“The Century of the Dragon?”
Sunday 22 March 6pm
Red Cross Hall Bank St Timaru
Jim Hughes, a member of our Society, will share his experiences and observations on the rapid and extensive changes accompanying the economic rise of China over the past almost forty years since Mao Zedong’s death and Deng Xiaoping’s “reform and opening policy”. He will discuss how China is becoming more assertive of its place in the world and is “returning to greatness [fuxing]” under President Xi Jinping in what may be the century of the dragon.
Jim, a New Zealander and an engineering graduate of the University of Canterbury formally retired in early 2008 after living and working in the South-East and East Asia region since mid-1969.
He has travelled extensively in the region and worked as a consultant for governments, including China, and corporations in areas of financial sector reform. He is now living in Timaru and the Hunter Valley, Australia, and travels to Asia frequently pursuing business interests and catching-up with friends.
Noeline Turnbull (nee Meechang)
Members will be sorry to learn of Noeline’s death in February. In 2013 she spoke to our branch about the life of her Chinese goldminer grandfather. It was a very moving account of a life which was interspersed with hardship and tragedy and always in the context of the prejudice experienced by the Chinese miners. It was a remarkable talk for a lady of her age and those attending could sense her relief at sharing his remarkable story.
New Year Banquet
Thanks to all who supported our Chinese New Year Banquet at the Golden Palace on 22 February. The attendance was excellent as was the meal. A great start to the Year of the Sheep. Thanks also for the support of our raffle, the proceeds of which will go the Society’s Katherine Hall Scholarship. It was good to have NZCFS South Island vice-president Dave Adamson and Carol share the meal with us.
