BOMBING IN CHINA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23111, 9 August 1938, Page 10

BOMBING IN CHINA

DOMINION DOCTOR'S LETTER OVERCROWDED HOSPITALS [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON. Monday The joint council of tho Order of St. John and the New Zealand Bed Cross Society, has received a report from Dr. Hector C. Tremewan, who is stationed at Ichang, on the Yangtsekiang River, dated July 11. "Thank you for your concern about our safety, but don't get alarmed," says Dr. Tremewan. "If we got killed you would soon hear, because we would be international incidents. Furthermore, although not believing in arrant cowardice, I don't helieve in mock heroism, such as standing up and cheering when they are dropping bombs. Until you hear to tho contrary, we are 100 per cent. ' "Cholera lia3 broken out here .and we have received a further 1000 wounded, which increases our problem in already overcrowded hospitals. The services of doctors in this country will be required for at least six months after tho conclusion of hostilities. "Nine bombers arrived at noon—tho favourite hour, because shadows are at a minimum, so experts say. A number of bombs were dropped on the aerodrome, which is about 400 yards from the hospital. After the bombing of the civilian population, I emerged and went and bail a look at the aerodrome. About 200 coolies were soon busy filling in tho holes. In about three-quar-ters of an hour the aeroplanes came back and caught everybody unawares. They made six more holes' in tho airfield and killed or wounded about 200 curious spectators. They appeared in more hurry on this occasion, and did not aim so well, so a few houses were destroyed as well. As a result wo have had rather a busy afternoon. There were seven operations this morning', and a great deal of X-ray work to-night which has made quite a full day of it."