On£x3J^ „ tdCLr-
THE CELLAR DOCK SHOP
18090 WYOMING
DETROIT, MICH. 48221
U.S.A.
m*
PRECIS OF INFORMATION
CONCEBNING THE
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS
AND THE
NATIVE STATES
OF THE
MALAY PENINSULA.
WITH MAPS.
PREPARED IN THE INTELLIGENCE BRANCH OP THE
QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT,
HORSE GOARDS, WAR OPPICE.
From information furnished by H.E. the Governor, and
FROM OTHER OFFICIAL SOURCES.
NOVEMBER, 1882.
LONDON:
PRINTED AT THE WAR OFFICE BY
HARRISON & SONS,
Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty.
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PRECIS OP INFORMATION CONCERNING
THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.
ERRATA AND ADDENDA.
Singapore.
Section B, page 17.
For “ a dozen vessels at a time,” read “ twenty vessels at a Wharves,
time.”
For “ a dock 450 ft., &c.f read “ two docks, one (the Docks.
Victoria) 450 ft. in length, 65 ft. wide at the entrance,
and 20 ft. deep ; the other (the Albert) 470 ft. long, 60 ft.
wide at entrance, and 21 ft. deep. The largest iron-
clads of the Dutch Navy make use of this latter dock,
which is fitted with two centrifugal pumps, and can
be emptied in 2^ hours.”
For “ 30,000 tons,” read “ 100,000 tons, with a double line Coal shed*
of tram way s extending the entire length of the sheds.”
Section B, page 18.
For “ Here are two docks, &c.,” read “ Here are two graving
docks of the following dimensions, viz.:—
No. 1.—Length, 415 ft.
Depth of water, from 14 to 15^ ft.
Width at entrance, 42 ft.
No. 2.—Length, 459 ft.
Depth of water, from 19 to 20 ft.
Width at entrance, 62 ft.
This company constructs steam launches and vessels up to
500 tons.”
Note.—The patent slip, east side of Hantu Island, does not
now exist.
Section C, page 22.
After “at its mouth,” top line, insert “here it is crossed by Rivers,
an iron suspension bridge, called the Cavanagh
Bridge.”
( a479)—585-1wo.
2
Bridges.
Public
Buildings.
Oommunica-
tion—Tele-
graph.
Section D, page 27.
jFV “three” read “five.”
For “ the principal one is the Elgin,” read “ the principal
ones are the Oavanagh iron suspension bridge and
the Elgin, &c.”
For “ two wooden bridges,” read “ three wooden bridges,
the Coleman, the Merchant^’, and the A B C.”
Section D, page 28.
'After “mouth of the river/* top line, add “also on the site
of what was Fort Fullerton a fine club-house, post office,
and Master Attendant's office, have been ereeted/*
Kedah.
Section D, page 151 (134).
Add “A contract has been recently signed between the
Government of Siam and the Eastern Extension Tele-
graph Comp any, by which the latter agrees to lay a
cable between Bankok and Patani, or Tringganu, and
another between Kedah and Penang; the two cables
to be connected by a short land line across the
peninsula, which will be constructed by the Siamese
Government.
CONTENTS,
PAQ-B
Explanation of Malayan Terms .. .. .. .. .. 4
General Description of the Malay Peninsula . • ., •« 5
British Possessions. n
Singapore ,. ,. .. .. •. •. .. *» 12
Penang and Province Wellesley .. •. -. .. 76
Malacca .. .. . • .. ... .. .« .. 105
The Dindings . .. . • *. 127
Native States.
134
.. .. .v .. 138
.. .. .. 155
,. 163
... 170
.. 171
.; m
• 174
175
.. .. 176
177
.. 178
178
170
.. -• 179
..' .. 180
Kedah
Perak and Larut
Selangor
Sungei Ujong
Muar ..
Johore
Pahang
Tringganu ..
Kelaatan
Patani . #
Rambau'
Sri Menanti ..
Jellabu
Jumpol
Johol..
Jellye..
Appendix.
A 2
Tlints to Officers
181
4
The following Explanation of Malayan Terms employed in the
Text,-: may be found useful in referring to the map of the Malay
Peninsula.* The Spelling is based upon that adopted in Crawfurd’s
M Malayan and English Dictionary,” the Admiralty Chart, and other
available sources:—
Malay.
English.
~ Ayar or
Ayer
. Water.
Basar
Besaar
i Great.
Bating
Batang
. A Shoal River—a Flat.
Batu
.,
. A Rock.
Bukit
..
. ' A Hill.
Gunung
Gunong
. A Mountain.
Itam
Etam
. Black.
Kampung
Ivampong
, A Tillage.
K&chil
Ketzil
, Little.
Kwala
Kwalla
. Mouth or a River—Embouchure.
Karan g
..
. Coral Reef.
Pulo
Pulau
• An Island.
Sungai
Sungei
. A River, Rivulet, or Brook.
. Salut
Salat
. A Channel or Strait.
Tanjung
Tangong
A Cape or Point.
Taluk
Tullok -
. A Bay.
Tasik
Tasek
. A Lake.
Ujung
Ugong
. A Promontory, Headland.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION’.'; C
W
OF THE
** ., *
VV
MALAY PENINSULA.
Geogeaphy, &c.—Climate.—Ageicultuee, Productions and
Trade.—Inhabitants.
Geogeaphy, &c.
Th 3 Malay Peninsula, or Peninsula of Malacca, is the name situation and
given by European geographer to the long spit of land which extent,
forms the most southerly extremity of the continent of Asia, lying
chiefly between the 1st and 8th degrees of north latitude, and the
98th and 104th of east longitude. To the north it is connected
with the continent by the Isthmus of Kra, and is on all other
sides surrounded by the sea, viz., on the west and south by the
Straits of Malacca and the Straits of Singapore; and on the east
by the China Sea and the Gulf of Siam.
The northern portion of this territory as far as latitude 6
degrees north, has a Siamese population, and forms part of the
Kingdom of Siam ; while the southern, which is mainly inhabited
by the Malay race, is subdivided amongst native states and British „
colonies. The former portion will not here be treated of. The
southern portion, the Malay Peninsula proper, extends from the
Siamese frontier in a south-south-easterly direction to Cape
Eomania, having a length of 450 miles, with a breadth yarying
from 50 to 150 miles. ' Its area is estimated at 61^560 miles.
Along the shores of the Peninsula lie many islands, not islands.
included in the above area. On the western and southern sides
we have, besides many smaller ones, Trutao, Langkawi, Penang,
the Dindings, Singapore, Batam and Bintang. On the eastern
coast the islands are fewer and smaller. All these littoral islands
are of the same character as the main land: their superficies may
probably be not less than 5,000 square miles.
The entire length of the Peninsula is traversed by a -central Mountams.
mountain chain, which renders communication, between one coast
6
Bivcrs.
Oeologv.
Metals.
and the other very difficult. In the northern portion this range
attains an altitude of from 6,000 to 7,000 feet, but diminishes in
height to about 3,000 feet as it approaches the equator. Mount
Ophir, a detached peak near the frontier of Malacca, which rises
to 3,840 feet above the sea,, is much more lofty than any other
summit in the southern part of the Peninsula.
The high land in the interior is at present little known ; it is
almost entirely covered with primeval jungle, and scarcely
inhabited. Should it be found, however, that the hills are
adapted for coffee or other cultivation, the whole face of the
country may, within twenty years, be completely changed.
Between the mountains and the coast the surface is undulating,
clothed with dense forests, or interspersed with grassy plains,
which are by far the most numerous and extensive in the north.
Except along the banks of the rivers the population is very
scanty. There is, indeed, nothing in the nature of the soil to
prevent the alluvial tracts along the coast being cultivated like
Province Wellesley, but hitherto the weakness of the Malay
Governments has prevented the formation of any extensive
settlements, and for the most part the coast presents an unbroken
line of jungle, with scarcely a sign of habitation.
An abundance of rivers descends to either coast, in their
progress frequently forming marshes and lakes. Their banks are
generally low, swampy, and covered with mangrove, nipa, nibong
and other trees. Although several of them are broad and moderately
deep, the sandbanks, coral reefs, &c., at their mouths, usually
preclude their navigation by vessels of any magnitude. The
principal rivers are those of Kedah, Perak, Linggi, Muar and
Formoso on the west coast; that of Johore at the southern
extremity, and those of Pahang, Basut, Tringganu and Patani on
the eastern shore.
Springs and rivulets are numerous.
The Malay mountain chain, as far as it has been hitherto
explored, consists chiefly of grey stanniferous granite and clay-
slate. At its southern extremity, porphyry occurs ; hornblende is
met with near Malacca; and quartz is very abundant around
Mount Ophir and elsewhere. The geology of the east coast is
almost wholly unknown, but along the west coast laterite is a
very prevalent formation. Clay-slate, sandstone, argillaceous
schist, jasper, grauwack^, and limestone are the other most
prevalent rocks. Limestone composes a portion of several of the
islands off the west coast, while those off the south coast are
chiefly of granite or syenite. At the southern extremity of the
Peninsula are evident traces of volcanic action; and numerous
thermal springs, scattered over the country, testify to the activity of
subterranean heat at no great distance below the surface.
The prevailing metals are tin, iron, and gold. The Peninsula,
with the islands adjacent to it, contain by far the most extensive
tin fields in the world, extending, as they do, over seventeen
7
degrees of latitude, from Lat. 14° N. to Lat, 3° S.; and this
metal forms its principal article of export. Iron ores are
everywhere found, and in the south they exist in vast profusion,
containing nearly 60 per cent, of pure metal. Gold is found on
the east coast and near Mount Ophir, but only in small quantities.
Climate.
The climate of the Malay Peninsula, like that of all other Climate,
countries in the same latitude, is hot, and. is remarkable for its
continual moisture, to which circumstance the perpetual verdure of
the country is mainly owing. The year is divided into the wet
and dry seasons ; but the term “ dry season ” must not be under-
stood in the same sense as when applied to the climate of
Hindostan ; for during its continuance, even three successive days
rarely pass without a shower. On the west coast the dry season
comes in with the S.W. monsoon in May; the wet season with the
N.E. monsoon in October. The whole Peninsula is alternately
protected from both monsoons by its own mountain range, and by
the more elevated chain of Sumatra, with the exception of its
eastern side, and even this is exposed only to the N.E. monsoon.
Everywhere else, and at all seasons, land and sea breezes, calms
and variable winds prevail, interrupted at intervals by occasional
squalls from the south-west, known to mariners, from the
direction from which they blow, as “Sumatras.” ' Generally
speaking, the climate, notwithstanding its heat and moisture, is
not unhealthy, although a few ill-ventilated and malarious spots
occur here and there.
Agriculture, Productions, Trade, &c.
Vegetable products are both numerous and valuable. They Vegetable
include a host of trees, the timber of which is adapted for house products.
and ship building, the gutta-percha and india-rubber plants,
bamboos, canes, and rattans, of which the jungles are in great part-
composed; the cocoa-nut, sago, areca and other palms; the finest
fruits of tropical climates, such as the durian, mangosteen, pine-
apple, &c.; tobacco, sugar, cotton, indigo and various spices have
been introduced and are found to thrive well. Kice and other
kinds of grain are not grown in quantities sufficient for home
consumption, and are therefore imported chiefly from Bengal and
Sumatra.
Elephants roam over the Peninsula in great numbers, and in Ammals.
the northern parts are used as beasts of burden. The hog is .
found both in the wild and domestic state and constitutes the
chief food of the nomadic races of the interior, as no doubt it did also
of the Malays before their conversion to Mahomedanism. Horses
are very rarely met with, and other animals of the equine family
are unknown, the country, covered as it is with forest and marsh,
being eminently unsuited to them. The buffalo attains its greatest
8
Trade.
Malays.
size in the Peninsula, being much larger than that of Continental
India. The domestic ox is a short-legged, compact, strong, and
hardy animal; the sheep is known only as a partly acclimatized
stranger.
Among the wild animals are the rhinoceros, tapir, the royal
and the spotted black tiger, two kinds of bear, and two species of
bison, the axis, plandok, musk-deer, and several other kinds of
deer, the vampire and many varieties of bats, and numerous
monkeys.
The only poultrv of the Peninsula, in so far as the Malays are
concerned, is the common fowl, and duck. The feathered game
consists of peacocks, three species of pheasant, partridges, pigeons,
snipe, quail, ducks, teal, &c. Parrots and birds of prey are
numerous.
Crocodiles, alligators, lizards, iguanas, and several kinds of
formidable serpents are met with.
The dugong, many turtles, and a plentiful supply of fine fish
are caught in the surrounding seas.
The articles of export from the native states are—tin, gold-
dust, spices, ivory, pepper, sago, rattans, gutta-percha and india-
rubber, timber, hogs, poultry, -buffaloes, and various vegetable
products'; in return for which, opium, rice, cotton, tobacco, salt,
and some European manufaetures are imported.
Inhabitants.
'The inhabitants of the Peninsula are principally Malays,
Chinese, and natives of India.
The country is for the most part very thinly populated, the
‘total number of inhabitants being estimated at about 670,000 only,
more than half of whom are to be found in the British settlement
of Singapore, Penang, and Malacca.
• The most considerable part of the population consists of Malays,
of whom there are supposed to be some 370,000. Their precise
origin is very doubtful, but they' are generally believed to be for
the most part descendants of -a body of colonists who, in the
twelfth century, emigrated from Menangkabau in Sumatra, and
who gradually extended their settlements throughout the Peninsula,
driving back the original inhabitants to the high. forest land of
the interior.
The Malay physique is of a fairly high order; the men are
short, being on an average about five feet three inehes in height,
but they are well-proportioned and active, with strong limbs, small
hands and feet, and good countenances. In disposition the Malays
are proud and revengeful,- never forgetting an injury, and it was
probably on this account that early travellers described them as
treacherous. They are so only, however, with strangers who do
not understand how to treat them and with enemies; in their
domestic and social intercourse they are far from being a deceitful
9
people, and they are capable of attachment and fidelity. They are
neither avaricious nor rapacious, but are tenacious of their rights ;
they have a strong clanish spirit and will do anything for their'
chiefs. - In external deportment they are' grave, reserved, and
cautious; they are always courteous in manner, and with those
who understand their ways and treat them accordingly they are
very friendly, but they resent anything like rudeness or violent
behaviour ; abuse or angry language will sting them to the quick,
and they require very different treatment from the Chinese or
natives of India. The Dutch compare theni to buffaloes, both
being slow but, with kind treatment, docile. . r
They are much attached to their homes and seldom move from
their native place. Their principal occupations are agriculture
and fishing; they seldom become traders. Having no artificial
wants, they are satisfied with what would be considered positive
destitution by a Chinaman; they are therefore apathetic and un-
enterprising, and will not for any amount offered to them labour
beyond their usual habit. A propensity to gambling, and more
especially a taste for cock-fighting are distinguishing traits in the
Malay character.
The chiefs and headmen are great adepts in the art of dissimu-
lation, and rarely show by their features what is passing in their
minds. Intrigue is the business of their lives. In dealing with
them it is necessary to be firm and watchful, but at the same time
conciliatory in manner. Care should be taken to keep to the point,
and to dispose of objections one by one, so as to leave no doubt in
their minds of the speaker’s determination.
“ The Malays,” writes Hewbold, “ are despicable as an enemy
in open ground, or at close quarters (except the rare Amok), seldom
or never exposing their persons without the protection of a breast-
work, or of trees. Their plan is one of incessantly harassing the
line of communication, stockading and retreating: the best,4 in
fact, they could adopt in a country covered with forest, and where
every tree is a stronghold, and every road a defile.” The Dutch
war in Acheen, and our own operations in the Malay Peninsula,
however, have shown that the Malays are not altogether the
despicable enemies Newbold would have us belie ve. They have a
wholesome dread of guns and roekets, but as long as only rifles
are brought against them they will hold their ground. They
generally desert their villages on the approach of troops, taking to
the jungle and seeking a favourable opportunity for surprising
isolated parties. Trees are felled to block up paths, and important
points are defended by stockades, about which are planted “ranjows,”
-or pointed bamboos. . The stockades are cleverly constructed, so as
to afford thorough shelter to their occupants, while the density of
the jungle in which they are placed conceals them from distant
view, and renders an* advance slow and hazardous. On several
occasions, as at Paroe, in Sungei Ujong, and at Pasir Salak, in
Perak, during the late disturbances, serious loss has been suffered
10
Chinese,
Natives of
India.
Aborigines.
by European troops, who, too eager to attack, have been exposed
to the fire of the defenders at close quarters. In the former case
it was only the tardy anival of a gun (which had been left behind
half way) that saved the troops and enabled them to take the
stockade: in the latter no guns were taken, and the consequence
was that, after suffering heavy loss, the troops had to fall back.
After this repulse a strong force was collected, guns and rockets
were brought up, and a brisk fire sufficed to drive the enemy from
their position without inflicting any further damage on our troops.
The Malays were as quickly disheartened by the display of our
power on the second occasion as they had been encouraged by
their unexpected success in the first, and fell rapidly into despon-
dency, declining all further encounter, even behind their stockades.
