In addition to the deaths of 22 students information received on Wednesday in Shanhgai was to the effect that no fewer than a dozen others are lying in a very critic] condition as a result of the poisoning which took place on Saturday evening last.
When seen by a representative of the "North-China Daily News" en Wednesday, Dr. M. C. Chang, who accompanied Dr. A. C. Price, of the Shantung Road Hospital, to Hangchow, said that the wildest rumours were current in Hangchow as to the reasons for the poisoning, but no statement could be made. An investigation is being carried on by the authorities.
"TI was only there for a short time," he said, "because my hospital work here (at the Shantung Road Hospital) demanded my early return, and I was unable to go into the matter very thoroughly. The school is a very large place and was in a fair sanitary condition. There are about 300 students, as well as teachers.~ The ages differ, some being in their teens, others being in their thirties. The principal, who saw us when we arrived, said that about 229 students were affected. Forty of these remained at the schoo], while the others returned to their homes.
"The more serious of these were immediately sent to Dr. Main's hospital. As there was a large number of doctors present it was difficult to get.much information, and I gave instructions as to what should be eaten and then had to return.
"There were police inside the school compound, and others outside. The Chief of Police came in person to inquire after the students' welfare and progress.
"While I was there no definite statement was given out as to the real cause of the poisoning. Soma of the doctors, however, were under the impression that arsenic oxide had been used."
The local Chekiang students have telegraphed to the authorities of their province asking for an immediate investigation in order that the minds of other students might be set at rest.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.