ADWERTISEMENTS. SARKIES BROTHERS, : 7 elegrahic Address: PROPRIETORS, º Rattles, Singapore. -o- Sarkies, Penang. RAFFLEs Hotel, SiNGApore. : Sarkies, Rangoon. º EAsterN & OrikNTAl Hotel, PExA.N.G. |: -o- 1: i SARKies' Hotel, RANGoox. A.B.C. Code 4th Edition. RAFFILES FOTEL, Singapore. Accommodation for Single and Married Couples. Cuisine of Highest Character is scrved at separate tables. Electric bells throughout the buildings. Visitors and Boarders are allowed to have their 1unch at the Raffles Tiffin Rooms, Raffles Square, FREE OF EXTRA CHARGE. Billiard Room is in a separate block. –º- EASTERN & ORIENTAL HOTEL, Penang. The only first class Hotel in the Island. --- SARKIES' HOTEL, Rangoon, The Leading Hotel of Burmah. ºw, K. “ _--~~ -- H A N D B O O K TO SINGAPORE, With MAP, a Nid a PLAN OF THE BOTANICAIA GARDEN.S. FIRST EDITION, BY, ºr º * \ THE REV. G. M. REITH, M.A. #ingapore: The SixGApoRE AND STRA its PRINTiNG Office, Robinsox S1 Reet. 1892. [All Rights Reserved.] iG 9º SINGAPORE : PRINTED AT THE "SINGAPORE AND STRAITS PRINTING OFFICE.” Ó 1. *2 p -º 1% ñRP/2 3-3, 70 P. t. At , In compliance with current copyright law, LBS Archival Products produced this replacement volume on paper that meets the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1984 to replace the irreparably deteriorated Original. 1990 TM Cz 2/233% PR E FA C E . —-tº- the benefit of visitors to Singapore, who have a few hours to a few days to spend in the town. It is intended to supply a felt want in Singapore; to give in a handy form some notes historical, descriptive, scientific, &c., in regard to the town and island; to afford what information is necessary to guide visitors during their stay, and to obviate some of the difficulties which travellers always encounter in a strange place. This work is the first of its kind published in the Settlement. The Stranger's Guide to Singapore by Mr. B. E. D'Aranjo (1890), and Picturesque and Busy Singapore by Mr. T. J. Keaughran, reprinted in 1887 from the Straits Times, are in circula- tion, but the former is more limited in its scope than the present work, and the latter too general to be of practical value as a guide-book. To both, however, this handbook is indebted for some of its information. The authority for the historical introduction is mainly a series of articles, entitled the Anecdotal History of Singapore, which appeared in the Singapore Free Press some years ago, from the pen of a well-known resident. The collection of reliable information has been a matter of some difficulty; but care has been taken to make the work as accurate as possible; and it is hoped that future editions, if they are called for, will correct the errors that may have crept into this edition, and render the work what it is intended to be, a useful wade-mecum for visitors to Singa- pore. C O N T E N T S. —-i- CHAPTER. I. HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION CHAPTER II. THE GOVERNMENT—THE GARRISON AND DEFENCEs— JUSTICE—THE MUNICIPALITY OF SINGAPORE— PolicE—REVENUE CHAPTER III. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN AND ENVIRONs. CHAPTER IV. FAvour ITF WALKS AND DRIVES... - - - - - - - From the Wharves to Singapore Town and thence to the botanical Gardens via the Esplanade and Orchard Road—From the Wharves to the Im- pounding Reservoir via Singapore Town–From the Wharves to Kranji ria Singapore Town, and thence to Johore Bharu. CHAPTER W. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PLACES OF INTEREST Botanical Gardens—Boustead Institute—Bukit Timah—Bukit Timah Cemetery—Chinese Protecto- rate— Churches—Clubs—Docks — Esplanade–Drill Hall—The Exchange and Chamber of Commerce— Fort Canning —-Gaol –Government House – Govern- ment Offices—Hospitals—Hotels—Ladies' Lawn or Dhoby Ghaut—Marine 1)epartment, and Shipping Office—Markets—Monuments — Old Cemetery— Police Court and Court of Requests–Central Police Station—General Post Office–Race Course—ltaſtles Institution—Raſſles Library and Museum—Reser- voirs—Riſle Range, Balestier—Sailors’ IIome— Sailors' Rest–St Audrew's House—St. Joseph's Institution—Shrine of Iskander Khan–Shrine of Habib Noor—Supreme Court—Tanglin Barracks —Town Hall—Tyersall—Whampoa's Gardens, PAGE. 43 vi CONTENTS. CHAPTER WI. PAGE. PLACES OF Worship AND HospitaLs ... --- ... 64 The Church of England – The Presbyterian Church of England–The Methodist Episcopal Church--Roman Catholic—Armenian–Miscellane- ous—Jewish—Mahommedan–Indian and Chinese Temples—Hospitals. CHAPTER VII. THE POPULATION OF SINGAPORE - - - - - - ... 71 CHAPTER VIII. CLUBs, SocIETIES, BANKs, CoNSULATEs, HoTELs, SHOPs, &c. --- --- --- --- --- ... 76 Clubs—Literary and Scientific Societies—Politi- cal—Musical–Religious—Sporting and Athletic— Masonic -- Miscellaneous — Banks — Consulates — Hotels –Livery Stables—Post Office—Telegraph Office—Tiflin and Billiard Rooms—General Stores— Booksellers and Stationers—Printers and Book- binders—Newspaper Offices—Tailors and Outfitters— Dispensaries—Mineral and Aerated Water Manu- facturers—Turniture Warehouses. CHAPTER IX. RATEs of HIRE FOR PRIVATE AND HACKNEY CAR- RIAGEs, witH TABLEs of DISTANCEs --- 82 Tables of Fares—Tables of Distances—Malay names of the Principal Buildings and Places of In- terest—Malay Phrases, &c. CHAPTER X. STEAM CoMMUNICATION BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND OTHER PoRTS --- - - - - - - - - - - - - Principal Steamship Lines and Agents—Owners or Agents for various Local Steamers—List of Ports with reference to Steamship Lines and Agents. CHAPTER XI. CURRENCY, WEIGHTS, MEASURES, TIME, &c.... ... 102 CHAPTER XII. IMPORTs, ExpoRTs, SHIPPING, &c., SINGAPORE ... 106 9 5 CONTENTS. vii CHAPTER, XIII. PAGE. THE FAUNA, FLORA, AND GEOLOGY OF SINGAPORE ... 108 The Fauna of Singapore Island—The Flora of Singapore Island—Geological Features. CHAPTER XIV. CLIMATE, Monsoons, &c. .. - - - - - - --- ... 124 Climate and Monsoons—Annual Abstract of Rainfall for 1890—Annual Abstract of Meteorolo- gical Observations for 1890. CHAPTER XV. THE MALAY LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE ... ... 129 TRAMWAY TIME TABLE - - - --- - - - ... 135 MAPS. MAP OF SINGAPORE... - - - - - - ... Facing page 1 INDEx To MAP - - - - - - - - - - - - ... Page ix PLAN OF BOTANICAL GARDENs ... ... Facing page 43 C O RRI G E N D A. —º- PAGE 2.—“The hurricane and the earthquake are unknown in Singapore.” While this handbook was pass- ing through the press a slight earthquake was felt in Singapore (May, 1892). The Malay Peninsula and Sumatra were affected at the same time; the disturbance probably came from the centre of the latter. A similar earth- tremor is recorded, as having occurred in Singapore, in 1861. The residents in the town, however, continue to believe in the immunity of the island from serious earth- quakes, owing to its position, and to the fact that the tremors felt in 1861 and 1892 were mere vibrations indicating that a violent disturbance had taken place somewhere on the long volcanic belt. PAGE 6 (NoTE).-For Chapter XIV., read Chapter XV. PAGE 38–Since going to press the Victoria Regia has died. PAGE 59.—On the opening of the Boustead Institute for Seamen by H. E. the Governor on July 2nd, 1892, The Sailors' Rest was closed, its work being carried on by the Boustead Institute, a handsome three-storied building at the corner of Tanjong Pagar and Anson Road. This Institution has been founded by the executors of the late Mr. Edward Boustead, and is a Coffee and Boarding House for Seamen. Evangelistic services are held there on Sun- days. PAGE 84.—For Tramway Time Table, see page 135. I N D E X TO M A P. —º- NOTE. The IActters and Numbers after the names correspond with these in the borders of the map, and indicatc thc situare in which the name will be found. Abbotsford - . F 6 Abrams' Horse Repository G 10 Adelphi Hotel . . H 10 Alard Road E. l I Albert Dock . L 9 Albert Street . . F 10 Alexandra Road - { i : Alexandra Road Police Station - . H 3 Almeida Street I () Amaranth E 8 Amoy Street J 9 Angus Bungalow E 8 Angus Street H 9 Annan bank IH 8 Anson Road . - . K 9 Apothecaries' Quarters (Criminal Prison) I 8 Arab Street F 11 Ardmore . E 6 Armenian Church H 9 Armenian Street (; 10 Arsenal, H. M.'s I 8 Ashestiel . - F 6 Ashton Lodge . - F 9 Assistant Colonial Secre- tary's Residence . . F. S Assistant Superintendent of Police's Quarters J 8 Atjeh House . - , F 7 Ayer Nipah K — Bachelors' Hall Back Road Bain Street Balaclava Balado Baleave - Balestier Plain Balestier Road - - | Balley Lane Balmoral . Banda Street Barganny Lodge Barracks, Tanglin Beach Hotel . - - Beach Road Police Station Beaconsfield . - - Behn Meyer’s Oil Stores. Beldemeer - - - Belle Air . - - - Bellevue (Orchard Road). Belle Vue Bungalow Belle Vue Cottage . - Belle Vue (off Tank Road) Bellmont. - - - Belvidere. Bencoolen Street Berlayer Point Berlayer River Birch Road Bishop's House Blanche Cottage 1- l : | º | l 7 % 15 MG I 1. I) 10 G 10 E 7 X INDEX TO MAP. Blanche House Blanco Road Blanga Bay Blind Alley Boat Quay - Bon Accord House . Bonham Street Bonny Grass Borneo Wharf. Botan House Botanical Gardens Boustead & Co.'s Kerosene Oil Stores Brass Bassa Road Brick Fields, To Brickworks, Singapore (Balestier) Brickworks, Singapore (Sirangoon) . Broadfields Brothers’ School Buffalo Road Bugis Street Buitenzorg . Bukit Berkek . Bukit Arang, To Bukit Chermin Bukit Guthrie . Bukit Passoo Bukit Purmi . - Bukit Radin Mass . Bukit Timah Road . Bukit Tunggal - Burial Ground Road 13urmah Road . Burn Brae Burnbrae. Burnside . - Bushey Park . Cairn Hill - Cairn Hill House Cairn Hill Cottage . Cambo House . Cambo Cottage Campbell Lane Canal Road Canton Street . Carpenter Street i E 7 F 11 L 6 F 11 : B F 1 : § F 11 # 1 l l 1 Carrington House Cashin Street . Castle Lodge . Castle, The . - - Castle, The (Oxley Road) Cavenagh Bridge . - Cavenagh Road Cecil Street Cemetery, New - - Cemetery, Old (Fort Canning) . - - Cemetery, Protestant and Roman Catholic . Central Hotel . Chancery House Chancery Lane Chasseriau Estate Chatsworth - - Cheang Hong Lim Quay. Cheang Hong Lim Street Cheang Te Road . - Chermin Bay . Chin ('hew Street : - Chin Chew Street, Upper Chinese Burial Ground (Orchard Road) Chinese Club - Chinese Girls' School Chinese Pavilion Chinese Protectorate Chin Nin Street Chitty Road Church Street . Circular Road, Upper Claregrove - Clarelands Claremont Clark Quay Cliff House Clifton House . Clive Street Clovelly Club Street Cluny . Cluny IIouse - Clyde Street . - Clyde Terrace Marke Clyde Villa . - Coleman Bridge H 9 1 i | 1 l INDEX TO MAP. xi Coleman Street Collyer Quay . - - Colonial Secretary’s Resi- dence . - - - Colonial Secretary's Resi- dence, Assistant , Colonial Surgeon's Quar- ters - - - - Commissariat Buildings . Confederate Estate . Convent . - Council Chamber Craig Hill - Craig Road . - Cricket Club Ground, Singapore . - - Cricket Ground, Tanglin (Military) - Criminal Prison Cross Garden Road . Cross Street - Cross Street School . Cross Street, Upper. I)alhousie Lane D'Almeida Road Dalvey Damar Road Deanrow . I)evon Willa 1)evonshire House Devonshire Road Dickinson Hill. Dingwall Dovecot Doves Nest Draycot - - Drill Hall, S. W. A. . Dunearn . - - Dunlop Street . I)unman Street Duxton Road . East Road Eber Road - Edinburgh Road Edrington - Education Office Elgin Bridge . - Ellenborough Street Emerald Hill . H JO I 10 F 9 I' S J 7 I 8 I) 18 G 10 H 10 J S J S H 10 F { : { i Engineer's Qrs., Pumping Station - - - Erin Lodge Ernestine Lust Eskbank Eskbank Cottage Eureka Cottage Everton - - Exchange and Club. Fairy Glen Fern Cottage . Fern Hill - - - Fern Villa (Killiney Road) Fern Villa (River Valley Road) . - - - Filter Beds Finlayson Green Fish Stroet Fisher Street Ford Street, Fort Canning . Fraser Street . Gas Works - Gelang Police Station Gelang River . Gelang Road General Hospital - General Hospital, Nurses' Quarters . - - General Post Office . George Street . - - Gillillan, Wood & Co.'s Godown (Havelock Rd.) Glengarry - - - Glenhogan Golf Links Goodwood - Government House . - Government Printing Office . - - - - Grand Stand, Race Course Grange Road . - - Grange, The - Grass Bank Grassdale Grassland Greenhill Green Valley . Grove, The E 9 F 8 F 8 E 5 E 5 G 8 J 8 I 10 G 8 H' S D 5 G 8 7 9 10 9 9 10 9 11 12 17 15 14 7 7 10 9 8 8 Q 10 7 9 H 10 D 10 F 7 G 6 G 8 G 7 G 7 B 8 E 8 G 18 xii INDEX TO MAP. Guthrie's Village Hack Lane Hadjee Lane . Hallpike Street - - Harbour Limit (Western) Havelock Road - Havelock Road Police Station - - Herat - - Heytor . - - - High Street Hilang Lane Hill Side . - Hill Side Cottage Hill Street H. M.'s Arsenal Hock Lam Street Hodeen's House Hokien Street Hokien Street, Upper Holland Road - Holloway Lane Holne Chase Holyrood - Hongkong Street Hong Lim's Market Honolulu - - - Hotel de l’Europe . - Howarth Erskine, Ltd.” Works. - - Hurricane Hylam Street. - - Ice Works (River Valley Road) . - - - Ice Works (Rochore Canal Road) . - - - Ice Works (Serangoon) . Ichi Ban . - - - Jnstitution Hill Irwell Bank . Irwell Bank Road Jalan Besar Jalan Nipah Jalan Sultan Jalan Tambah Japan Street . - - Jardine Matheson & Co.'s Wharf. - - - Java Road | i l| i I. 1 11 : | 9 : º 1 Jeddah Street . - Jessamine Cottage . Johnston's Pier Johore Lane Johore Road . Judith House . Kallang River. - Kampong Bharu Police Station - Kampong Boyan Kampong Bugis Kampong Java Road Kampong Kallang . Kampong Kapoor Kampong Laut Kampong Malacca . Kampong Pahang Kampong Rokok Kampong Saigon - Kandang Kerbau . - Kandang Kerbau Police Station - Kanisah Merican Road Keppel Road . - Keng Cheow Street. Kerbau Lane . Kerbau Road . - - Kerosene Oil Stores (Gelang) . - Kerosene Oil Stores Kerosene Oil Stores (Boustead & Co.'s) Kerr Street . - Killiney Lodge Killiney Road . Kim Seng Bridge IXingston House IXinta Road Kling Street - - Koek's Orchard Road Market - - Koon Hong's Estate, To Labrador Villa. - - Ladies' Lawn Tennis Club Lady Hill - - Lambert Brothers Lanercost Langlands - Laundry, Steam . 