BOOM OF GUNS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 September 1924, Page 5

BOOM OF GUNS.

HEARD AT SHANGHAI. WAR IN CHINA DEVELOPS. HEAVY FIGHTING. Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 21, 5.5 p.m. Pekin, Sept. 20. According to reports from Shanghai the boom of guns was clearly heard this morning. This does not mean that the Kfongsui troops are nearer the city, but that they are bringing up more guns. There has been heavy fighting all night. Lu’s Shantung forces are still holding out. As Lu cannot obtain reinforcements he will soon have to shorten his line. Tientsin reports that Changtsolin’s artillery yesterday shelled Shanghaikuan and a Chinese banker was killed. Foreign residents have telegraphed to the Consul protesting. Mukden reports that an engagement between Changtsolin’s second army and the enemy forces near Johol, resulted in the flight of the whole Chili mixed brigade. The entire line from Chingchow to Ohaotang, as well as Suichung, is occupied by Changtsolin’s troops. At a meeting called by Chang-Tso-Lin at Nudken, at which consuls and other foreigners were present, he declared that his protection was adequate for all foreigners and their property as long as he held the position in Manchuria. He asked all foreigners to leave Chin-Wang-Too station, the enemy headquarters, as he intended to bomb it. He also asked foreign gunboats at Shanghaikuou and Chin-Wang-Too to stand clear, as he intended to bomb enemy gunboats there. He added that he was fighting for his life and the security of Manchuria, and therefore he would not stop short at half measures.

RUSSIANS ENLIST. Received Sept. 21, 5A p.m. Pekin, Sept. 19. An aeroplane dropped a bomb between two foreign ships anchored near the Chinwang breakwater but no damage was done. Shanghai reports state that the French Consul-General has issued riflee, ammunition and hand grenades to sixtv Russian cadets stationed on the French concession, who have seen active service in Siberia. According to Moukden reports, in response to an appeal by Changtsolin for volunteers, five hundred Russians enlisted and more aro expected to join. ADVANCE ON PEKING. SOME HEAVY FIGHTING. Peking, Sept. 19. ihang Tso xdn. telegraphing to Sun Yat Sen, state® that he i® sending 180,000 troops to Peking by six routes. Chang considers thia an opportune moment for striking the enemy a crushing blow. He says the enemy’s reasoned troops have been withdrawn northward from the Yangtse River, so if the. southern troops amove northward Wuchang wdl be captured without difficulty. The latest news from Shanghai indicates that the Chekiang armies have been undermined by bribery and that large transfers to the other side have taken place and Chekiang is on the verge of collapse. GENERAL LU DETERMINED. Peking, Sept. 19. Lu Yung Hsiang baa announced definitely that he will hold out on the Hwangtu-Unho line, making his headquarters at Lunghua arsenal. There was heavy fighting during the whole of to-day at both Hwangtu and Unho. HEAVY FIGHTING REPORTED. Peking, Sept. 18. The North China Daily News say® the Hangchow coup d’etat, forcing Lu to leave his capital for Shanghai, was organised by Hsiachai, chief of the constabulary in the Chekiang province, who has proclaimed himself divil governor. He is known to be unfriendly ix> Lu. Heavy fighting commenced at 2dnho after midnight. A large number of wounded is being brought in to the Chinese hospital. The civil governor has fled from Hangchow, leaving the chief of police in charge. General Sun Chuan Fang, who is a supporter of the Whi-Pei-iFu interests, is rrtarching on the city, which is expected to be captured in a day or two. The latest reports state that the final collapse of Chekiang appears to be probable early.