In the various risings which have taken place, nothing like a
concerted plan seems to have been organized, each chief who was
determined to fight having collected as many of his own men as
possible and acted independently. Spies and guides belonging to
the country cannot be depended upon, but there are generally
settlers of another tribe or native state acquainted with the
country who can be safely employed.
The government of the Malay States is a rude kind of
monarehy, the head of the State being a Rajah or Sultan, under
whom, but often to a great extent independent, are a number of
hereditary nobles with trains of vassals.
The Chinese form the bulk of the population of the towns of
Singapore and Penang, and of the State of Johore: they are also
increasing in numbers in the other parts of the Peninsula, as the
country becomes opened up. It is calculated that there are about
142,000 of this race in the British Settlements, 40,000 in Johore,
and 62,000 in the other native States. Por remarks on the
character, pursuits, &c., of the Chinese settlers, see Singapore,
See., I, page 58.
The natives of India, who are chiefly from the Madras coast,
are reckoned at 51,000. Of these 46,000 are to be found in the
British Possessions, the remainder being scattered over the various
native States. For description, see Singapore, Sec. I, page 60.
The mountains of the interior are thinly peopled by the
descendants of the original inhabitants of the Peninsula, who are
called by the Malays Orang Benua> or men of the soil. They
appear to be a distinct variety of the negro tribe, differing from,
and being inferior to, both the African and Papuan negro. The
average height of the men is only 4 feet 8 inches. They are of a
much lower grade in the scale of civilization than the Malays, but
are said to be harmless and docile. They are divided into several
tribes, and are spread over a considerable extent of territory, but
probably amount in all only to a few thousands.
As before mentioned, the Peninsula is divided into British
Settlements and native States, which will now be separately
described.
BRITISH POSSESSION^
The British Settlements in the Malay Peninsula are:—
SINGAPORE,
PENANG AND PROVINCE WELLESLEY,
MALACCA, and
THE DINDINGS;
Which, together, form the Colony known as the u STRAITS
SETTLEMENTS.”
Position.
Extent.
Boundaries.
Important
situation.
SINGAPORE.
Section A—GEOGRAPHY,
Position.—Extent.— Boundaries.—Old Strait.—New Strait.—
Sinki Strait.—Nature of Surface.—Mountains.—Valleys.
—Rivers.—Geology.—Physical Aspect.—Settlements.—
SuB-DrvisioNS.
Singapore is the most northerly of the large islands of the
almost countless group which lies scattered over the eastern end
of the Straits of Malacca.
The Island, which is also called Singapura (from the Sanskrit
Singa, lion, and Para, city), occupies about half the space between
> the two capes, Buru, or Bolus, and Romania, in which "the Malay
Peninsula terminates towards the south. On its southern side are
the town and harbour of the same name, the former being situated
. in lat. 1° 16' N., and long. 103° 53' E.
The Island is of ah elliptical form, and measures about 25 miles
in length from east to west, by 14 .miles in depth from north to
south. Associated with it there are also 75 small detached islets,
none of any consequence, and most of them uninhabited, the whole
.within a circumference of about 100 miles. The area of Singapore
proper is 132,430 acres, and that of the surrounding islands 11,517
acres, making a total of 143,947 acres.
On the north-east and north-west the Island is separated from
the territory of Johore, on the Malay Peninsula, by a narrow
channel called Salat Tambran (Strait of the Tambran Fish), or
“ Old Strait; ” on the south it is bounded by the Strait of Singa-
pore, or "New Strait.”
The “ Old Strait ” is navigable by vessels of large tonnage, and
was formerly the chief passage to the China Seas from the Bay of
Bengal, but has long been abandoned as such.
The great thoroughfare of Indian, European, and Chinese traffie
now passes along the south side of Singapore, between it and a
chain of desert islands about 9 miles distant; the safest and most
convenient track being so near to Singapore that ships, in passing
and re-passing, approach close to the roads.
Situated in this favourable position, and possessing a large and
secure harbour, Singapore is admirably adapted, both as a central
depot for trade and as a naval station, for the protection of
13
Sec. A.
commerce/ It is to its geographical situation rather than to any
intrinsic qualities of its own that the settlement is indebted for its
rapid rise and growing importance.
The Old Strait* has an average width of three-quarters of a
mile, but is in many places less than half a mile across. At its
eastern entrance it is divided by Ubin Island into two channels,
the southernmost of which is the best. The narrow and tortuous
nature of the Strait, and the numerous reefs and islets which
abound in it, especially on the Singapore side, render its navigation
difficult, and, as before mentioned, it is no longer used by vessels.
The Hew Strait, or Singapore Strait^ proper, may be said to
commence on the west at Tree Island, where the channel becomes
narrow: thence it extends for about 50 miles to Pedra Branca, at
-its eastern entrance, where there is a good lighthouse. On the
north it has the Island of Singapore and the Malay ’Peninsula,
and on the south the Islands of the Boelang Archipelago, Battam,
and Bintang, besides numerous small islands and banks near its
- western entrance. In addition to these great landmarks, the
boimdaries of the New Strait are—on the north, Sultan Shoal,
Barn Island, Alligator Island, Eabbit Island, Coney Island (light-
house), Middle Island, and St. John’s Islands; and on the south,
Tree Island, Kent Rocks, Red Island, Long Island, Round Island,
Buffalo Rock, and Pulau Blakan Padang.
Another channel, called Sinki Strait, branches off from the
main strait at the Sultan Shoal, and, passing to the south of the
Cyrene Shoals, leads into the new harbour.
The surface of the Island is very undulating, eonsisting of a
succession of low, rounded hills, averaging about 100 feet in height,
and covered with jungle, between which are swampy valleys.
There are but two plains of any extent, and these of not more
than two square miles.
The highest point of the island is Bukit Timah, which is
situated about the centre of the island, though nearer the south
than the north, and nearer the west than the east: it is about
519 feet high. There are, besides, three or four eminences which
attain the height of 300 feet, such as Mount Faber in the western
part of the island, Bukiir Parajang and Bukit Ulu Mandai; but
the general height of the ridges or elevations does not exceed 80
to 120 feet. These are undulating and sloping in the eastern part
of the island, while in the western part fchey are more prominent
and uneven, following the character of their respective geological
formations.
The island is intersected by parallel ridges, which run in a
north-westerly and south-easterly direction, with the exception of
such as lie in the north-eastern portion of the island, and these
run from north-east to south-west. They nowhere lose their con-
tinuity, but can be traced from one shore of the island to the
* See Admiralty Charfcs 1,734 and 2,403.
f See Admiralty Cliarts 2,403, 2,404.
The old Strait.
Kew Strait.
Sinki Strait.
Nature of
surface.
Mountains.
14
Sec. A.
Valleys.
Rivers,
Geology.
Physical
aspect.
other. A central ridge, which may be termed the backbone of the
island, can be traced running nearly due east and west from
Karang Campong to Tanjong Changi, dividing it longitudinally
into nearly equal parts, and forming the watershed from which
the streams run north and south. The Kalang, the largest river
in the island, is an exception to this rule: it rises considerably to
the north of the general bisecting line, and flows to the southward.
’ From the central range of heights all the other ridges take their
departure in a north-westerly and south-easterly direction with
the exception above noted.
Narrow swampy valleys penetrate between the spurs and
offshoots of the main ridges. Their beds seldom attain an eleva-
tion of more than 15 to 20 feet above the level of the sea, of
which they had originally formed arms an d inlets. The sponginess
of the decayed vegetation on their surfaces, combined with their
flatness, assists much in retaining the moisture brought by the
rains, thus preventing great floods or droughts. The supply of
water is consequently equal and abundant throughout the year.
Springs are numerous.
On the south coast, for a distance of 3 miles inland, there are
long belts of sand or “ permatangs,” indicating that the sea has
receded very much from the orignal coast line.
The rivers are the Singapore and Kalang, which fall into the
harbour; the Jurong on the south-west coast; the Sirambun,
Kranji, Mandi, Sambauang, Seletar, Punggol, Sirangun and Tam-
pinis, which flow into the Old Strait; and some other small streams.
They may all be termed tidal creeks rather than rivers, and only
the Singapore, Sirangun, Kalang, Seletar, Kranji and Jurong drain
any considerable tract of the island.
The geological structure of Singapore is similar to that of the
Peninsula generally. In the north and east the prevailing forma-
tion is plutonic, consisting of granite and its modifications; but the
greater part of the island is of sedimentary formation, viz., sand-
stones, breccias, and slate, with clay iron ore. Laterite occurs in
seams of varying thickness.
Some portions of the island, as that which is the site of the
town, are of alluvial formation: chiefly sand, with a very thin
covering of vegetable mould. Near the shore these sandy plains
are raised from 4 to 8 feet above the level of high water spring
tides; but as they recede from the shore they decrease in height,
and as they approach the hills are succeeded by soil composed of
red tenacious clays and blue mud.
The shores of the island present an aspect always beautiful
and sometimes imposing. They are for the most part low and
covered with luxuriant jungle; but in some places along the Old
Strait are broken by brown rocky cliffs, and on the side facing the
shipping a long sandy beach extends for about 14 miles
The inland scenery also is very picturesque. The town extends
in few points more than a mile from the beach, but within a
15
Sec. A.
radius of 4 miles are numerous dwelling houses, inhabited by the
European residents, generally crowning the summits of the low
rounded hills which are such a marked peeuliarity of the island.
Beyond the 4-mile radius, where the residences may be said to
end, many hundreds of acres have been cleared, originally for
nutmeg plantations. Beyond these again, though separated from
them by a belt of jungle more or less broad, come the pepper and
gambier plantations, which are scattered all over the island, but
most frequently to be found in retired spots in the midst of the
jungle. This jungle in the back lands of Singapore consists of a
forest of gigantic trees standing close together, their trunks vary-
ing in diameter from 2 to 6 feet. Beneath these again come the
wild fruit trees and dense undergrowth of the tropics, the whole
mass being literally woven together in the most extraordinary
manner by a network of creepers and parasites. Besides these
obstructions, which of themselves nearly render the jungle im-
penetrable, there are the fallen trees of bygone ages piled one on
top of the other, or. lying side by side in every stage of decay.
The capital is the only town in the island, but numerous
plantations and small settlements exist all over it, as well as a few
small fishing stations along the coast. There are also two govern-
ment bungalows, one at Selita on the north of the island where
there is a stream of good water, and the other at Changi, on a
pretty little sandy bay near the eastern entrance of the Old Strait,
where there is also a police station.
For the convenience of the Land and Survey Departments, the
island is subdivided into thirty districts.
Settlements.
Sub-division9
IS
Situation and
extent.
Defects as an
anchorage.
Natural
adyantages.
Section B.-HARBOURS AND ROADSTEADS.
Singapore new Harbour.—Its Situation and Extent, Defects,
Natural Advantages, Rocks and Shoals, Tides, Charts,
Wharves and Docks. — Singapore Roads—Situation
and Extent, Anchorage, Charts, Tides, Surf, Shipping,
. Prevailing Winds.
The Port of Singapore is now the principal station for steamers
in the Eastern Seas, and there is an active navigation between it
and most parts of the civilized world, in addition to the native
trade from every corner of the Archipelago. It may be said to
consist of two parts, namely :—The Hew Harbour, and the Roads,
or Old Harbour.
Singapore New Harbour.
New Harbour, the name given to the channel between
Singapore on the north and the islands of Blakan Mati and Ayer
Brani on the south, is about 2f miles long, and has a general
direction of east and west, but the main channel takes a somewhat
serpentine course. The breadth of the channel is not more than
1J cables in several places. The average depth of water is 7
fathoms. The western entrance, which is little more than one
cable wide, lies between Riman Point (the north-west extremity of
Blakan Mati Island) and Berlayer Point (the south extremity of
Singapore Island). The eastern entrance is bounded on the north
by the Malay and Pagar Spits, and on the south by Buran Darat
Reef, and the reefs surrounding the eastern sides of Blakan Mati
and Ayer Brani Islands.
As an anchorage New Harbour is very indifferent, for the
breadth of the navigable channel is only from 100 to 200 yards;
' the bottom is rocky and foul, and affords but bad holding ground,
whilst the tides run through it with great velocity ; there is, from
these circumstances, great risk of vessels dragging their anchors
and going ashore. There is only one place where a ship can lie
moored without obstructing the fairway, viz.:—between the naval
coal sheds and the Meander Shoal.
Notwithstanding these serious drawbacks, New Harbour has
•grown into a place of considerable importance, for it possesses
faeilities for constructing jetties and making docks which render
it of the highest possible value to a large shipping port like
Singapore, situated in the very centre of Eastern commerce. The
Peninsular and Oriental Company, together with other steam
17
Sec. B.
proprietor and merchants, have ereeted extensive coal stores,
wharves, and jetties, the latter alio wing of the largest steam vessels
being lashed alongside in perfect security. The New Harbour is
the place of arrival and departure of the mail steam vessels, and
all other steam vessels, no matter how large, proceed here to coal.
Both sides of the harbour are fringed with reefs which dry at
low water, but close to their edges are depths of 3£ to 4| fathoms
increasing suddenly to 5 and 6 fathoms, and to this circumstance
New Harbour owes its importance. The deep water at the edges
of the reefs alio win g the largest vessels to come alongside, it is
but a simple matter to construct jetties to secure the vessel to.
These jetties, of course, greatly facilitate the coaling of steam
vessels and landing of cargo, which, at the anchorage in the roads,
can only be done by means of boats.
At the eastern entrance to the harbour are the Timbaga Bocks
and Shoal, the former visible at low water springs. Due south of
them are the Brani Shoals, which extend for about half-a-mile in
a N.W. by W. and S.E. by E, direction. The least water upon
these shoals is 10 feet. The navigable width of this part of the
harbour is thus divided into three parts, called the North, Middle,
and South Chaiinels. Near the centre of the harbour and on the
south side of the main channel is the Meander Shoal, with from
6 to 16 feet of water over it.
At the full and change of the moon the tides are strong,
averaging about knots an hour and rising 9 or 10 feet; during
the neaps there is not more than one knot, with a rise of 7-| feet.
The tides run regularly every six hours, flowing from the east and
ebbing from the west, except during the N.E. monsoon (from
October to March), when the flood runs for days together, backing
the ebb.
There is no surf whatever, but during the N.E. monsoon a
swell from the eastward sets in. It is only felt in the eastern
part of the harbour and causes little or no inconvenience.
The Admiralty Chart of Singapore New Harbour (No. 2023)
is on a scale of an(l corrected up to 1878.
Along the northern shore of the New Harbour there are a
succession of wharves, docks, coaling depots, and fitting establish-
ments. The mail steamers do not now come into the roadstead,
but land their passengers and cargo at the wharves in the New
Harbour, from which a good road leads to the town, some two or
three miles distant.
Immediately inside the eastern entrance are the Tanjong Pagar
Works, consisting of a wharf capable of berthing a dozen vessels
at a time out of the action of the tide, and having sufficient water
alongside for the heaviest ships; a dock, 450 feet in length, 65 feet
wide at the entrance, and 20 feet deep; a large machine shop,
having the appliances necessary for effecting the heaviest repairs
to steamers and iron vessels; extensive coal sheds, capable of
containing 30,000 tons; and commodious warehouses.
B
sJJ
Kocks and
Shoals *
Tides.
Charfcs.
Wharves and
docks.
Sec. B.
18
Opposite Pulo Brani, and at the foot of the Mount Faber range,
are the wharves of the Borneo Company, Jardine’s Company, and
the Peninsular and Oriental Company. The total length of these
wharves is about 600 yards.
Still further to the westward, and near the western entrance to
the harbour, are the wharves, docks, fitting shops, and coal sheds
of the New Harbour Dock Company. Here are two docks, 415
feet and 459 feet long respectively; whilst the wharves will
aecommodate five or six vessels.
These wharves, docks, and machine shops are now constantly
made use of by the Dutch ships of war, which are sent here from
Acheen to repair and refit; and may, of course, also be used by
vessels of the Eoyal Navy.
On the northern side of the Island of Pulo Brani are the Naval
Coal Stores, capable of containing 8,000 tons; and on the southern
side is a small dock (closed in 1877).
On the east side of Hantu Island is a ship yard, with a patent
slip for vessels under 200 tons.
The total amount of coal kept at Singapore is estimated at
300,000 tons.
SINGAPORE ROADS.
Situation and
extent.
Shoals.
Anchorage,
Cliarts,
Tides.
Surf.
Singapore Eoads are on the southern side of Singapore Island,
facing the town, their limit being defined by a line drawn from the
obelisk on Tanjong Katong, to the south-east extremity of Peak
Island. They may be considered to have a sea frontage of 5 miles,
extending in a N.N.E. and S.S.W. direction, with a depth of about
2 miles. They are quite safe from all winds, and free from rocks.
A mud-bank, with general depths of 10 to 4 fathoms over it,
called the “ Outer Shoal,” extends across the outer roads, from
St. John Islands to abreast of Tanjong Katong, where it takes the
direction of and fronts the coast some distance to the north-
eastward. Its length is about 3,000 yards, and its breadth about
450 yards.
