THE FAMINE IN CHINA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20218, 1 April 1929, Page 12

THE FAMINE IN CHINA.

Sir,—ln 1905 there was a famine in the northern provinces of Japan, and the New Zealand Government of the time (the Seddon Government) cabled £IOOO to the Japanese Government. That this gift from the Government, as representing "the people of New Zealand, was gratefully received and deeply appreciated by the Government and people pf Japan was shown by the presentation to New Zealand of a gold goblet or loving cup by the Japanese Government. This unique presentation, cup is to be seen at the Turnbull Library, Bowen Street, Wellington. Again, in 1923, there was an exceptionally bad earthquake disaster in Japan, and the New Zealand Government of the time (the Massev Government) sent £25,000 as New Zealand's contribution toward the relief of the sufferers. One cannot help wondering why the present Government has not yet similarly responded to the terrible situation in China, which is so immeasurably worse than either of the occasions referred to above. It cannot be because New Zealand has become poorer. Quite apart from Government action in the matter, the people of New Zealand have an urgent personal duty to perform. The amount cf suffering is simply staggering. Just imagine the whole of the populations of Canada, Australia and New Zealand being the victims of a terrible famine, and one has a picture of the situation in North-west China. Selvyn King.