BIAS BAY LANDING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23631, 15 October 1938, Page 13

BIAS BAY LANDING

THE JAPANESE INVASION HEAVY FIGHTING REPORTED FIERCE CHINESE RESISTANCE TRAIN SERVICE SUSPENDED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 13. The Shanghai correspondent of the British United Press Association says:—“ Japanese troops invading South China, whose transports are still discharging troops in Bias Bay, encountered the firt line of defence points west of Hachung, where they tried all day, aided by bombing Dianes, to overcome fierce Chinese resistance. The scenes of the heaviest fighting were between Pingshan and Namshan. The Japanese bombed Tamshui into ruins. They suffered a repulse at Aotao. The Chinese destroyed bridges leading to Waichow, the Japanese first main objective.” Reuter’s correspondent learned that Japan has specifically given an assurance that British rights and interests in South China will be scrupulously respected. The Hongkong correspondent of The Times says:—“The Japanese continue air bombing or railways. The Chinese admit the loss of 800 men in resisting the landing. They assert the Japanese lost 400, “The Canton train service has been suspended. One hundred foreign refugees, including Germans. arrived from Canton. “ The Pearl River is closed, bottling up gunboats—four British, one French, and one American —and 12 British merchantmen.” DEFENCE OF CANTON PREPARATIONS COMPLETED CANTON, Oct. 13. The authorities report that the defence preparations have been completed. It is expected that the landing on the Kwantung coast will ease the pressure on Hankow. The Cantonese troops are expected to be able to protect the area without necessitating the aid of Government troops. THE REFUGEE PROBLEM ACUTE IN HONGKONG HONGKONG, Oct. 13. The Governor (Sir Geoffry Northcote), in his Budget speech, said the colony was facing a grave situation. Three-quarters of the supply of vegetables and a large proportion of the meat were drawn from Kwantung. The refugee problem was becoming acute, and meant a heavy drain on the finances. CANTON-KOWLOON RAILWAY CUT IN SEVERAL PLACES TOKIO, Oct. 13. The Navy Spokesman announced that the Canton-Kowloon railway had been cut at several points. Naval and military forces were advancing smoothly. Two thousand Chinese had been wiped out at an undisclosed spot. The first major battle was expected at Waichow, where the Chinese were concentrating amid favourable terrain, lakes, and hills. One hundred Japanese, planes swept Kwantung, including Waichow, leaving a trail of destruction. PEOPLE LEAVING CANTON FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND HONGKONG, Oct. 14. (Received Oct. 15, at 1.25 a.m.) All communications between Hongkong and Canton are disrupted. Four hundred thousand people are evacuating Canton at the Government’s expense. The seat of the municipal and provincial governments is being moved inland to Yumyuen.