The holding ground is good, being a mixture of clay, mud, and
sand. A large number of vessels are always to be found anchored
in the roads, and small vessels may run in, guided by their sound-
ings, and anchor when they can find a convenient berth. The
most convenient anchorage for large vessels is about 1| mile from
the landing place, in from 7 to 10 fathoms water.
The Admiralty Chart of Singapore Eoads (No. 1,995) is on a
scale of ttto-o* corrected up to 1880.
The tides run from 2 to 2\ knots an hour in the outer anchor-
age, and set in an easterly and westerly direction (flood from east
and ebb from west); but towards the shore there is little or no
tide. The rise and fall during the springs is as much as 13 feet;
during the neaps, only 7^ feet.
There is no surf, but during the N.E. monsoon (from October
to March) a heavy swell sets in from the China Sea, which, how-
19
Sec. B.
ever, seldom prevents the licensed Harbour Passenger Boats from
plying for hire.
The shipping that rides in the roadstead of Singapore comprises
almost every conceivable variety of vessel, from the finest pro-
ductions of English building yards to the smallest native coasters.
There is scarcely any time during the year when there are less
than a dozen steam vessels in the port, and not unfrequently there
are twice that number. Of these, not a few are war vessels, of
various nations, but the greater number belong to various trading
companies (see Sec. C, page 23; Sec. H, page 43). It is not,
however, so much for the character of the foreign merchantmen
that the Harbour of Singapore is chiefly remarkable: it is rather
for the extraordinary variety of nondescript native craft that
swarm in its shoaler waters.
Most peculiar and most striking of all are the Chinese junks,
some of which are as large as 600 or 700 tons measurement. The
majority are much smaller, but it is singular that in form, and
generally in rig, all are nearly similar. Indeed, the very sampans,
or two-oared China boats, used to convey passengers and luggage
to and from the ships and the shore are identical in shape. All
have alike the square bow and broad flat stern. About the months
of March and April the greatest number of these junks are to be
seen. They come down from China towards the close of the N.E.
monsoon and remain until the opposite or S.W. monsoon sets in to
enable them to return. During these two months as many as 50
large junks, besides innumerable smaller ones, lie at anchor in the
eastern corner of the harbour. Although clumsy-looking vessels
they no doubt possess some good qualities, and probably speed,
with a fair wind in a smooth sea, is one of them.
Next to these Chinese junks the Malay prahus are the most
interesting of the native craft to be found in the harbour. Though
slightly similar in shape, these are never so large as the Chinese
junks, seldom being over 50 or 60 tons burden. They have only
one mast, or tripod of three large bamboos lashed together at the
top, with a large single sail something like an English lug sail,
generally made of coarse grass cloth.
In addition to the ships and native craft that lie crowded
together in the harbour, there are hundreds of small boats of all
descriptions constantly pulling about, selling fruit, provisions, &c.
The chief landing place is at the entrance of the small river
which divides the town close to Fort Fullerton, westward from
which a fine stone sea-wall has been eonstrueted. There are also
landing steps at different points of the river inside the bar, as well
as im many places along the shores of both harbours. The river,
too, is literally alive with boats of all kinds—Chinamen with their
“ shoe boats,” Malays with their “ sampans/' and Klings with their
“ tongkangs.” The first two sorts are used for the conveyance of
passengers and their luggage; the last, which are far more numerous,
are employed in bringing up and down the river the cargoes of
Shipping.
Landing
place.
Boats.
Sec. B.
20
Prevailing
vrinds.
ships in the harbour; they contain from 20 to 30 tons each, and so
numerous are they that they generally lie three or four abreast
along the entire western bank of the river as far as Elgin Bridge,
a distance of a quarter of a mile. In round numbers there are
never less than about 500 of these small craft to be seen in this first
reach of the river; so that, independently of the wharves and piers,
the disembarkation of both men and materiel might be rapidly
effected to almost any extent.
The strongest and most prevalent winds are from W.N.W. to
N.E., but, as already mentioned, both the harbours are perfectly
safe all the year round.
21
Section CCOMMUNICATION®.
Roads.—Rivers.—Railways.—Telegraphs. — Mail Seryices.—•
Return oe Transport Animals.—Return of Yehicles.
Roads.
The main internal roads are metalled, and have a width of Main roads.
18 feet.
Besides those in the vicinifcy of the town, and connecting it
with the New Harbour, there are four great lines of eommunica-
tion radiating from Singapore. These roads, after leaving the
outskirts of the town, run across the tracts cleared for the old
nutmeg plantations, and then through the pepper and gambier
plantations, which occupy the greater part of the centre and
northern half of the island, until they terminate at various points
on the coast.
The first of these roads runs in a N.W. direction past the foot
of Bukit Timah, and through the Chinese village of Bokokang, to
the shore of the Old Strait near the mouth of the Kranji stream,
whence there is a ferry over the strait to Johore. The road is 14
miles long; six omnibuses travel over it daily.
A second road leads nearly straight across the island to the
Government bungalow at Selita (Seletar), passing by the eastern
foot of Bukit Kallang through some of the wildest jungle in the
whole island. The bungalow, which is about nine miles from
Singapore in a direct line, is beautifully situated; in the neigbour-
hood are a small native village and a police station.
A third road crosses the Bochore and Kallang districts, running
in a north-easterly direction to the Sirangun river, which flows
into the Old Strait.
The fourth road borders the south-eastern coast and leads to
the Government Convalescent bungalow of Changi, situated on a
beautiful little sandy bay at the N.E. extremity of the island,
distant about 14 miles from. the town. There are also here a
native village and a police station. Towards its eastern extremity
the road runs through considerable tracts of jungle; several
branches from it give access to the villages along the coast, Siglap
perhaps being the chief.
Rivers.
The Singapore Biver, which passes through the heart of the
town, is navigable by boats for about two miles. It is very
Sec. G.
22
narrow at its month, but the banks expand to form a large
elliptical basin about 150 yards in maximum width, gradually
closing again till, at a quarter of a mile up, the river is even
narrower than at its mouth. Here it is crossed by an iron girder
bridge, named after the late Lord Elgin. This basin is usually
crowded by boats of all sorts, conveying cargo to and from the
vessels in the roadstead. There are landing places at many points
along its banks.
Above Elgin Bridge the river has a uniform breadth of about
200 feet, and as it feeds all the mangrove swamps in the suburbs
of the town, many houses entirely removed from the course of the
river itself have, at high water, the advantage of water communica-
tion with the sea; and timber and building material are in this
way often conveyed well up into the country where they are
required for use. The traffic above Elgin Bridge is, however, very
insignificant.
Large numbers of boats and several steam launches could be
procured here, should it become necessary to use them on the
rivers of the Peninsula.
Hone of the other rivers are navigable, even by boats, beyond
the salt creeks which form their mouths.
Railways.
There are no railways in the island’; but a line is much wanted
to connect the town with the Hew Harbour and with Johore.
Telegkaphs.
Singapore is an important station on the line of telegraphic
communication between India, China, and Australia. Erom it
submarine cables run as under:—
1. Singapore—Malacca, Penang, Madras.
2. Singapore—Penang, Rangoon, thence overland to Calcutta.
3. Singapore—Saigon (Cochin China), Hong Kong, Shanghai,
Hagasaki, Yladivostock, thence overland to Europe.
4. Singapore—Batavia, Palmerston (Australia).
5. Singapore—Palmerston.
There is thus telegraphic communication to Europe either
through India or by Hong Kong.
There are local lines connecting the Government House with
the offices, and with the head quarters of the military; also from
the town to the Hew Harbour.
Mail Services.
Communication is maintained between Singapore and—
England.—By weekly mail steamers, alternately of the
Peninsular and Oriental Company, which call at Penang, and of
the Messageries Maritimes: contract time by the Messag4ries
23
Sec. G
Maritimes, vid Marseilles, 30 days; by the Peninsular and
Oriental Company’s steamers, 35 days via Penang and Ceylon.
Ceylon.—By the Peninsular and. Oriental and Messagdries
mail steamers weekly: time by the Messageries Maritimes, 5 to 6
days ; by the Peninsular and Oriental Company’s steamers, 6 to 7
days via Penang.
Calcutta.—By the opium steamers once a month: time about
6 days from Penang; and by fornightly contract steamers (the
British India Company), time about 13 days from Penang,
touching at Bangoon and other places.
Batavia.—Weekly mails by the steamers of the Messageries
Maritimes and Netherlands India Company; also frequent com-
munication by other steamers: time about 3 days.
Hong-Kong.—By the Peninsular and Oriental and Messagdries
mail steamers weekly, and by frequent trading steamers: time
6 to 9 days, according to the monsoon.
Australia.—To Brisbane and Sydney, vid Torres Straits, by
the steamers of the British India Company, monthly: time to
Brisbane, 20 days. By Peninsular and Oriental Company’s
steamers to Melbourne, vid Galle, bi-monthly: time 27 to 30 days.
Penang.—Local steamers five times a week, and Peninsular and
Oriental Company twice a month: time 2 days.
Malacca.—Local steamers weekly.
Straits Settlements.—Return op Transport Animals.
For employment in the country*
For employment out of the country.
Price at
ordnary
times.
Rate of hire
at ordinary
times.
Usual weight
carried, and
mode of loading.
Average dis-
tance per
day.
Animals.
Average size.
Places of collec-
tion for move-
ment inland.
Number procurable.
Ports of
embarkation.
Number procurable.
Horses
15 hands.
£30 to £40.
4s. or 4s. 6c?. per
diem.
Only used for
draught.
15 miles.
In the several towns
of the colony.
About 80.
Singapore.
About 50.
Ponies
11$ hands.
£20 to £30.
3s. per diem.
Do.
10 miles.
Do. |
In ^Singapore ... 600
In Penang and Pro-
vince Wellesley... 500
In Malacca ... 80
f Singapore. (
> Penang. 4
\ Malacca. C
Between200 and 300.
(
In Singapore ...1500
)
Oxen
13 hands.
£10 to £15.
Is. 3c?. per diem.
Do.
10 miles.
Do. ]
In Penang and Pro-
vince Wellesley ...1400
V Do.
About 2000.
(
In Malacca «„ 400
)
Buffaloes ...
14 hands.
£7 to £10.
Is. 3c?. per diem.
Do.
10 miles.
Do. |
In Penang and Pro-
vince Wellesley ... 800
In Malacca ... 400
j- Do.
About 500.
Bemabks.
Horses can only be obtained for hire in Singapore. In Penang and Malacca there are very few, and they are used by residents for private
purposes only.
Ponies are only used for driving in gharries. They are strong, hardy animals, and generally free from vice.
Oxen are slow, but very enduring when managed by natives who understand them.
Buffaloes are vicious, and can only be managed by natives. The owners, who are chiefly Malays, are very unwilling to sell them. They
require much water.
There are no loeai fairs or markets for the sale of horses, ponies, oxen, or buffaloes.
There are no local laws prohibiting the sale or export of animals or service of drivers, nor are there any taxes on export.
Sec. C.
Straits Settlements.—Return or Vehicles,
Vehicles in ordinary
use for passenger
and goods traffic.
General description of
vehicle.
Number of
wheels.
Width (over all).
Mode of
traction.
Number
and kind of
animals.
With or with-
out springs.
Average capacity.
Average weight
carried.
Number
procurable.
Gharries—The com-
mon hackney car-
riage of the colony.
A vehicle something like
an ordinary London
cab of a very light
make.
4
5 feet.
Shafts.
1 pony.
With springs.
50 cubic feet: will
accommodate 4 per-
sons in addition to
the driver.
Only used for pas-
senger traffic.
About 1500.
Province Gharries ...
A light gig with cover.
A modification of the
4-wheeled gharry.
2
5 ft. 6 in. in Pro-
vince Wellesley;
5 ft. in Malacca.
Do.
Do.
Do.
30 cubic feet: will
accommodate 2 per-
sons in addition to
the driver.
Do.
About 350.
Bullock carts
Cart, with or without
sides, covered with a
light movable roof
made from the leaf of
a palm.
2
5 ft. 6 in.
Pole.
2 oxen.
Without
springs.
70 cubic feet.
Half a ton.
About 2000.
Buffalo carts .........
Similar to the bullock
carts, but a little longer.
2
6 feet.
Shafts.
1 buffalo.
Do.
90 cubic feet.
12 cwt.
About 300.
Omnibuses
Light covered vans.
4
6 feet.
Pole.
2 horses.
With springs.
120 cubic feet: will
accommodate 14 per-
sons.
Only used for pas-
senger traffic.
About 20.
Kemaeks.
G-harries with 4 wheels are used principally in Singapore and Penang. Hire by the day for carriage, pony and driver, 6$, 6c?. Cost price, £20
to £25 for carriage ; pony, £35 to £40. Can be driven 10 miles a day.
Province gbarries are used in Province Wellesley and on the country roads in Malacca. Cost from £10 to £15. Hire by the day, 5s.
Bullock carts cost £10 to £15. Hire by the day from 2s. to 3s. Oxen are slow ; about 10 to 12 miles a day can be done by them.
Buffalo carts are only used in Province Wellesley and Malacca. Hire, about 2s. 6d. per diem. Buffaloes are very slow, useless in a hilly
country $ only employed on good level roads, where plenty of water can be obtained.
Omnibuses are only used in Singapore. They can be hired by trip or day.
In Malacca and Province Wellesley, bullock carts of a better description than those described above are used by the owners for convey ing
themselves and families. They are few in number—about 50.
Sec. C.
Situation,
Area,
Streets.
Chinese
division.
26
Section D—TOWNS.
Situation and Extent.—Stkeets.—Chinese Division.—Bridges.
—European Division. — Malay Division. — Suburbs. —
Water Supply.—Site and Drainage.—Industries.—In-
HABITANTS.—MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS.
The town of Singapore is situated near the southern extremity
of the island, on a narrow strip of low ground fronting the road-
stead or Old Harbour. It stands on both banks of the Singapore
Biver, from which it stretches southward for about a mile, and
northward for about a mile and a half, to a small creek called the
Bochor. A range of hills about 100 to 120 feet high, distant from
the beach from about a third of a mile to a mile, forms its land-
ward limit.
The area of the town proper is about 1,700 acres, but hamlets
are springing up at Hew Harbour on the south-west, and beyond
Kampong Glam on the east, and to these the town is gradually
extending.
The streets are wide and generally at right angles to one
another. The main thoroughfare is that called at various portions
of its length North Bridge Road and South Bridge Road, which
runs parallel to the beach and about a quarter of a mile from it.
The town may be said to consist of three distinct divisions—
the southern being principally inhabited by Chinese, the central
and best part by Europeans, and the northern by the Malays.
The part of the town which lies to the south of the Singapore
River is the busiest and most thickly inhabited. It comprises the
warehouses and places of business of the English merchants, as
well as the dwellings and shops of the Chinese, the former being
situated near the river and the sea front.
At the mouth of the river, on the southern bank stands Fort
Fullerton, near which is the principal landing-place. About
200 yards from this is Commercial Square, which, ever since the
Settlement rose into importance, has been the principal locality for
European mercantile houses. It is built round a reserved piece of
ground turfed over, and laid out with flowers and shrubs. The
square itself is some 200 yards long by 50 broad, and many of
the houses, or rather “ godowns ” (the latter term being used to
denote mercantile establishments), which surround it, are of
elegant design. They are built of brick and plastered over, two
stories high, with heavy overhanging eaves. The lower part of
their front walls is composed of a series of arches on pillars, inside
of which an arcade runs, forming a footway for passengers. Here
are situated the telegraph office, banks, &c.
27
Sec. D.
Until within the last few years the European business was
mainly confined to this square, but a good deal of it has now been
diverted to the sea frontage immediately in advance, where, upon
land recently recovered from the sea, a terrace of godowns of a
similar character has been built. In front of these a fine stone
sea-wall has been constructed.
Along the southern bank of the river, from its mouth to Elgin
bridge, a distance of a quarter of a mile,. extends a range of
godowns, those near the entrance belonging to Europeans, and
those further up to Chinese. These buildings are all pretty much
of the same character; but the Chinese division is the more
imposing to the eye on account of the bright colours which adorn
the walls. This range is called Boat Quay, from the fact that
nearly the entire river frontage opposite to it is taken up with the
loading and discharging of cargo boats. At various points along
it are landing steps for passengers.
Beyond the European buildings are the shops and dwellings of
the Chinese, stretching inland and along the beach, closely packed
together in the interior of the town, ^ but becoming gradually
broken as they run southward, by patches of cocoa-nuts and fruit-
trees, until Fort Palmer is reached, which marks the southern
limit.
The buildings are of a uniform height and character. They
are mostly two-storied, the walls of brick plastered over, and the
roofs covered with tiles. The Windows are generally of lattice
woodwork, while verandahs underneath run the entire length of
the streets, giving protection from rain and sun. The interiors are
somewhat dirty and crowded.
The retail trades and manufactures of the town are chiefly
engrossed by the Chinese, whose workshops and stores are mostly
situated in the streets adjoining Commercial Square.