1 | INDEX TO MAP, x V Rosemary Rosemount House Rumah Miskin Station Sago Lane Sago Street Sailors' Home . Sambawa Road - - Sans Soucie (River Valley Road - - - Sans Soucie (St. Thomas’ Walk) - - Saryah River . Scott's Road Selegie Road Sepoy Lines Serangoon Road Serangoon, To - Shaik Madersah Lan - Sharon (River Valley Road) . - - - Sharon (Wilkie Road) Sherwood Cottage Short Street Sibet Bay Silat Road - - Singapore and Straits Aerated Water Co. Singapore and Straits Printing Office . - Singapore Brick Works Police (Balestier) . - - Singapore Brick Works (Sirangoon) - - Singapore Cricket Club Ground - Singapore Oil Factory - Singapore River - Singapore Patent Paint Works - - - Singapore Slipway Com- pally - - - Singapore Volunteer Ar- tillery Drill Hall Small Pox Hospital Smith Street Somerset Road South Boat Quay . South Bridge Road. º ; |1 i ;1 8 : 1 i IK 3 I 10 I 10 B 11 B 13 H 10 E 9 I 10 D 8 G 13 I 10 C 10 F 8 I 10 I 0 South Road Spottiswoode House Spottiswoode Lodge Spottiswoode Park . Spring Field Cottage Spring Grove . Spring Street . Sree Sophia . Stamford Road - - St. Andrew’s Cathedral . St. Andrew’s House Stanmore Steam Laundry Stevens' Road . St. Helens St. James' St. Thomas . - St. Thomas’ Walk . Straits Hotel . Suffolk House, Sultan Gate - - Suprintendent of Prison's Quarters Supreme Court Synagogue - Syed Alley Road Syed Alwee Road 'l ambusu Tampenis Road Tanglin Barracks Tanglin Club . Tanglin Road . - Tank (Fort Canning) Tank Road . - Tan Quee Lan Street Tanjong Katong Tanjong Katong Road Tanjong Mallang . Tanjong Pagar Docks Tanjong Pagar Land Co.'s Property . - - Tanjong Pagar Market Tanjong Pagar Police Station - - Tanjong Pagar Road Tanjong Rhu . - Tanjong Rhu, Village Telegraph Co.'s Depot | : | 1 . . : XV1 INDEX TO MAP. Teluk Ayer Police Station I 10 Teluk Ayer Street . Teluk Blanga Road Teluk Blanga Station Temple . - Teutonia Club - - The Castle (Oxley Road). The Castle (Cavenah Rd.) The Grange . - - The Grove - - The Mount The Neuk - - - The Pavilion (off Tank Road) . - - - The Priory Tiverton House Tiverton Lane. Thomson Road - - Thomson Road Police Station - - - Town Hall Tramway Depot Tringanu Street Tyersall . - - - Upper Chin Chew Street Upper Circular Road Upper Cross Street Upper Hokien Street Upper Macao Street Upper Nankin Street Police \ ( | 1 i 4) : i i Upper Wilkie Road Veritas . - - - Victoria Dock (T. Pagar) Victoria Street - - View Place Waratah . - - - Warders' Quarters (Cri- { minal Prison) . . (.. Waringa . Waterloo. - Waterloo Street . - Water Works (Thomson Road), To . - - Waterworks Reservoirs (Government Hill) Waverley Wayang Station West Road - Whampoa's Bakery Whampoa's Garden - White House . - Widmor Cottage Wilkie Road . - Wilkie Road, Upper Woodcot . - - Woodneuk - Woodside (Sirangoon) Woodside - Woodsville Woolsthrope Zion Road Satu Police l l { p 1 l l Handbook to Singapore. -4- CHAPTER I. HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION. * INGAPORE" is an island lying off the southern- 3) most extremity+ of the Asiatic continent, * from which it is separated by a narrow strait, varying in width from three quarters of a mile to two miles. It is one of the many islands that stud the sea between the Malay Peninsula and Australia. It is sup- posed, from the shallowness of the surrounding seas, and the nature of their flora and fauna, that Singapore, with the yery much larger islands of Sumatra, Borneo and Java, not to mention the smaller islets that may be reckoned by the hundred around them, once formed part of the conti- nent of Asia; while, for similar reasons, the Celebes, New Guinea, &c., were at one time united with Australia. The island of Singapore lies about eighty miles north of the equator. It is oblong in shape, its greatest length (from east to west) being twenty-eight, and its greatest breadth (from north to south) fourteen miles. It occupies an unusually favoured position, being sheltered by Sumatra on the west from the storms that sweep over the Indian * Singapore (Malay Singapāra) is said to mean “the City of Lions” (Sanscrit.) There are no lions in the island, but as the natives use the word Hartmau indiscriminately for “lion” and “tiger,” it is possible that the word Singha or Sinha may have been as loosely used. But the derivation is not unchallenged. + The southernmost point of the Malay Peninsula and of Asia is called Tanjong Bulus: it lies to the west of Singapore. 2 Handbook to Singapore. Ocean, and on the east by a spur of the Malay Peninsula from the typhoons that periodically disturb the China seas. Further, it is outside of the long volcanic belt that passes from Japan through the Philippines, and thence curves westward through Java and Sumatra.” Con- sequently the hurricane and the earthquake are unknown in Singapore. The climate is moist; there is a heavy rain-fall extending over the whole year; and the temperature is moderate for a place in the heart of the tropics. Singapore City is built on the south coast of the island, and faces the south-east. As the capital of the Straits Settlements,f it is the seat of the local government of the Colony. Before the Settlement of the British in the Island, Singapore cannot be said to have had any history. It has a place in Malay legends, according to which it seems to have been a place of some note; it has the honour of mention in the great Portuguese Epic, the Lusiad of Camoens: but though a succession of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and British expeditions, both commercial and military, visited the Peninsula and the Archipelago from the beginning of the fifteenth to the beginning of the nineteenth century, the island of Singapore was passed by as if of little importance, until its occupation by the British in 1819. * The nearest point to Singapore of the volcanic belt is in the Karimon Islands, about 30 miles to the W.; where there is a volcano which has long been quiescent. + The Straits Settlements form a Crown Colony of the British Empire, and consist of the Dindings, Province Wellesley and Malacca in the Malay Peninsula, the islands of Penang (Prince of Wales’ Island) and Singapore, with a few small islets in the Singapore Strait. Also, the Cocos or Keeling Islands and Christmas Island (added in 1886) in the Indian Ocean. - t See the Sejarat Malayu, an English translation of which is to be found in Leyden’s Malay Annals. Historical Introduction. 3 The reference of Camoens to Singapore is in the tenth Canto of the Lusiad:— - “But on her land's-end throned see Cingapúr Where the wide sea-road shrinks to narrow way: Thence curves the coast to face the Cynosure” And lastly trends Aurora-ward its lay.” (Sir R. F. Burton's Translation.) “The island of Singapore is said to have been settled about 1160 A.D. by Malays from Sumatra, Java, or the neighbouring Johor Archipelago. The Settlement was named Sinhapura (Lion City), and according to old accounts, was large and prosperous. The following century saw the conversion of the Malay inhabitants of the Penin- sula to Mahommedanism ; and in 1262, the colonists of Singapore were driven by Javanese invaders to Malacca. At Malacca they remained till the Portuguese conquest in 1511, when they turned south again to what is now the territory of Johor, and there founded a kingdom which included their old home of Singapore.”—Lucas: Historical Geography of the British Colonies. The British Empire owes the possession and the prosperity of Singapore to the foresight and energy of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. There is not space here to give an account of his romantic and eventful career, only an outline can be given of his connection with the Settle- ment.f Raffles was sent to Penang as Assistant Secretary, by the East India Company, in 1805; in 1811, he was appointed Lieut.-Governor of Java, and in 1817, having received the honour of knighthood, he was despatched to * The Cambodian Peninsula. + It is unfortunate that Lady Raffles' biography of her husband is now out of print; and that there is, so far as we know, no life of the founder of Singapore to be had of the booksellers. There should be a fair market for a new edition of Lady Raffles’ book, or better perhaps, for a shorter memoir. 4 Handbook to Singapore. Bencoolen, a small British settlement on the south-west coast of Sumatra, as Lieut.-Governor. While acting in this capacity, he was impressed with the necessity that the British should have a port in the Malay Archipelago to protect their trade, which was increasing yearly, between the Far East (China and Japan) and Europe and India. Ships from Europe to the China seas, after rounding the Cape of Good Hope, crossed the Indian Ocean, and thence passed through the Strait of Sunda between Sumatra and Java; while ships from India held their course down the Straits of Malacca, and through the Strait between Johor and the island of Singapore. Raffles thought a position on the island of Bintang, or somewhere in the neighbourhood, should be secured; and in 1818, he went to India to lay his plans before Lord Hastings, the Governor-General. Hastings authorised him to select a spot suited to his pur- pose; and as Bintang was occupied by the Dutch, who had established the port of Rhio there to command the Archi- pelago, he fixed on the island of Singapore, owing to the excellent anchorage there; and concluded a treaty with the Maharajah of Johor, to whom the island belonged, trans- ferring part of it to the British Government. On February 6th, 1819, the British flag was hoisted on the island; the anniversary of which event is still observed as a public holiday in Singapore. “Our object” wrote Sir Stamford Raffles at this time “is not territory but trade; a great “commercial emporium and fulcrum, whence we may “extend our influence politically, as circumstances may “hereafter require. By taking immediate possession, we “put a negative to the Dutch claim of exclusion, and, at “ the same time, revive the drooping confidence of our allies “and friends. One free port in these seas must eventually “destroy the spell of Dutch monopoly.” For the first four years Singapore was a dependency of the Bencoolen Historical /ntroduction. 5 Government; in 1823 it was transferred to the East India Company. The price paid for the island was $60,000 down, and a life annuity to the Sultan of $24,000. The part of the island originally ceded to the British was a strip of land about five miles in length, stretching along the sea-coast from Mount Palmer to Tanjong Katong. The opposition of the Dutch to the British Settlement on Singapore was so strong that the Home Government at first declined to sanction it; the Calcutta officials were hostile, and indeed the Settlement might have been broken up, had it not been for the dogged obstinacy of its founder, who persisted, on his own responsibility, in maintaining his position. In 1824, however, the Dutch and British Governments came to an agreement; the Malay Archipelago was divided between the rival powers, and though Holland secured the lion's share of territory, Eugland remained in possession of the most important positions on the eastern route, and especially, Singapore. Sir Stamford Raffles died in England in 1826, at the comparatively early age of forty-five. The annals of British influence in the East contain the name of no man who in so short a life-time accomplished so much. The following pages will furnish many instances of his wisdom, philanthropy, and adminis- trative genius. The population of Singapore, when Sir Stamford Raffles hoisted the British flag in the island, was under 200. A Malay kampong or village at Teluk Blangah, where the P. & O. S. N. Co.'s wharf now is, seems to have been the only inhabited spot, for the island was wooded to the water's edge. At that time there were not fifty Chinamen in the place. It is hard to realize as we pass through the streets of the busy, populous city, that seventy years ago there was hardly one man to every two square miles on the island. Only a year after the Historical Introduction. 7 gambier and pepper planting on the island, an industry which had much to do with the early prosperity of the Settlement. The increasing population demanded some regular form for the administration of justice; and in this year five European magistrates were appointed, of whom two had to sit with the Resident (then Colonel Farquhar) in court. The composition of juries in those days was either five Europeans, or four Europeans and three respectable natives. Sir Stamford Raffles had in his mind, from the begin- ning of the Settlement, a scheme for native education, which took practical shape shortly before his departure in the foundation of the Raffles' Institution. $17,500 were subscribed for this object, and grants of land to endow the school were given. One of the last acts of Sir Stamford Raffles was the abolition of slavery. He left Singapore about the middle of the year, to the great regret of all who had known his just and kindly rule. The island of Singapore was finally ceded to Britain, on August 3rd of this year, and a grant of 56 acres, in Kampong Glam was assigned to the Sultan. An attempt of the Dutch to occupy Johor came to nothing. In 1824 appeared the first issue of a local newspaper, The Singapore Chronicle. It was originally published fortnightly. This year witnessed the settlement of the rival claims of Dutch and English to various possessions in the Malay Archipelago by the Treaty of Holland. England ceded Sumatra to the Dutch, and all the islands south of the Singapore Strait; while Holland relinquished her Indian possessions, gave up Malacca, withdrew her protest against the British occupation of Singapore, and ceased all political intercourse with the Peninsula. The Historical Introduction. 9 known to the inhabitants as Central Africa was to Europeans a few years ago. It was covered with dense jungle; but, as the increase of population demanded a clearing of the jungle, these savage denizens of the forest began to give trouble. The tiger has been nearly exter- minated by this time; but occasionally one is shot by local sportsmen, and from time to time, news comes from the plantations of a coolie being carried off by a man- eater, an occurrence which probably happens oftener than is recorded. In 1832, Singapore, by reason of its rapid growth, was made the capital of the Straits Settlements, in place of Penang, which had held that honour for six years. To meet pressing necessity a Court of Requests was established in the Settlement in 1834. In the same year the Bishop of Calcutta visited Singapore; and as a result of this visit, it was resolved to found a church. Previous to this time there had been a missionary in the Settlement, who acted as Colonial Chaplain, and conducted Divine Service in the Mission Chapel. The Bishop consecrated the old cemetery on Fort Canning, which had been in use since 1822, and which continued in use till 1867. The proposed church was founded in 1835, and consecrated by the Bishop of Calcutta, on a second visit, in 1838. The Armenian Church of St. Gregory, which still stands in Hill Street, was consecrated in 1836. The rapid development of trade at the port led to the formation of a Chamber of Commerce in 1837; and in the following year, Mr. Waghorn's suggestion of the Overland Route between Europe and the East began to be seriously discussed. It is curious to read how the mercantile com- munity in Singapore regarded this proposal, together with I 2 Handbook to Singapore. was fraught with considerable danger to the peace of the community, chiefly because of tribal feuds between the different clans, which often led to violence and bloodshed, The bazaar-dispute became the excuse for a war between the rival factions, and the fighting lasted for more than a week. The Governor—Colonel W. J. Butterworth, to whom the Settlement owed much of its early prosperity— did not believe the danger so great as it turned out to be, and delayed taking decisive steps to check the riot, with the result that the riot, which might have been suppressed in a few hours, lasted without intermission for eight days; and the suppression involved considerable loss of life on both sides. From the town the insurrection spread to the country districts; business was suspended; the offices shut and strongly guarded, the European residents were enrolled as special constables, Malays and Indians were armed, and for a few days the island was in a state of war. Many arrests were made; about 250 prisoners were brought to trial, but only two were executed; most of the rest being sentenced to long terms of imprisonment with hard labour, and some transported. The Verandah Riots” in 1888, show that the Chinese population, law-abiding as a rule, may at any moment be a serious trouble to the Settlement; they, too, were unneces- sarily prolonged by the indecision of those responsible for the peace of the town. Soon after the riots of 1854, it was considered expe- dient to have a volunteer corps of European residents in Singapore; and a rifle corps was accordingly formed. In the same year, navigation in the Straits was rendered safer * So-called because the Municipality of Singapore insisted that the verandahs in the streets of the Chinese quarters should be cleared of the goods and stalls with which they are usually crowded, to make way for foot passengers. The riots lasted for three days. Historical Introduction. - I 3 by the foundation of the Raffles' Light-house on a small rock in the Straits of Malacca, some twelve miles west of the town. It was much needed, for the sea in that region is full of small islands and shoals. The foundation-stone of the present Town Hall was also laid in this year, though the building was not com- pleted till 1861. An unsuccessful attempt was made by the Indian Council to substitute the rupee for the Mexican dollar which had been the local currency in the Archipelago long before there was a British Settlement. The proposed change was stoutly resisted by the Singapore merchants, and subsequently dropped. This attempt had much to do with a proposal mooted for the first time in the follow- ing year (1855) that the Straits Settlements should be transferred from the Indian Government to a government which should be directly responsible to the Crown. A public meeting was held in Singapore, and resolutions to that effect were carried by acclamation. The reason of the proposal is declared in the words of one of the reso- lutions:– “This meeting is forced into the painful convic- “tion that the Legislative Council of India in treating with “utter disregard the remonstrances of the inhabitants, have “shown that they are neither to be moved by any prospect “of doing good, nor restrained from doing evil to the Straits “Settlements; and that it is, therefore, the painful duty of “this community to use every exertion, and to resort to “every means within their reach to obtain relief from the “mischievous measures already enacted, and to escape from “the infliction of others of the same nature, more compre- “hensive and still more hurtful.” The Indian Council again attempted to over-ride pub- lic opinion in Singapore, by the imposition of port-dues, a policy which was thought disastrous by the local traders, 14 Handbook to Singapore. it being regarded as a sine qua non from the time of Sir Stamford Raffles downwards, that Singapore should be a free port. A spirited protest addressed to the Imperial Government led to the abandonment of the proposal. The Straits Settlements were made a Crown Colony in 1867, and placed under the direct control of the Colonial Office; though by their constitution, the Settlements have scarcely any more voice in the management of their affairs than they had under the Indian Council: for the official members—a majority in the Legislative Council—are bound to vote as the Secretary for the Colonies pro tem, directs. The old English Church in Singapore had became unfit for public worship by this time; the congregation being compelled to use the Court-house for Divine Service.