Hongkong, Sept. 5.
Mr. G. T. M. Edkins, of Messrs. Butterfield & Swire, pre siding at the meeting of the Earthquake Relief Committee today, expressed the deep sympathy of the international communities of Hongkong with Japan. He re ferred to the Mansion House and Americah relief measures, but stated that the first material assistance must come from Shang-hail and Hongkong. Arrangements were. being concluded for intercepting cargoes of flour and tinned provisions en route from America in order that relief might be given more speedily. A' shipload of flour was due at Kobe tomorrow morning and would be deviated there. It had been decided to open a Relief Fund and it was understood tha the Government, after a meeting of the Executive Council tomorrow, would open with a large jon, 2 Committee. confirmed the purchase of 500 tons of rice, the appropriateness of which was substantiated by Reuter's telegram. communicated to the meeting during the proceedings, ré- porting that refugees were pouring into Kobe and that relief was urgently needed there, It was decided to get into touch with the local Medical Council, sending medical aid, provisions and stores, etc. Inquiries will be made as to the possibility of equipping and despatching the steamer China as a hospital ship to Japan.
Shipping companies have timated their willingness to take cargoes free and insurance_companies are undertaking the dividing of risks free, while Chinese firms are waiving commissions.
The Chinese members of the Committee undertook to get into touch with Chinese firms with a view to similar action.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.