The principal building in this division of the town is a splendid
pagoda of grotesque exterior.
There are three permanent bridges over the Singapore River.
The principal one is the Elgin bridge connecting the North and
South Bridge Roads. It is formed of iron girders which were sent
out from England. Though sustaining a constant stream of traffic,
it is only some 18 feet wide. Higher up the river are two wooden
bridges.
The central, or European, portion of the town stands on the
left bank of the river. This is the non-mercantile quarter. It is
laid out in regular streets lined with substantial brick houses, and
contains the principal public buildings, official residences, and
hotels. The Esplanade, a broad belt of turf of about nine acres in
area, extends for a quarter of a mile along the shore.
The principal public buildings are :—Government House, on a
high hill to the west of the town, commanding a fine view; a
magnificent structure surrounded by large and beautiful grounds.
The Courts of Justice, Town Hall, Council Chambers, Public Offices,
Bridges.
European
division.
Sec. D.
28
Malay
division-
Suburbs.
Water supply.
Nature of site.
Drainage,
&c., situated in large and airy buildings near the mouth of the
river. The Cathedral, lying to the west of the Esplanade, one of
the largest and handsomest churehes in. the East. The Baffies
Institute, near the Cathedral, a fine, square, massive clump of
buildings founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1823, for the culti-
vation of the Chinese and Malay languages, &c. New Custom
Souse, American and Armenian Churehes, Good Markets, A New
Gaol for 720 inmates in separate cells, on Pearl Hill, S.W. of the
town. Hospitals at Sepoy Lines, 1^ mile from the town, &c., &e.,
besides military buildings, which will be referred to under
Section E.
The northern portion of the town (designated the Kampong
Glam), which is the oldest portion of Singapore, comprises the
shops of the Klings and Malays, and is remarkable for its filth and
squalor. Many of the houses in it are raised on posts above the
level of the ground.
The higher classes of the European merchants, &c., generally
live in bungalows, or garden houses, in the suburbs to the north
and west of the town, or along the beach to the eastward, which
commands fine views of the harbour and its entrances. These
residences are all within a radius of four miles. Near the town,
where ground is valuable, they are tolerably close together, with
perhaps one or two acres of ground to each; those at a greater
distance are further apart, generally crowning the summits of the
little round hills, or “ bukits ” as they are termed by the Malays,
which are such a marked peculiarity of the island. The bungalows
are generally of brick, one storey high, some 90 or 100 feet long
by 60 or 70 feet wide, the walls seldom less than 15 feet high, and
the roof covered with tiies. A broad verandah with projecting
eaves runs right round the house, from the centre of which is
commonly built out a large portico and covered carriage way.
The kitchens, stables, and servants* rooms are always built at
some distance from the house, and connected with it by a covered
passage, the whole being surrounded by well-kept gardens.
The town has an abundant supply of good water, laid on upon
European principles.
The town and suburbs are situated principally on alluvial soil,
the greater part of which is sandv. From'the mouth of the
Singapore Eiver to that of the Kalang extends a low-lying sandy
plain, which affords dry and healthy sites for the dwellings that
front the beach. On the south bank of the Singapore Eiver lies
an extensive mud fiat, in some places below high water mark, on
which the most thickly populated part of the town has been built.
Outside the town and bordering the roads leading into it are some
mangrove swamps, which fill and empty with the rise and fall of
the tide.
Between the Singapore and Kalang Eivers are two smaller
streams, which have at their lower ends been converted into canals.
Into these canals and into the Singapore Eiver, which, for some
29
distance from their termination are subject to tidal influences, the
drains of the parts of the town through which they pass empty
themselves.
There are in the town rice and saw-mills, three foundries,
many sago and tapioca manuf actories, hide cleaning establishments,
&c., &c.
The population of the town, according to the census taken in
1881 was 95,323, comprising 1,022 Europeans and Americans,
63,698 Chinese, 9,066 Malays, and 10,371 natives of India.
For the administration of the municipal revenues a Local
Board is constituted, which consists of five Commissioners—two
nominated by the Governor and three elected by the ratepayers.
The municipal fund is primarily charged with the support of the
police force, under an estimate fixed by the Governor, the balance
remaining at the disposal of the Commissioners for the construc-
tion and repair of roads and bridges, for measures of sanitary
reform, and other purposes of general improvement.
(Tor details of Municipal Kevenue, see Section M., page 61).
Sec. D.
Industries.
Municipal
Inetitutions.
30
Section E.-FORTS, ARSENALS, STORES,
BARRACKS, &c.
(~This Section, being very confidential\ is printed separately.]
31
Section F.-DOCKYARDS AND NAVAL
ESTABLISHMENTS.
[This Section, being of a confidential nature, is printed separately.]
32
Seasons and
winds.
Section G-CLIMATE.
Seasons and Winds.—Rainfall.—Temperature.—Climate.—
Peculiar Phenomena. — Effect of Climate on Vegeta-
tion.—Effect on Health.—Statistics as to Health of
Troops.— Statistics as to Health op Civil European
Population. — Sickly Periods. — Sanitary Rules as to
Clothing, Diet, etc.—Sanitaria, Existing and Possible.
—Abstract of Meteorological Observations for 1881.
Strictly speaking, there are no seasons in Singapore, as is
commonly understood by the term in other latitudes. A perpetual
summer exists throughout the year, varying only by a few degrees
of temperature during the different months. There is barely thirty
minutes difference in the hour of sunrise, which ranges from about
a quarter past five to a quarter to six.
Singapore, though within 80 miles of the Equator, has an
abundance of moisture, either deposited by the dews or by the
gentle refreshing showers, which keep its atmosphere cool, prevent
the parching effects of the sun, and promote continual verdure. It
never experiences furious gales. If more than ordinary heat has
accumulated moisture and electricity, a squall generally sets in,
followed by a heavy shower of rain. The squalls come from the
direction of the prevailing monsoon, and seldom exceed one or two
hours in duration. The most severe and numerous are from the
south-west, called “Sumatras,” and they most frequently occur
between one and five a.m. The north-east monsoon blows from
November to March; after which, the wind veers round to the
south-east, and gradually sets into the south-west, at which point
it continues till September or October. Then follow calms, squalls,
and occasional puffs from the south-west, more frequently from the
north-west, until the wind, having gone round the compass, fixes
itself in the north-east, or more generally between the north-east
and east, from which point it blows steadily till the middle of
March. After this there are again calms, winds from various
direetions, and squalls, but of less seventy, lasting until the end of
May, when the south-west monsoon sets pretty steadily in.
The north-east monsoon blows more steadily than the south-
west, and with more force. It is further remarked that the wind,
lulls at night during the height of either monsoon. The tempe-
rature of Singapore is a few degrees cooler during the former than
the latter, which also brings more rain; for these reasons, amongst
others, it is reckoned healthier. During the south-west monsoon
a wind from the south prevails at night, which is termed by the
33
Sec. G.
natives “anggin Jawa” (Java wind), because it comes from the
direction of that island. It is most frequent in September, and is
attributed to the usual cooling land breeze being replaced in the
mornings during that month by the hotter breeze from the sea.
It is not considered to be healthy.
As will be seen from the subjoined Abstract, the rainfall at
Singapore is pretty regularly distributed throughout the year,
The average number of rainy days is 180 per annum.
Annual Abstract of Rainfall for the Ten Years, 1869 to 1878.
Months.
Greatest Rainfall.
Least Rainfall.
Mean of Ten
Years.
Inches.
Inches.
Inches.
Januar/ .. ..
18 *25 in 1870
2-37 in 1872
7-00
February..
9 -57 in 1873
1 *84 in 1876
6*02
March .. ..
16 *92 in 1875
2 -17 in 1878
6*45
April
10 *54 in 1873
1-37 in 1877
6 72
May .. .. .,
ll *59 in 1878
3 *96 in 1871
6*21
June
ll *51 in 1870
4'07 in 1878
7'46
July
12*42 in 1871
3 ’55 in 1873
6*00
August ..
19 -33 in 1878
4 *00 in 1877
9*52
September
12 *62 in 1870
2 -74 in 1877
7-27
October ..
12 *36 in 1871
2 *09 in 1877
7-67
November
16 *37 in 1874
5 -24 in 1877
10-87
December
20 *66 in 1869
5-16 in 1873
10-47
Total
91*66
The maximum annual rainfall during this period was 123*24
inches in 1870, and the minimum 58*37 inches in 1877. The
greatest rainfall in 24 hours was 6*25 inches, in December, 1870.
The amount of rainfall varies at different points of the island.
Thus, during the year 1881, 115*87 inches fell at the P. and 0.
Company's Depot, Hew Harbour; 92*29 inches at the Hospital,
Kandang Kerbau; and 82*18 inches at the Gaol Hospital, Bras
B&sah Eoad.
It will be seen from the tabular statement given below that the
range of the thermometer in Singapore is very limited, only 13° on
an average; the mean temperature being 80°.
Table showing the Mean Readings of Self-registering Thermo-
meters in the shade for a period of Ten Years.
1869
1870
1871
1872
1873
1874
1875
1876
1877
1878
Mean of Ten
Years.
op
op
°F
op
op
op
op
Op
op
op
op
Mean maximum
86 6
85*9
85 *9
86*5
86*6
86*3
86*0
86 -6
87 *9
87 *4
86 *5
Mean minimum
74*6
73*5
73*2
73*4
74*0
72*7
72*5
73 *3
73*7
74*9
73 *5
Mean daily range
12*0
12*4
12*7
131
12*6
13*6
13*5
13*3
14*2
12 *5
13*0
Approximate temperature...
80 *6
j 79 *7
79*5
79*9
80*3
79*5
79 *3
79 *9
80*8
81*1
80*0
Rainfall.
Range of
thermometer
O
Sec. G.
Climate.
Peculiar
phenomena.
34
The highest temperature observed during this period was 93;o°,
and the lowest 65°.
Annexed to this Section (p. 37) is a table of meteorological
observations for the year 1881, from which it appears that—
The highest monthly maximum temperature was 90 *6° in Sept, and dct*
,, lowest „ „ „ „ 85-1° „ January
„ highest „ minimum „ „ 74'3° „ June
„ lowest 5> „ „ „ 71*7° „ January
The hottest months were June and Sept., with an approximate temperature of 82 *1
„ coldest month was January, „ „ „ 78*4°
The highest observed temperature was 93 *5°
lowest || || || 63
This remarkable uniformity of climate is not, however, aceom-
panied by a never-changing aspect of the elements. On the con-
trary, there is an agreeable alternation of sunshine and shower.
Scarcely a week passes without at least one shower, and the longest
period of drought recorded during the last ten years was only
fifteen days,
Bain seldom lasts a whole day through; the greater part is dis-
charged in short but heavy showers and in large drops, like those
from thunder clouds in England. The effect of these showers is
very refreshing; they generally come when the air is unusually
close and warm, and, though not lasting perhaps more than half an
hour or an hour, they leave it more cool and purified.
Another good point in the climate is that calms are very
infrequent. By day there is generally a good breeze from one
quarter or other, and by night soft land airs blow out from the
jungle. To these land winds is due in great measure the com-
parative coolness of the nights, which will generally admit of good
sound sleep.
The climate is also one in which more out-of-door exercise can
be taken than in that of most other tropical countries. From sun-
rise until eight o'clock in the morning, and from half-past four in
the afternoon until sunset, the sun is comparatively harmless; and
even at midday Europeans walk about the town with apparent im-
punity.
By resorting to the neighbourhood a degree at least of reduction
in temperature may be secured. In such places, for instance, as
Selita, lying well in the interior, and having'the primeval forest all
around them, the additional coolness is palpable, and cannot be less
than two or three degrees.
Towards the breaking up of the monsoons, after a short season
of unusual heat, during which both moisture and electricity have
been increasing, it is not unusual to have smart thunder showers.
It is noticed that objects of very little height are often struck by
lightning, and several instances have occurred of fishermen being
killed in their boats.
, Waterspouts are occasionally observed in the Straits and ad-
jacent sea: they usually occur in the morning, between the hours
of eight and twelve. There are no other atmospherical disturbances
35
Sec. G.
of any moment—the typhoons which prevail in the China Sea and
the Bay of Bengal do not reach these parts, nor are there hot winds
to parch the land.
The frequency of rainfall and the equable state of the atmo-
sphere promote a luxuriant growth of vegetation, which makes
Singapore an island of striking beauty. Its foliage is always in the
bloom of summer. Evergreens abound: few trees shed all their
leaves at the same time, and many of the fruit trees bear all the
year round. The soil is not generally fertile, and most of the
necessaries of life are imported, but in the valleys the vegetable
produetions of the tropics are cultivated successfully.
The climate of Singapore, though warm and humid, cannot be
said to have a prejudicial effect on the health of those who
reside there, whether Europeans or natives. It is free both from
the long periods of drought combined with great heat by day and
sudden chills by night which are experienced in many parts of
the tropics, and from the seasons of prolonged dampness which
prevail in other places where large falls of rain are registered in a
few months. The small showers which so frequently occur here
produce a pretty constant condition of temperature, which enables
Singapore to compare most favourably with any tropical settle-
ment, and it is almost entirely free from the malaria which often
infests countries apparently more favourably circumstanced.
With ordinary care and prudence in living, it may fairly be ex-
pected that good health will generally be enjoyed; but the
uniformity of temperature tends, in course of time, to a relaxation
of the body, and after any lengthened stay a certain enfeeblement
is the result, for which the only remedy is change to a more
bracing climate. No bad effects, however, should be felt from a
residence of six or seven years, and it has been maintained by the
best local medical authorities that after such a stay, one year in a
cold bracing climate is sufficient to restore whatever vigour may
have been lost, and fit the European for another term of residence
of similar duration.
The Beports of the Army Medical Department for 1878-80,
give the following statistics of the health of the troops in the
Straits Settlements (Singapore and Penang):—
Died.
Ratio per 1,000 of Strength.
Average Sick Time to
each Soldier.
o «
o>
d
Year.
Average Annual
Strength.
Admissions into
Hospital.
In the Command.
Of Invalids.
Total.
<D
1
W
'S?
o>
1°
’S
O
►i
Average Daily Sicl
Admissions.
xi
3
S
In valid ed.
Average Daily
Sick.
Average duratioi
each case of sick
1878
921
1,160
10
2
12
28
44 -33
1,259 *5
13-03
30-40
48-13
Day s.
17*61
13-98
1879
894
810
4
2
6
13
35 -76
906*0
6-71
14-54
40-00
14*60
16 -10
1880
827
779
4
1
5
16
34*13
942-0
6-05
19-35
41 -27
15-18
16-C4
0 2
Effect of
climate on
vegetation.
Effect of
climate on
health.
Statistics as
to health of
troops.
Sec. G.
36
Statistics as to
health of Civil
European
population.
Sicklyperiods.
Sanitary rules
as to clothing,
diet, &c.
Sanitaria, ex-
isting and
possible.
The most common causes of illness appear to have been fever,
scrofula, and diseases of the digestive system.
No reliable statistics are available. On this subject the
Principal Civil Medical Officer writes: “ The Civil Hospital
(European Ward), receives and treats cases of sickness which as a
rule are brought into Singapore, and not cases occurring in the
Settlement, so that no inferences can be drawn from the Beturns.”
There are no special season considered more sickly than
others, except perhaps the periods between May and September,
when, if instead of a steady south-west monsoon, the wind falls
away to the south, what are called the Java breezes may be felt.
At this time the body is in a state of greater relaxation, owing to
the sun being to the north of the equator, and is more susceptible
to depressing influences. There is thus a greater tendency to
catarrhs and colds, which of themselves however are not of a
serious nature.
Singapore is not subject to epidemics. There was indeed in
1873; rater a smart outbreak of cholera, lasting from June to
August; but the disease was chiefly confined to the native popula-
tion, and it was mainly due to a deficient water supply. The
rainfall in this year was exceptionally small, and most of the wells,
which are as a rule fed from surface springs, failed. But this want
of good drinking water can hardly be expected to recur, a constant
supply of good quality being now provided from the Singapore
Water Works. Sporadic cases of smallpox often occur, very
frequently being introduced by emigrants and pilgrims, who make
Singapore their port of departure in going to or returning from
Jeddah. It is not however very fatal.
From what has been already said, it will readily be understood
that summer clothing is worn throughout the year; the other
sanitary rules to be followed are those of ordinary hygiene.
To live well and temperately, to take plenty of exercise in the
morning and evening, to go in the sun only with the head and
back well covered, are the principal precautions to be taken to
preserve health.*
There are no stations set apart as sanitaria. The hill at Penang,
about 2,500 feet high, is often resorted to with marked success,
and it is a consideration whether more enlarged accommodation
should not be provided there for the reception of invalids or con*-
valescents from the garrison or from the navy serving in the
Straits Settlements, as also from the general public.
Bukit Timah Hill in Singapore, which is about 500 feet high,
might also be tried as a sort of change for those whose constitu-
tions are beginning to suffer from relaxation and enervation,
provided a sufficient water supply can be depended upon.
