LIFE IN SHANGHAI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 241, 13 October 1942, Page 6

LIFE IN SHANGHAI

BRITONS GO RACING MONEY AND FUEL SHORT. London. Britons in Jap-occupied Shanghai are finding life tolerable except for certain restrictions. Tenor of their letters home is: “Don’t worry about us. We work and play much as usual.” Racing is still held in Shanghai, and there are still games of soccer and, hockey. Life is outwardly little changed, but British and Americans have not much money, and there is an acute shortage of fuel. This picture of the city under Japanese rule was drawn by a British! business man in Shanghai in letters! home to his father in Surrey. Here are some of the details he gives:— Luxuries have been cut out, but there is no shortage of food. Heating is a big problem—coal is £lO a ton J and hard to get. Motor traffic has I practically ceased except for doctors! and essential services. Trams and buses run on a reduced schedule. All Luxuries Cut Out. British and American residents were restricted to £25 a month as the amount they could draw from private bank accounts, and this was later cut to £l4 10s. His firm was only allowed to pay its employees 10s a week. "Apart from the financial aspect wej are quite comfortable, living in our little flat in the French concession] which is still policed exactly as be- J fore. But we have to cut out all: luxuries ” When British and American sub-' jects registered with the Japanese; authorities a notice, "Polite and; Kind" was displayed in a prominent position. "We have passes which have to b?i shown to sentries at certain points.! No trouble has been experienced in • this respect.” Allied Offices Sealed. The offices of ail big British and] American firms have been sealed up.] Motor buses and trams run on a reduced schedule, and electricity and' gas arc still available, though even-

one has to economise. "One can only get one of a thing at each shop. Prices of essentials are fixed by the Municipal Council, which functions as before. “A few days ago the Swiss Consulate announced that it had been authorised to help those in need. Those unable to obtain funds may now receive up to £9 10s per adult a month, plus so much for each child." —Daily Mail.