* The Indian Council voted the sum of Rupees 47,000 for the erection of a new building. The remainder of the cost was defrayed by public subscription, and the foundation of St. Andrew's Cathedral was laid in the following year (1856.) The building was opened for worship in 1862. In 1858, the Patent Slip and Dock Company, now known as the New Harbour Dock Co., was incorporated, and six years later, the Tanjong Pagar Dock Company, both of which have contributed largely to the commercial importance of the city. The Scotchmen in the town organised a Presbyterian congregation in the following year (1859), and worshipped * A curious illustration of the superstitions prevalent amongst the uneducated Chinese may be quoted in this connection It was widely believed that the English had deserted their Church through fear of the demons that haunted it; and that it was the purpose of the Government to sacrifice a number of human heads to propitiate the demons. A panic seized the populace, men were afraid to go out after dark lest they should fall victims to the English sacrifice. It was long before the Government and the educated Chinese succeeded in allaying the fears of the people. 16 Handbook to Singapore. the disturbed condition of Sungei Ujong. The Governor at this time was Sir William Jervois, whose energetic administration bore good fruit in later days; especially in the matter of Colonial defences. In 1877, occurred a great fire at Tanjong Pagar Dock, which lasted for 28 days, baffling all endeavours to extinguish it. On April 13, a Chinese coolie smoking in one of the attap-roofed coal sheds, accidentally set fire to the building. The coal soon kindled, and till May 12 the fire continued, consuming during that time about 50,000 tons of coal with the sheds in which it was stored. Sir William Jervois* was succeeded by Sir William Robinson, whose bad health compelled him to leave the Colony in 1879, and Sir F. A. Weld was appointed in his place in 1880. From 1879 to 1889, reclamation works were carried out on an extensive scale, first from Collyer Quay towards Tanjong Pagar by running a sea-wall across what used to be called Teluk Ayer and filling up the tidal swamps; and then by running another sea-wall from the north side of the Singapore river towards Beach Road, thereby re- claiming many acres of valuable land, and adding to the beauty of the Esplanade. During the same period some new public buildings were erected, and others added to and enlarged to the great improvement of the general appearance of the city. The present Governor, Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, assumed office in October, 1887, as successor to Sir F. A. Weld. During the first year of his administration Pahang was included among the Protected Native States, and a British Resident despatched to that country. * Col. Anson, afterwards General Sir Arch. Anson, twice held office as Acting Governor, in 1877 and 1879 to 1880. 18 Handbook to Singapore. Native States, and the further opening up of the Malay Peninsula, which is supposed to contain great mineral wealth, will react favourably upon Singapore; and it is not too much to hope that the future of the town will eclipse its past. CHAPTER II. THE Gover NMENT—THE GARRIson AND DEFENCEs— JUSTICE—THE MUNICIPALITY of SINGAPORE – PolicE—REven U E. ROM 1819 to 1867, the Straits Settlements 9 were governed by the Indian Council; but in 1867, they were erected into a Crown Colony, the Local Government being vested in a Governor,” an executive of eight Members appointed by the Crown, assisted by a body of seven unofficial Members of Council (two of whom are elected by the Chambers of Commerce in Penang and Singapore, and the rest nominated by the Governor). * Previous to 1867, the Local Governors in the Colony were:– Mr. Robert. Fullerton ... 1826 ,, S. Ibbetson --- ... 1828 ,, K. Murchison ... ... 1833 ,, Sam. G. Bonham ... 1837 Col. W. J. Butterworth ... 1843 Mr. E. A. Blundell ... ... 1855 Col. Cavenagh --- ... 1861 Since 1867, the following have held the Office:– Gen. Sir Harry St. George Ord, G.c.M.G. ... 1867-73 Col. Sir Andrew Clarke, R.E., K.C.M.G., c B. 1873-75 Gen. Sir Wm. F. D. Jervois, R.E., G.C.M.G. 1875-77 Sir Wm. C. F. Robinson, K.C.M.G. ... ... 1877-79 + Gen. Sir Arch. E. H. Anson, R.A., K.C.M.G. ... 1879-80 Sir Fred. A. Weld, G.C.M.G. ... --- ... 1880–87 + Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, G.C.M.G. ... 1887- Those marked thus + held the office of Acting-Governor for short periods; and to the list should be added the name of Sir J. Frederick Dickson, K.C.M.G., who acted as Governor in 1887 and 1890. 2O Handbook to Singapore. The Executive consists of:— H. E.” the General Officer Commanding the Troops; The Hon. the Colonial Secretary; Do. Resident Councillor of Penang; Do. Resident Councillor of Malacca; Do. Attorney-General; Do. Colonial Treasurer; Do. Auditor-General ; Do. Colonial Engineer & Surveyor-General; These, with the seven unofficial Members of Council form the Legislative Body of the Colony. The system of governing a Colony from Downing Street secures a permanent official majority in cases where there is a difference of opinion between the Colonial Office and the residents on important questions. # # # The Colony contributes £100,000 annually to the Imperial Exchequer for garrison and defences, besides considerable sums spent locally for the accommodation of the troops. There are stationed in Singapore two Batteriest of Artillery, an Infantry Battalion, a Company of Royal Engineers, a few Sikhs (China Gun Lascars), with repre- sentatives of the various Army Departments, in all, about 1,150 men. A small part of the Infantry Battalion is assigned to Penang. In addition to the regular troops there is a Corps of Volunteer Artillery, about a hundred strong, recruited from the British residents in Singapore. The Infantry is quartered in the large barracks at Tanglin; the Artillery is divided between Fort Canning, and the new barracks on Pulau Blakang Mati; the * The G. O. C. is styled “His Excellency” in the Straits Settle- ments, as well as the Governor. + According to a re-arrangement in 1891, these Batteries are now called Companies. The Garrison and Defences. 2 I Engineers are stationed on Pulau Brani, and the Sikhs at Sepoy lines near Pearl's Hill, where are the Head Quarters' Office, and the offices of the Army Departments. The whole force is under the command of H. E. Major-General Sir Charles Warren, R.E., G. C.M.G., K.C. B. The town and strait are defended by eight forts; six of which, however, are clustered round the wharves and coal depôts. In the heart of the town, at a height of 156 feet, stands Fort Canning, formerly called Government Hill,” which is now used as a barracks for the Garrison Artillery and as the general signal station for the town. From this fort all salutes are fired; time-guns at 5 a.m., 12 noon,t and 9 p.m., and fire alarms. Shipping signals are given on the flag-staff. Fort Canning is, however, of no military value as a defence. Between China Town and Tanjong Pagar Dock is Fort Palmer, on a crag, about 120 feet high, overhanging the sea. Four miles to the east of the town is Fort Tanjong Katong, and about four miles to the west, commanding the entrance to New Harbour is Fort Passir Panjang. The other forts stand on the two islands, Pulau Brani and Pulau Blakang Mati. On the former is Fort Teregeh, at the S. E extremity: on the latter, which is much the larger island, there are three forts—Fort Sera- pong, on the highest point (301 ft.) towards the N. E., Fort Connaught (originally Fort Blakang Mati East), named after H. R. H. the Duke of Connaught, who visited it in 1890; and Fort Siloso on the N. W. extremity of the island, opposite Fort Passir Panjang. Most of the forts * So called because Sir Stamford Rafiles and other Governors till 1867, lived there during their administration. + 1 p.m. on Sundays. : The remains of the original fort on the island—Fort Fuller- ton-are to be seen behind the Post Office, near the new Volunteer Drill Hall. 22 Handbook to Singapore. are marked by clumps of the Casuarina-tree. Some heavy pieces of ordnance have been mounted in the different forts, and more are expected. A gun-boat or cruiser from the China Station lies in the Roads; and the harbour is well-protected by sub- marine mines and torpedoes. The main objection of the Calcutta authorities in 1819, to Sir Stamford Raffles’ settlement in Singapore, was that the harbour could not be properly defended. The objection has been removed in recent years to a very considerable extent. # # .# The law of the Colony is made or modified by Ordi- nances of the Legislative Council, subject to the approval of the Crown. Criminal cases are tried under the Indian Penal Code (slightly modified to meet local conditions); and the Civil Procedure Code of the Colony is based on the English Judicature Acts. The Courts of Law in the Settlements are of six kinds:–The Supreme Court, Courts of Requests (for sums not exceeding $50); Courts of two Magistrates; Coroners' Courts, Magistrates' Courts and Justices of the Peace. The Supreme Court, consisting of a Chief Justice and three Puisne Judges, sits weekly in Singapore; holds assizes every two months; and when required acts as a Court of Appeal and a Vice-Admiralty Court. The Municipal Commission of Singapore is partly an elective body, some Commissioners being elected by the rate-payers in the different wards, and others, with the President, appointed by H. E. the Governor. The water- supply of the town is under its control; also, the up-keep of roads and bridges within Municipal limits. The Muni- Police—Municipality—Revenue. 23 cipality has power to levy rates and taxes; and in addition to the water rate, its revenue comes from assessments on house property, a horse and carriage tax, registration of bullock-carts and all vehicles plying for hire, dog licenses, and licenses for offensive and dangerous trades. In 1890, the total revenue was $635,082, and the total expenditure, S703,748. The Municipal area is about 28 square miles; it extends 45 miles E. W. and N. of the Town Hall. It is divided into five wards:– 1. Tanjong Pagar. 2. Central Ward (commencing at Raffles School, and including roughly that part of the town between Orchard Road and Grange Road). 3. Tanglin (between Orchard Road and Bukit Timah) 4. Rochore, at the N. E. end of the town. 5. Kallang, beyond Rochore. §: # :*: The Police Force of the Straits Settlements is made up of a small European contingent with over 2,000 Asia- tics, consisting of Sikhs, Malays, Klings and Chinese. At the head is the Inspector-General (R. W. Maxwell, Esq.), under whom are 3 Superintendents, 3 Assistant Super- intendents, 3 Chief Inspectors, and 21 Inspectors (all Europeans). Of the Asiatics, the Sikhs are generally con- sidered the most efficient and reliable Police. In the Town and Island of Singapore there are 36 Police Stations; the Central Station being in South Bridge Road opposite the Magistrates' Courts. # # # The revenue of the Straits Settlements is mainly derived from Opium, Spirit, and Pawnbroking Farms, 24 Handbook to Singapore. For 1890, the sum derived from these sources was nearly three millions of dollars ($2,852,422.37). The total revenue for 1890 was $4,363,237.17 from all sources, in- cluding Land Revenue, Stamp Duties, Fines, Forfeitures and Fees of Court, &c., &c. CHAPTER III. GENERAL DEscRIPTION OF THE Town AND ENVIRONs. TPPROACHING Singapore from the west, travellers find themselves in a channel s: thickly studded with islands, as they southern end of the Straits of Malacca. On the right is to be seen the mountainous group of islands called the Karimons; and further on amongst a number of small islands stands the Raffles Light-house” which guides ships to the old channel of entrance to Singapore Harbour. Sailing ships and occasionally steamers coming southward through the Straits of Malacca make use of the old channel. They steer from the Pulau Pisang Light to the Raffles Light-house, and then pass by St. John's Island to the harbour. The P. & O. S. N. Co.'s steamers and others pass between the Sultan Shoal, marked by beacons, on the left, and the Ajax Shoal, marked by a light ship on the right, and thence steam into the New Harbour. It is ex- pected that a light-house will shortly be erected on the Ajax Shoal. On the left, there stretches away to the horizon in a series of undulating hills, the Island of Singapore, with some of the mountains of Johor visible in the distance, notably the conical peak called Gunong Pulai. The scenery has a quiet beauty that impresses every spectator; and as the water in the channel is generally smooth, all are able to enjoy the prospect. Every now and then the ship startles a gar-fish that skips * Rafiles Light-house, finished in 1855, stands on Coney Island, 12 miles west of Singapore Town, in Lat. 1" 9' 50" N., and Long 103° 44' 50" E., white light, fixed. Lens, Dioptric of third order. Height of light-house from high water to centre of lens, 106 ft. General Description of Town and Environs. 