There is a government convalescent bungalow at Changi, at
the eastern entrance of the Old Strait.
# See also Appendix page 185.
Annual Abstract of Meteorological Observations for the Year 1881.—Singapore. Lat. 1° 17' N.; long.
103° 15' E. (Straits Settlements Blue Book).
Barometrical readings corrected
and reduced to 32° F.
Hygrometer.
Months.
a
cj
CJ
3 p.m.
9 p.m.
Diurnal range.
Means.
9 a.m.
3 p.m.
9 p.m.
Means.
Maximum in ,
sun’8rays(m j
vacuo). ‘
d ®
*S &
g .
a
d s
3 M c
Id |
S
Minimum on 1
grass. |
Maximum in 1
shade. |
Minimum in i
shade. 1
1
Diurnal range.
Approximate i
temperature. '
Rainfall.—Meai
observations
stations.
Mean direction of
the wind.
U
P
J
(A
s
£
£
P
1
P
1
Ins.
Ins.
Ins.
Ins.
Ins.
°E.
°£.
°F.
op
°F.
°F.
°F.
op.
°F.
°F.
op.
op
op.
°P.
op
Ins.
•
January
29 *949
29 *851
29 *929
0*101
29 *909
78*9
74*6
81*4
74*9
74*9
72*8
78*4
74 **1
144*0
109 *7
68-0
85*1
71 *7
13*4
78*1
13.49
N.rNE., and NNE,
February
*985
*854
•945
•130
•928
82*4
76-5
84*8
76*9
77*1
74*8
81*4
76*1
157 *0
117*0
67*0
88*7
71*9
16*8
80 -5
1*91
NE. and N.
March
•957
•836
♦931
*121
*908
82*7
77*1
83 *9
77-4
77*4
75*5
81*3
73*3
155*0
112-9
69*9
86-5
72*8
13-7
79*9
8-30
NE. and N.
April >
*898
*789
•879
♦114
•855
'84*0
77*6
84*5
78*1
79*9
76*3
82 *8
74 *0
153*0
117*0
71-0
89*0
74-0
15*0
81 *5
6*14
Variable, SE.-NNE.
May
•911
*788
*873
*130
•857
84 *8
79 *3
85 *0
79*6
79 *6
77*3
83*1
75*4
J52*0
117*0
71-3
88*4
73*7
14*7
81-0
9*98
SE. and SW.
June
'872
•773
•848
*106
•831
83*4
79*6
85*9
80*8
80-1
78 -0
83*1
79*5
153 *5
118*0
72-1
90*0
74*3
15-7
82*1
2*65
SW.
July
•904
•815
•894
*096
*871
82 *5
77'9
84*9
74*8
80*7
77*4
82-7
76*7
145 *8
116-3
73*8
85*6
74*2
15-5
81*4
5*01
SW.
August
*880
•876
*874
•103
*873
82-9
79*4
83 *8
79*9
79*7
77*5
82*1
75 -6
149*7
115*1
71*2
88*4-
73*4
15*0
80*9
5*40
SSW. and SW.
September
•918
•807
*874
*114
*933
78*5
77*7
85 *0
80 *0
80*0
77*0
81 *2
71*9
152 -0
116*0
71*5
90 *6
73 *5
17 *1
82*1
5*48
SW.
October
*894
*785
*883
*115
•839
82*6
77*3
84*4
78*4
79*2
76 *8
82-1
77 *5
150*6
114-6
72*1
90*6
73*4
17*2
82*0
10*44
SE. and SW.
November
:867
*795
•874
•121
•845
81 -6
77 T
83 *0
77 *1
76*9
75*7
80 *5
76*6
151-3
117*9
71-4
87 *3
73*4
13-9
80*7
11*23
NE. and N.
December
•8*3
*777
•865
•108
*841
80*6
76 *9
82 *9
77 *6
76*4
75*3
79*9
76 *6
148*0
118*1
70*9
86-7
73 *5
13*2
80*2
12*26
NE.
Means
29 -918
29 *812
29*889
0*113
1
29-874
81*9
77*5
84*1
77-8
78*4
76*2
81*6
75*6
150 *9
115 *8
70*8
88*0
73*3
15*7
80 *8
Self-registering Thermometer.
to
Highest reading of Barometer during the year 30 *057 inches.
Lowest „ „ „ 29*663 „
Highest temperature observed 93 *5°.
Lowest „ 66°.
Total
..92*29
Sec. G
38
Section H.—AGRICULTURE, PRODUCTIONS,
TRADE, &c. •
Agriculture and Vegetable Productions.—Domestic Animals.
—Wild Animals.—Bieds.—Keptiles.—Fish and Fisheries.
—Other Marine Products. — Supplies. — Minerals. —
Manufactures.—Trade. — Shipping. — Average Prices of
Various Articles of Use or Consumption.—Rates of
Wages for Labour.
Agriculture The exuberant natural vegetation of Singapore is due to the
and vegetable influence of its climate, rather than to that of its soil. The latter
production. may? on the whole, be termed unfertile ; it is undoubtedly ill-
suited for the cultivation of such plants as rice, sugar-cane, pulses,
maize, tobacco, cotton, &c., and the island is therefore dependent
upon other countries for a supply of the staple articles of food.
On the other hand, all plants which depend more on heat and
moisture than on soil, flourish luxuriantly; all kinds of spices
grow readily, but nutmegs, cloves, ginger, and pepper are the
only sorts raised for commerce; the last-named is dependent on
the cultivation of gambier, an abundant crop, the leaves of which,
after being boiled, are used as manure for the pepper-vines.
The cocoa-nut, areca-nut, and all the fruit-bearing trees of the
Indian Archipelago are cultivated with considerable success.
Numerous vegetables are raised by the Chinese settlers, including
pumpkins, various kinds of melons, cucumbers, yams, sweet
potatoes, onions, radishes, garlic, &c.
According to the latest returns, the number of acres in crop
is 45,000, out of a total area of 145,000. The principal crops are
gambier bushes, 24,000 acres; pepper vines, 2,600 acres; cocoa-
nuts, 10,000 acres; areca-nuts, 50,000 trees; essence, grasses
(cintronella, lemon grass, and patchouly), 1,000 acres; tapioca,
6,000 acres; pine apples, 1,500 acres; nutmeg and mace, 1,200
acres; fruit, 1,000 acres; cloves, ginger, &e., 1,800 acres. About
1,080,000 cocoa-nuts and about 3,000,000 pine apples are pro-
duced annually. The produce of the tapioca plantations for the
year 1881 was 30,000 cwt. There is an extent of pasture of
about 500 acres.
In the husbandry of Singapore, neither plough, harrow, nor
spade are employed. All is done with the hoe and mattock.
The whole is, in fact, a garden culture, which is perhaps best
performed by the hoe, the congenial and habitual implement for
this purpose of all Asiatic nations.
The forests contain an immense number of species of timber
39
Sec. H.
trees, most of them of great height and growth. Above two
.hundred have been collected, and of these about half-a-dozen
afford good timber for house and boat-building. The teak is not
of the number. The forests also produce the two species of trees
which yield the useful gutta-percha, and a fig which affords an
elastic gum. But for use these artieles, as well as timber, are not
obtained from Singapore itself, but from the wider and more
accessible forests of the neighbouring continent.
The official returns for 1881 give the numbers of Stock as:—
Horses.. .. .. .. .. 1,689
Horned Cattle .. .. .. 2,202
Sheep .. .. .. .. .. 600
G-oats .. .. .. .. ., 1,500
All cattle, sheep, and pigs used for food are imported.
For details as to transport animals and vehicles, see Tables
I and II, pages 24 and 25.
The zoology of Singapore is that of the neighbouring con-
tinent, to the exclusion of some of the larger animals. The
largest feline animal indigenous to the island is a small leopard,
called by the Malays arimau-daan, that is, “ the branch ” or
climbing tiger. Tigers, which wTere unknown to the island in the
earlier days of the British Settlement, made their first appearance
five or six years after it was formed, having crossed over from
Johore and rapidly multiplied. Twenty or thirty years ago from
two to three hundred persons were destroyed by them every year.
Recently, however, great efforts have been made to exterminate
these animals, and they are now very rarely seen. The wild hog
is frequent, and there are five species of deer. Among the other
mammals are the porcupine, the monkeys, the otter, the ferret, the
sloth, several kinds of monkeys, bats, especially the flying fox,
several varieties of rats, &c. The dugong abounds on the shores.
Among the birds to be found in the island are:—two species
of quail, six different species of pigeon, from the size of our
wood pigeon to that of a thrush; parrots, snipe, pelieans, herons,
woodpeckers, falcons, owls, &c.
Alligators are common in the salt-water ereeks, and along the
shores of the island, but, having an abundant supply of fish, are
not troublesome to man. The iguana lizard is not unfrequent.
The esculent turtle is very abundant along the shores of Singapore
and the neighbouring islands; and being, as food, restricted to the
European and Chinese population, is the cheapest animal food in
the market: one of the largest, weighing several hundredweights,
selling for six or seven shillings. Snakes are not numerous; the
most common is a dark cobra.
Fish and crustaceans are in great plenty and variety, at least 40
different species having been enumerated. About half-a-dozen of
these are excellent for the table, fully equal to the best fish of our
own coasts. Amongst the best is the white pomfret of Europeans,
the bawal-putch of the Malays.
Domestic
animals.
Wild animals.
Birds.
Repliles.
Fish and
fisheries.
Sec. H.
40
Other marine
products.
ISupplies.
Minerals.
!M anufac-
tures.
Fishing is carried on solely for the purpose of meeting the
demand for rlocal consumption. It is estimated that about
20,000 tons of fish of all deseriptions are taken yearly. No large-
sized craft are employed ; the native fishermen, who never venture
far out, use only canoes and punts. The principal methods of
fishing are by drag-nets and stationary catch-nets, fastened to
stakes in deep water.
The number of fishing boats registered is 232; but there are
also over 2,000 smaller boats.
Trepang and agar-agar, a delicate fern-like sea-weed, are fur-
nished in great abundance by the neighbouring coral reefs and
shoals, and are important articles of commerce for the China and
Eastern markets.
With the exception of fish and a few vegetables, nearly all the
neeessaries of life have to be imported, viz.—
Bice from Siam, Batavia, Bangoon, &c.
_ Wheat from Bengal, Australia, and America.
Cattle from the Malay Peninsula, Siam and Malacca.
Goats and sheep from Bengal and the Malay Peninsula.
Poultry from Malacca and the Malay Peninsula.
Swine from Cochin China, the Malay Peninsula and Siam.
Preserved Provisions from the United Kingdom, &c.
The supply of forage is limited. Straw is not generally
available, but the dried lalang grass is not a bad substitute
for horse-bedding.
For average priees of provisions see table, pages 43, 44.
Singapore abounds with iron ore; but this is the only metallic
product hitherto discovered, though, from the great abundance of
tin in the neighbouring eountries with a similar geological struc-
ture, it probably exists here also. The blue clays furnish an
excellent material for bricks and tiles, and the decomposed
feldspar of the granite affords a very fine kaolin. The only entry
under the heading “Mines and Quarries ” in the Eeturns for 1881,
is a granite quarry, which is rented for $ 3,960 a-year.
The manufactures of Singapore are few, the principal being
that of preparing sago, which is imported for this purpose from
Sumatra and sundry other islands. The process, which is called
pearling, fits the sago for being preserved for years. There are
also cocoa-nut oil manufactories, a distillery for the production of
essential oil, tanneries, dye-houses, &c. Some of the Chinese, who
are pretty good blacksmiths, employ themselves actively in the
manufacture of agricultural implements, tools, arms, &e. Several
hands are also employed in the manufacture of pine-apple fibres
and twine, which is exported to China for fabrication into pina cloth.
In connection with the docks and wharves there are various
workshops, foundries, &c., as mentioned under Sec. B. (p. 17).
Boat and ship building is carried on to a small extent; in the year
1881, sixty-six schooners were constructed, of an aggregate
tonnage of 2,977. - - •
41
Sec. H.
For average rate of wages see table, page 44.
Singapore enjoy s so high a commercial reputation, and carries Trade,
on such extensive transactions as a trading colony, that it has been
termed the “ Liverpool of the East” It has, in fact, become the
great entrepot of Southern Asia and the Indian Archipelago, to
which the inhabitants of all parts of the Indian Ocean resort with
the produce of their farming and manufacturing industry, and in
which they find a ready market, abundantly stocked with every
variety of European goods. The port has also the advantage of
being perfectly free to vessels of all kinds and nations, without
charges on exports and imports, or anchorage, or harbour dues.*
It is to this freedom from trade restrictions, and to its central and
highly convenient situation, that Singapore owes its great pros-
perity, not to any intrinsic productive capabilities of its own; for
it is calculated that of the European manufaetures, Indian pro-
duce, &c., which are here landed, about 90 per cent, are again
re-shipped further eastward, and that not 5 per cent, of the pro-
ducts exported to Great Britain, Europe, America, India, &c., are
of local growth or manufacture. To no other port in the world,
therefore, can the designation of “entrepot” be more justly
applied.
The commercial prosperity of Singapore has been steadily and
indeed rapidly progressive, as is shown by the subjoined statistics. *
In 1833 the imports amounted to £ 2,043,000
„ 1843
»
77
2,953,000
„ 1853
ti
3,488,000
„ 1863
77
77
6,462,000
„ 1880
77
77
11,377,000
„ 1881
>*
77
13,256,000
and the exports to £ 1,705,000.
„ „ 2,595,000.
„ „ 3,027,000.
,, ,, 5,555,000.
„ „ 10,233,000.
„ „ 10,875,000.
The following details regarding the trade of the Settlement for
' the year 1881, are taken from the Straits Settlements Blue
Book:—
United Kingdom,
Imports,—From, value, $17,100,000, consisting of cotton and
woollen goods, coals, wearing apparel, specie, hardware and cutlery,
liquors, provisions, and various manufactured articles.
Exports.—To, value, $11,900,000, consisting of gutta-percha,
' india-rubber and other gums, gambier, sago, pepper, tapioca, tin,
coffee, &c.
Netherlands, India. .
Imports,—From, value, $12,700,000, consisting of gutta-percha,
india-rubber and other gums, spices, specie, rattans, coffee, sugar,
sago, tobacco, beche de mer, timber, &c.
Exports.—To, value, $14,000,000, consisting of rice, specie,
opium, cotton goods, dried fish, iron ware, cigars, preserved pro-
visions, gambier, tea, &c.
* The only tax to which shipping entering the port is liable consists of a very
moderate one of l|d. per ton register in support of lighthouses.
Sec. H.
42
China.
Imports.—Value, $7,300,000, consisting of specie, silk, wearing
apparel, tobacco, tea, grain, provisions, &c.
Exports.—Value, $6,300,000, consisting -of specie, opium,
rattans, beche de mer, birds’ nests, tin, precious stones, cotton
goods, spices, &c.
Penang and Malacca.
Imports.—Value, $6,100,000, consisting of tapioca, specie, spices,
rice, rattans, &c.
Exports.—Value, $2,600,000, consisting of specie, rice, opium,
tobacco, wearing apparel, &c.
Siam and Cochin China.
Imports.—Value, $6,100,000, consisting of rice, salt fish,
specie, &c.
Exports.—Value, $5,000,000, consisting of cotton goods, opium,
specie, &c.
British India.
Imports.—Value, $6,600,000, consisting of opium, beeswax, &c.
Exports.—Value, $800,000, consisting of spices, specie, sugar, &c.
America.
Imports.—Value, $400,000, consisting of paraffine and kerosene,
oils, &c.
Exports.—Value, $4,200,000, consisting of tin, spices, rattans,
gums and dyes, tapioca, coffee, &c.
Malay Peninsula {exclusive of Penang and Malacca).
Imports.—Value, $3,600,000, consisting of spices, cotton goods,
rice, cattle and swine, copra, salt fish, opium, &c.
Exports.—Value, $3,300,000, consisting of specie, rice, cotton
goods, opium, &c.
French India.
Imports.—Value, $1,600,000, consisting of rice, specie, salt
fish, &c.
Exports.—Value, $3,400,000, consisting of cotton goods, opium,
specie, gums and dyes, &c.
Continental Europe.
Imports.—Value, $2,200,000, consisting of hardware and cutlery,
wearing apparel, wines and spirits, piece goods, &e.
Exports.—Value, $2,600,000, consisting of spices, coffee, copra
(cocoa-nut kernel), tapioca, &c.
Japan, the Philippines, Sarawak, labuan, &c.
Imports.—Value, $3,200,000, consisting of specie, sago, gutta-
percha, india-rubber and other gums, cigars, &e.
Exports.—Value, $1,200,000, consisting of rice, opium, &c.
43
Sec. H.
British Burmah.
Imports—Value, $2,800,000, consisting of rice, precious stones,
gutta-percha, india-rubber and other gums, &c.
Eovports.—Value, $1,700,000, consisting of raw silk, silk
goods, &c.
As appears from the annexed Statement, the tonnage of the Shipping,
vessels arriving at Singapore, is steadily on the increase. It will
be observed that the proportion of sailing vessels to steamers is
rapidly diminisliing.
