CHINA’S POSITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1924, Page 3

CHINA’S POSITION.

SOUTHEI’X THOOI’S CHANGE SIDES. IDgTUAGIAN AND N.Z. GAUGE ASSOCIATION. (Received this day at 11.25 a.in.) PEKING. SVp.t. IS. Chekiang, southern troops having been bribed, went over to the Fukien side, which is advancing towards Hangchow. Chekiang troops on I hing front have also gone over to the enemy, in this case the Kiangsn side. ’1 he civil governor of Hangchow has proclaimed independence t.u save the city from the two armies. There are now only the Shantung mercenaries of Chekiang army holding out on l.iuho-wangtu line, but it is expected to surrender tonight, leaving Shanghai Chinese city at the mercy of Kinngsuites. No tear exists regarding the salety ol the settlements in view of what lire considered the adequate precautions taken. Volunteers have been called out and the police and naval guards are prepared. Thousands of relugees are pouring into Shanghai. I.uyunghsiang is at Lunghua l.nntcn. tlm headquarters of his subordinate, llolengling, the defeme Commissioner at Shanghai and the mandate appointee. Wupeifu, Commnnder-in-Chicf of the forces engaged in the suppression of the rebels in an ollieial bulletin says the Fengtion forces sire entrenching at Chaovangsu, near Chaoynng I'colon. Aeroplanes dropped eight bombs at Shnnhaikuan this morning but did no damage.

POSITION AT TIKXTSIX. (Received this day at 12.30 PICK I NO. Kept. IS. N\"i11 1 lln> stoppage of trains. r l ioiitsin is, faced with n coal shortage, which w ill sinm In.* serimis. I In* worst a>-IH.-.1, is Hint llnilm Conservaui y Shipping him* will soon la.* mialili* In ohluiii bunkering nml it i> believed il "ill have 1" cease dredging ill Tnkil liar, with Ok* result that the river will sill up. preventing the entrance of .steamers.