CANTON'S FATE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23059, 9 June 1938, Page 13

CANTON'S FATE

FURTHER RAIDING 7500 CASUALTIES VICTIMS IN THE DEBRIS EVACUATION ORDERED i WOMEN AND CHILDREN! By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received June 9, 1 a.m.) LONDON. June 8 Thirty-one Japanese aeroplanes flew over Canton at 10.50 this morning and successively bombed the Saichuen and Wongsha railway stations. Oil stocks were set on fire at Wongsha, the flames leaping 50ft. into the air. The raiders withdrew at 11.15 a.m., after bombing Honam Island. • The city lived through a night of terror. The remorseless Japanese bombers, taking advantage of brilliant moonlight, swept over again and again for five hours, obviously seeking out military targets. They attacked chiefly the power station at Saichuen, consequently it is believed the civilian casualties were not high. The raiders dropped flares to identify their targets.

Power Station Damaged

A direct hit partially demolished the Saichuen power station, from which the hospitals are supplied. British engineers at the waterworks, on which 40 bombs have fallen in the past 24 hours, miraculously escaped. The lack of current prevented the sirens giving warning of to-day's raid on thts Wongsha oil depot, which is fiercely blazing. It is estimated that up to yesterday 2500 people have been killed and 5000 wounded, and 1700 houses have been destroyed. University Staff in Danger

Reuter's correspondent at Canton reports that bombs fell in the Christian village of Honam, and on the American Lingnam University, which is staffed by three Britons, 31 Americans and one German. The nearest military objectives were a mile and a-half distant.

Only four machines participated in the raid at dawn yesterday. Bombs were scattered over the residential districts.

Japanese aeroplanes reappeared over Canton yesterday afternoon and pounded with bombs Government offices and the waterworks. Enormous damage was done. Monday's victims have not been fully counted. Many are still trapped in debris and their cries can be heard. Tired rescuers are still working. Whole squares of buildings were I wrecked. Crowds o! Refugees The Hongkong correspondent of the Times states that the Government has ordered women and children to evacuate Canton, and 100,000 people have already reached Hongkong, and many more have gone into the interior. Crowds are assembled on the waterfront and at the railway stations, waiting transport, which is utterly inadequate.

Impressed by the death roll at Canton Marshal Chiang Kai-shek has promised to strengthen the defences of the city. This apparently comes in the nick of time, in view of a reported break between the Cantonese Government and Marshal Chiang Kai-shek owing to the resentment of the former caused by his supposed failure to assist Canton.