Comparative Statement op Yessels entered at the Port of
Singapore, for the Years 1849-50,1865,1879,1880, & 1881.
Square-rigged Vessels.
Native Craft.
Year.
Sailing Vessels.
Steamers.
Total.
Number.
Tonnage.
Number.
Tonnage.
Number.
Tonnage.
Number.
Tonnage.
1849-50
...
...
707
246,176
1,868
58,590
1865
3,078
...
464
...
3,542
851,444
1879
486
254,933
1,457
1,255,564
1,943
1,510,497
6,028
141,287
1880
867
266,044
1,753
1,427,052
2,120
1,693,096
4,657
136,959
1881
404
235,388
2,089
1,585,572
2,443
1,820,960
4,472
125,143
Of the 2,443 vessels entered during 1881, 1,659 were British,
and 583 belonged to other European powers.
Average Prices of Various Articles of Use or Consumption
(Straits Settlements Blue Book, 1881).
Articles.
Singapore.
Penang.
Malacca.
0
c.
0
c.
0
c.
Wheaten flour, per barrel of 196 lbs.
• I
7
00
9
50
9
80
Wheat, per Imperial bushel,
(80 lbs.)
• 1
2
00
4
00
4
00
Wheaten bread, per loaf..
• 4
0
06
0
05
0
10
Horned cattle .. »•
• 4
35
00
30
00
45
00
Horses .. .. ..
• 4
150
00
150
00
150
00
Ponies .. • • • •
• 4
100
00
117
00
100
00
Sheep *, • • ..
• *
5
00
10
00
10
00
Goats • • .. . •
• 4
4
00
6
00
3
00
Swine, (per 133| lbs.) . •
4 •
15
00
12
00
12
00
Milk, per quart ..
• 4
0
20
0
12
0
10
Butter, fresh, per lb. . ♦
0
50
0
80
0
75
Ho. salt do.
0
45
0
45
0
50
Cheese do. ..
• *
4 4
0
40
0
40
0
45
Beef do.
• 1
• 4
0
10
0
18
0
20
Mutton do.
# •
4 •
O
30
0
25
0
35
Pork do.
0
09
0
16
0
12
44
Sec. H.
Average Prices of Various Articles of Use or Consumption—cent d.
Articles,
Rice, white, per 133 lbs...
Coffee do. ..
Tea, per lb.
Sugar, white, per lb.
Salt, per lb.
Wine, per dozen ..
Brandy do.
Beer do.
Tobacco, per lb.
ingapore.
Penang.
Malacca.
9
c.
9
c.
9
c.
3
00
3
00
3
20
17
00
23
00
15
00
0
30
0
40
0
30
0
07
0
08
0
10
0
01
0
01
0
01
6
00
6
00
6
00
to
to
to
.12
00
12
00
12
00
r 7
001
7
50
*1
to V
ll
00
115
00 J
2
50
2
50
2
50
0
20
0
20
0
30
Average Eates of Wages for Labour (1880).
Singapore.
Malacca.
Penang.
Per
Annum.
Per
Day.
Per
Annum.
Per
Day.
Per
Annum.
Per
Day.
PbEDIAXu
$
c.
$
c.
$
c.
All field labourer^ and gar-
60
25 to 30
72
25
60
25 to 30
deners are generally hired
by the month, and some
. on longer agreement s. If
paid by day they get
higher wages.
Domestic.
Domestic servants are all
72 to 120
60 to 120
60 to 108
- engaged monthly.
Tbades.
Carpenters and joiners,
45 to 75
96 to 120
40 to 50
84 to 96
40 to 50
black smiths, bricklayer s.
45
Section I.—INHABITANTS.
1'etuen of Population.'—Remarks on the various races,
viz :—Malays, Chinese, Natives of India, Europeans,—
Detailed Statement of the Population.—List of the
Principal Publications.
The population of Singapore, as appears from the subjoined Return of
Statement, has steadily increased since the establishment of the pop^100-
Colony.
Year.
1824 ..
Population.
.. 11,500
1834 ..
• «
*. 20,500
1844 ..
..
>> 40,500
1854 ..
65,000
1864 ..
„,
• .> 91,000
1871 ..
97,000
1881 ..
..
.. 139,208*
Of the population in 1881, 86,766 were Chinese, 22,155
Malays, 12,058 Klings, or inhabitants of India, and 2,769* t
Europeans. There were also a few representatives of various other
Asiatic nationalities, as Burmese, Siamese, Javanese, Bugis, &c.f
See table, page 61.
Malays.
The character, pursuits, &c„ of the Malay race have been Malays.
already noticed(pages 8-10). In the British Settlements, where their
ancient customs and religious prejudices are respected, and they
are fairly and judiciously treated, the Malays prove most loyal
subjects and give very little trouble. The young men of the
“Flag Societies,” which in a manner correspond to the secret
societies of the Chinese, occasionally create disturbances, but these
are rather mischievous than dangerous, and there is no risk of any
extensive party fights. No one in our territory is allowed to
carry arms without a pass, and the Malays may be said to have
exchanged their krises for silk umbrellas. In case of a Chinese
outbreak they could be depended upon to assist the civil authorities
as far as they are able.
Under a European who understands their character, the Malays
make good soldiers and are thoroughly to be relied upon. For
boat work or a jungle expedition they are well fitted, working
willingly and bearing hardships without a murmur. They are
useless for transport, having a natural objection to any cooly work.
t The fishermen and boatmen of Singapore, the main body of the
police, and nearly all the coachmen and grooms in the employment
* Inclusive of the Military Establishments.
t The population of the town of Singapore is given under Sec. D., p. 29, and
also in detail on page 49.
Sec. I.
Language.
46
of Europeans are Malays. Besides th£se regular oceupations many
of them find a living by hawking fruit, poultry, and other produce
about the town.
The Malay language unites all classes of the inhabitants, and
forms the common medium of intercommunication. There is a
considerable difference between the Malay spoken in Penang,
Malacca, and Singapore, but it requires a comparatively short
time to pick up a sufficient knowledge of the language to suffice
for ordinary communication. Malay writers (in the Arabic
character) are easily obtained. The grammars and dictionaries
chiefly in use are those of Marsden, Crawford, and Favre.
Vocabularies have been published by the Education Department.
Interpreter, though not of a high order, can be procured at our
Settlements without much difficulty.
Chinese. .
The Chinese, who already form the bulk of the population of
Singapore, are every year increasing in numbers in all parts of the
Straits Settlements. Many thousands of immigrants annually
arrive, while thousands who have made money return to their homes.
In the Straits the Chinese are classed under five heads, viz s—
1. Macaos, or natives of Canton and its neighbourhood.
2. Kehs, from the Province of Kwantung.
3. Teh-Chews, from Swatow and its vicinity.
4. Hylams, or natives of the Island of Hainau.
5. Hokiens, from Amoy and other places in the Province of
Fo-Kien.
The immigrants consist of fishermen, artisans, and labourers
belonging to the poorest and most unruly classes in China, and
tliey usually arrive at their places of destination in a state of great
destitution.
A peculiarly of Chinese emigration is that it eonsists almost
entirely of adult males. Among the Chinese in the Straits Settle-
ments, the proportion of males to females is about 25 to 1.
As a race the Chinese are very different to the Malays, being
most industrious and persevering. Next to Europeans, and
indeed in some respects before them, they are the most active and
valuable agents in developing the resourees of the country. They
employ themselves in a great variety of ways, and soon aequire
wealth, whether as coolies, artisans or labourers.
The retail trades of Singapore are chiefly engrossed by the
Chinese, and they reckon also in their number some of the
wealthiest merchants of the place. Most of the mechanics, house-
builders, and labourers, as well as many of the commercial clerks
and overseers are Chinese. The chief plantation of the island
are in their hands, or worked by them, as are also the sago
manufactories, &c.
Among themselves the Chinese are polite, dutiful to their
parents, and respectful to their elders. They have a strong sense
47
Sec. I.
of justice and as a rule show no disposition to resist authority,
giving their whole attention to business. Although they cannofc
be said to be attached to the Government, they certainly appreciate
the benefit of English rule ; and the dread of banishment from the
Colony is a strong incentive to orderly conduct.
To these many good qualities, however, the Chinese unite
others which are not so satisfactory. They are cruel, untruthful,
and greatly addicted to theft. They are imbued with strong
national feelings and prejudiees, and carry with them the feuds
and jealousies which prevail in their native country between
people of various tribes and districts. These jealousies have
given rise to the institution of secret societies among them, which
are in many ways objectionable to the peace and welfare of the
community. Were any weakness displayed on the part of
Government in dealing with the Chinese, there is little doubt that
they would prove most troublesome and dangerous. Split up as
they are into secret societies and hostile clans, there is always a
danger of an outbreak, which, if not promptly checked, might in a
few hours spread, and lead to riots such as those which have
occurred more than once. They are • always ready to turn out
armed for a party fight, and it is only through their headmen that
they can be controlled.
Eecent legislation, however, has placed large powers in the r
hands of the executive for dealing with the heads of dangerous
societies, and the principal Chinese have in vested so much capital
and staked so much on the prosperity of the Colony (which they
know to be dependent upon the maintenance of our Government),
that they can be counted upon to use their influence over their
countrymen to preserve order and obedience to the law. It is
therefore considered that the Chinese, if dealt with fairly and
firmly, are not likely to give any serious trouble.
The Chinese as a race are cowardly, and unless in vastly
superior numbers to their opponents are despicable as an enemy.
They are, however, invaluable for transport service, the coolies being,
as a rule, strongly built and capable of carrying considerable
weights for long distances; those from the mines are the best.
There are hardly any beasts of burden available in the Peninsula,
and the Chinese are the only race fitted for the work. If dealt
with through their own headmen, who are made responsible for
them, they give little trouble, though an example may have to be
made should they show insubordination. One headman, who
should understand Malay, can look after, twenty coolies, rice, salt
fish and chandoo (opium) being given to him for them, and loads
being distributed among them. If kept well to the front and
properly treated and fed, they will not abandon baggage.
As already mentioned, the Chinese inhabitants of the Straits Language.
Settlements are classified under five heads, with reference to the
parts of the Empire from which they come. In all these districts
the written language is the same, but a different dialect is used in
Sec. I.
48'
Language.
each, which is not understood hy the natives of the other districts.
Interpreters, however, who speak two or three dialects, and also
understand Malay, are easily procurable. A Chinese class has
lately been established in Singapore, and it is expected that before
long more competent interpreters will be available than has
hitherto been the .case. Without patient study and colloquial
practice, Chinese dictionaries and vocabularies are of little use*
owing to the impossibility of distinguishing the various tones.
Natives of India.
The natives of India are chiefly from the Madras Coast (here
termed Klings), but a considerable number come from the north-
west provinces, and a few from other parts of the country,
Thousands of them come every year from the coast, and after
making a little money, return in the course of a few years. They
mostly, however, come back again, bringing with them their poor
relations, as they find it easier to live here than in India. The
proportion of males to females among them is about 8 to 1.
They are more industrious than the Malays, but they seldom
grow rich like the Chinese. They are mostly employed as petty
merchants and shopkeepers, coolies, boatmen, drivers, washermen,
eooks, &e.
They are a cringing, lying race, but harmless and easily dealt
with, as they seldom get beyond abuse in their quarrels. They
may be said to be attached to, or rather dependent on, the
Government.
They are quite unsuited for military operations, either for
fighting or transport.
The majority of the Klings speak Tamil; the natives of the
north-west provinces mostly understand Hindustani. Interpreters
are easily obtained.
European Population.
The European inhabitants are principally employed under
Government, or engaged in trade. The large majority are British,
the remainder are of various nationalities, Germans being the most
numerous.
49
Sec. I
Distribution of the Population of Singapore (exclusive of
British Military), 3rd April, 1881.
Nationalities.
Town
Division.
Country
Division.
Floating
Population.
Total.
Achinese
2
2
Africans
26
i
5
32
Anamese
28
2
30
Arabs ,. .. ..
656
96
84
836
Armenians .. .. ..
78
2
80
Bengalis, and other natives
of
1,279
381
9*1
1,551
India, not particularised.
Boyancse ., .« «.
1,553
551
7
2,111
Bugis.. ,,
993
1,056
5
2,054
Burmese .. •• ..
42
9
1
52
Chinese .. ,«
63,698
18,971
4,097
86,766
Dyaks «, ., ..
24
19
43
Eurasians .. .. ..
2,781
292
21
3,094
Europeans and Americans ,,
1,022
294
670
1,986
Japanese ,,
9
8
5
22
Javanese
3,973
1,833
79
5,885
Jawi-Pekans*
667
90
5
762
Jews ..
152
20
,.
172
Malay s
9,066
12,045
1,044
22,155
Manilamen ,.
37
8
45
90
Parsecs
28
,,
28
Persians
2
#,
2
Siamese
86
3.6
21
123
Sinhalese
.. 1
1 29
13
,,
42
Tamils ,,
9,092
1,245
170
10,507
Total ..
• •
95,323
36,752
6,350
138,425
* Native half-castes.
Return of the Principal Publications in the Island of
Singapore during the Year 1881.
Title of Publication,
Circulation.
Government Gazette. ♦ .. .. .. ..
Singapore Daily Times
Straits Times..
Overland Straits Times
Straits Times, Extra..
Singapore Daily Imports and Exports
Singapore Auction Gazette ..
Exchange Market Eeport ..
„ „ Supplement
Exchange Shipping Eeport (Arrivals and Deparfcures of Vcssels)
Eraser and Co.’s Exchange Circular .. .. ..
Journal of the Straits Branch of the Eoyal Asiatic Society
The Singapore and Straits Directory
Jawi PSranakkan (Malay) ..
300 weekly.
210 daily.
160 weekly.
150 „
200 „
33 daily.
120 monthly.
975 fortnightly.
150
31 daily.
70 weekly.
600 half yearly.
325 annually.
250 weekly.
D
50
1160.
1252.
1819.
Section K.-HISTORY.
From such early history as we possess it would appear that
Singapore was first occupied by a party of Malays from Sumatra
about the year 1160. The island grew in importance and
celebrity, and aroused the envy of' the King of Majapahit in Java,
who, after several unsuccessful attempts, finally effected its capture
by treachery in 1252. The dispossessed Malays retired down the
Straits and founded first the powerful kingdom of Malacca, and
subsequently the empire of Johore.
Singapore does not appear to have prospered in the hands of its
Javanese conquerors, who eventually forsook it, and we hear no
more of the place till its occupation by Sir Stamford Eaffies on the
6th February, 1819. The island was then covered with jungle,
without a single inhabitant or an acre of cultivated ground, whilst
it possessed an unenviable reputation as a resort of pirates. It
nominally formed part of the kingdom of Johore,
Shortly before this time the Dutch had, partly by purchase
and partly by a show of force, acquired Eliio, the capital of the
Island of Bintang, which lies to the southward of the Straits, and
as Malacca had also been restored to them tliey practically
monopolised the rich commerce of the eastern seas.
In order to secure a fair participation in this trade, the Indian
Government saw the necessity of acquiring a port at the eastern
end of the Straits of Malacca, and Sir Stamford Eaffies, then
Governor of the British Settlement of Bencoolen, wisely selected
Singapore for this purpose.
The kingdom of Johore had at this period no properly
appointed and recognised sultan, the throne being claimed by two
brothers, Husein the elder and Abdulrahman the younger, both
residing at Eliio.
Before Sir S. Eaffies himself started on his expedition for the
occupation of Singapore, be had despatched an agent to ascertain
how the case stood, and by him a treaty was coneluded with
Abdulrahman at Ehio, in August, 1818, for the cession of a small
portion of the island.
Sir S. Eaffies, however, on his arrival at Singapore, learned
that Husein was the elder brother with apparently the better claim
to the throne of Johore, and accordingly entered into communica-
tion with him through the Tumongong of Johore, a high officer of
state, who was then with a fleet of boats in the Singapore Eiver.
Husein was secretly brought to Singapore, and proclaimed
Sultan of Johore with all the proper formalities, after which, on
the 6th February, 1819, lie entered into a treaty of a similar tenor
51
Sec. K.
to that already formed with Abdulrahman, the Tumongong being
also a party to the transaction.
The acquisition of Singapore by the East India Company
aroused great indignation amongst the Dutch, both at Java and
Ehio; they protested against it, quoted treaties, and threatened,
all to no purpose; the officers in charge of the Settlement refused
to move, and in July, 1819, a despatch was sent by the Supreme
Government of India to Baron van der Capellen, Governor-
General of Netherlands India, in which all objections were
disposed of, and the step taken by Sir S. Kaffles was fully
justified.
For the first four years after its settlement, Singapore ranked
as one of the dependencies of Beneoolen (or Fort Marlborough), of
which Sir Stamford Raffies was Governor; but in 1823 it was con-
stituted an independent residency, immediately under the Bengal
Government.
