FLOODS IN CHINA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 21029, 13 November 1931, Page 11

FLOODS IN CHINA.

DISTRESS OF THE PEOPLE. APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE. An appeal is being made by the International Famine Relief Commission on behalf of the Chinese flood victims in the Yangtse Valley and the Yellow River Plain, and an urgent cablegram has been received f' o ti Dr. T. Z. Koo, who visited the Doninion recently, stating that 20,000,000 people are affected in one area alone, the flooded district being as large as that of the British Isles.

It is stated in the cablegram that funds are urgently needed for winter relief and rehabilitation, and as a result the National Missionary Council, which links the main missionary societies in the Dominion, has decided to appeal to the public for assistance for the destitute Chinese in the area affected. Officers of various bodies interested include the Rev. D. Calder, secretary of the National Missionary Council of New Zealand, the Rev. F. C. Long, secretary of the Anglican Board of Missions, the Rev. W. Mawson, secretary of the Presbyterian Foreign Missions, the Rev. R. H. Hobday, chairman of the district council of the Student Christian movement, Mr. H. S. Conway, secretary of the China Inland Mission, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, president of .the Auckland branch of the Y.W.C.A., and Mr. H. S. Furness, secretary of the Auckland branch of the Y.M.C.A.

The disaster, which is without precedent in the history of China, took place in August, when the Yangtse flooded, affecting the provinces of Hupeh and Hunan, and rendering seven million people homeless and destitute. Almost immediately after; the Yellow River flooded. The banks of the Grand Canal broke in 15 places, and an area of 200 square miles was inundated. It is estimated that in this area alone over a million people were drowned and twenty millions are now destitute. In many cases their homes collapsed and were washed away in the flood, and in all cases crops have been destroyed. In all, 17 provinces have been affected, and it. is estimated that eighty million people are in need of help. The National Missionary Council has file support of the Chinese Consul in New Zealand, who has cabled £SOO on behalf of his countrymen for the relief of the sufferers. The clergy of all churches are requested to make an appeal on behalf of the fund. Contributions should be forwarded to the treasurer, National Missionary Council, Bible House, 49, Ballanco Street, Wellington, from where they will be sent to the China International Famine Relief Commission.