CO129-504-18 Food supply for the civilian population in event of war 7-4-1927 - 12-12-1927 — Page 16

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be faced. It was impossible to arrive at the normal consumption figure, the nearest guess being an outside max- imum of 1,000 tons a day. In case of blockade it would be necessary to fall back on the Government Plantations both for Government Services and for the use of the civil population. Firewood is the fuel invariably used by the Chinese. Here again rationing would be impossible and the best method would probably be a number of Government fire- wood depots at convenient places in the congested areas at which a maximum of say 1 picul (133 lbs) would be sold at one time to one purchaser.

We consider that an accurate census of the growing wood now available in the various plantations should be made at once, the figures being so far as possible in terms of estimated weight; and that this should be carefully checked and brought. up to date at regular annual intervals. The Government will doubtless frame its afforestation programme (if these statis- tics show this to be necessary) with the emergency of a blockade in view.

The

18. So far as we are able to discover there is no likelihood of shortage of coal for civilian purposes. amount of this used in house-holds is comparatively small, even in winter, but we suggest that the chief utility compan- ies viz:- Gas, Electric, trams and ferries should be asked periodically what stock they keep for emergencies and how long that stock would last at the normal rate of consumption. As the Harbour Master is in control of the coal supplies ordered for Government purposes he might be asked to make a full report on this matter after enquiring as to Admiralty and Army requirements.