years?” “There have been some societies in China which have passed completely away, and there are societies in China to-day which will likewise pass. You will find societies in every country, as in China. No, I do not believe in prophecies of revolution.” “Then it is not also true that the importation of arms has been in large measure caused by the foreign merchants interested in the disposal of such ? You are aware of the fact that largo quantities of these arms have been seized by the authorities? The old barriers of province, distance and dialects, arc these breaking down? Is new China to bo new "China in the broadest -and truest sense?” “Old barriers are being thrown down, and we arc growing into fuller sympathy, understanding and nationhood,” said Mr' Hwang emphatically, “and,” lie continued, “the barrier of dialect, which is a phenomenon of a huge country with great provinces, must wholly disappear before a common tongue, a coriimon dialect, and this unit of language is the mandarin dialect. It is spoken by all officials, and by merchants. It is coming into the schools in -addition to the local dialect, -and the ,time may not be distant when every primary school in China will be compelled, by edict, to teach mandarin.- Even in Australia, some of my countrymen are learning, it, although Cantonese is their native- dialect.-* Lastly, omitting other good reasons, the number of tones is less than brothers, which renders its acquisition easier. Again, you probably overlook the fact that a large percentage of the Chinese can read their newspapers, for the printed language is the same throughout China. 1 By tlio medium of the. Native press the same thoughts may be presented to the Chinamen in Szecliewan arid'-to his fellow in Kwangsi. The native journals have sprung up’ in wonderful fashion, and are read eagerly.” J'he Consul drew a mental breath, and remarked that the chat would last , beyond New Zealand if details- were analysed. “Let me generalise,” ho : suggested, -and generalisation followed. “The rise of Japan, the reason at the back of Western power, a study of history, these are subjects which impress themselves on the mind of young China/ Hundreds of Chinese students are in America, in Scotland, in London, in Germany, and. in Sean-; din avian countries, and hundreds have returned to teach and guide. The- rapidity of the- railway extension, perhaps the most, significant fact of yesterday and to-day in China, is a factor with great potentialities in the welding of a -nationp and'now Shanghai is less than three weeks form Paris by the Manchurian and Siberian lines. The .old 'superstition of Fengshui which stopped mining and railways is dead. China’s very cheap postal service is another aid to mutual knowledge. The self-government associations, which were, well-conducted, resemble links in ai new chain. Again wliat bttlcr proof of real patriotism could bo given than the generous assistance -and sympathy shown by other provinces towards a province afflicted

by flood or" famine ? Then the flame of the anti-opium movement throughout the Empire is helping to burn barriers away -and. 1 to give a common aim. But you are tempting me to generalise in details.” • “You have read Sir Robert Harps prophecy that when sMrina attains to the military standard of Germany she will say to the Powers, “Gentlemen, put up your arms, we will have no more wars?” “My opinion on such -a matter will not -affect tho future. No one knows what will come, but I can -say gladly that my country is not aggressive. It has been our precept, and wo have lived up to it, to win by righteousness, not by force. Our' now armies and the movement for a new navy, those are necessities resulting from pressure from without, and do not arise from Chinese -aggressive ambition. It is self-defence.” lie continued: “If there be an end now to our chat, may I impress upon you one fact I have learned?” and he bent forward. “The more one travels and the more one learns, the more the conviction is impressed that the majortiy of men are non-party. You will find men taking sides--arid hoar a -loud noise, but look closely and you will see that the majority are desirous of getting at facts. Do not be a partisan to extremes. Stay with the majority who want truth. The man who makes friends of the men of other nations is ia wise m-an, provided that he retains the friendship of his own people, and thero is no reason why he should not retain it. Remember the majortiy who want truth.”