(To the Editor.)

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 72, 28 March 1929, Page 11

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —There seems to be some doubt in the public mind as to wfiether moneys subscribed for this.cause will be wisely administered in the prevailing disturbed conditions, and actually reach the real sufferers. Publicity ought therefore to be. given to the fact that there is already in existence an International Famine Relief Commission with an ' organisation on the spot.

This was first called- into being during the partial famine in 1920, and has remained in existence ever since, watching conditions and administering relief works for flood prevention in the Yellow River provinces. It has headquarters in both Pekin and Shanghai,. I believe, and is fairly closely in touch with, if not actually allied to the International Red Cross. Givers may have full confidence that all moneys will be properly, expended by this organisation, which is not only of international standing, but is already in touch with conditions there, and bas the experience of 1920 ,behind it.

Concerning the urgency of the case, and the appalling nature of the need, there can be not the slightest doubt. ■ Because of the more isolated position of Horau, Kansu, and Shensi, and the partial breakdown of communications, so far only very meagre cabled reports have come through the Press. But the bald facts given call up a picture that baffles description. At the present time it appears as if at least one-fourth of the population of those three provinces were already beyond human aid. And the most prompt and energetic measures will be necessary if any considerable number of the remainder are to be saved. With civil war again threatening on the Yangtze^ a few, hundred miles south of the stricken area, the newly-established Nationaliat Government will hardly be able to deal effectively with the situation. It is, therefore, a matter for thankfulness that this Commission is there on the spot to. facilitate relief measures. But they must have the funds to do it.

The people of New Zealand gave magnificently to help the Belgians during the war. Can their imagination not be quickened to realise that, though there is no background of .romantic heroism in this case, the plain fact is that the need is far greater? Unless the help of the world is given freely and given quickly this thing threatens to become one of the greatest disasters in human history. The call of North-west China may be put in the words of the importunate father, "Come down quickly ere my child" die!" —I am, etc., . JOHN M. M'KENZIE.