CO129-317 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [4-6] — Page 305

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100 P Y.

Enclosure No. 2.

C. O.

24662

Despatch from the Governor of Kwang Si to the Governor of

Hongkong, dated 13th. Day of the 4th. Mooth of

the 29th. Year of Knong Su.

*****

***

300

While I was at Tsan Chow I received from Mr. Fox,

British Consul at ucho, a telegram stating that in consequence of the

Famine existing in the Districts of Wuchow and Tsan Chow Your Excellency

had despatched Mr. Clementi of the Registrar-General's Office to proceed

thither to make investigations and distribute relief. For seven years

the harvests in Kwang Si have failed, and there have been very many cases

of destitution among the people and the misery has been very acute.

Last year 20,000 Taels were distributed from Imperial

Funds to alleviate the distress, and I caused a contribution of 100,000

Taels to be raised to buy rice for distribution and sale. Eut the

distressed Districts were large in area and the rice was soon expended.

At present we are again raising subscriptions to buy rice for distribution

and the various Charitable Societies of Kwang-tung have subscribed.

Furthermore i have ordered the various Prefects, Sub-Prefects, and

District Magistrates to establish centres for the distribution of gruel.

Your Excellency has had thoughtful consideration for

the distress of my people and has sent an Official to distribute relief. Your Excellency has shown unbounded kindness and on behalf of the

starving people I offer you my thanks.

When I saw Mr. Clementi I clearly stated that as soon

as the rice sent from Hongkong arrived at Wuchow I would at once direct it to be towed by a Stean-launch to Tsas Chow, and that I would issue instructions to all the Officials along the route to afford all necessary protection and assistance, and order the lekin stations to exempt the rice from all charges. I have also sent letters asking the various Telegraph Stations to exempt charges for all telegrams sent in connection

#ith the famine.

I have heard that the Hongkong Newspapers contain statements to the effect that in Kwang Si the Government is not willing