THE CHINESE WAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 6 February 1901, Page 3

THE CHINESE WAR.

[PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.]

London, February 5. The Shanghai correspondent of tho Times states that a Belgian syndicate have acquired two-thirds shares in the concession for the Canton-Hankau railway. He adds this acquisition is doubtless owing to tho Kussian influences over the entire line.

Tho famine which prevails in the Shensi province is tho worst that has evar been recorded, two-thirds of the people are without food. Oxen, horses and dogs have all been eaten. Cannibalism is common. Men are selling women and children to obtain food, Sydney, This Da}-.

Eastern files contain _ the following reference to the famine in China : —“ A severe famine is ravaging the Hsian Plain and the Shansi and Shensi Provinces. Unless rain falls very soon the condition of these provinces next spring will be intolerable. Some compare it with the great famine, but find in the latter some redeeming features are absent. It is an impossibility to-day to raise money by the sale of property or otherwise.

«It is estimated that the famine at Shensi alone affects five million people.”