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EVIDENCE OF C. VIVIAN LADDS, COLONIAL VETERINARY SURGEON,
GIVEN BEFORE THE FOOD COMMISSION ON JULY 10TH, 1900.
The Chairman.-How long have you been in Hongkong, Mr. Ladds?
A.--Since the 8th of September, 1887.
Q.-In your same position as Colonial Veterinary Surgeon?
A. Yes.
Q-Now, Mr. Ladds, you know the object of the Enquiry is to ascertain the cause of the recent increase in the cost of provisions in the Colony. Can you give us any assistance in our Enquiry?
A. Please ask me soine definite questions?
Q.-With reference to what particular class of food have you knowledge and ex- perience, Mr. Ladds?
A.--Of most of the food in the Colony.
Q. With reference to what particular class or description of provisions can you give us information? Do you feel competent from your experience to give us informa- tion?
A. Provisions in general.
Q-Assume it is the fact that there has been a considerable increase in the cost of all provisions during the past half dozen years; to what extent, so far as your experience goes, have these provisions increased? What percentage would represent the increase?
A.—I should think in some cases 100 and in other cases as much as 200 per cent. Q-Within six years?
A.--Within six years. Mostly 100 per cent. I should say. In some few cases as much as 200 per cent.
Q.-Now, on what particular class or description of provisions has that increase been as much as 200 per cent.
A. I don't know that I can answer that question offhand.
Q.-With reference to bread can you say anything?
A.—No, I am afraid I know nothing about bread.
Q.--Well, in reference to Chinese provisions.
A. Rice, firewood, ground-nut oil and pork have gone up at least 100 per cent. Q.-Within six years?
A.--Yes.
Q. What in your opinion has been the main reason for the rise?
A. Recently the piracies on the West River have had a deal to do with it.
Q.-The increases you have just mentioned as covering the last six years. Have there been causes outside the Colony, or within-increased demand, diminished supply? Broadly what are the causes?
A.-I think the supply is always equal to the demand.
Q. In your opinion is the demand for Chinese food-stuff considerably increased within the last six years?
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