90
Jan.
End of Jan. Feb. Mar.
End of Feb. and in Mar.
Social Life. Dec. Jan. Feb.
March
Rumour
Japanese guards (Navy and Army) were placed in different sections of the Colony to search pedestrians. In theory they looked for firearms, but in reality they searched for what they would like to keep for themselves. Wristwatches were a great favourite. Many Japanese soldiers wore a dozen watches, right up to the fore-arm.
Indian and Chinese guards helped with the searching. Looters were severely dealt with (heads chopped off). Establishment of so-called co-prosperity and rehabilitation Committees. Opening of Schools for the teaching of Japanese.
1. Gambling was encouraged. There were two or
three "Fan-tan", dice and card playing stalls on every street.
Many of these gambling places were told to close up by the end of the month.
Someone had obtained a monopoly and he would start a chain of gambling dens.
2. Cinema Shows and Chinese Theatres.
Only
Japanese pictures allowed. Mostly of the following nature: 'The Power of Japan' 'The Superiority of the Japanese Air Force' 'What Japan intends to do for Asiatics' etc. There were several performances daily. admission free.
Often
Cinema houses frequented only by the lower classes of Chinese people. Many Indians attend.
Chinese Theatres also produced plays selected by the Japanese. Propaganda and trash.
3. No social visits.
avoided going out.
People of the better families
Many went out only to buy food.
Economic Condition
Jan. Feb. Mar.
End of Feb. and in March.
1. Foreign Banks were allowed to open three days
each month. Only Chinese and 3rd Nationals were allowed to draw money. Chinese Banks opened all day.
hours.
Normal business
Those with private accounts were permitted to draw:
In Jan. $50.00
!!
Feb. $300.00 "Mar. 150.00
The Banks handed out Big Notes. In Feb. a one-hundred dollar note meant only sixty dollars in small money. In Mar. many places refused to accept Big Notes.
2. People's Livelihood.
There was no work which brought in wages or salary. Mental and manual workers received very little, in terms of rice, for their service.
Ex. A tram or bus driver received One and a Half catties of rice each day.
A person doing secretarial work in the Japanese Medical Department received Three catties of rice daily. He may, every fortnight or so, get a bottle of oil and a small bag of salt too.
All/