REMARKABLE PROGRESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26532, 6 August 1947, Page 5

REMARKABLE PROGRESS

REBUILDING OF HIROSHIMA TESTIMONY TO JAPANESE EFFICIENCY Official New Zealand Correspondent with J Force Rec. 9 p.m. CHOFU, Aug. 4. Two years ago, on August 5, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. To New Zealanders who have only seen photographs of ,the destruction caused by the bomb, the progress made in rebuilding the city is remarkable. It is a testimony to the efficiency and industry of the Japanese, who to-day- is himself quickly. . Several hundred troops who arrived at Kure on Friday had an opportunity of inspecting the main part of Hiroshima when their train was delayed for two hours. For all these Kiwis it was their first big sight-seeing event since their arrival. A few large, buildings in the main part of the city remain practically intact. Silent reminders of the damage are the concrete buildings, which are a mass of rubble. Damaged bridges and charred trees are among the ruins in the new city, which is taking shape rapidly. A railway station and other offices have been rebuilt. On stepping out into the shopping areas, the visitor is struck by hundreds of narrow-fronted temporary shops. In lay out, they are all like mushrooms. Only the stocks vary. All are constructed of light Japanese pine of a highly inflammable nature. New houses are also springing up with amazing rapidity. One also sees an odd Japanese still suffering from the effects of the bomb flash. The residents give the impression of being politely tolerant. Troops who saw the city first a year ago say that the piogross has been amazing.