27 are marked by clumps of the Casuarina tree. Immediately after passing these, New Harbour Dock comes into sight, behind which rises Mount Faber, on which there is a Signal Station. The P. & O. S. N. Co.'s wharf is then reached, opposite to which is the island of Pulau Brani, where a company of Royal Engineers is stationed, and where there are also the large tin-smelting works of the Straits Trading Co. The mail steamers of the Norddeutscher Lloyd Co. and of the Companie des Messageries Maritimes berth at the Borneo wharf, and other steamers from the west at the Tanjong Pagar wharf; both of which are nearer to town than the P. & O. wharf. * * #: Approaching Singapore from the east, ships, after crossing the Gulf of Siam, sight the Horsburgh Light- house,” which stands between Cape Romania and the island of Bintang. (The former disputes with Tanjong Bulus the honour of being the southernmost point of Asia : the latter is a Dutch possession, on which stands the sea-port of Rhio, -or Riouw, according to the Dutch spelling—which was intended to be the chief entrepôt for trade in the Archipelago. The opening of the Overland Route and, later, of the Suez Canal, and the consequent discontinuance of the Sunda Strait as the passage from Europe to China and Japan has prevented the hopes of its founders from being fulfilled). After rounding Cape Romania the long, low-lying Island of Singapore comes into view, behind which are to be seen the distant mountains of the Peninsula, while the channel in front is studded with many small islands. As * See note on p. 11. General Description of Town and Environs. 29 the chief Hotels, the English Cathedral, and for some distance along the sea-shore, there stretches a well laid out Esplanade and Recreation ground, a favourite afternoon resort of residents. Between Tanjong Pagar and the commercial centre of the town lies the Chinese quarter,” in which are the Central Police Station, the Magistrates' Courts, and the Chinese Protectorate. (See Chapter V.) Between the Esplanade and the Rochore River is the district of Kampong Glam, inhabited mainly by Malays and Arabs. The chief European dwellings are built on the north of the town, and extend for several miles into the country. Here there are a number of small wooded hills, on each of which there are several houses, which are, by reason of their position, airy and well-drained, and therefore healthy and comfortable. On one of the highest of these hills surrounded by tastefully laid-out grounds, stands Government House, the official residence of the Governor of the Straits Settlements. The roads in this district are well kept; they are skirted by lofty trees, which, often meeting overhead, throw a cool and grateful shade below. The town of Singapore has three main arteries or thoroughfares, running parallel to the shore. Robinson Quay, Collyer Quay, the Esplanade and Beach Road, skirt the shore, crossing the Singapore River by the Cavenagh Bridge. Farther inland, and parallel to it is the long street known on one side of the Singapore River as South Bridge Road, and on the other as North Bridge Road, the two being connected by the Elgin Bridge. The third is that * The Chinese population is not confined to this quarter, but is scattered over the whole town. The largest body of Chinese, however, is settled there. Depôts for the accommodation of the endless stream of Chinese immigrants are licensed by Government in this district. General Description of Town and Environs. 31 For quiet but effective beauty these roads are often compared to the Devonshire lanes. Both Orchard Road and River Valley Road, not to mention others, present the appearance of a well-shaded avenue to an English mansion. The comparison has often been made, but the best that northern latitudes can produce cannot be compared with the richness and variety of the tropical foliage, and the bright colours of the flowering trees. There are many beautiful walks and drives in the environs of Singapore, for a description of which see Chapter IV. The streets of the town are crowded and busy at all hours of the day, and in the native quarters at nearly all hours of the night as well. Carriages, steam-cars, hack- gharries, bullock-carts, and jinrickshas pass and re-pass in a continual stream ; native vendors of various kinds of foods, fruits, and drinks, take up their position by the roadsides, or, wandering up and down the streets proclaim the excellence of their wares; carriers and messengers come and go : all is bustle and activity. In half-an-hour's walk, a stranger may hear the accents of almost every language and see the features and costume of nearly every race in the world. Amongst the crowds that pass him, he may see, besides Europeans of every nation, Chinese, Malays, Hindus, Madrassees, Sikhs, Japanese, Burmese, Siamese, Singhalese, Tamils, Arabs, Jews, Parsees, Negroes, &c., &c. At anchor in the Roads, there may be seen any day the ships of all nations, from the Chinese junk to the man-of-war, and gliding in and out among these, or waiting for goods or passengers by the shore, a large flotilla of tongkangs and sampans, manned by Malay, Kling and Chinese boatmen. The native bazaars both in the centre and on the outskirts of the town always present a lively scene, though Aavourite Walks and Drives. 37 (Tempat Kitab”) on the left, is first passed. It is well worth a visit, for the Library is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the East, and the Museum, which is being daily enriched by zoological, mineralogical, ethno- logical and archaeological collections from the Peninsula and the Archipelago, promises to be, in time, one of the finest exhibitions of its kind in Asia. The Reading Room and Museum are open to the public daily (Sundays excepted) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a valuable collection of Oriental literature, called the Logan Library, access to which may be obtained by special permission from the Secretary. - Almost opposite the Museum is the Ladies' Lawn Tennis Club, (Padang Kechil)f a prettily laid out garden where tennis is played from 4.30 p.m. till dusk. On the other side of the road is the Presbyterian Church (Greja Kechil) built in 1878; and a little farther on the same side, is a small Hindoo temple, used chiefly by the Dhobies (or washermen) who live in the neighbourhood, and who may be seen at work at any time of the day. Two hundred yards further on the Jewish Cemetery is to be seen, on the left, opposite Lambert Bros.' Carriage Works and Livery Stables. The gate of the approach to Government House is then passed on the right, beyond which is Koek's Bazaar, a row of native shops on both sides of the road. Between the hours of six and eight in the morning, this market presents a lively scene; hundreds of Chinese cooks and Asiatic women of many various nationalities come at that hour to make their purchases for the day. Beyond the Bazaar, Orchard Road becomes a straight, well-shaded drive, leading to the European residences in the * Pronounce T’mpat Kitab (i.e. The Place of Books). f Pronounce Padang Kitchy (i.e. The Little Plain). 38 Handbook to Singapore. Tanglin district. On the left, almost hidden by the trees is a very large Chinese Burial Ground used by the Teo Chews, i.e., Chinese hailing from Swatow; the visitor may perhaps overtake a funeral on its way thither, with the customary accompaniments of gongs to startle, and the scattering of gold and silver paper to appease, the demons which are supposed to be on the watch for the spirit of the deceased. Orchard Road ends at the entrance to the Military Barracks in Tanglin: and turning to the right into Napier Road, the visitor soon finds himself at the gate of the Botanical Gardens (Kebun Bungah).” These gardens were opened in the year 1873; and they are kept up by the Straits Government. Many varities of tropical trees and flowers are to be seen there. In one of the ponds, a magnificent specimen of the Victoria Regia spreads its broad leaves over the water. There is a large variety of orchids and tropical ferns in the orchid houses; and close to these is the nucleus of a zoological collection of birds, snakes, and a few wild animals. On a hill to the north-west of the Gardens stands Tyersall, the Singapore residence of His Highness the Sultan of Johor. 2.—From the Wharves to the Impounding Reservoir vià Singapore Town. The Reservoir (Kolam Ayert) from which is drawn the water-supply of the town, is rather more than four miles to the north of the city. The route from the Wharves is the same as described above as far as the Ladies' Lawn Tennis Club, leaving which on the left, the passenger drives along Selegie Road, where there is a dense population of Eurasians and natives, till the Rochore * Pronounce K'boon Boong-ah (i.e. Garden of Flowers). + Pronounce Kolam Ire (i.e. Pond of Water). Favourite Walks and Drives. 4t the other, the Chapel of St. Joseph, to the French Catholic Mission. (Missions Etrangères.) From Bukit Timah to Kranji the road winds through plantations and jungle for seven miles. At the village of Kranji there is a small pier whence Chinese and Malay sampans transport passengers across the Strait to Johore. The Johore Strait (Silat Terbau), varying from three- quarters of a mile to two miles in breadth, thickly wooded on both sides to the water's edge, charms the visitor with beauties that are peculiar to land and water scenery; the ever changing light and shade throw the landscape into combinations of colour that are as pleasing as they are varied. Travellers have compared it favourably with the Rhine scenery, with Loch Lomond, and with the best views on the estuaries of the Forth and the Tay. Johore Bahru (“New Johore”) the capital of the dominions of the Sultan of Johor and Muar, is a town with a population of 20,000. The chief place of interest is the Istana, or palace, which faces the Strait. It has been tastefully furnished in the European style by the present Sultan (H. H. Aboo Bakar I.), who is a staunch ally of the British Government. * + # There are a few bungalows at various places in the island, at which residents and others may enjoy a short period of country life; some are the property of the Government, one belongs to the Municipality, and others are let by private individuals. The bungalows let by the Government are:– 1. Changi Bungalow, at the eastern extremity of the island, 14 miles from town. There is good sea bathing to be had here. 2. Bukit Timah Bungalow on the hill of that name. 42 Handbook to Singapore. 3. Selitar Bungalow, nine miles from town, on the Thompson Road. Here there is an excellent fresh-water swimming-bath. These bungalows are rented (furnished) to the general public, preference being given to Government servants and military officers, at a monthly rate of $25 for the first two, and $12.50 for the third. If taken for less than a month, the rates are—$10 per week or $2 per day for Changi and Bukit Timah, and $5 per week or $1 per day for Selitar. The Municipal Bungalow is at the Impounding Reservoir, and may be rented for $35 per month. Other bungalows, belonging to private individuals, are to be had on the sea-shore at Passir Panjang to the West, Tanjong Katong to the East of the town at much the same rent. At both places there is good sea-bathing. - - - - - --- +---- · ------------********** •=…=……… *|-. ' --~~~~ ~~~********************-- … …-- --------------------- - 44 Handbook to Singapore. make this one of the most attractive spots in Singapore to both residents and visitors. Close by are the Experimental Forest Nurseries, opened in 1884, between Cluny and Dalvey Roads. BoustEAD INSTITUTE. A handsome building, now in process of erection at the corner of Anson Road and Tanjong Pagar Road. It is intended for the benefit of Seamen. It is three storeys high; and it will be fitted with bedrooms, refreshment rooms, recreation rooms of various kinds and a hall for meetings. The Institute has been founded by the executors of the late Edward Boustead, Esq., who left a large sum of money for charitable purposes. BUKIT TIMAH. This hill, the highest point in Singapore Island, stands at an elevation of 519 feet above the sea-level. There is a Government Bungalow" on the summit, from which a magnificent view of Singapore, the islands in the Singapore Strait, and the southern part of the Malay Peninsula, can be obtained on a clear day. There is a good carriage road all the way to the bungalow; while there are short cuts which may be taken by pedestrians. Formerly, the jungle on the hill was infested by tigers; traces of them are occasionally found even now, but rarely. One or two disused pits dug by the natives to entrap these animals may be seen here and there upon the hill. Visi- tors to Singapore, who have about six hours to spare, will find themselves amply repaid by an excursion to the top of Bukit Timah; there are few finer views to be had any *See p. 42. Public Buildings and Places of Interest. 45 where in the world. The distance from the town to the foot of the hill is seven miles, and the length of the carriage road to the summit about a mile-and-a-half. BUKIT TIMAH CEMETERY. (Malay Name.—Kubóran Orang Puteh). Two miles from town, on the Bukit Timah Road, is the Christian Cemetery, opened nearly thirty years ago, when the old burial-ground on Fort Canning Hill was disused. The Cemetery is divided between the Roman Catholics and Christians of other denominations; the Catho- lic portion with its mortuary chapel is on the left as one enters the gate, the Protestant section and mortuary chapel are on the right, CHINEs E PROTECTORATE. As the name implies, this is the office of the Protec- tor of Chinese, whose duties are to attend to the interests of Chinese residents and immigrants, especially the latter. The building is a plain and unpretentious one, and stands in Havelock Road not far from its junction with New Bridge Road.* CHURCHEs (See Chapter VI.) CLUBs (See Chapter VIII.) THE Convent of THE Holy INFANT JEsus, stands between Victoria Street and North Bridge Road, opposite the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd (French * The establishment of a Chinese Protectorate was first advised in the 1875 Report of the Inspector-General of Police, to be under “a European conversant with some dialect of Chinese, &c.” Ordin- ance III of 1877, the Crimping Ordinance, allows the appointment of Protector of Immigrants. Mr. W. A. Pickering, C.M.G., was the first who held the appointment. He resigned office in 1888. 