FAMINE IN BENGAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 245, 16 October 1943, Page 4

FAMINE IN BENGAL

SUGGESTION FOR HELP FROM NEW ZEALAND "Many people are profoundly shocked by the news of famine and disease now widespread in Bengal. As early as last February I knew many families who were subsisting on one meal a day, while in June the price of rice, even in the country districts, had risen to the famine price of .30 rupees per maund (roughly 9d a pound), seven times its pre-war rate,” states the Rev. J. E. Jones, of the Church Missionary Society, in a letter to the "Chronicle."

“With famine conditions in tropical countries inevitably comes disease, which kills, not singly, but by thousands, a people whose resistance is worn down by lack of food, so we see the scourge of chlorea that is fA lowing the famine in Bengal. These conditions will most certainly get worse until the main rice crop is harvested in December and January. ‘‘Many people in New Zealand will desire to express their sympathy in a practical way, but may not see how they can help. As a missionary on furlough from Nadia, one of the poorest and most populous districts of Bengal, I feel very keenly the present distress there, and plead that we in this fortunate country may do what we can to help the Bengali people at this time of crisis.

"The Missionary Societies throughout Bengal have a network of centres in many towns and villages—an excellent machine for famine and medical relief work. Already they are straining themselves to the utmost of their resources in this endeavour. I would like to offer my services," concluded Mr. Jones, "by forwarding to these trustworthy agencies any monetary helo people may desire to give for relief of these appalling famine conditions."