THE YELLOW RIVER INUNDATIONS. VILLAGES DESTROYED. Active Relief Works by Chinese Government.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 248, 21 March 1888, Page 9

THE YELLOW RIVER INUNDATIONS. VILLAGES DESTROYED. Active Relief Works by Chinese Government.

Tiik following fiufchcr particulars of the fearful overflowing of iho Hoang-110, or Yellow River, aic published in tho "North China Herald " of the 6tli January:— MiThomas J'afcon, writing from Cho-chia-kow, 18tli December, tstatcs — " Lato last night 1 returned from my journey, which was somewhat protracted on account of a snow storm, and latterly the diiliculty of finding a road back, i went north-west as far as Jlwai-kin-fu, along to AVci-whel-fu and Chnng-teh-fu, and came back by the ca.^b side, eiosscd the dry bed of the Yellow River 60 li to the cast of Kai-fung-fu, and then followed the edge ot the lakes formed by the Hoods, and had to cross 36 li of water to cast of Chocl.ia-kow. The breakage is very extensive, and the oflioiaN do not know ■what to do. The river has ful lon very low, and good steady dry weather has enabled them to repair a considerable amount of damage done to bridges, etc. The rivers to the north of the Yellow River avcic all full, and had hied all the banks severely. For miles 1 followed one bank of the Clung River, half of which was swept oil", and the other half held together with trees which were- secured with immense straw ropes and stakes. Near Wu-si Usien the banks were gone. All the soldiers of that locality wcie busy under the personal supervision of the Hsien, who i* a Soo Chow man. He sent foi me, wondering if I could help him with any suggestions. It was soon after this liver bank had gob destroyed that the extra volume of water proved too much for the banks of the Yellow River. I met tiain after train of carts loaded with silver, and oilicials of all giadcs coming and going from i'eking and the Yellow Rher. 1 was informed that se\eial millions of taels had passed through Wei-whel-fu for the river repairs and assistance to the people. This was on Ist December. The so'diers of the surrounding cities aro all oft' to the repairs. The cattle are being pawned to authorities for the time being for work, and, as far as possible, men are employed. I could not get into the cities of Ching Chow, Chungmu, Yen-lin, &c. , by cart, but I was told that huts are being erected where it is possible, and money sent on to each district through their respective magia trates for distribution. "From what I have seen they seem to have succeeded in getting them all under cover, and soup kitchens are opened beside these hut-towns, geneially at some distance from the city, 3 to 6 li or co, and consequently the misery is partly hidden, and in some measure the poor people are trying to make the most of their position. "There has been a tremendous circulation of silver. Tho tael here can only realise 1130 cash, which tael is 8^ per cent, heavier than at Shanghai, so that the dollar will not go very far at that rate. There aro hundreds of villages surrounded with water; in these intense suffering is quietly endured. It is to these villages I am anxious our efforts should be directed, as the cities are lookedafterby theguildsandauthorities, and at least food can begotonce a day. The water is fastrecedingonthe east side, and many are busy ploughing, and in some cases they have actually re&own their winter wheat. Bub immense tracts must remain lakes, as there is no outlet by evaporation. The quickly falling river and the general weather have done wonders in keeping th« people in spirits. But from this time onwards is the trying time. I see nothing but charity for them, and that won't last long, I am afraid. These huts are quite insufficient for them even now, and if any disease comes their condition will be greatly aggravated, as they are so closely huddled together. I plead specially for the winter months, and I trust that benevolent folk will not withhold then, and when relief will bo of most use. lam quite unable to tell the extent of the misery existing. It will require to be seen into personally. I have an impression thafc the relief given by the Guilds has been very well done, for Chinese, but I have as yefc no idea how much has been given for that object. From what I see of the Yellow River, I think that digging out the channel will be useless work, as there is every probability of it silting up in two weeks, and from tho impression formed of its present course, it mighfc be made navigable up to the old bed, with much less money and more certain future benefit. The whole lay of the country would deepen that impression. Through Nganhui the course would be comparatively easy to control, but north Kiangsu is too flat, and would be subject to floods after the Kao Lake was filled up. It by no mean 9 is to be compared in severity to tho Shansi family. 1 will do my best to give you facts as plainly ap I can. The keen edge of the calamity is past, but a more serious futnre looms in the distance. I trust fears will be disappointed. There are three hut towns here, and about 4,000 in each, who are fed and cared for. In Kai-fung Fu there are very many more, as it is more easily reached and more is to be given them than in the other towns."