The Straits Times, Oct 2, 1945
May I plead with the BMA on behalf of myself and the thousands of opium addicts now deprived of their daily supplies of opium.
Last month, all the Japanese Government chandu retail shops stopped supplies of opium to licensed card holders and turned out all their stocks for sale to the general public at an exorbitant price of $50 per tube of two hoons. The head office of the Japanese Government Monopoly was also selling boxes of 200 tubes at a wholesale price of $5,000 per box.
Those who could afford to buy in hundreds of boxes were the pro-Japanese elements who had gained fabulous wealth in the black market racket, and these people are now reaping a huge profit by selling back their stuff at a retail rpice of $2 per tube, British money.
The opium vendors are doing a brisk business at the crowded centres of Chinatown, and the price is daily mounting, as the poor opium smokers must by hook or by crook find a way to satisfy their craving. -- KC Choa
I have been going down to town for several weeks looking for a job, but so far have not met with any success. In every department in the Municipal Building, Fullerton Building, Union Building and several other places, I noticed that most of the jobs are being carried on by Chinese and Indians, with only a few Eurasians.
I don't see why a fair share should not be given to Eurasians. Most of our boys were serving the RA, Volunteer Force, RAMC, RASC and also in Passive Defence services during the war. Although we are only a handful, our people suffered quite a good deal during the Japanese regime. -- Eurasians' Welfare
During the former British, time any ordinary man could fill his stomach in any eating place for 20 or 30 cents. Today, a plate of rice costs 10 cents, and side dishes are price accordingly. A coconut, essential for curries, etc, was sold pre-war for one cent and and now costs 10 cents.
May the authorities teach a smart lesson to those greedy merchants who are raising prices and trying to make up for the losses they incurred when they realised that their bundles of banana money were mere worthless paper. -- P Raghavan, 430 Race Course Rd
More letters: No cows, so no milk
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