Diary - pages 13-14
[Left page] A Long Lapse:
12th Feb 1943
Long lapse since I last wrote. Went into hospital 10 days before Xmas. Came out 14th Jan.
Another bad dose of dysentery which left me very weak. Food very scarce and I am always
hungry. Continually…
[Right page] …dreaming about cold ham. Red Cross allowing us ¥20 a month. Have received ¥15
other ¥5 still to come. Prices in canteen exorbitant:
¼ margarine ¥2.40
Sugar ½ lb ¥1.05
Jam 12 oz ¥1.70
Money does not go far.
83 years ago: Hong Kong's wartime diaries
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Gorgeous bacon and egg tonight.
Mum having her leg dressed, they think it might be malnutrition that made her leg weak.
Have decided to make mittens to send to Arthur ((Alsey, in Shamshuipo. Wool from unravelled garments.))
Mabel and I to Retreat Conference at Maryknoll room – Father Meyer. To Benediction in evening, and another conference – composed principally of Bartons.
Issue of 1lb. of flour each.
(Cyril Brown – “Chorister Memories”).
((Following text not dated:))
Hear people now leaving by junk from Taipo to East River.
Street sleepers and destitutes being rounded up.
Searching at ferry requires people take off shoes and socks.
Prices published as at 30th November:
Rice 30 sen a catty official (black market 67 sen),
flour 45 sen,
sugar 55 sen,
beans 35 sen,
peanuts 90 sen,
peanut oil Y1.40,
beef Y2,
pork Y3,
mutton Y2.30,
chicken Y3.40 (with feathers),
eggs 23 sen,
fish (wong fa) 75 sen,
salt fish Y1.50,
coal Y6 picul,
firewood Y4,
kerosene Y2.
Told we can send a parcel to the camps also a card. Terrific excitement in the air. Started to make slippers. 2 articles only to be sent. Feverish activity for next few days.
Fine day.
Yamashita took G & Bs photograph.
((G.))
Police on Rds to see people in their areas by 8PM?
Drop of wine.
Coolies no longer come in on the lorry.