48 Handbook to Singapore. bowls are played daily on the plain; and on New Year's Day, the Singapore Cricket Club has a great festival of European and Native sports by sea and land. On the landward side of the Esplanade stand the Hôtel de l'Europe and St. Andrew's Cathedral; and beyond the carriage drive on the other side, is a strip of green along the sea-wall, with a foot-path, which affords a cool and pleasant walk in the early morning and afternoon. Round the plain and along the sea-wall young trees have been planted recently, which, in the course of a few years, will add greatly to the beauty of the scene. DRILL HALL. This large and spacious building designed by Hon. Major McCallum, R.E., c.M.G., the Colonial Engineer, and built by Government for the Singapore Volunteer Artillery in 1891, stands on the site of the original fort on the island—Fort Fullerton—behind the General Post Office and the Shipping Office. This hall is the largest in Singapore (length 150 feet, breadth 52 feet clear space). It is fitted with a gymnasium for the use of members of the corps. Outside stands a seven-inch muzzle-loading gun, used for heavy gun drill. THE Exchange AND CHAMBER of CoMMERCE. The Exchange is a handsome building close by John- ston's Pier. It was erected in 1879. The lower floor is occupied by the Chamber of Commerce, the Exchange, and the Offices of the Singapore Insurance Co. In the hall is a fine bronze bust of General Sir Andrew Clarke, R.E., K.C.M.G., who was Governor of the Straits Settlements from 1873 to 1875. The upper story is used by the Singapore Club, and has large tiffin, billiard and 50 Handbook to Singapore. Gover NMENT House. (Malay Name—Túan Gebenor pinya Rāmah.) On the top of what is now called Government Hill and in the midst of a spacious and beautifully laid-out park stands Government House, which both for situation and architecture is perhaps the finest building of its kind in the Far East. The site and grounds cost more than $40,000, and the cost of the building itself was $180,000. Before its erection and occupation, the residence of the Governor was on Fort Canning and afterwards on Leoni Hill in Grange Road. Singapore owes the present Govern- ment House to Gen. Sir Harry St. George Ord, the first Governor of the Colony after its transference from the Indian Government to the Crown. His proposals were at first received with disfavour, the popular impression being that a building of that size and expense was unnecessary and extravagant. More recently, however, it has been found that Government House, large as it is, is scarcely large enough to meet local requirements. The plans for the building were drawn up by Major McNair, R.A., and the house was ready for occupation in 1869. The architec- ture is of a composite order; Doric and Ionic elements being, however, most prominent. The length of frontage is 235 feet, and the width of the main building is 73 feet. In the centre, above the entrance-hall rises a tower crowned with a Mansard roof. A wing at the back runs at right angles to the main building, over 100 feet in length. The wide verandahs, on both storeys, give one the impression that the internal accommodation of the edifice is larger than it really is. Entering at the main door, through the porch, the visitor finds himself in a large marble-paved hall, opening on the left into a long dining-room, with a small billiard-room screened off at the far end; and on the left 54 Handbook to Singapore. ment, erected in 1887. Sir Stamford is represented in a standing posture, with folded arms, head slightly bent and looking seawards. The pedestal is of grey granite, and bears his coat of arms. A monument to the late Colonel Ronald Macpher- son, R.A., at one time Lieutenant-Governor and Colonial Secretary in the Straits Settlements (ob. 1867), stands in the Cathedral Compound, facing the sea. It consists of a pedestal and decorated shaft of grey and red granite, sur- mounted by a Maltese cross. Among the monuments there should be included the handsome fountain presented to the town by the late Mr. Tan Kim Seng, a Chinese gentleman, who in other ways proved himself a public benefactor. The occasion of its erection was the completion of the works by which a good water-supply was brought to the town. The fountain stands in Battery Road, opposite the General Post Office and the Exchange. OLD CEMETERY. The original burial-ground of the first residents in Singapore is on the slope of Fort Canning Hill. It was opened in 1822, and consecrated by the Bishop of Calcutta in 1834; but was disused on the opening of the new Cemetery in Bukit Timah Road in 1867. Here sleep some of the fathers of the Colony, and many old residents. Two Gothic gate-ways, at the north and south ends, afford an entrance to the burial-ground “where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap.” In spite of care, many of the old tomb stones and monuments are falling to pieces. The southern half was allotted to members of the Anglican communion, the northern to other Christian de- nominations. Public Buildings and Places of Interest. 59 SAILORs' Home. (Malay Name—Riimah Khlási.) This institution, which is intended to supply board and lodging to seamen on shore, stands at the corner of Stamford Road and North Bridge Road, opposite St. Andrew's Cathedral. It was established in 1851. The charges are:— For Officers ... ... $1.15 per diem ,, Seamen ... ... .75 *> SAILORS’ REST. A Coffee-House and Reading-Room for seamen at the western end of South Bridge Road. Evangelistic services are held in the upper room on Sundays, and occa- sionally during the week. ST. ANDREw's Hous E. A Boarding-House for boys in connection with the Church of England. The present building was erected in 1891: it stands at the foot of Fort Canning Hill, in Armenian Street, off Stamford Road. ST. Joseph’s INSTITUTION, Commonly called the Brothers' School, was founded in 1852, by the French Missionary Society at the instiga- tion of Father Beurel. It is now in a flourishing state, though for five years (1880-1885) it was suspended owing to the want of men to carry on the work. The building with a small chapel attached, stands in Brass Bassa Road, almost opposite the Church of the Good Shepherd. The system of education in the school is on purely secular 6o Handbook to Singapore. lines, religious instruction being given, however, to the pupils belonging to the Roman Catholic faith. A num- per of boys are received as boarders. SHRINE OF IskANDER. KHAN. (Malay Name—Krámat Iskander Khan.) This shrine is on the southern slope of Fort Canning Hill, near the old Cemetery. Crossing part of the old moat by a wooden bridge, the visitor enters the sacred place, and finds himself in a grove of very old and lofty trees, in the centre of which is a stucco-covered tomb, closely railed in. A pan of incense is kept burning at the foot of it day and night; the railing and the trees are covered with the memorials and offerings of the devout. After sunset on Friday and Sunday evenings, crowds of worshippers flock to this place. The shrine is believed to be the resting-place of the Sultan Iskander, one of the heroes of the Sejūrat Malayu," on what authority it is hard to say. The tomb was discovered by accident after the British settlement in the island, when the jungle on Fort Canning was being cut away. It is a very holy spot for Mahom- medans, and visits to it are supposed to cure diseases. The shrine must be visited on foot, since there is no carriage- way to the spot. The best route is by a path that starts from the foot of the hill behind the Raffles Library and Museum; and this path may be struck either from Orchard Road or Coleman Street. * The only English translation of the Sejárat Malāyu known to the writer is Leyden's Malay Annals, now out of print, Iskander Khan or Iskander Shah is the Eastern name of Alexander the Great, and seems to have been used as a title for various Mahommedan sovereigns. The Sultans of Singapore always adopted it. Public Buildings and Places of Interest. 61 SHRINE of HABIB Noor. (Malay Name—Krámat Habib Noor.) This is a small mausoleum of oriental architecture, which stands on a small knoll at Cursetjee's Corner (Parsee Lodge), near the foot of Mount Palmer. Here was buried a Mahommedan Saint, Habib Noor, who died twenty or thirty years ago, after a life which gained a great reputation for sanctity not only in Singapore where he lived, but throughout a large part of Malaysia. A small Malay cemetery lies round the shrine. The approach to it is from Anson Road. SUPREME CourT, The Supreme Court is at the south end of High Street, facing the Esplanade. It is a large and airy build- ing, two storeys in height. The architecture is mainly of the Doric order, and the whole structure has a massive appearance. It is surmounted by a small dome and flag- staff. The building as it now stands is an improvement (completed in 1873) of an older building erected in 1832. Opening off the entrance hall are the Sheriff's and Regis- trar's Departments: and on ascending the stair-case, the Supreme Court is entered, behind which is the Puisne Judges' Court. TANGLIN BARRACKs. The Infantry Barracks are in the Tanglin district, about 3 miles to the N. W. of the town, and stand on an elevation between Mount Echo and the Botanical Gardens. The situation is airy and healthy; the ground enclosed is nearly one square mile in extent, and within the enclosure are the Officers' and Men's Quarters, Shops, Magazine, the Parade ground, rifle range (800 yards), and a large amount of open space for recreation and exercise. 62 Handbook to Singapore. Town. HALL. Between the Government Offices and the Esplanade stands the Town Hall, a highly ornamental building of composite architecture. It is two storeys high, and on each storey there is a large hall. The lower hall, which can be seated to hold over 300 people, is fitted with a small stage, and is used for theatrical and other entertainments. The upper hall, with a small gallery at the far end, is a good concert and ball-room. Round the walls are hung por- traits of some well-known gentlemen connected with Singa- pore and the Straits Settlements. The following is a list of the pictures:— - Col. W. J. Butterworth, Governor of Singapore from 1843 to 1855. Major-General William Orfeur Cavenagh, Governor from 1861 to 1867, painted by public subscription, 1868. Thomas Scott, Esq. (of Messrs. Guthrie & Co.), pre- sented by Mr. Gan Eng Seng. - W. H. Read, Esq., c.M.G. General Sir Harry St. George Ord, first Governor of the Straits Settlements, after their transfer to the Crown (1867-1873). Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, G.C.M.G., presented by Mr. Cheang Hong Lim, in 1891. The side rooms on both floors are used as Municipal Offices during the day. There are spacious front and side verandahs on the upper floor, and a side verandah or corridor on the lower. TYERSALL. (Malay Name—Riimah Maharaja.) This large and palatial building is the Singapore resi- dence of H. H. the Sultan of Johore. Originally a small Public Buildings and Places of Interest. 63 country house, it has been added to, or rather rebuilt on a much larger scale, in the present year. It stands on the top of a hill near the gardens, in the middle of a well-laid out demesne. WHAMPoA's GARDENs. (Malay Name—Whampoa pinya Kebiin Bingah.) For many years the private gardens of Mr. Whampoa, a Chinese gentleman, have been considered one of the chief sights of Singapore. By the courtesy of the proprietor the public are freely admitted to the gardens, which are very beautifully laid out, and are well worth a visit. They are in Serangoon Road (right hand side) two miles from town, NotE —The Malay names of places are not given in cases where the English names are usually understood by the syces. For a list of Malay names of places in common use, and some Malay phrases, see Chap. IX. CHAPTER WI. PLACEs of Worship AND HospitaLs. evident to the eye by the many buildings throughout the town and island devoted to the purposes of religion. A list of these follows, with brief descriptions of the principal ones. 1. THE CHURCH of ENGLAND. - St. Andrew's Cathedral stands near the Esplanade. The present building, erected by convict labour, on a site consecrated in 1838, where old St. Andrew's Church stood from 1837 to 1856, was opened in 1862, and constituted the Cathedral Church of the diocese in 1870. The diocese under the present Bishop, the Right Rev. George F. Hose, D.D.—includes Singapore, Sarawak and Labuan. The Cathedral is an imposing Gothic building surmounted by a fine spire; its length, including the chancel is 250 feet, the height of the nave is 79 feet and of the spire 204 feet. The main-door is under the spire at the western end of the Church, and over it is a stained glass window repre- senting the four evangelists. Close to the main-door stands a marble font of simple and chaste design. A few mural tablets and memorial brasses adorn the walls of the Church. The chancel is lighted by four stained-glass windows covered with floral designs. A fine peal of bells was presented by the heirs of the late Captain I. S. M. Fraser, H.E.I.C.s., in 1889. In the Cathedral compound, which is tastefully laid out as a garden and adorned with trees and shrubs, stands a monument to Colonel Ronald Macpherson, R.A. (see p. 54), who designed the building. Places of Worship and Hospitals. 65 Hours of Service on Sundays:—7.15 a.m., 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Daily Service at 5 p.m. Sittings in the Cathedral are free at the early morning service, and at all other services after the entrance of the Clergy. The Cathedral is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. St. Andrew's Mission Chapel, on the slope of Fort Canning Hill, near the junction of Stamford Road and Orchard Road. Services are conducted here in English, Malay, Tamil and Chinese. Morning Prayer is read daily at 8.30 a.m. There is a small Mission Chapel also at Jurong. The Church of England is the Established Church of the Colony; a sum of more than $10,000 per annum is paid out of the Colonial revenues towards its support.* 2. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of ENGLAND. The Presbyterian Church (commonly called “the Scotch Church”) is in Orchard Road, opposite the Ladies' Lawn Tennis Club. The congregation was organised in 1859, and the present Church, a plain building with a decorated porch and belfry, was opened in 1878. It is under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Presbytery of London (North). Hours of Service on Sunday:-7.30 a.m. and 4.45 p.m. Weekly Service:—Wednesdays at 8.15 p.m. Services after the Presbyterian form are conducted also in the Reading Rooms of Tanjong Pagar and New Harbour Docks at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. respectively. Baba Mission Chapel, Prinsep Street. This is the head-quarters of the English Presbyterian Mission to the * This sum includes the grants for Penang and Malacca, as well as for Singapore. 66 Handbook to Singapore. Chinese, which has stations at Bukit Timah, Serangoon, &c., on the island, and also at Johor Bahru and Muar in the Peninsula. 3. THE METHODIsT EPIscoPAL CHURCH. This is a small Church, in connection with the Methodist Episcopal Mission (American), built about five years ago. The Mission has a large and flourishing school attached—the Anglo-Chinese School. Both Church and School are in Coleman Street, at the foot of Fort Canning Hill. Hours of Service on Sunday, in the Church, 7 A.M. and 5 P.M. Week-night services on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 7.30 P.M. 4. Roman CATHolic. The majority of the Christian population of Singa- pore profess the Roman Catholic faith. The Bishopric of the Diocese of Malacca, which dates from the mission- ary journey of St. Francis Xavier in the 16th century, is at present held by the Right Rev. Edward Gasnier, D.D. The Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd is in Brass Bassa Road. The foundation-stone was laid in 1843, and the Church opened for Divine Service in 1847. The building is cruciform, surmounted by a spire 161 feet high. Over the high altar stands an image of the Good Shepherd, with a lamb on his shoulder, and on either side, in separate niches, images of SS. Peter and Paul. In the eastern transept is an altar to the B. W. Mary, on the left of which is a piece of statuary representing Our Lady of Sorrows, hold- ing the dead Christ in her arms. A statue of St. Francis Xavier in his pontifical robes is on the other side. An altar to St. Joseph, with the statue of the Sacred Heart on the left, is in the western transept. The walls of the Places of Worship and Hospitals. 67 Church are adorned by fourteen paintings representing scenes from Our Lord's Passion. Over the door in the eastern transept is a large painting of the martyrdom of St. Sebastian. The Church is seated for 1,400 persons. There are also the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, Queen Street, and the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ophir Road, the latter being used by the Tamil Mission. There are two Mission Chapels—St. Joseph's Church at Bukit Timah, and St. Mary's Church at Serangoon. All the foregoing are supported by the French Mission, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith (Paris). The Procure des Missions Etrangères is at the junction of River Valley Road and Oxley Road. The Portuguese Catholics own the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao, and worship in the Church of St. Joseph, Victoria Street, which is seated for about 600 persons. 