FAR EAST

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 May 1938, Page 10

FAR EAST

CHINESE GIRL-SOLDIERS. [BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.? (Recd. May 26, 11 a.m.) TOKIO, May 25. It is reported that Japanese found north of the Kwei River at Anhwei, the bodies of 300 young Chinese girls, members of the Orchid Society, who joined up with Chinese guerillas, and are believed to have been killed in the recent battle. The Emperor conveyed to the Hsuchow commanders, his gratification at the brilliant victory over a numerically superior enemy. TREATMENT OF PRISONERS. SHANGHAI, May 25. The Domei News Agency says that General Miyashita. the Japanese commander at Amoy, uttered a warning to the British Consul, Mr Nicholas Fitzmaurice, about the, statement in the House of Commons that Japanese had massacred Chinese prisoners at Amoy. He stated that the Japanese had not only kindly treated the prisoners, but before the surrender the Japanese had slowed' their occupation to enable Chinese civilians to reach the refugee zone.

SYDNEY WATERSIDERS SYDNEY. May 25. The Sydney waterside workers, at a. stop-work meeting to-day, attended bv 4000. decided “under duress” to lift their four months’ embargo on the loading of scrap iron, tin clippings, and tallow for Japan and Germany. They will thus escape the licensing provision in the Transport Workers Act. the application of which was threatened by the Commonwealth Government last week. ’fhe watersiders’ decision was carried by an overwhelming majority. The meeting carried a resolution expressing realisation of the disastrous effects of the licensing system on tneir fellow-unionists in other ports of Australia, and of the distress, poverty. and loss of. employment resulting to loyal members' from it. “We are resolved,” it. stated, "to meet the situation under duress sooner than allow our branch to be destroyed.” IRON ORE EMBARGO. CANBERRA. May 25. The Japanese Consul-General, Mr Wakamatsu, has sent a. strong protest to the Federal Government, against its embargo on all iron ore exports from Australia. CANBERRA. May 26. Japan has requested the Commonwealth to reconsider its decision, but there is little likelihood that the Ministry will modify its policy. The Japanese communication stated that the safety of the Japanese interests connected with Yampi is a. question of such gravity that it cannot be solved simply’ by the reimbursement of investments.

N.Z. MEDICAL MISSION. WELLINGTON. May 26. A cheque from the Mayor of Dunedin for £351 15/8, received by the joint council of the Order of St. John and New Zealand Red Cross Societv, brings the total of the Far East Relief Fund Appeal in New Zealand to £8530 8/3. A cablegram received recently from Dr. R. B. Grey (Hankow), asked for the services of two further doctors, and the medical committee selected Drs. G. H. Maaka and T. A. Watson, both of the Napier Hospital Staff. They leave by the Awatea on Juno 24. arrive at Hong Kong on July 23. There is every likelihood of their joining Drs. Grey and Tremewan in the Honan Province. Central China. A further report from Dr. Grey by air mail from Loyang, dated April 28. shows heavy demands on the medical services. All surgical work is carried out in the mission hospitals subsidised by the International lied Cross Committee. The report tells of the wonderful manner in which the different denominations have worked together. Catholics and protest a ul 1 -’, in perfect harmony.

Speaking of operations, he says it is all very uphill work, ns eases arc of some days’ duration, and very septic. He mentions also that a war orphans’ camp is being established in the Catholic mission at Loyang, and they expect it to contain about 50(1 children from a year old to 13 or 14. There will be a considerable amount, of medical and public health work attached to the camp, and he will do it. About 2000 children are expected to be in camp, at the various cities along the railway route. A letter from Dr. Janies Maxwell, advised the sending of £2OOO. “The amount, of suffering is simply appalling, even more within the occupied zone than it is in the actual fighting line. They are more than grateful for such gifts as promised by the cablegram."