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Supply of Fish ceased in April at the request of the Communities as the fish delivered was unwholesome. There we re several rejections of Beef during April and May and only in a few instances were replacements of Canned Meat made available. Lettuce was refused early in May because of its poor quality. The decrease of Green Vegetables in May was made up by Gourds.
As a precaution against non-delivery of foodstuffs during inclement weather, the Authorities at the request of the Council, agreed to consider the storage of "iron" rations at Head- quarters; they also approved the suggestion that Blocks should store and hold reserves of dry rations sufficient for the supply of four meals.
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In connection with the increased flour ration, the Council submitted plans for the construction of a Camp Bakery. So far, such has not come into being, but internees immediately set about constructing ovens in their own Block Kitchens and have succeeded admirably in producing bread of a high quality mean feat when it is remembered that suitable construction materials were conspicuous by their absence and that yeast had, in most cases to be made by people who had practically no experience. Nevertheless, as stated above, the results have proved excellent and the general health of internees has, in a measure, improved with the daily issue of bread.
The securing of adequate supplies of firewood for cooking purposes was another matter which called for repeated representations to the Authorities. The problem became particularly acute following the increased issue of flour. After a time, the demands made by the Council were met to some extent but, on occasion, when the consumption of firewood (especially for bread baking purposes) exceeded the supply, Block Kitchen staffs were compelled to resort to the felling of trees to make good the deficiencies. At date, however, the supply of firewood may be described as fairly satisfactory.
On several occasions requests have been addressed to the Japanese to provide another fat substitute for peanut oil, the acid nature of which, on occasion, was thought to have been the cause of a number of cases of diarrhoea.
The arrival in Camp of meat which had to be rejected as being unfit for human consumption led to the submission by the Council to the Authorities of recommendations which resulted in the issue of fresh meat in the mornings, thereby reducing the possibility of the meat deteriorating in the Block Kitchens overnight.
To minimize the incidence of deficiency diseases, owing to the lack of Vitamin B.l. in the rations the Medical Authorities in Camp recommended the introduction of a suitable prophylactic into soup once a week. Block Representatives were advised accordingly and this procedure is now regularly carried out.
In conjunction with the American and Dutch communities, the Council approved of the formation of an International Milk Board to control the Stocks, distribution and use of Milk in the Camp.
Following representations, the Council obtained permission from the Japanese Authorities for the renewed receipt of parcels for friends and relatives in Hong Kong. The first delivery arrived in Camp on 14th April. Since that date deliveries have been made twice weekly.
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