To the Editor of the Norru-Cuiwa Darry News"
Sm;—We have the honour to invite your kind attention to a news item appeared in page 3 of your to-day's issue, in connection with the bombing. of the China Alcohol Distillery at Pootung.
As a financial result from the last few years' business depression and cut-throat competition The China Alcohol Distillery was mortgaged. to our Company, hence we have a legal claim on -all the property it holds. Whereas, we being a company incorporated in British India, are entitled to fly the British flag on such property as having been mortgaged to As to the allegation that the Distillery had been used to house Chinese soldiers, we have to state that it is absolutely unfounded, We further refute the statement that the factory has been used for the manufacture of military supplies. The factory had been out of work since July last, when we had it overhauled, but work could not be resumed when hostilities started in August prior to the completion of the overhaul. Since then most of the staff had left, leaving just a few watchmen to look after the buildings and machinery. Every one has noticed that the factory chimney has been out of smoke for the last two months, and where comes "the manufacture of military supplies?" It is obvious that this acensation is again absolutely Mhfounded.
In view of the above, we therefore tave to indite this letter to your good self, with the request that you kindly give due correction to this misinformation Kian Gwen Company (India) Ltd., Wonc Tan KIN. man, Mrs. M. H. Ivy, Mrs, E, J. Ottewell, Mrs. G. G. Phillips, Mrs. J. D. E. Shotter, Mrs, J. C. Wynnes, Mrs. S. C. Young and in addition Mrs, L, Giles, Chairman of the Social Service Board, Mrs. A. C. Godby and the undersigned.
This Committee decided that the rooms at Headquarters should remain open for the benefit of members, but that it was unwise at the present time to encourage any large numbers of women to gather there. In view of this, it is urged that those desirous of helping in relief work should get in touch with the following ladies.
Mrs. L. Giles, 216 Route Ferguson, Tel. 70601, who, in addition te our usual Social Service work, is exploring the needs of girls and women who have lost their employment owing to the hostilities. These persons are asked to register their names and all necessary particulars by letter at Headquarters, 12 The Bund Mrs. E. F. Hardman, 953 Avenue Foch, Tel. 71706, who is carrying on work among foreign refugees through the King's Daughters Society. These people are desperately in need of warm clothing and bed coverings (old and new) for the cold weather which is rapidly approaching. Ladies can also help by knitting articles, and Mrs. Hardman will give them particulars of what can most usefully by done, Mrs, J, C. Wynnes, 53 The Bund, Tel. 10206, who is in touch with the needs of Shanghai hospitals, Chinese and foreign, and can furnish particulars of what is required. These needs are.very great.
We feel that there is ample opportunity for British women to extend their support along channels, the needs of which are likely to increase during the next few months, In addition, while realising that the res ces of everyone have been much curtailed, it was felt that subscriptions might be accepted for any anghai, Sept. 16.
Manager.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.