Brigands Eaten

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 669, 22 May 1929, Page 9

Brigands Eaten

TERRIBLE STORY FROM STARVED CHINA DROUGHT AND WAR RAVAGES (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (United Service) Reed. 11 a.m. PEKING, Tuesday. Cannibalism has become a common experience in the famine-stricken province of Kansu. According to reports received here, the starving populace fell upon a band of 35 brigands, killed them, and ate the flesh. It is estimated that 30,000,000 are now reduced to the famine level in China, chiefly owing to drought, hut also on account of military activities preventing transport of grain to the distressed regions. In the meantime, the southern war goes on. Canton has not yet been captured, hut Sainam, close by, is definitely in the hands of the Kwangsi. troops. There is much uneasiness in. the city, in the belief that large numbers of Communists are awaiting an opportunity to effect a coup. A private Chinese telegram reports that the Nanking (Nationalist) Government has despatched 14 transports with troops to assist at Canton. A large consignment of bullion has arrived at Hong-Kong from Canton, for safe storage. Steamers from Canton that are arriving at Hong-Kong are crowded. The passengers include many officials from Kwangsi. The crews laid river mines 10 miles below Wuchow against the Canton warships. Meanwhile, the foreign Consuls are instructing foreigners as to their procedure in the event of a sudden evacuation.