SUFFERERS BY FAMINE AND EARTHQUAKE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2719, 25 April 1906, Page 14

SUFFERERS BY FAMINE AND EARTHQUAKE.

Tokio ad', ice* rlatpd March 25 state that the misery and siifferintr in th« famine di-tricts ha\c been slightly relieved by piompt, aid from domestic and foreign hources, and the abatement of the rigours of wintt'i The local authorities are trying to pro'vida work for the able-bodied, but the extent of work is inadequate, and tens of thousands are still on the verge cf starvation. Many parents are parting from their children, sending th?m to the already crowded Okayama Orphanage. Several children ariived ve-terdav at Uyeno Railway Station in thie city. Among them was a gir] six jears old, who \\as found treasuring a package of dirty old newspapers. On examination the package was found to c-ontain a postal card with the address of the parents of tho child, who had been told to mail the card upon her arrival at her destination. The severity of the suffering undergone by the children is clearly depicted in the faces of those who are compelled to part from their homes, where the food consists of flour, mixed with straw and weeds. The Government has remitted Ihe lami tax in the famine districts, but tilts will not afford immediate re'ief. Liberal contributions from American sympathisers are already effective. Another appeal for aid is presented by suffereis from the recent earthquakes in South Formosa, thousands of whom are homeless. The local Government is busy providing food, camig for the injured and recovering' corpteo. several hundreds of which are bmiei .under the debr.s.