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New Zealand Tablet, Volume VI, Issue 272, 19 July 1878, Page 9

Never in modern times has there been such a period of famine as in the last five years. First in Anatolia (Turkey), then in India, and now in China and Brazil. Tens of thousauds have died from sheer starvation. Last month the deaths from this cause in Brazil were reported to be as many as one hundred a day. Government and individuals have done what they can, but are powerless to deal adequately with the calamity. The King of Portugal has acceded to the request of the governor of Goa, and will allow the body of St. Francis Xavier to be exposed to the veneration of the faithful in December next. Special arrangements are to be made for the accommodation of the thousands who will throng to the scene, also for the preservation of the remains of the saint.