FAMINE SUCCEEDS FLOODS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18772, 28 July 1924, Page 7

FAMINE SUCCEEDS FLOODS.

CHINESE

VISITATION.

APPEAL FOR RELIEF FUNDS.

SURTAXES BEING IMPOSED. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. PEKING. July 25. Urgent appeals have been received from the International Famine Belief Commission for assistance for the Chinese sufferers through the floods. The appeals indicate that the inundations are of such large proportions that early and decisive steps are necessary if adequate relief is to be provided and further loss of life averted.

Catastrophes have occurred in the provinces of Chihli, Kiangsi, Hunan, Fukien, and Kwang-tung. It is not yet certain whether the city of Tien-tsin can be saved.

Tho commission has addressed a resolution to Government diplomats stating that it is organising a national relief campaign, but that Government funds should also be made available. It proposes a surtax ctn maritime customs. The funds are being administered by a joint committee representing the Cabinet and the diplomats The commission recommends that the funds should be expended on a lo3n basis, in that manner establishing a revolving fund which maybe devoted to flood and famine prevention when the present emergency has passed.

The Cabinet met and decided to impose surtaxes for six months on tho railways, telegraphs, postal and navigation services to aid the Bufferers on the lines of the 1920 famine surtax.

It is understood that the diplomats will be approached regarding a customs surtax which the Government also intends to impose.