NEW ZEALANDERS IN CHINA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 January 1939, Page 4

NEW ZEALANDERS IN CHINA

e MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERIAN . MISSION. r Since the invasion of South China by - the Japanese. New Zealand Presbyf terian missionaries have had many unenviable experiences, but have refused to leave the devastated areas. There , is no talk of their returning home, for if they shared the prosperous times ■ with the Chinese they will share their hardships too. 1 From reports received from other 'members of the mission over the Christmas period, it appears that the Rev. E. G. Jansen, M.A., of the Wairarapa, has been a tower of strength to all. Japanese guards, some of them not at all agreeable fellows, have shut in the staff at Kung Chuen, where there are over 200 people. Mr. Jansen took out a party protected by the Union Jack to gather food. He made a number of attempts to reach Miss James, who was far out in the country, but for two months they could not get through and nothing was known of her. At last news came and it was found that she was well, carrying on with her Chinese nursing staff. Nearly all their belongings had been wantonly destroyed but she had decided not to leave. Dr E. L. Eaton, df.Jhe staff, has been rushed with many Operations, while i.-.ss F. G. Ogilvie, of Wellington, has been superintending a refugee camp of old women and children, numbering almost 2000. In Kung Chuen, though shijt in, the New Zealanders had a real pld time ristmas, with a community’ dinner. The Chinese service with Christmas tree and carols, was crammed with worshippers, One woman with two children, one on her back, walked several miles to church. The Japanese sentries searched her and took her cnurch '‘collection.” Before leaving. Mrs G. H. McNeur sewed a little money into a strap of the back set in which the baby was carried and she got safely away. These New Zealanders, to whom £5OO has already been cabled, are in need of continued support.