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these, and some others of a similar nature, the actual cost has risen owing to the rise in the dollar value. For example, the quarterly tram ticket on the tram line to the Peak was $33; this at 1/8 is in sterling £10. At 9/6 it is £3.6.5.
Or to take so domestic a matter as the price of coals (an important item in housekeeping as it is in England). Coolie hire alone for carrying up a ton of coals to the Peak is 30 cents; this at 1 1/2 is in sterling 6d. At 2/2 1/2 is £0.10.
10
The wages of a Chinese boy less than 10 years ago were $15 a month: at the rate of Exchange then ruling, this represented in sterling 2/-, £1.4. The wages now are $16 a month, or at 2/2, £1.18.4.
All other wages have risen in proportion.
Further, the tendency in every item in which the Chinese are concerned is to rise in price irrespective of the value of the dollar. The Chinese servants are perpetually struggling for an advance of wages, and in the too frequent case of change of servants it is only with the greatest difficulty that new servants can be engaged at the rate paid to their predecessors. Wages are an important item being roughly not less than $100 a month, including 4 chair coolies for all classes of officers. There can be little doubt that the smaller items alluded to above together make a monthly total equivalent in amount to the rent.
77.
The statements which we have made as to the cost of living will, we are confident, be borne out by the unofficial members of the Council, and also by any of the numerous old residents of Hongkong now in England, should the Secretary of State be pleased to consult them.
8.
The Secretary of State has pointed out that in the matter of remittances the Civil Servants are no longer affected by the rate of exchange. This is undoubtedly true; but on the other hand, we would point out, first, that there are many officers who are permanent residents of the Colony, whose remittances have...