i
o P Y.
Hon. Colonial Secretary,
38633 Rect 468
Before 1904 I was in the New Terri2148 08
for several years in a mess of three: free quarters. The monthly mess-bill per nan ran from $100 to $130, being hardly ever down
to the lower figure. In 1904 I was in Hongkong, mess of four,
also free quarters; the monthly mess hill never reached $100
and was often below 70. In both cases of course, bachelor
messes; and it seems unlikely that a mess of as many as three
bachelors will again be possible in the New Territories, for at
least a long time to come.
My experience of the last two years AS 8
married man is not to the point; but the following points may
be of assistance.
3.
4.
1.
Daily transport of supplies from Hongkong costs
me 12 a month in addition to the Government
allowance for sarpan etc. It will cost any single
household at least as ruch.
2.
There is a deal of transport expense to be met,
for things which can be sent weither in the
food-supply cart or in the Police Launches
which are rare and irregular. E.g. laundry. This
means sone $4 a nonth extra, allowing only one
Journey each way per week. It also incidentally
means so much inconvenience that I have found it
really cheaper to engage a private washerman,
and to set him up at an initial expense of over
$60.
Nearly all fresh food must come daily from Hong-
-kong in the supply cart: ice is necessary.
From 5 to 10 lbs a day is required for this alone
in the hot weather
say $5 a month.
We have often to depend on tinned goods in
P
emergency had weather, 101 causes of delay as
given by the transport conlies, food spoilt when
it arrives, and the like. Tinned goods are a
very