The latest reports from famine workers, particularly from those in country districts, telegraphed here to stimulate the special collection of funds now begun, show that there has been little falling off in the number of deaths from starvation or typhus. A Chengting (Honan) message estimates the deaths at 20 daily. More and more funds will be needed to furnish resources for fighting starvation and disease.
Thanks to the efforts of the citizens of Hankow more than $175,000 has been collected for the-selief of the hungry in the famine "dives," while Peking heads the list with a total of $800,000. The grand total of subscriptions to this great charity from all over the country reaches a figure well above $1,300,- 000. But there must be no slackening off when Shanghai holds its united famine "drive" on March 11
A famine investigator in Shihchiachwang tells of two-thirds of a large village entirely lacking in food of any kind. Whole families, he reports, can be seen huddled up, waiting for death. Unfortunately the warmer weather, while mitigating some of the horrors endured by the destitute millions, spells an increase in typhus, Seven-tenths of the population of Shantung villages are entirely without food or fuel. A series of epidemies is devastating Yangku, and it has been found impossible to estimate the numbers perished. Peanut shells and thistles have form. ed the diet of victims in villages near Tsinanfu. In another locality 1,481 families had nothing to eat but bark, corn cobs and chaff. have since increased with steady acceleration.
The students' efforts in thie boycott have been happily diverted to famine relief work. Through various means, they have succeeded in raising $8,000 in cash and goods.
By far the greatest event in Ningpo since the Chinese New Year is the White Elephant Sale lately got up by the Famine Relief Association. The sale took place on the 2ist and 22nd instant with concerts in the afternoon and cinema shows and fireworks in the evening, immense crowds attending.
The total collected up to date amounts to nearly $18,000, for which a detailed report is being prepared by the Association. Eighty per cent. of the proceeds have been sent to the north, mostly through the Chinese Foreign Famine Relief Committee in Shanghai, whilst the remainder has been sent to Taichow and Fengwha districts in Chekiang to relieve-the famine caused by the floods last year.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.