CONDITIONS IN CHINA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19785, 10 May 1926, Page 2

CONDITIONS IN CHINA.

KIDNAPPING OF SCHOOLBOYS. CRUELTIES OF THE ROBBERS’ DEN. A recent letter from Miss Annies James, of the Canton Village Mission, gives a vivid glimpse of the disturbed and distressad state of that part of Southern China at the present time. “Unless you lived here,” she writes, “you could have no idea of how things really are. Poor, sad, and needy China ! She is torn and rent asunder. Robberies and piracies are not confined to story books, but actual facts on every side. Kidnapping among wealthv folk is prevalent. A short time ago we were all suddenly awakened from a qniet sleep by gongs and whistles and all kin of weird noises close by. One’s heart went pit-a-pat for a minute or two until -e was fully awake to the real facts. What was happening? It was 1 a.m., when suddenly the “guards” at the American Mission gate were disarmed by a body of armed robbers. These -ohbers then entered 'the school grounds calling Fire' Fire! Fire! Naturally many of the boys jumped out of bed and ran to see what was wrong. Alas, the result was that 50 boys of middle school age with four of their teachers were _ kidnapped by the robbers and taken off in launches which were prepared for them. Whistles and gcngs were blown and sounded on every hand, but it was too late. The 54 school residents were securely in the hands of their enemies. That is five months ago and still 19 of the boys are in the hands of the robbers. Stories told by the boys who have" escaped would almost break one’s heart. One boy died before leaving the robbers’ den. Imagine the poor parents! How manv sad hearts yearned over their boys, and 19 are still yearning and longing for the day of release. Another school (a heathen school in our district! was entered at night, and 19 boys were kidnapped. I have not heard of 'their release yet. The Divinity student that our Mission is helping through his studies (a fine, strong character) is also in the hands of the robbers. A large sum is demanded before the robbers will release their victims.”