The inconveniences of the original arrangement, whereby the
sovereignty of the whole island with the exception of the
patch on which the town was to stand, was left to the Malay
princes, quickly made themselves felt. Accordingly on the 2nd
August, 1824, a subsequent and final treaty was concluded between
the East India Company on the one hand, and the Sultan and
Tumongong of Johore on the other,by which in consideration of a
monthly payment of $700 “the Island of Singapore, together with
the adjacent seas, straits, and islets, to the extent of ten
geographical miles from the coast of Singapore, were given up in
full sovereignty and property to the East India Company, their
heirs and successors for ever.” Singapore thus became a perma-
nent British Settlement.
All differences with the Dutch regarding our Settlements in the
Straits were definitely settled by a treaty entered into in March,
1824, between Great Britain and Holland, wherein the town of
Malacca was ceded to England, the King of Holland at the same
time withdrawing all objections to the occupation of Singapore,
and engaging for himself and his subjects never to form any
establishment on any part of the Peninsula, nor to conclude any
treaty with any State therein. On the other hand, all English
possessions in Sumatra were handed over to the Dutch, and it was
further stipulated that no British Settlement should be formed in
future there, or in any of the islands south of the Straits of
Singapore, and that no alliance should be entered into by British
authority with the chiefs of those islands.
By this treaty the Dutch were very great gainers, the British
Government appear to have concluded it in ignorance of the value
of the regions affected.
In 1826 Singapore was associated with Penang and Malacca,
and formed into the Colony of the Straits Settlements, the seat of
government being at first fixed at Penang.
Singapore was from its foundation constituted a free port, the
1823.
1824.
1826.
Sec. K.-
1830.
1836.
1839.
1850.
1834.
1859.
1867.
52
only one at tliat time existing in the Eastern seas; and this
freedom, combined with its highly convenient situation, soon
attracted to it a considerable trade. In the year 1822, the value
of its exports and imports was upwards of eight millions of
dollars, two years later tliey amounted to more than thirteen
millions, and, as has been seen (page 41), a large and steady
increase has ever since been maintained.
By 1830 Singapore had grown to be a considerable and im-
portant place of over 14,000 inhabitants, and several large works
were then begun or were in progress, such as Fort Fullerton, the
Court House, &c., and in 1836 it became the seat of Government
of the Straits Settlements.
In 1839 the strategic importance of Singapore was first
realised. In that year the China War broke out, and Singapore
formed the gathering point for the large forces which were
despatched thither, as well as their main base of supply for the
three subsequent years during which the operations lasted.
Little had, so far, been done in Singapore in the way of
agriculture, it having hitherto been the policy of the Supreme
Government to reserve the lands, under a false impression that
they would some day and some how be great gainers thereby.
About 1850 a different policy was adopted, and the greater part of
the island was disposed of for agricultural purposes. Most of
these undertaking^, however, though for a time successful, were
after a few years abandoned, owing to (1) the poorness of the soil,
which refused to yield after the first two or three exhaustive crops
had been taken, and (2) the failure of some of the species of eulti-
vation, such as that of nutmegs.
Affairs progressed smoothly and favourably in the Colony until
1854, when there occurred the first Chinese riot, the origin of
which is attributable to the jealousies and animosity of the various
secret soeieties,
In 1859 a second and more serious Chinese riot occurred, and
in the same year the ancient authority of the Honourable East
India Company in the Straits was transferred to the Crown; the
Straits Settlements being placed under the control of the India
Office.
In 1867 the Straits Settlements, by desire of the European
inhabitants, and after long consideration and discussion between
the India and Colonial Offices, passed from the former to the
latter and become a Crown Colony.
In 1871 an expedition was despatched from Penang to punish
some pirates who had taken refuge in Selangor, and there defied
the Straits authorities, and, as wrill be seen (see page 99) the object
was successfully accomplished.
In 1874 new and more intimate relations were formed between
the Singapore Government and the rulers of Perak, Selangor, and
Sungei Ujong. The anarchy prevailing in these States had been
for some years a source of disquiet to the British Colonies, and a
53
Sec. K.
hindrance to the prosperity of trade; repeated acts of piracy having
taken place on their coasts and rivers, while all appeal to the
native anthorities was fruitless. To remedy this state of matters,
Sir A. Clarke, the Governor of the Straits, made friendly arrange-
ments with the native chiefs to take the States mentioned under
British protection, and to station in each a British officer as
Resident to advise their rulers respecting the collection of revenue
and general administration.
Before this was accomplished in Sungei Ujong, a small com-
bined force had to be despatched thither to overawe a turbulent
chief, and to rescue an officer of Government who was in danger.*
In the following year, 1875, disturbances arose in Perak,t
Mr. Birch, the British Resident, being murdered, and resistance
offered to a force sent to apprehend the murderers; while at the
same time the Residency at Sungei Ujong was menaced by bodies
of Malays from some of the neighbouring States.J
The suppression of these outbreaks necessitated the employ-
ment of considerable forces, but by the adoption of prompt and
energetic measures order was speedily re-established.
Measures have since been adopted for securing the better
government of the protected States, including the establishment of
an adequate police force, and no further disturbances or opposition
to British authority are apprehended.
There is no present fear of the Colony being involved in hos-
tilities with any of the native governments of the Peninsula, or of
any serious disturbance breaking out within the Settlement itself.
As has been already said, the Chinese are the only class of the
inhabitants of Singapore at all likely to give trouble, and the
garrison, police, and European residents are quite capable of
dealing with any riot which might arise among them.
# See p. 166.
f See p. 149,
% See p. 167.
54
Form of
Government.
The G oyer-
nor.
Section L.—ADMINISTRATION.
Form of Government.—General Powers of the Governor.—
Military Powers of the Governor.—Executive Council.
—Legislative Council.—List of the Principal Govern-
MENT DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICIALS.—COLONIAL SECRETARY.
—Assistant Colonial Secretary for Native States.—
Chinese Protectorate. — Registration Department. —
Judicial System.—Ecclesiastical Details.—Education.—
Hospitals and Asylums.—Police. —Prisons.—Municipal
Commission.—Tenure of Land.—Eelations with the
Native States.
On the 1st of April, 1867, the Straits Settlements were trans-
ferred from the control of the Government of India to that of the
Secretary of State for the Colonies by an Order in Council issued
under the authority of an Act of the Imperial Parliament, and
were constituted a Crown Colony, which they still continue to be.
The Crown has the entire control of legislation in the Colony,
while its administration is carried on by offieers under the control
of the Home Government Autliorities.
Its Government is vested in a Governor, who is responsible for
the proper conduct of the affairs of ail three Settlements, and has
to render account of the same to the Secretary of State. He is
assisted by an Executive and a Legislative Council.
Singapore is the usual place of residence of the Governor, the
seat of Government for the whole Colony, and the place of
assembly of the Executive and Legislative Councils.
Till 1879, Penang and Malacca were each presided over by a
Lieutenant-Governor, but in that year the Lieutenant-Governor
of Malacca was replaced by a Eesident Councillor, and it is
intended, on the next vacancy, to carry out a similar change in the
Government of Penang. Both of these officials are entirely
subordinate to the Governor at Singapore ; they cannot correspond
direct with the Secretary of State, but only through the Governor.
All Government offieers also in these Settlements are subordinate
to the heads of their several departments in Singapore. The
lately formed settlement of the Dindings is placed, for temporary
convenience, under the supervision of the Eesident of Perak. It is
under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Singapore.
The general powers of the Governor may be summed up in the
following outline:—He is empowered to grant a pardon or respite
to any criminal convicted in the Colonial Courts of Law, and has
in general the power of remitting any fines or forfeitures which
may accrue to the Crown. All moneys to be expended for the
public service are issued under his warrant, as the law in each case
may direct. He has the usual powers, under the Colonial Eegula-
55
S6C« L*
tions, for appointing or suspending officers, subject, in the case of
those wliose emoluments exceed £200 per annum, to reference to the
Home Authorities. The initiation of all laws belongs in general
to him, and he has the power of granting his assent to bills or of
suspending their operation until they are confirmed by the Crown.
The Governor, though bearing the titles of Vice-Admiral and
Commander-in-Chief, is not invested with the command of HM.’s
Regular Forces in the Colony. He is not therefore entitled to
take the immediate direction of any military operations or, except
in cases of urgency, to communicate with subordinate military
officers without the concurrence of the officer in command of the
Forces. Any such exceptional communication must be imme-
diately notified to that officer. Except in the case of foreign
invasion or assault, when the whole responsibility and entire
military authority rest with the officer in command of the Forces,
it is the duty of the Governor to determine the objects with which,
and the extent to which HM.’s Troops are to be employed. He
will therefore issue to the officer in command of the Forces
directions respecting their distribution and their employment on
escort or other duties required for the safety and welfare of the
Colony. In all such cases, however, the Governor should consult
as far as possible with the officer in command, and will incur
special responsibility if he shall direct the troops to be stationed r
or employed in a manner which that officer shall consider open to
military objection.
These restrictions upon the Governor’s military powers hold
good even though he be a military officer of superior rank to the
officer in command of the troops.
Except in cases of invasion, &c., as above mentioned, the
Governor, as the Queen's Representative, gives the word at all
places within his Government.
The executive council has the general duty of assisting the
Governor by its advice. It consists of the following nine principal
officers of the Government, viz.:—
The Governor.
The Officer Commanding the Troops.
The Lieutenant-Governor of Penang.
The Colonial Secretary.
The Resident Councillor of Malacca.
The Attorney-General.
The Treasurer.
The Auditor-General.
The Colonial Engineer.
These officers are appointed by warrant from the Crown, the
Governor having the power of making provisional appointments.
The legislative council consists of the nine members of the
executive council, with the chief justice and six nominated un-
official members (five representatives of Singapore, and one of
Penang).
Military
powers of the
Governor.
Executive
Council.
Legislative
Council.
56
Sec. L. .
When a vacancy occurs in this council by the death or resig-
nation of a member appointed by name, the Governor has the right
to make a provisional appointment until Her Majesty’s pleasure be
known. As a general rule, no member may absent himself without
leave for more than six months without vacating his seat, but the
Governor may grant twelve or eighteen months’ leave of absence.
As mentioned above, all measures submitted to the legislative
council are proposed by the Governor, and his assent is necessary
to give their enactments the force of law. The Governor can also
secure a majority of votes by the autliority vested in hini of
requiring, should he think fit, the active support, on any question,
of all official members.
List of the
principal
Government
Department s
and Officials.
Colonial.
Secretar/.
The principal Government departments and officials at Singa-
pore are:—
The Governor and Commander-in-Chief
Colonial Secretary's Office. — Colonial Secretary, Assistant
Colonial Secretary, Assistant Colonial Secretary for Native
States, &c. {see pages 56, 57).
Chinese Branch.—Protector of Chinese {see page 57).
Land Branch.—-Collector.
Treasury.—-Treasurer and Accountant-General.
Audit Office.—Auditor-General.
Public Works and. Survey Department—Colonial Engineer and
Surveyor-General.
Marine Department.—Master Attendant.
Post Office.—Po s tmas t er- G eneral.
Registration Department.—Eegistrar-General {see page 57).
Supreme Court.—Chief Justice, Puisne Judge {see page 58).
Attorney-Generats Department.—Attorney-General.
Police Court.—Police Magistrates {see page 58).
Court of Reqaests.—Commissioner {see page 58).
Sheriff's Department.—Sheriff.
Ecclesiastical.—Bishop, Colonial Chaplain {see pages 58, 59).
Education.—Inspector of Schools {see page 59).
Medical.—Principal Civil Medical Officer.
Police.—Inspector-General {see page 59).
Gaols.—Superintendent of Prisons.
The Government establishments at Penang and Malacca are
similar to the above, but on a smaller scale (see pages 100,124).
The Colonial Secretary is the sole channel for all official com-
munications to Government; this rule is only relaxed in the cases
of the judges, the officer in command of the troops, and the
senior naval officer, who usually correspond with the Governor
direct.
Assistant
Colonial
Secretar/ for
Native States.
The establishment of the residential system in the native States
of Perak, Selangor, and Sungei Ujong (the nature of which is stated
in detail at pp. 168, 177, and 185) rendered necessary an addition to
the staff* of the Colonial Secretary’s Department. Accordingly, in
57
Sec. L.
1876, an Assistant Colonial Secretar^ was appointed, who is
directly charged with the affairs of these States.
Previous to the introduction of a protectorate • system for Chinese
Chinese immigrants, the abuses connected with the importation 'E>rotectorate’
of Chinese Coolies had been attended with many evil results, and
endangered the peace of the community to so large an extent
that the subject was felt to be one which required far more care
than it had hitherto received.
These evils may be classed under the three following heads:—
(1.) The ill-treatment and extortion which imported Coolies
experienced at the hands of their importers; (2.) the compulsory
prostitution of girls brought from China against their own consent
and that of their friends and relations; and (3) the existence of
several secret societies, animated by feelings of feud against each
other, and from time to time engaging in faction fights, which
not unfrequently terminated in dangerous and extensive riots.
By the establishment of a system of registering both immi-
grants and emigrants, and the appointment of a protector of
Chinese with a small staff in Singapore and Tenang, these abuses
have now been effectually dealt with in the following manner:—
1. A fixed charge has been determined on by the department
as being payable by the Cooly to his importer; and agreements to
labour, with guarantees for both master and Cooly, are arranged*
and carried out under the supervision of the department.
2. All women brought over by immigrant vessels are examined
by the offieers of the department, and questioned as to their
wishes and intentions, not a few having been returned to their
homes,
3. All secret societies are registered; they can always be
attended by the Protector of Chinese and the chief police officer,
and have now become a source of assistance to the police in the
arrest of eriminals. Deprived of their backbone—secrecy—their
influence is fast waning.
The Eegistration Department became necessary upon the Registration
framing of the Contagious Diseases Ordinance of 1873, the Department,
advisability of which was strongly urged on the part of Her
Majesty’s ships on this station.
Judicial System.
The laws by which the Courts of the Colony are bound may Da^-s.
generally be viewed primarily as the Common Law of England,
“ so far as it is applicable to the cireumstanees of the place, and
modified in its application to those cireumstanees.
Until 1867, the laws in force were the legislative enaetments
of the Governor of India in Council, but since the transfer the
acts of the Colonial Legislature, together with the Merchant
Shipping Laws of England, have been administered in the Colony
Although the larger proportion of the inhabitants is composed of
Sec. L.
58
Charters of
the Court.
Ordinance of
1868, Su-
preme Court
founded.
1873, sum-
mary side
added.
Courts Ordin-
ance, 1878.
Powers of the
Supreme
Court.
Courts of
Appeal.
Courts of
Retpiests.
The Judges.
Police
Magistrates.
Mahomedans, Hindus, and Chinese, the Hindu and Mahomedan
laws are not administered by our Courts among people of these
creeds, as is the practice in India.
Previous to the tranfer of the Settlements in 1867, their
judicial arrangements had been regulated by a series of Charters
of the Court, the last of which was dated 1855.
This Charter was practically superseded but not altogether
abolished by the first Court’s Ordinance, viz., that of 1868, under
which a Supreme Court was established.
By a later Ordinance in 1873, a summary side of the Court,
with a jurisdiction of from $10 to $50 was added, modelled upon
the English County Court system exclusive of Equity inatters.
In 1878, however, an entirely new Ordinance was passed, fixing
the powers of the Court and the establishment of the judges.
The Supreme Court exercises jurisdiction in Probate and
Bankruptcy. It is also a Court of Vice-Admiralty by virtue of an
order in Council of the 4th November, 1867. Under a recent
Imperial Act it possesses criminal jurisdiction in respect of
offences committed by British subjects of the Malay Peninsula
who have been resident in the Colony. * This jurisdiction extends
to criminal offences committed by British subjects in Siam, and is
concurrent with that of the British Consulate Court in respect of
civil matters; it is also a Court of Appeal from the above-men-
tioned Court.
Courts of Appeal-were first established in the Colony in 1874,
consisting of any two of the judges sitting together.
By the Ordinance of 1875, which established the summary side
of the Supreme Court, a great modification was made in the
Courts of Eequests, and their jurisdiction was reduced from $50
to $10. In 1876, however, they were re-constituted on their
previous footing, and the Ordinance of 1878 left them undisturbed.
No Commissioners are appointed to preside over these Courts,
their administration being entrusted to the several magistrates of
police. Of late, however, an exception in this respect has been
made in Singapore, where an officer of Government has been
specially appointed to sit as Commissioner in the Court of
Bequests.
The first appointment of judges after the transfer was made
under the Ordinance of 1868, by which a chief justice for
Singapore and Malacca was appointed, residing at the former
place, and a judge for Penang.
The Courts’ Ordinance of 1878 has now finally fixed the
number at three, and the present establishment consists of a chief
justice resident at Singapore, and of two puisne judges, one
residing at Singapore and the other at Penang.
There were till recently two magistrates of police at Singapore,
but a third has now been appointed, there having been lately a
more than usually large amount of crime in the Colony.
The Straits Settlements form, as far as the Church of England.
Ecclesiastical.
