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Pricos of all commodities have been chaotic. The intrO- duction of the Hong Kong Dollar has been a strong stabilising feature, but until supplies arrive in reasonable quantities prices will remain in a fluid state. On the 25th September, 1945, an order was gazetted fixing maximum prices of flour, peanut oil, salt, sugar and bread. One of the objects of the order was to reduce pinnacle prices. Other prices of essential commodities are being watched. The organisation does not exist to impose any form of rationing but it is probable that ration- ing is not practical.
Lt. Col. Kay controls Relief. In conjunction with Tang Wah Hospital and the Chinese Charitable Societies a meal of one catty of cooked rice is being given to about 32,000 Chinese every day from a score of kitchens in Hong Kong and Kowloon. Several villages (comprising some 8,000 people) in the New Territories are also being helped. Thirty bags of rice are given weekly to the Italian Fathers at Caine Road who distribut to needy mothers and children. Beans, Oil, Salt and Sugar are given to several orphanages. Coolies are being employed. Destitute Europeans and other nationals are being given rations.
The Rice Section has been and is buying rice from the delta and South China. It is necessary to do this because to date only one rice shipment has arrived namely the "City of Worcester" carrying about 5,500 tons. There is a substantial loss on the sale of this rice.
It is difficult to gauge the population of Hong Kong.
Chinese Estimates vary from about 500,000 to over 600,000. shops exhibit foodstuffs but it is essential to bring large quantities into Hong Kong if serious conditions are to be avoided.
One of the main difficulties is shortage of staff, and men from home should be hastened. The transactions which are taking place in all branches of this Department are so complex, that unless they are properly recorded it may be di Cicult t a later late to go back and unravel them. I urgently require men with Shipping and Accountancy experic no e.
AND TRADING
A. Ammo
ws. la.
Quarles Trans for and thousan
Hong, long.
4110745