2
1
Restaurants report poor business and some are taking extraordinary measures to improve trade. Some are reported to be reducing
prices.
Meals bought away from home, however, still account for 14% of household expenditure. The expenditure survey indicates that less is being spent on clothing and consumber durables. Expenditure on fresh fish, fresh pork, fresh vegetables and fresh fruit is still high proportionately. The Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Co., the principal operator in this field, reported no fall off as yet in recreational journeys although they were selling somewhat less soft drinks aboard after a recent price rise. Happy Valley race course is of course packed to capacity, although the number of holiday trips to Macau has fallen by 18% compared
with a year ago. depression.
4.
The
There are no outward signs of unemployment or
Taxis are experiencing poor business after a recent rise in fares, which in more prosperous times might have passed without a tremor. Minibuses are doing less well. Other forms of public transport are carrying about 10% more passengers than a year ago. More car licenses are currently being cancelled than registered. (The home market such as tailors, waiters, car salesmen and news- papermen will not receive wage increases in line with the cost
of living. )
5.
There is no sign of any fall-off in school attendance. Indeed this would be a serious matter at the primary level, but even private secondary school operators have not experienced any
fall-off in clients.
6.
Although some key information is lacking it is possible to assemple a picture of the working of the Hong Kong society
Essential needs are being under external inflationary pressure.
met either by the ordinary working of the economy or from savings or by the safety net provided by the public assistance scheme and means are still being found for recreation and pleasure. by and large are living normal lives.
People
KWJT
28.5.74