Meantime, shortage of labour in the Japanese coal mining industry has become very noticeable. In connection with the progress of the coal production expansion programme, stringency in the labour supply is increasingly acute, according to Tokyo press surveys of the present situation, and it is reported that the various coal mines in the country are in need of 28,000 workers, Because of the difference from other mining operations, where production depends more on machinery and other equipment, replenishment of actual "workers is found to be particularly urgent. In view of this, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for some time has been ask-
Notes From East Chekiang Hwangyen, Che. May 26.
Since the beginning of the first moon, this district has, frequently been subjected to attention from the Japanese Navy. The Port of Haimen and other places on the coast have been treated to gunfire on several occasions and planes have been active along the Chiao River. Linhai was bombed four times during this period and the business section near the river is flattened out. Hwangyen has been visited by planes many times but apart from the happenings of September, last year, bombs have been dropped on only one occasion—April 29, this time with negligible damage—five bombs fell in the river, only one exploded: it fell in shallow water. Machinegun fire wounded a few people and killed one dog.
Shipping has stopped. Goods from the outside world are very expensive and business is poor. Many people have fied further from the Coast. The local authorities are maintaining good order and bandits are scarce. The general morale. very good and there is no talk of surrender.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.