Gen. and Mrs. Shang Chen gave a very successful' reception and tcé parly at their residence on March fo which were invited the chief provineial officials and the members of the foreign community.
Gen. Shang Chen, who is the new! Chairman of Honan 'Province, and concurrently Commander of the 32nd 'Army, 1s one of the most interesting personalities in China at the present day. For many years he was a trusted follower of Marshal' Yen Msisshan and so has much experi tence In dealing with Chinese affairs. Ue is, however, more than this, for not only has he retained many of the best characteristics of the Chie nese, but he is essentially modern in many respects, and what is more able to put his ideas into practice. The polo team of the 32nd Army is well known throughout China, and ju Shanghai learning boxing and when they are trained, they will act fas Instructors to the other members of the camps.
In private life, Gen. Shang Chen simple and tmostentatious, and. frequently travels around—without any bodyguard or followers. "His private residence has no guards or entries of any kind and everywhere there Is order and quiet efficiency.
'Gen, 'Shang was at one time both 2 good tennis and polo player, but now his chief recreation 1s golf. He a Rolarian and a very able speak-for both in English and' Chinese and his addresses on public occasions in Kaifeng have been much appreciated.
is a Northerner and is al very popular in the province and great things are hoped for and expected from his administration, Dull, dreary and damp,' has been the characteristic weather of the past days, and the roads are wet and greasy. Another coating of mow speaks of the grip of winter which ts tardy in loosing its hold, During the week-end, a piercing wind from the {northeast has' made everyone shiver, but the cold has been tempered by the cheery glow of the sun which, at last, came out with a brief flush of Hangchow maintains its reputation a religious centre. The attraction ff the temples draws a growing crowd fof notable gnosis, and pilgrims are flocking in from every point of the compass. Long queues of idol worshippers are seen on the main thoroughfares—a mass of humanity on holiday and the shop windows seem fo draw out their interest more than the shrines,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.