CHINA CAMPAIGN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23106, 3 August 1938, Page 13

CHINA CAMPAIGN

ADVANCE ON NANCHANG HARDSHIPS OF CHINESE DEATHS FROM STARVATION LONDON, August 1 It is believed that the Japanese advance southwards from Kiukiang is aimed at Nanchang to facilitate the cutting of the Hankow-Canton railway, savs a message from Nanking. Nanchang is already virtually deserted and the fleeing inhabitants are experiencing appalling hardships, many perishing from starvation, exposure and disease. China has asked the League of Nations for a mission to organise against epidemics in flooded areas. CLASH WITH PIRATES STEAMER FIRED UPON NEW ZEALAND PASSENGERS SHANGHAI, August 1 Two New Zealanders, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thomson, who are members of the China Inland Mission, were under fire from pirates when they were passengers on the steamer Santarem, which went to the rescue of junks threatened by pirates. The Santarem's challenge was met with a hail of bullets, and exchanges continued until the pirates retreated out of range. Former residents of Auckland, Mr. and Mrs. Thomson, who are carrying on mission work in the Province gf Chokiang, have been residents of China for many years. They visited New Zealand for a period two years ago on furlough. Two of their sons reside in Napier.

JAPAN TO BUY IRON TOIvIO, August 1 The Japanese Government is preparing to buy, for manufacture into munitions, 20,000 tons of iron made available by the compulsory stoppage of the construction of 17 department stores. WOMAN MALTREATED SHANGHAI, August 1 The British Consul at Shanghai has protested against the maltreatment by Japanese of a British woman and a British constable named Hainlyn, who went to her aid, when crossing the bridge to the International Settlement.