5. ARMENIAN. The Church of St. Gregory, Hill Street, is similar in general external appearance to the Church of the Good Shepherd, and is the oldest ecclesiastical building in Singapore. It was erected in 1835. Hours of Service on Sunday—8 to 10 a.m. Daily Services at 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. 6. MISCELLANEOUS. The Chinese Gospel House, North Bridge Road. Bethesda Free Meeting House, Brass Bassa Road. The Christian Institute, Waterloo Street. The Sailors' Rest, South Bridge Road. The Military Chapel at Tanglin is used by different denominations at different hours. JEWISH. There is a Jewish Synagogue in Waterloo Street. Places of Worship and Hospitals. 69 were stationed in the days of the East India Company. Till about ten years ago, the General Hospital was in the Bukit Timah Road—the building now called the Lock Hospital (q.v.)—but owing to an epidemic scare, the patients were transferred to the Sepoy Barracks, and these soon being found inadequate for local requirements, the present roomy building was erected in 1882. Two large barrack-wards, 169 ft, by 51 ft., containing 40 beds each, with other smaller wards, occupy the upper storey. A cool verandah runs round the building, and by this and other means the Hospital is kept well ventilated. There are two small female wards in an attap-roofed bungalow, detached from the main building. The dis- eases treated in the Hospital are general. The number of patients treated during 1890 was 2,455; of these 2103 were discharged and 73 died. The nurses at the General Hospital are Sisters from the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus; and there is but one opinion in Singapore about the way in which they dis- charge their duties. 2. The Lunatic Asylum” is also at Sepoy Lines, on a hill near the Criminal Prison. After the transference of the General Hospital from Bukit Timah Road to Sepoy Lines, the old building was used for some years as a Lunatic Asylum, until the present asylum was ready for occupation. The number of patients received during 1890 was 254. 3. The Lock Hospital in Bukit Timah Road, was originally (vide supra) the General Hospital and afterwards the Lunatic Asylum. It is now used as a Hospital for contagious diseases. It is a low one-storey building, con- taining two wards, each containing about twelve beds. * Malay Name—Rumah Orang Gila. CHAPTER VII. THE POPULATION of SINGAPORE. ºN 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles landed, the . population of the island was estimated as under *>, 200. The foundation of a British trading settlement attracted inany immigrants both from China and the Archipelago, so that by 1822, the number of inhabitants was reckoned at 10,000. From that time the population has steadily risen till, according to the last census (1891), the grand total of 184,554 has been reached.* The population is very mixed; few nations and languages are unrepresented. The details of the last census are as follows:–European and American residents 5,254; Eurasians, 3,589; Chinese, 121,908; Malays and other natives of the Archipelago,+ 35,992; Natives of India and Burmah, 16,035; other nationalities (Arabs, Armenians, Persians, Egyptians, Singhalese, Siamese, Anamese, Japanese, Jews and Negroes), 1,776. It will thus be seen that the Chinese number 66 per cent, of the whole population; but of the 122,000 over 12,000 are Straits born (Babas). About a third of the Chinese are Hok-kiens (45,000). The lingua franca of the Straits Settlements is Malay (see Chap. XV.); which is the language generally used in commerce, and between Asiatics of different races. It * In 1826, the population was estimated at 13,732; in 1831, at 20,000; and 1840, at 39,681; and in 1881 at 139,208. + These include Achinese, Boyanese, Bugis, Dyaks, Javanese, Jawi Pekkans, and Manilamen. (See p. 74.) - The Population of Singapore. 75 there are representatives of at least five in Singapore— Hok-kiens (the most numerous); Hylams, Cantonese or Macaos (these two, especially the former, are mostly domestic servants); Teo Chews and Kehs.” The peculi- arities of Chinese architecture and house decoration may be seen in all parts of the town. The various Indian races are very variously employed from the Chitty, or money-lender, to the hack-gharry syce, the dhobi (or washerman) and the coolie. Many Indians are employed as messengers in the offices and shops; some enter domestic service; while others pursue various industries. The Armenians, Parsees, Arabs and Jews are mainly traders. The diversity of races, pursuits, languages, customs and dress in Singapore is a source of never failing interest to the observer. The variety of the world is compressed into a few streets before his eyes. * The Hok-kiens come from Amoy, the Teo Chews from the Swatow district, and the Kehs from the Hakka country; while the Hylams come from the island of Hainan, CHAPTER VIII, CLUBs, SocIETIES, BANKS, CoNSULATEs, HoTELs, SHOPs, &c. CLUBs:— Marine Club ... ... Battery Road. Masonic Club ... ... Coleman Street. Tanglin Club ... ... Steven's Road—[contain- ing a Ball-room, Theatre, Billiard-room and Bowl- ing Alleys]. Teutonia Club (or Ger- man Club) ... ... Scott's Road. Singapore Club (see under Exchange, p. 48.) LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES :— Anglo-Chinese Literary Association ... ... Coleman Street (M. E. Chapel). German Reading Club. Royal Asiatic Society (Straits Branch). Singapore Debating Society. Straits Medical Association. PoliticAL:— Imperial Federation League. Straits Association (Singapore Branch). Clubs, Societies, &c. 77 MUSICAL :— Philharmonic Society of St. Cecilia. Singapore Philharmonic Society. RELIGIOUs :— British and Foreign Bible Society - - - ... 46, Raffles Place. Chinese Christian Associa- tion - - - ... Prinsep Street Chapel. Confraternity of the Bless- ed Lady of Rosary and St. Francis Xavier ... St. Joseph's Church, Vic- toria Street. Society of St. Anthony of Padua. Society of St. Vincent de Paul. SPORTING AND ATHLETIC :— Cycling Club. Ladies' Lawn Tennis Club,” Orchard Road (see p. 52) St. Andrew's Cycling Club,f Singapore Cricket Club, Esplanade (see p. 47) Do. Golf Club ... Race Course, Kampong Java Road (see p. 56) Do. Recreation Club ... Esplanade (see p. 47). Do. Rifle Associa- tion ... Balestier Plain (see p. 58) Do. Rowing Club,S Do. Sporting Club, Race Course, Kampong Java Road (see p. 56) Swiss Rifle Shooting Club, Balestier Plain (see p. 58) * Colours, light blue and chocolate. + Colours, St. Andrew's Cross on white ground. † Colours, black and yellow, § Colours, light and dark blue. Pſandbook to Singapore. HoTELs :— Adelphi Hotel... Albion Hotel ... Beach Hotel Central Hotel... Hotel de l’Europe Hotel de la Paix Raffles Hotel ... Straits Hotel ... - - - Tanjong Katong Hotel ... Union Hotel Wictoria Hotel ... 1, Coleman Street. ... 59, Hill Street. ... 4. Beach Road. ... 1, Stamford Road. . Esplanade. ... Coleman Street. 2, Beach Road. 2, Stamford Road. Tanjong Katong. ... North Bridge Road. . 135, Victoria Street. LIVERY STABLEs:—See p. 82. Post OFFICE:-See p. 55. TELEGRAPH OFFICE, Prince Street, between Raffles Place and Collyer Quay. TIFFIN AND BILLIARD Rooms:— Emmerson’s Tiffin and Bil- liard Rooms . Near Cavenagh Bridge. Raffles Tiffin and Billiard Rooms . Raffles Place. GENERAL STOREs — Ann Lock & Co.” Joseph Bastiani Geok Teat & Co. Katz Brothers John Little & Co. ... 13, Battery Road. ... 5, High Street. ... 11, Battery Road. ... Kling Street. . Raffles Place. * In directing the syce, it is generally enough to say–Pergi ka (here insert name of the firm) punya godown. Booksellers and Stationers, &c. 81 Booksell ERs AND STATIONERs:— Singapore and Straits Printing Office ... Robinson Street. Kelly and Walsh. ... 5, Battery Road. John Little and Co. ... Raffles Place. PRINTERS AND Book-BINDERs:— Singapore and 'Straits Printing Office ... Robinson Street. NEwsPAPER OFFICEs:— “Singapore Free Press”. 20A, Collyer Quay. “Straits Times” ... Change Alley, Raffles Place. TAILoRs AND OUTFITTERs:— Chong Fee, Gee Chong & Co. ... 65-67, High Street. John Little & Co. ... Raffles Place. Robinson & Co. ... 23, Collyer Quay. DISPENSARIEs:— The Dispensary ... 43, Raffles Place. Singapore Dispensary ... 40, Raffles Place, Maynard & Co. ... 14-17, Battery Road. MINERAL AND AERATED WATER MANUFACTURERs :— Singapore and Straits Aérated Water Co. ... Robinson Street. “The Dispensary” Aéra- ted Water Works ... Brass Bassa Road. Singapore Aérated Water Factory ... High Street. FURNITURE WAREHOUSEs : — Katz Brothers. ... Kling Street. Knight & Co. ... Battery Road and Hill St. John Little & Co. ... Raffles Place. Powell & Co. ... 16-18, d'Almeida Street and Tank Road. CHAPTER IX. RATEs of HIRE For PRIVATE AND HACKNEY CARRIAGEs, witH TABLEs of DISTANCEs. RIVATE Carriages may be hired from the following Livery Stables:— F. Clarke & Co., Hill Street. A. Holley (Lambert Brothers), Orchard Road. The Straits Horse Repository and Livery Stables— (H. Abrams), corner of North Bridge and Brass Bassa Roads. The charge for a carriage and pair is $5 per day; for a carriage with one horse $3 per day; there being an extra charge, in both cases, if the carriage is used after 7 p.m. For more than one day the charges are as follows:— Carriage and Carriage and pair. one horse. One month or more, per day $3.00 ... $2.50 Half month, per day ... 3.50 ... 2.00 One week (7 days), per day 4.00 ... 3.00 Saddle horses can be hired at $2 per day. [N.B.-These charges are approximate.] Hackney Carriages may be hired at the following rates (2nd class carriages):— C. For any distance not exceeding half-a-mile 0 15* For any distance, exceeding half-a-mile but not exceeding a mile - - - ... 0 20 For every additional mile or part of a mile 0 10 * For 3rd class carriages, the rate is 5 cents less. Every gharry has its class clearly marked on the doors, 84 . Handbook to Singapore. The fare for jinrickshas is 3 cents per half-mile for one passenger for a distance not exceeding 5 miles. At night (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) an extra cent per half-mile may be charged. A jinricksha may be hired for one day (i.e., not more than 8 hours, and covering a distance of not more than 10 miles) for the maximum charge of 80 cents, including charges for detention. An extra charge of half the fare is made when there are two passengers. Visitors to Singapore are warned against the extor- tionate charges made by the gharry-syces. The above tables give the legal fares. When a dispute arises, the order to drive to the Police Station (Pergi ka rumah pasong*) will bring the syce to reason, if his charges are exorbitant. Another trick of gharry-syces is to drive to their destination by a circuitous route, so as to be able to demand legally more than their proper fare. The follow- ing tables of distances are appended to enable strangers in Singapore to estimate the legal fare payable.* - TABLEs of DISTANCEs, N.B.-The distances in these tables are reckoned from the General Post Office, in the heart of the town, near which are Johnston's Pier, the Exchange, the Singapore Club, the Volunteer Drill Hall and the Master Attendant's Office. The mile-stones on the roads mark the distance from St. Andrew's Cathedral. I.—NoT ExceFDING HALF A MILE. BANKs:— Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, Raffles Place. Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London and China, Raffles Place. * Pronounce Piggy ka roomah pahsong. + When asked the amount of their fare Syces generally answer Tuan (or Mem) punya suka, i.e., “what Master (or Madam) pleases.” No more than the legal fare should be given. - Tables of Distances. 85 Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Collyer Quay. New Oriental Banking Corporation, Raffles Place. CoNSULATEs:— Austro-Hungarian ... Battery Road. Belgian - - - ... 1, Boat Quay. Brazilian - - - ... Raffles Place. Chinese - - - ... Hill Street. Danish - - - ... 4, Cecil Street. Dutch --- ... Battery Road. German - - - ... Battery Road. Russian --- ... D'Almeida Street. Siamese Swedish and Norwegian... Collyer Quay. United States of America Battery Road. Esplanade and Cricket Pavilion. - Government Offices. HoTELs:— - Adelphi Hotel ... Coleman Street. Hotel de la Paix ... Coleman Street. Hotel de l'Europe ... Esplanade. Magistrates' Courts ... South Bridge Road. Police Station (Central) ... South Bridge Road. Sailors' Home - - - ... North Bridge Road. “Singapore Free Press.” Office 20A, Collyer Quay. Singapore and Straits Printing Office --- ... Robinson Street. Singapore and Straits Aérated Water Co. - - - ... Robinson Street. St. Andrew's Cathedral ... Esplanade. “Straits Times '' Office ... Change Alley, Raffles Place. Supreme Court ... ... Corner of High Street and Esplanade. 86 Handbook to Singapore. N DISTANCEs.-NoT ExcEEDING HALF-A-MILE.—Continued. Telegraph Office Town Hall . Prince Street. . South end of Esplanade. Town Market . Collyer Quay. II.-ExCEEDING HALF-A-MILE, BUT NOT EXCEEDING ONE MILE. Chinese Protectorate CHURCHES:— Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd (R.C.) ... South Bridge Road. Brass Bassa Road. Coleman Street. . Orchard Road. Methodist-Episcopa Church - - - --- Presbyterian Church St. Andrew's Mission Chapel. - - - St. Gregory's Church (Armenian)... -- Convent of the Holy Infan Jesus - - - -- Ellenborough Market HoTELs:— Beach Hotel Central Raffles Straits , - - Ladies Lawn Tennis Club LIVERY STABLEs:— H. Abram’s Stables F. Clarke & Co. Maternity Hospital 33 t Stamford Road. Hill Street. North Bridge Road. . Near New Bridge Road. . Beach Road. . Stamford Road. ... Beach Road. . Stamford Road. . Orchard Road. ... Brass Bassa Road. . Hill Street. . Victoria Street. Raffles Library and Museum... . Beach Road. . Brass Bassa Road. Raffles Institution Raffles Girls' School St. Joseph's Institution (“Brothers' School”) Orchard Road. . Brass Bassa Road. Table of Distances. 87 III.-Over ONE MILE. N.B.--To find the distance between any of the wharves and any of the following places, add to the figures opposite the name of the place the distance between the Post Office and the particular wharf; except where the name is marked with an asterisk (*), which signifies that the place lies either between the wharves and the town, or in a different direction. Mls. Fur. Barracks, Fort Canning (Artillery) ... 1 1 Do. Tanglin (Infantry) - - - 3 6 *Borneo Wharf (French and German Mail Steamers) Botanical Gardens - - - Bukit Timah (Police Station) - Do. (Summit and Bungalow) Cemetery (Christian), Bukit Timah Road... - - - --- - Changhi Bungalow Clyde Terrace Market • *Oriminal Prison - - - Filter Beds, Bukit Timah Road Fort Canning—Barracks ... - - - French Consulate, River Valley Roa Gardens (Botanical) -- Do. (Whampoa's) Gas Works, Rochore - General Hospital, Sepoy Lines German (Teutonia) Club, Scott's Road Golf Links (Race Course) Government House - - - - Impounding Reservoir, Thomson Road Italian Consulate, River Valley Road : : 1 J/alay Names of Places 89 Mls. Fur. Water-works—High Level Reservoir, Sophia Hill - - - - - - 1 6 *Wharf–Borneo Co.'s (far end of Tan- jong Pagar) - - - - - - 2 2 * Do, P. & O. S. N. Co.'s., Teluk Blangah --- - - - 2 5 * Do. Tanjong Pagar . ... - - - 1 3 A few of the native syces know the English names of places, but the majority do not. A list of the names of the principal buildings and places of interest, in Malay, is therefore appended, to aid visitors in finding their way about the town and island. Adelphi Hôtel ... (English Name.) Beach Hôtel ... Hotel Tepi Laut. Borneo Wharf ... (English Name.) Botanical Gardens ... Kebun Bungah. Bukit Timah ... Bukit Timah. Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd ... Greja Franchis. Cemetery (Christian) ... Kuboran Orang Puteh. Central Hôtel ... (English Name.) Changhi Bungalow ... Kompani punya Bungalow, Changhi. Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China ... Chartered Bank. Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London and China ... Mercantile Bank. Chinese Protectorate ... Pikring punya Ofis. Convent ... Skola Franchis Perampuan Criminal Prison ... Gaol. Esplanade ... Padang Besar. 9o AHandbook to Singapore. Fort Canning ... Bukit Bandera or Bukit Tuan Bonham. Gas Works ... Rumah Api. Tempat Min- yah Gas. General Hospital ... Hospital or Rumah Orang Sakit, Sepoy Lines. German Club ... Kongsee Orang Jerman. Government House ... Gebenor punya Rumah. Government Offices ... Second Gebenor punya Ofis. Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation ... Hongkong Bank. Hotel de la Paix ... (English Name.) Hotel de l'Europe ... Punchaus Besar. Impounding Reservoir ... Kolam Ayer Besar. Kranji ... Kranji. Ladies Lawn Tennis Club Padang Kechil. Livery Stables ... Tuan -* punya Tempat Kuda. Lunatic Asylum ... Rumah Orang Gila. Magistrates and Police Courts ... Polis. Market ... Pasar. Master Attendant's Office, Shahbander punya Ofis or Ofis Khlasi. Masonic Hall ... Rumah Hantu. Maternity Hospital ... K: punya Tempat at. Methodist Episco pal Church ... Greja dekat Rumah Hantu. Mount Faber ... Bukit Bandera, Teluk Blangah. Municipal Offices ... Ofis Chukei Pintu or Town Hall, * Here insert the name of the proprietor. Malay Names of Alaces. 9 I New Harbour Dock ... (English Name) or Pulau Hantu. New Oriental Banking Corporation ... Oriental Bank or Bank Lamah. Orchard Road ... Jalan Besar. Pauper Hospital ... Rumah Miskin. Pearl's Hill (Head Quar- ters Office) ... Bukit Komshariat. P. & O. Wharf ... (English Name) or Téluk Blangah. Police Station ... Rumah Pasong. Police Station (Central) Rumah Pasong Besar, Polis Lama. Post Office ... (English Name.) Presbyterian Church ... Greja Kechil. Race Course ... Tempat Lombak Kuda. Raffles Girls' School ... Skola Missy, Raffles Hôtel ... Punchaus Bahru. Raffles Institution (Boys' School) ... Skola Besar. Raffles Library and Museum ... Tempat (or Rumah) Kitab (or Buk) or Tengoh Gamber. Reservoirs (High Level) Kolam Ayer. Rifle Range (Balestier) Tembak Saser. St. Andrew's Cathedral Greja Besar. St. Andrew's Mission Chapel ... Greja Besar punya Mission St. Gregory's Church (Armenian) ... Orang Armenis punya Greja St. Joseph's Institution (“ Brothers' School”)... Skola Franchis Jantan. 92 Handbook to Singapore. Sailors' Home ... Rumah Khlasi. Sailors' Rest ... (at) Kreta Ayer. Selitar Bungalow ... Kompani punya Bungalow, Selitar. Sepoy Lines ... (English Name). Singapore Club - - Do. Straits Hôtel - - - Do. Supreme Court ... Court Besar. Tanglin ... Tanglin. Tanjong Pagar ... Tanjong Pagar. Telegraph Office ... Telegraph. Town Hall ... (English Name). NoTE:—The Malay vowels are pronounced as in Italian (a = ah e = ay ; i = ee : o = oh ; u = oo ; au = ow.) With regard to con- sonants g is always hard ; j and ch are pronounced as in English. Final ng has a slightly nasal sound; s is pronounced strongly; but never like the English z. Final k is not sounded. The word kechil (= “little”) is pronounced kitchy in Singapore. The following words and phrases may be found useful :— Drive to ... Pergi º ka Go on. Drive on ... Jalan. Stop ... Berhenti. # Turn (Turn the Carriage) Pusing (Pusing kreta). Harness the Horse ... Pakei Kuda. Unharness the Horse ... Buka Kuda. Get ready the Carriage Pasang Kréla. { Light the lamps ... Pasang Pelita (or Lampo). What is your fare : ... Berapa Sewa ” Too much ... Banyak chukup. Drive to A. B. & Co. ... Pergi ka A. B. & Co. punya Gedong (or Godown) * Pronounce Piggy. + Pronounce Brenti. † The Portuguese word Carreta. Useful Words and Phrases. 93 Come back here in an hour Balik ka-sini lagi satu jam Wait a little Go fast Go slow --- How many miles is it to Selitar P . Namti sa’ buntar (or manti dahulu.”) . Jalan lekës, Jalan perlahan-perlahan.* . Selitar berapa batu ? Off with you! ... Pulang ! Return to the ship , Balik ka kapal. Policeman ... Mata-mata. Hack-Gharry ... Kreta Senra. Dollar . Ringgit. Cent . Sen. Jinricksha (reta Hongkong. NUMERALs. One ... Satu Two ... Dua Three ... Tiga Four . Ampat Five . Lima Six ... Anam Seven ... Tujoh Eight ... Lapan (Dilapan) Nine ... Sembilan Ten ... Sa'puloh Eleven ... Sa’blas Twelve, thirteen, &c. ... Dua blas, tiga blas, &c. Twenty ... Dua puloh Twenty-one, &c. ... Dua puloh satu, &c. Thirty Tiga puloh * Pronounce Dooloo. + Pronounce Plan-plan. Koninklijke schappij. --- -- Compagnie des Messageries Mari- times de France “Nam ” Line ... - - - Navigazione Generale Italiana Paketvaart Maat- Norddeutscher-Lloyd, Bremen Ocean S. S. Co. Pacific Mail S. S. Co. - - - Peninsular and Oriental S. N. Co. Queensland Royal Mail Line Scottish Oriental S. S. Co. Shire Line - - - Straits Steam Ship Co.... Sunda Line Transatlantic Co. Union Line West Australian S. N. Co. ... Boustead & Co. ... J. Daendels & Co. A. de Bure Kim Ching & Co. Behn, Meyer & Co. Behn, Meyer & Co. | W. Mansfield & Co. Gilfillan, Wood & Co. Geo. King - - Boustead & Co. ... ... Behn. Meyer & Co. | Boustead & Co. . W. Mansfield & Co. Rautenberg, Schmidt & Co. E. & H. Hinnekindt Paterson. Simons & Co. ... - 3, Robinson Quay... ... d'Almeida Street ... 28, Boat Quay - - - - De Souza Street and Collyer De Souza Street and Collyer Quay ... - - - - - - Prince Street 15, Collyer Quay ... 5, d'Almeida Street Collyer Quay - - - - - De Souza Street, and Collyer Quay - - - --- Collyer Quay Prince Street 4, Cecil Street - - 2. Flint 1, Boat Quay and Street ... --- --- Collyer Quay and Prince Street - - - - - - Collyer Quay |- - S TABLE II. Own ERs or AGENTs For various Local STEAMERs. º º OWNERS OR AGENTs. NAME OF STEAMER. OFFICE. . £ º H Alsagoff & Co. ... S. S. “ Glanggi" - - - 5, Battery Road ... a. Ban Seng & Co. ... S. S. “Ban Seng Guan” Boat Quay --- ... b. Behn, Meyer and Co. S. S. “Sumatra.” P.Souza Street and Collyer un. - - - ... l C. Bun Hin & Co. ... Nine steamers 7 & 8, ¥alace Street d. Goh Siew Swee Small steamers Teluk Ayer Street... e. Knight & Co. ... S. S. “Perse” ... - - - ... 4, Battery Road ... f. Lim Lan & Co. ... S. S. “Rajah Brooke” and other steamers. --- ... 65, Boat Quay $3. Liong Hong - - - S. S. “Carolina” h. Low Sum & Co. ... ... S. S. “Borneo.” Boat Quay j. Paterson, Simons & Co. ... S. S. “Sandakan” - Prince Street k. Poh Guat & Co. ... S. S. “Sri Tringganu ‘’ l. Soon Bee & Co. ... S. S. “Sri Pagattan " ... Ill. Tan Kim Tian and Sons ... Tay Geok Teat & Co. Wee Bin & Co. ... SS. “Penang,” “Celestial” and “Giang Amn.” Small steamers --- - Fifteen steamers - - - … 1, Prince Street 8, Battery Road 106, Market Street : % List of Ports, &c. 99 TABLE III. LIST of Ports, witH REFERENCEs To STEAMsHIP LINEs AND AGENTs. The capital letters following the names of ports refer to Table I. the small letters to Table II. 1. 2 ; : AUSTRALIA—(via Colombo)—Q. Other routes—C. F. R. X. Y. CHINA—Hongkong—A. B. H. I. K. M. N. O. Q. T. Z. Shanghai–H. K. N. Q. Z. Amoy”—L. O. JAPAN–G. K. Q. T. Z. - INDIA—Calcutta—A. C. F. K. Q. Bombay—B. M. Q. Madras—C. K. Q. BURMAH-Rangoom and Moulmein—C. CEYLoN–Colombo—B. H. K.N. O. Q. ADEN-K. N. Q. NETHERLANDS INDIA— Java–Batavia—G. J. K. n. Sourabaya—G. p. Samarang—G. J. p. Cheribon—J. n. Sumatra–Acheen—J. Deli–J. O. c. Bencoolen—J. Palembang—J. g. h. Padang—J. Dutch Borneo—Bandjermassin–J. m. p. Pontianak—U. b. Celebes—Macassar—J. O. p. Moluccas—J. O. p. Smaller islands and ports:—Billiton–U. b. Bawean—J. m. p. Rhio–J.H * The usual route to Amoy and Swatow is first Hongkong, and thence by local steamers. + Daily service of small Chinese steamers, Ilist of Ports, &c. IOI 17. EUROPEAN Ports— Barcelona–W. Brindisi—Q. Genoa-M. Gibraltar—Q. Hamburg—G. N. Havre—G. London—H. O. Q. T. Z. Malta—Q. Marseilles—K. Q. Naples—K. M. Q. Trieste—B. º CHAPTER XI. CURRENCY, WEIGHTS, MEASUREs, TIME, &c. CURRENCY. *N Order by the Queen in Council, dated 21st October, 1890, made the silver Mexican dollar of the standard weight and millesi- mal fineness the standard coin of the Straits Settlements. The millesimal fineness of the Mexican dollar is 902:7; its standard weight 417.74 grains (or 27-070 grammes); and its minimum weight 413.563 grains (or 26:799 grammes).” The coinage of the Colony consists of four silver and three copper pieces; the silver coins being—the half- dollar (50 cents), and pieces of 20, 10, and 5 cents re- spectively in value. The three copper coins are one-cent, half-cent, and quarter-cent pieces. The Straits silver coinage is legal tender up to $2; the copper coinage up to $1. Until recently there was in the Colony a large quantity of copper coin in circulation imported from neighbouring States—e.g., from Sarawak, British North Borneo, &c, but by an Ordinance of the Legislative Council the importation, possession, and circu- lation of these coins were prohibited. The Banks issue a paper currency of 5-, 10-, 20-, 25-, 50- and 100-dollar notes. * The dollars circulating in the Straits consist chiefly of the Mexicans (of 417.5 grains, roughly) and the Japanese Yen (of 416 grains); though quite recently the latter has become somewhat scarce here, owing to an increased absorption of the coin by Japan. The American trade dollar, the Hongkong dollar, and the old Carolus or Pillar dollar, are also occasionally met with. The first of these usually commands a slight premium. . IO4 Handbook to Singapore. MEASUREs—continued. Long Measure. 12 Inchi (inches) 1 Kaki (foot) 6 Kaki - - - 1 Depa (fathom) The English mile is called by the Malays Batu (i.e., Stone.) = Square Measure. 4 (Square) Depa ... = 1 Jemba (144 sq. ft) 100 Jemba ... = ... 1 Penjuru 4 Penjuru - 1 Relong (about 13 acre) Cloth Measure. 2 Jengkal - 1 Hasta 2 Hasta . . . - 1 Ela (1 yard) 2 Ela ... = ... 1 Depa 20 Kayu (i.e., 20 pieces) are called 1 Kodi, TIME, The English method of computing time is adopted in Singapore, though the Mahommedans reckon the day of 24 hours from sunset to sunset, and keep to their system of lunar months. The days of the week are as follows:– English. Colloquial Malay.* Malay.f Sunday - - - Hari Minggo; ... Hari Ahad Monday - - - Hari Satu - - - Hari Ithnain Tuesday ... Hari Dua --- Hari Thalatha Wednesday ... Hari Tiga - - - Hari Rabu Thursday ... Hari Ampat - - - Hari Khamis Friday - - Hari Lima - - - Hari Jemaats Saturday ... Hari Anam - - - Hari Sabtu * Used in Singapore commonly. + The Malays have borrowed the Arabic names for the days of the week—Yaum-ul-ahad, Yaum-ul-ithnain, &c. : Minggo is a corruption of the Portuguese word Domingo. § The Mahommedan Sabbath—from 6 p.m. on Thursday to 6 p.m. on Friday. Time, &c. IOS The difference in mean time between Singapore and Greenwich is 6 hours 55 minutes, between Singapore and New York, 11 hours 51 minutes. Therefore, at noon in Singapore, it is 5-5 a.m. at Greenwich and 12.9 a.m. in New York. Two time balls are in course of erection—the one on Fort Canning and the other on Pulau Brani, facing Tanjong Pagar Wharf. The observatory is behind the Drill Hall. CHAPTER XIII. THE FAUNA, FLORA, AND GEology of SINGAPORE. I.—THE FAUNA of SINGAPORE ISLAND. (Abridged from notes kindly supplied by WILLIAM DAVISON, Esq., Curator of the Raffles Library and Museum, Singapore.) YAMMALIA.—Singapore Island is not rich % in genera, species, or individuals of - SöSe Mammalia. The ruminants have been almost exterminated within the last few years; and it may be safely asserted that some species of the smaller Carnivora, noted as occurring by Dr. Cantor, are not now found wild on the island. There are now in Singapore 23 genera of mammals, comprising 40 species:— Quadrumana (monkeys) 2 genera, 3 species, 1.-Semno- pithecus obscurus,” found in the jungle, but rare; 2. —Macacus cynomolgus (M. carbonarius), the fishing monkey, common on wooded banks of streams and in mangrove swamps; 3.—Macacus awreas, the rusty macaque, in the jungle and plantations.# The Bats have not yet been sufficiently worked out; two fruit-eating, and about 15 insectivorous species are recorded. The best known of the former is the so-called “Flying Fox” (Pteropus edulis); the average adult size being 12 inches long, * The Lotong of the Malays. + The Pig-tailed monkey (Macacus nemestrinus—the Bruk of the Malays) is often imported by the natives, and trained to climb cocoa-nut palms to gather the nuts. It is common in the Peninsula. I IO Handbook to Singapore. Aves.—The systematic working out of the birds of Singapore will, doubtless, add considerably to the number of species known to occur. At present 219 species are recorded—permanent residents, regular migrants, or mere stragglers. Raptores.—Neither diurnal nor nocturnal birds of prey are extensively represented in the island. The commonest are the white-bellied sea-eagle” (Haliaetus leucogaster) and the maroon-kite (Haliastur indus). Less common is the black- legged falconet (Microhieraz fringillarius). Inhabiting the woods, the Besra sparrow-hawk (Accipiter virgatus), the changeable hawk-eagle (Spizaetus limnaetus), the serpent-eagle (Spilornis Rutherfordi), the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Hume's honey-buzzard (Permis tweeddalii) has so far been found in Singapore only. Two specimens have been captured, one of which is now in the British Museum. Of the owls the commonest are Scops lempigi, S. malayanus, S. rufescens, and Ninoa: scutata, the Raffles hawk-owl. Swallows, swifts and swiftlets (Collocaliał) are common on the island : the crested tree-swift (Macropterya longi- pennis) has been known to occur. The Malay night-jar (Caprimulgus macrurus) is very common, and its monotonous cry may be heard from dusk to dawn, especially on moon-light nights. Other night-jars occur, but rarely. There are 5 species of bee-eaters, the commonest being Merops sumatramus, M. philippinus and M. swinhoei. King-fishers abound in all parts of the island; 12 species are recorded—4 of stork-billed king-fishers (Pelar- gopsis), 4 of the family Halcyon, 2 of the three-toed king- fishers (Ceyz) and 2 small blue ones (Alcedo). Four varieties of broad-bill have been collected on the island, but they seem to have disappeared altogether in recent times.: * See p. 26. + These are the birds that build edible nests. The nest of one species, C. linchi, is not sufficiently pure to be of any economic value. t Two species of hornbills (Buceros rhinoceroides and Hydroeissa convera) are noted as occurring in the island, the former by Diard, the latter by Wallace, I have not met with them.—W. D. s II 2 Handbook to Singapore. The above notes on the birds are necessarily very brief and incomplete, a mere catalogue of the names of the great variety of Singapore birds would occupy more space than is here available. REPTILIA.—Snakes.—The following is a table of the Snakes of Singapore.” The non-venomous snakes include all the burrowing, fresh-water, and many of the ground and tree snakes, Though a large number of venomous snakes occur in the island there is no authentic record of any one having been bitten with fatal results. Non-Venomous Snakes. Name. Average Length. The Python (Python reticulatus)+ ... ... 12 to 14 feet. Not common. Curtus’ Python (Python curtus) ... - - - - - - 6 , Rare. Swamp Snake (Dipsas dem- drophila). - - 6 , Common. Rat Snake (Ptyas korros) 7 . Not common. Green Grass Snake (Tragops prasinus) ... 7 to 9 ,, Common. Painted Tree Snake (Dendrophis picta) - - - 3 ... Not uncommon. Bronzed Tree Snake (D. caudolineata) ... 4 to 5 ,. Rare. Spotted Tree Snake (Chry- soplaca ornata) 3 ... Not uncommon. Wariable Ground Snake - (Lycodon aulicus): ... 