K) Protecting the Public

Protecting the Public

One of the first steps the Hong Kong Government took after the cessation of hostilities was to prohibit temporarily the cashing of obligations in respect of post-war cheques and promissory notes, and to require full details of all transactions to be declared to the appropriate Government Department. It is assumed that rates, where necessary, will be compulsorily scaled down.

After a time, the Japanese were persuaded to let the Camp have a canteen. As they selected the supplier (whose prices were high) they soon became enthusiastic on behalf of the canteen. Supplies were so limited that only two opportunities to shop, per month, could be afforded to each internee, and then for a restricted sum.

An auction mart was also maintained until the Japanese stopped it. This gave useful opportunities of turning any unwanted gear into money for the purchase of food or necessaries. Startling prices were often realised, indicating that what in ordinary life would be regarded as junk, may in special circumstances acquire high value. Yen to the equivalent of £2 or £3 were often paid for an empty five-pound jam tin, because of its usefulness as a saucepan. It was inconvenient to be without a pencil for making out canteen lists or Bridge scores, so £1 to £2 was often paid for a penny or tuppenny pencil. Someone possessing soft blankets would sacrifice a sheet, which would be eagerly snapped up at a fancy price by another internee, whose blankets happened to be of harsher texture.