CHINESE REACTION EIGHT YEARS' WAR ENDS

PEACE NEWS

CHINESE REACTION EIGHT YEARS' WAR ENDS "This is it!" So said a member of Auckland's Chinese community when the news of the peace was announced on the radio. A reporter was in one of the Chinese shops in Grey Street inquiring into the plans of the local Chinese to celebrate the end of their more than eight years' war with Japan when the foghorn of a ship interrupted the conversation. The long-awaited moment was too great for words, and but for a somewhat incredulous "This is it!" nothing was said. Then the cellar was quickly broached. Significant of the esteem in which the local Chinese community is held is the fact that the first telephone call to come through was one from a European friend congratulating this family on the victory. They deserved it. The parents had suffered the anguishes of Japanese occupation and are still in occupied China to-day, two sisters had been in Hongkong when it fell and had escaped through many dangers to New Zealand, while another sister had been decorated by General Stilwell for her work as a nurse. Chinese in Uniform "I suppose I can forget about the housework," said one of the sisters, after hearing the news. In a few minutes in came friends of the family. "Can you guarantee it, Chas.? asked an older Chinese before he accepted a drink. Charles guaranteed it and the glass was drained. Other friends included a young Chinese in Air Force uniform. He had been in the Air Force since 1941, and his first spoken reaction was probably the same as that of his fellow New Zealand servicemen. Would they get one and a half or two full days' leave?- The two elder sons of the family were anxious to know what the terms .would be. Would Manchuria and other territories outside China Proper be returned to the Republic? The Chinese Association is making plans for a meeting of all members of the Chinese community to celebrate the occasion. If later a general parade is held, the Auckland Chinese will participate with decorated trucks and a costumed lion dance. Several hundred pounds have been collected, a part of which will be used for celebrations and the remainder as a donation towards relief work in China. Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 192, 15 August 1945, Page 6