THE FAMINE IN JAPAN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8088, 19 April 1906, Page 3

THE FAMINE IN JAPAN.

SUFFERINGS OF THE CHILDHEiX. Toiuo, March 25. The misery and suffering in the famine districts has been slightly relieved by prompt aid from domestic and foreign sources, and the abatement of the rigors of winter. The local authorities are tryinj»t# provide work lor the able-bodied, but the extent of the work is inadequate, aud lens of thousands are still on the verge of starvation. Many parents are parting from their children, sending them to the already crowded Okayifirsa Orphanago. - Scvoral jhildren arrived yesterday at Uyeno railway station in this city. Among them was a girl six years old, who was found treasuring a package of dirty old newspapers. On examination the package was found to contain a postcard with the address of the parents of the child, who had been told to mail the card upon her arrival at jy>r destination. I

'J;he severity of the suffering undergone by children is clearly depicted in the faces of those wJio are compelled to part from their homes, where food consists of dour mixed with straw and weeds.

The Government has remitted the land tax in the famine dislricls, but this will not alt'ord immediate relief.

Liberal contributions from American sympathisers are already effective. Another appea I for aid is paosonted by the sufferers from the recent earthipiakes iu the south of Formosa, thousands of whom are The local government is busy providing food, caring lor injured, and recovering corpses, several hundreds of which are buried under the debris.