3 to 4 ..., Very rare. Pond Snake (Tropidomotu quincumciatus)S... - - - 3 ... Not common. * A full and detailed account of these is to be found in the Singapore and Straits Directory, also from the pen of Mr. Davison. + Often, but erroneously, called the Boa-constrictor. The Malay name is Ular Sawah. A specimen 22 feet long is in the Museum. t This snake, and the preceding are very variable species: 6 well-defined varieties of the former and 7 of the latter are known. § To this list should be added , the Simotes octolineatus, a specimen of which the writer killed near the Gardens. Fauna of Singapore Island. I 13 Venomous Snakes. The Black Cobra (Naja sputatria)*... - - The Hamadryad (Ophi- ophagus elaps)f - - Banded Bungarus (B. 4 to 5 feet. Common. 9 to 10 ,, Rare. Jasciatus) ... - - - ... 3 to 4 ,, Rare. Red-headed Callophis (C. bivirgatus)... - - - - - - 3 ,, Not uncommon. Brown-headed Callophis (C. intestimalis) - - - - - - 2 ,, Rare. Slender Callophis (C. gracilis) 2%. , Very rare. Banded Pit Wiper (Tri- meresurus wagleri) - Green Pit Wiper (T. Gra- 3 Fairly common. mineus) ... - - - - - - 2%. , Rather rare. Purple Pit Wiper (T. Pur. pureus) ... - - - - - - 2} ,, Rare. Hydrophidae (Sea Snakes). Banded Sea Snake (Hydro- phis stokesii) - - - - 5 feet. Very common. Many other snakes occur in the seas round Singapore, but they are less common than Stokesii. They are all Venomous. The common Indian Toad (Bufo melanostictus) is abund- ant. Of Frogs, a considerable number both of terrestrial and arboreal species occur; but the only ones calling for special attention are Rana pulchraj (a species said to have been in- troduced from Malacca, and which has multiplied to such an extent as to become a plague) and R. laticeps a very large species, measuring, in length of body over 6 in. and across the head nearly 4 in. The hind legs are 9 in. long. * Malay name Ular sendok—i.e., spoon snake. + The most deadly of the Singapore snakes. It is very fierce and aggressive. Specimens over 14 feet in length have been obtained. t Popularly called the bull-frog in Singapore. Its booming is heard all over the island after rain, I 14 Handbook to Singapore. The Crocodile” (Crocodilus porosus) is common in the creeks and mangrove swamps. Many other lizards occur, among which may be noted the large water-lizardt (Hydrosaurus salvator) attaining a length of 6 or 7 feet, the green lizard (Bronchocela cristatella), the two flying lizards, Draco volans and D. blanfordi. Skinks (Scincidae) are very numerous. Geckos are also numerous, and several species occur ; those inhabiting buildings are of small size, but some found in the forest (as G. stentor and G. guttatus) attain a considerable size. The edible turtle (Chelonia virgata) is abundant; the great leathery turtle (Dermatochelys coriacea) has been obtained : the hawk's- bill turtle (Caretta squamata), which yields the best tortoise-shell, is also found. River turtle and land tortoises occur, but do not appear to be numerous. INSECTs.-Insects of all kinds abound in Singapore. About 200 species of Butterflies occur, the most con- spicuous being the Ornithopteras. The Moths are more numerous still. Four species of true silk worm moths occur; the most common is the large Attacus atlas, the expanse of the wing in the female being 9% inches or more. Wasps and hornets are very numerous; one of the most common and conspicuous being Vespa cincta, which builds a huge nest of mud, the walls being very thin, but bearing without injury the violence of tropical showers. Flies are abundant, and some, like Stilbum splendidum, very beautiful. Beetles are numerous, and some species, like Rhyncophorus and Xylotrupes, do great damage by attacking the cocoa-nut palms. There are three species of honey-bees, and four of carpenter-bees: (Xylocarpa). Ants are numerous in * Commonly, but erroneously, called the Alligator. + Usually called the Iguana or, more properly, the Monitor. Its flesh is tender and delicate, and much prized by the Malays. h † These do considerable damage by boring into the woodwork of Ouses. I 16 Handbook to Singapore. eregoodoo) is 20 feet in expanse. The commonest of the skates in the Singapore seas are Rhymocobatus anchylostomus and Rhinobatus thounii. The Baracoota (Sphyraema commersoni) deserves special mention here. The jaws of this fish are armed with a double row of teeth with sharp cutting edges. The natives greatly dread it, as it attacks people without hesitation, inflicting serious wounds. Its length is about 4 feet. Of prawns and crayfish several species occur; the crayfish growing to a vary large size (often to more than a foot in length). Both shore and sea crabs are abundant in numbers and in varieties. II.--THE FLORA of SINGAPORE ISLAND. (By H. N. RIDLEY, Esq., F.L.s., Director of Forests and Gardens.) One of the first things that strikes a visitor is the richness and variety of the tints of the foliage. Each tree seems to be different from the one next to it; and, indeed, the number of different kinds is very large in comparison with that of a more temperate region. As there are no seasons here, the heat and dampness of the climate causes continual growth, so that the greater part of the flora consists of evergreen trees and shrubs. Some few trees sheds all their leaves at one time, and after remaining leafless for one or two days, are speedily clothed again with young leaves—often of brilliant red or pink tints—which very soon assume their green colour. The larger number of trees, however, shed and renew their leaves continuously throughout the year, and are therefore evergreens. The apparent scantiness of flowers here has often been noticed. This is due to several causes—one of which is that the greater proportion of the flowers are small, and concealed in the wealth of foliage; and even when they are I 20 Handbook to Singapore. Besides orchids many other plants grow upon the trees, being epiphytic: Very rare is the splendid crimson Rhododendrom, high up out of reach on the highest trees. The ants' nest plant, Hydnophytum, is a curious epiphyte, the base of the stem is swollen into a fleshy mass often as big as a man's head, which when cut open is seen to be a real vegetable ant's nest swarming with minute, but ferocious ants. Dischidia Rafflesiana, the bladder plant, is remarkable for its leaves modified into strange yellow conical bladders. There are many kinds of Palms, of which may be specially mentioned the sealing-wax palm (Cyrtostachys) with its bright red stems; the Corintin (Drymophleus Singaporianus), with feathery leaves and slender black stems from which elegant walking sticks can be made; the thorny-stemmed Nibong (Oncosperma tigillaria), much used for house building, and the Penang Lawyers (Licuala). Another useful group of plants is that of the Screw pines or Pandans, of which four or five kinds inhabit damp spots, the biggest is the Mengkuang (Pandanus furcatus), the long narrow leaves of which are much used for making Kajangs,” baskets, hats and innumerable other things. - The number of grasses and sedges is rather small, as these are not plentiful in jungle-country, but one kind is too conspicuous by its presence. The Lalang grass (Imperata cylindrica) covers great tracts of country, rapidly springing up wherever the forest has been cleared. It is almost useless for any purpose and, when it has taken hold of the ground, is with difficulty eradicated. A large portion of the shores of the island are covered with Mangrove swamps; and the peculiarities of this class *The Kajang is “a most useful contrivance...... used for boat or cart coverings. It folds up, and in the jungle answers the purpose of a tent.”—Swettenham. Flora of Singapore Island. I 2 I of vegetation can well be studied here. The trees which compose it though having at first sight a great similarity belong to several different groups. The true Mangrove trees, Rhizophora and Bruguiera, are remarkable for the seed germinating while still on the tree, and sending down a long green cigar-shaped root. Mangrove-wood is much used for firewood, and the bark supplies tanning material. In these swamps grow, also, the Nireh-tree (Carapa), conspicuous from its large brown cannon- ball like fruits. The bark of this tree is a valuable medicine for dysentery. Many and varied are the cultivated plants to be seen in the gardens in Singapore, and among the most striking are the scarlet-flowered Flame of the Forest (Poinciana), the Allamandas from Brazil with their large yellow blos- soms, and the quaint Ravenala from Madagascar, the Traveller's-tree, often erroneously taken for a palm. It is really an ally of the Banana, as the shape and texture of its leaves show at once; it has the appearance of a gigantic fan, and derives its English name, from the fact that by piercing the base of the leaf-stalk a supply of water can be often obtained. The beverage, however, is hardly to be recommended. Of the numerous fruits of this region, two especially are famous, the Durian and the Mangosteen. It is worth a voyage to the East, says Wallace, to eat the Durian, and it is certain that it is not worth eating anywhere else. In appearance it suggests a large oval light brown horse chestnut. The tough rind covered with thorns, splits into several lobes, when ripe, and discloses a variable number of large oblong seeds enclosed in a creamy pulp, which is the eatable portion. Many persons are deterred from trying the flavour on account of the disagreeable odour of the rind, but no sooner is the mouth filled with Geological Features. I 23 clays, sands, gravels, and iron stone commonly, but erroneously, called laterite. This formation is evidently derived from destruction of loftier granitic hills, and extends, also, over a large portion of the Peninsula. It is almost entirely destitute of fossils (a few plant remains alone having been met with), and it is impossible at present to conjecture its age. Climate, Monsoons, &c. I 25 and generally thunder. It sweeps swiftly across the Strait and the island, and rarely lasts more than an hour or two. On reaching the land, it hardly lasts so long. The Sumatras spring up towards evening, or during the night; they are the most violent winds that visit Singapore; but they are mild compared with the gales that periodically sweep over the British Isles from the Atlantic. Occasionally very heavy rain-storms visit Singapore. On the 29th of May, 1892, in the short space of six hours, the rain-gauges registered a fall of nearly nine inches. A great part of the town and island was flooded; in some of the public thoroughfares the depth of water for some hours ranged from 18 inches to 4 feet. The Java winds blow from the south or south-east from May to September. They are generally supposed to be unhealthy; but though fever is commoner from May to September than during the rest of the year, it is not certain that this is due to the prevalence of these winds. The effect of the Java wind is first a pleasant sensation of cool- ness, and then a hot, disagreeable feeling of “stickiness” all over the body. Passing from a shady place to the open, where the Java wind blows, people feel sometimes as if they were approaching the blast of a furnace; the air is stifling. It may be doubted whether the ill-effects of these winds go further than the unpleasant sensation above described. The day is practically of uniform length throughout the year—twelve hours of day-light. The sun rises about 6 a.m., and sets about 6 p.m.; with a few minutes' variation during the year as it passes from the tropic of Cancer to the tropic of Capricorn and back. Darkness falls rapidly after the sun disappears below the horizon, with almost no intermediate twilight. The heat is greatest during the early afternoon; but by 4.30 p.m., the sun is far down and 126 Handbook to Singapore. the air cool enough to admit of out-door recreation. The early morning, until an hour after sun rise (i.e. till 7 a.m.) is fresh and cool, and is the best time of day for walking, riding or shooting. The heavy dew that falls during the night, however, prevents out-door sports such as tennis or cricket in the morning. All things considered, Singapore is one of the healthiest places in tropical latitudes. Cholera, the scourge of the East, is almost unknown, owing to the abundant rainfall; and dysentery is rare. The annual death rate is estimated at 47.1 per thousand. The chief disadvantage of the climate to Europeans and others accustomed to change of seasons is the absence of any such change in Singapore; the effect of the eternal summer is somewhat relaxing and enervating to those who have come from temperate regions. 134 Handbook to Singapore. had embarked for England with his collection, took fire at sea; and though he escaped with the rest of the passengers and the crew, the manuscripts were destroyed. The Malays may often be heard reading far into the night. One man reads aloud to a company of listeners; and the method of reading is a kind of chanting or intoning. *, ** Tramway Time Table. I 35 SINGAPORE TRAMWAYS. —-º- NEw HARBOUR AND Johnston's PIER SECTION. TIME TABLE. LEAVES NEW HARBOUR-9 a.m.; 10.20 a.m.; 11.40 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 2.20 p.m.; 3.40 p.m. ; 5 p.m. LEAves NEw HARBour For TANJong PAGAR on LY, 6.20 p.m. LEAves Johnston's PIER—9.40 a.m.; 11 a.m. ; 12.20 p.m.; 1.40 p.m.; 3 p.m.; 4.20 p.m.; 5.40 p.m. On Saturdays, after 3 p.m., the Car runs between New Harbour and Tanjong Pagar only, as under. LEAVES NEW HARBOUR ... 3.40 p.m.; 5 p.m.; 6.20 p.m. LEAVES TANJONG PAGAR ... ... 4.20 p.m. ; 5.40 p.m. (No Car on Sundays.) —- - - Rochor E SECTION. ' On week days Cars run about every 7 minutes, between the hours of 6.30 a.m. and 11.30 p.m.; on Sundays, from 12.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. ADWERTISEMENTS. 3 Manufacturers of SODA WATER, SELTZER WATER, POTASS WATER, - LEMONADE, TONIC, THE PRINCIPAL of the first quality CLUBS, HOTELS, and only. RESIDENTS in The producing powers of this Company's Factory having recently been greatly augumented, special facilities exist for supplying MAIL and 0THER STEAMERS with Aerated Waters on the shortest possible notice. JOHN FRASER - DAVID C, NEAVE, }Proprietors. 4. ADWERTISEMENTS. THE Singaporé and Straits Direſtory COMMERCE, TRADE AND PROFESSIONS, With much useful Statistical and other Information, PUBLISHED ANNUALLY. AND Contains orer 900 pages. PRESS OPINIONS. —- The SINGAPORE AND STRAITs LIRECTORY for 1892 is now ready. It is again enlarged, and practically contains the name of every European in the whole Far East. Instead of filling the volume with irrelevant matter a mass of information relating to the products, trade, history, &c., of each place is given, and in its way the publication bids fair to become a second Whitaker's Almanac. It is cer- tainly without a rival in the East, and is extremely cheap at $5.--Bangkok Times. The “SINGAPORE AND STRAITS DIRECTORY " for 1892 is more than ever remarkable for the almost overwhelming amount of really useful information it contains. The work is got up with the careful accuracy characteristic of its publishers.-Hongkong Telegraph. Compiled, Printed and Published AT THE SINGAPORE and SIRMIIS PRINTING OFFICE, ROBINSON STREET, SINGAPORE. PRICE $5 PER, COPY. ADVERTISEMENTS. 7 *j. 3. *), the Jult of Connaught. (ESTABLISHED 1872.) B. P. De SIL VI R, MANUFACTURING JEWELLER And Dealer in Precious Stones, &c. ©he 6astern &mporium DIAJIONDS, IR UBIES, SAPPIIIBES, PEARLS, A METHYSTS, MOONSTONES, CAIRB UNCLES, (c. º -:O:— ORIENTAL ART JEWELLERY in GOLD and SILVER. —:O:- DIAMOND SETTING: A SPECIALTY. HIGH STREET, SINGAPORE, 8 ADWERTISEMENTS. Ø. R. I.amberſ & Qo. PHOTOGRAPHE(RS to H. M. the KING of SIAJſ, 186, ORCHARD ROAD, Have always on hand the LARGEST Collection OF VIEWS AND TYPES OF SINGAPORE, NATIVE STATES, SIAM, SUMATRA, BORNEO, etc. numbering about 1,200 different photographs. —:O:— Town Deposits : Messrs. JOHN LITTLE & Co., AND Messrs. KELLY & WALSH, Ltd. --:O:— FOR AMATEURS : Stock of Photographic Materials. Free Use of Darkroom. Every assistance given. Plates carefully Developed and Printed,