59
Sec. L.
is concerned, part of the diocese of Labuan and Sarawak. The
bishop resides chiefly at the latter place. The civil establishment
of Singapore ineludes a Colonial chaplain (Church of England).
There are also in the island clergymen of various denomination s
(Church of England, Roman Catholic, Protestant and Armenian),
supported by different religious societies, or by private contri-
butions.
In 1873 an Inspector of Schools was appointed to superintend Education,
the education of the Colony. There were in 1881 twenty-two
schools in Singapore, - half of them English and half Malay,
attended by 2,192 scholarsA Some of them are entirely and some
partially supported by G-overnment. The grant for this purpose
amounted to $41,000.
The principal educational establishment is the Raffles Institu-
tion, founded by Sir S. Raffles for the cultivation of the languages
of China, Siam, and the islands of the Malay Archipelago. It
contains a library and museum.
These consist of a general hospital for Europeans and natives, Hospital* and
a Pauper Hospital for Chinese eoolies, a Lock Hospital, and a Asylum*.
Lunatic Asylum.
The largest of these institutions is the Pauper Hospital, which
has accommodation for 572 patients. It is supported partly by
Government, partly by bequest and voluntary contributions, and1
is managed by a Committee comprising some of the wealthiest
“ Tonkangs ” (Chinese headmen) in the island. The other Hospitals
are maintained entirely by Government. The General Hospital,
which is situated at Sepoy Lines, about 1£ mile from the town, is
not adequate to the wants of the Colony, and a new building is
about to be erected. Fees are charged to all patients in this
hospital who can afford 'to pay, ranging from $ 2 per diem for
European officers, to 6 cents per diem for police constables. The
Lock Hospital and Lunatic Asylum are reported to be not quite in a
satisfactory condition, and are at present engaging the attention of
Government with a view to their improvement.
A new prison, with accommodation for 720 inmates in separate priSOns.
cells, has lately been constructed at Pearl Hill, south-west of the
town.
The municipal affairs of the town of Singapore (e. g. conser- Municipal
vancy, lighting, water supply, maintenance of roads, &c.) are Commission,
managed by a body of Commissioners, who are empowered to levy
certain rates and taxes on property within the municipal boundaries
(see pages 29, 80). The Commissioners are subject, in regard to -ap-
pointments, the audit of accounts, and the imposition of taxes, &c.
to the supervision of the Local Government.
Crown land in the Island of Singapore is either held in fee Tenure of
simple, or on leases for a term which, with few exceptions, is land*
either 99 or 999 years. There are also some 60-year leases in the
town, and a few have been issued in the country for periods of
10 years, for gambier and pepper cultivation. About 5,000 acres
60
Sec. L.
Eelations
with the
native States.
Perak.
Selangor.
Simgei Ujong.
Eelations
with other
States, &c.
are held by squatters under permit from Government. All leases
in the country pay an annual quit rent of 30 eents per acre.
In consequence of the large amount of land alienated by grants
in fee simple previous to 1871, the permanent revenue from land
in Singapore is comparatively small.
The establishment of the residential system in the States of
Perak, Selangor, and Sungei Ujong, and the subsequent serious
disturbanees which took place in the first named, have been already
alluded to (see pages 52, 53).
Upon the restoration of order, the future government of these
States received the fullest attention of Her Majesty’s Government,
and the policy which was finally decided upon by the Secretary of
State is now being carried out.
Eaja Muda Yusuf, the next heir to the Sultanate of Perak,
after the deportation of Abdullah, was left at the head of affairs,
and a Eesident was appointed to his court to give influential and
responsible advice to lhm, to maintain peace and law, to initiate a
sound system of taxation, with the consequent development of the
resources of the country, and to supervise the collection of the
revenue.
To assist the Eesident in the due performance of these duties, a
mixed Council of State, consisting of some of the principal chiefs
and of the higher European officers of Government, has been
appointed, and in this Council the chief authority of the country
is vested.
The footing upon which the Government stands at present
with the chiefs of Perak is essentially a friendly one, and the
Begent’s two sons are at this moment receiving an education from
a Government schoolmaster. The prosperity of the State, which
is being rapidly opened up, is progressing satisfactorily.
The same form of government is in force in Selangor, which
country is still ruled by the old Sultan, Abdul Samat.
In Sungei Ujong, the chief ruler of which is the Datu Klana,
a Council has not yet been established, but in other respects the
form of government is similar to that of Terak and Selangor.
The Besidents are in direct subordination to the Secretariat in
Singapore, and receive from the Government of the Straits Settle-
ments all direetions as to the advice they are to tender; it is,
further, their duty to report to this Government all decisions
arrived at by the State Council of their respective States.
Officers are appointed by the State to exercise magisterial
funetions under the Eesident, but without other responsibility; the
only offieials recognised by treaty being the three Residents and
the assistant Eesident at Larut.
The Straits Settlements have no connection with any other
Government or Colony, except in regard to the special jurisdiction
of the supreme court, referred to at page 58.
Section M.-FINANCE.
Progress of Revenue and Expenditure.—Financial Situation
of the Colony.—Abstract of Eevenue and Expenditure
for 1881.—Explanation of Items of Eevenue and
Expenditure.—Military Expenditure.—Public Debt.—
Municipal Revenues.
Progress on Revenue and Expenditure.
The Eevenue of the Straits Settlements has grown with the Progress of
increase in the population, importance, and prosperity of the revenue and
Colony, and as appears from the subjoined statement continues to expcn 1 ure<
manifest a steady progress.
1871
Revenue.
81,403,703
Expenditure.
.. 81,254,111
1876
1,659,035
1,544,141
1877
1,723,466
.. 1,602,105
1878
1,724,466
1,597,811
1879
1,822,651
1,887,009
1880
2,361,300
2,433,821
2,038,947
1881
2,355,807
The revenue is mainly derived from lieenses for the sale of Principal
opium and spirits, and the only circumstance likely to affect it to source of
any considerable extent would be a large decrease in opium revenu0,
smoking by the Chinese population, which there seems no reason
to anticipate.
ISTo imperial contribution is received.
Financial Situation of the Colony.
The state of the finances of the Colony may be considered Financial
satisfactory, the expenditure for the last two years (1880-1), situation,
having been well within the revenue. The balance to the credit
of the Colony on the 1st January, 1882, was $875,604*, and as
will be seen (page 67), the public debt is small, and is in process
of reduction.
Malacca was long a drag on the colonial finances, but by
judicious management its affairs have now been brought into a
more prosperous condition, and the returns of the Settlement for
1880-81 show a fair excess of revenue over expenditure.
* From this balance bas, However, to be deducted a sum of #311,232. due to the
Imperial Government on account of the Perak War expenses.
Sec. M.
62
Abstract of Revenue for the Year 1881.
i
■4J
M
Heads of Revenue.
Singapore.
Penang.
Malacca.
Crown
Agents.
Total.
1
To Rand Revenue ..
8
70,495
$
55,057
$
73,164
9
&
198,716
2
„ Rents, exclusive of
1,301
4,389
876
,,
6,566
3
Bands.
„ Bicenses ..
823,550
657,525
101,747
1,582,822
4
„ Stamps ,. ..
138,394
77,973
11,018
,,
227,385
5
„ Port and Harbour
56,532
16,160
1,149
,,
73,841
6
Dues.
„ Postage ..
51,366
17,147
990
60,503
7
„ Fines, Forfeitures,
27,406
24,126
5,895
,,
57,427
8
and Fees of Court
„ Fees of Office ..
4,750
4,852
800
10,402
9
„ Reimbursements .
' 72,975
31,949
7,997
4,683
117,604
10
„ Sale of - Govern-
3,497
275
72
3,844
ll
ment Proper ty.
„ Interest ..
43,124
4,327
47,451
12
„ Miscellaneous Re-
3,686
515
15
4,216
13
eeipts.
„ Special Receipts..
19,469
13,441
1,135
34,045
Total Receipts ..
1,316,545
907,736
204,858
4,683
2,433,822
Abstract of Expenditure for the Year 1881.
i
W
Heads of Expenditure.
Singapore.
Penang.
Malacca.
Crown
Agents.
Total.
1
By Establisbments—
S
n
S
$
$
Salaries
390,336
212,710
76,672
33,005
712,723
Contingencics..
8,813
3,680
629
1,011
14,133
Total Establisbments
399,149
216,390
77,301
34,016
726,856
2
By Pensions
16,898
16,653
7,026
16,975
57,552
3
„ Revenue Services
20,470
2,867
6,061
6,115
35,513
4
„ Administration of Jus-
2,203
2,149
427
17
.4,796
tice.
5
„ Ecclesiastical..
144
672
249
» »
1,065
6
„ Charitable Alio wan ces
5,756
1,375
2,460
408
9,999
7
„ Education
41,799
8,882
10,557
1,324
62,562
8
„ Medical
40,485
23,554
6,017
9,505
79,561
9
„ Police ..
20,716
7,641
939
11,758
41,054
10
„ Gaols ..
29,534
17,992
3,726
464
51,716
ll
„ Marine Department.,
64,792
5,218
2,057
2,615
84,682
12
„ Conveyance of Mails..
13,704
953
262
29,600
44,519
13
„ Rent ..
3,217
1,864
840
,.
5,921
14
„ Transport .. ..
21,921
16,767
7,359
7,801
53,848
15
„ Interest «,. ..
6,575
,,
, ,
20,083
26,658
16
,, Miscellaneous Services
56,135
19,009
2,293
22,735
100,172
17
„ Works and Buildings.
362,841
101,176
12,085
12,355
488,457
63
Sec. M.
Abstract of Expenditure for the Year 1881—continued.
[ Item. |
Heads of Expenditure.
Singapore.
Penang.
Malacca.
Crown
Agents.
Total.
18
By Road s, Streets, and
Bridges.
941
32,603
22,259
••
55,803
19
„ Land and Houses pur-
chased.
600
600
20
„ Military Expenditure.
238,036
276
320
,.
239,232
21
„ Native States..
822
,,
822
22
„ Special Expenses
182,873
*393
1,154
••
184,420
Total Expenditure..
1,529,611
477,034
163,392
185,771
2,355,808
Explanation of Items of Revenue.
This item comprises land rents and committed tenths, premium
on leases, uncommitted tentlis (principally in Malacca), timber
royalty, fees of leases and registration, &c. (see Sec. L, page 59).
Under this head are included the sum received for letting out
certain Government bungalows, ferries, and public buildings, and
the rent paid for the regular hire of certain liouses belonging 16
Government.
This item produces about two-thirds of the total revenue of
the Colony. It is collected on a peculiar system, the privilege of
collecting the excise dues being farmed out, or sold to .the highest
bidder. This system of excise farming seems to have been first
adopted in the Indian Archipelago by the Dutch, who early found
it the only practicable method of collecting a tax upon the con-
sumption of luxuries in a Settlement possessing such a mixed and
extensive population as Singapore; and it was introduced by the
English into Penang shortly after the occupation of that island.
The “farms” now existing are four, viz., those of opium, spirits,
toddy and bhang, and pawnbrokers.
The Opium Farm, which is essentially a tax on the Chinese,
gives the exclusive right of retailing opium, and of preparing
chandoo and opium dross.
• The Spirit Farm confers the right to retail all licpiors contain-
ing alcohol, except toddy and bhang.
These two farms are let for a period of three years, from
lst January, 1880, at a rental of $1,510,740.
Toddy and Bhang are native indulgences. The farm produces
only a small sum.
Pawnbrohers are required by ordinance to take a license, paying
a fee, to be fixed by Government from time to time, and under
certain rules. The privilege is farmed out, and produces a revenue
of $70,968.
In the earlier days of the Settlement there existed a gambling
Land revenue.
Rents exclu-
sire of land.
Licenses.
Sec. M.
Stamps.
Port and
harbour ducs.
Postage.
Fines, forfei-
tures, and fees
of Court.
Fees of office.
Reimburse-
ment.
Sale of
Government
property.
Interest.
Miscellaneous
receipts.
Special
receipts.
Establish-
ments.
64
fann, which produced a rental even higher than that of opium.
This, however, was abolished in 1829, and has not since been
introduced, in spite of sundry agitations in its favour.
Consists of the proceeds of stamps used for commercial and
judicial purposes, the registration of vessels, &c. The stamp tax,
which is now a considerable source of revenue, was only introduced
in 1863, and although great outcries were at first made against it
by the mercantile community, it does not seem to have proved
any perceptible restraint on the business of the Colony.
Includes light dues at l^d. per ton for the maintenance of
lighthouses in the Straits, fees on the engagement or discharge of
seamen, on the survey of vessels, and on the registration of
boats, &e.
Derived from the sale of postage stamps, postage collections,
and miscellaneous receipts.
This consists chiefly of the fines and fees of the police magis-
trate’s court.
Chiefly derived from fees for pounding stray animals and
registration of hackney carriages.
The receipts under this head comprise:—
Sale of Bricks made in the Government brickyard, chiefly used
on public works, or sold at a profit of 10 per cent., $19,268.
Sale of Prison Manvfactures, $3,914.
Contributions from Municipalities.—The Governor and Legisla-
tive Council fix annually the sum which may be necessary for the
payment and maintenance of the police force ($50,600 in 1881).
Hire of Police to Private Persons.—Additional constables are
enrolled from time to time, as application may be made, to act as
guards or watchmen at the banks and large mercantile establish-
ments, and are hired out to the persons so applying for them at
such rates as will cover cost of pay, clothing, and accoutrements,
Hospital Charges Recovered.—(See Sec. L, page 59).
Survey Fees} School Fees, &c.
From sale of unserviceable stores, &c.
Interest on bank account s and deposits, on loans to native
States and to municipalities; profit on small silver coin issued at
par.
Principally revenue collected at Pulau Pangkor.
Fees under Contagious Diseases Ordinance, &c.
Explanation of Items of Expenditure.
P ay ments on account of fixed and provisional salaries,
allowances and office contingencies to the various Government
officials, as imc\er:—
65
Sec. M.
Civil, in eluding Governor, Lieut.-Governor, Resident Councillor,
Councils, Treasury, Audit Office, Public Works and Survey,
Harbour Department, Lighthouses, Government Yessels,*
Post Office, and Registration Department, &c. . ., ,,
Judicial, including Supreme Court, Attorney General’s Depart-
ment, Protector of Immigrant’s Department, Police Courts,
Courts of Requests, Sheriff’s Department, Coroner’s Depart-
ment .. ,. .. .. .. ,. .. ,.
Ecclesiastical .. .. ,. ,
Education . '
Medical .. .
Police..
Gaols .. .. ..
$
304,251
146,505
11,514
6,693
42,811
180,224
34,858
Total 726,856
Political pensions, the principal being one of $10,000 to the
Rajah of Kedah in consideration of: the'cession of Penang and
Province Wellesley, and Superannuation Allowanees.
Expenses of Surveys, Allowanees to Pengulus for collection of
Land'Revenue, Allowanees to extra Clerks, purchase of stamps, &c.
Pees to coroners, compensation, &c., to witnesses, serving
process, &c.
Grant-in-aid for providing Divine Service in Province
Wellesley, &c.
Gratuities to officers not entitled to pensions, relief of distressed
British subjects, grants to Benevolent Societies, &c.
Grants to schools.
Includes all expenses for the attendance on and maintenance
of patients in the different hospitals of the Colony.
Clothing and accoutrements for the whole Force/ extra pay to
detectives, pay of additional constables, lighting, conveyance of
witnesses, rations for prisoners, &c.
Rations and clothing for prisoners and warders, lighting,
materials for manufacture, medical comforts for gaol, hospital, &e.
Additional lights for the' Straits, Maintenance of lights, buoys,
beacons, Government vessels and boats, clothing, rations, fuel,
water, stores, &c.
Carriage and delivery of letters within the Colony, subsidies
for conveyance of Foreign inails, .&c. .
Rent of quarters for various Government officials.
Travelling allowanees and expenses of public officers.
Interest and sinking fund on loan, difference of exchange on
remittances to the Crown agents, &c.
Instruction and expenses of cadets, allowance for temporary
overseers, Public Works Department, stationery, expenses of Eire
Commissioners, grants to Library, Museum, Botanical and
Zoological Gardens, expenses of Immigration Agency, &e.
Comprises all expenses for the erection of new works and build-
ings, and for aiterations, additions and repairs to existing buildings,
&c. Of the amount charged under this head $23,451 wereexpended
for the upkeep of military posts and works.
Provides for the construction and upkeep of all roads, bridges,
E
Pensions.
Revenue
services.
Adminisfcra-
tion of justice.
Ecclesiastical.
Charitable
allowanees.
Education.
Medical.
Police.
Gaols.
Marine
Department.
Conveyance
of mails.
Rent.
Transport.
Interest.
Miscellaneous
services.
Works and
buildings.
Roads, streets,
and bridges.
Sec. M.
66
Imperial
military
expenditure.
Colonial mill-
tary Expendi-
ture.
&c., except those within a certain radius of the towns, which are
maintained by the several municipalities.
Military Expenditure:
(a) Imperial
Expenditure by the Army Pay Department in the Straits
Settlements during the year 1881:—
General staff and regimental pay, establishments, pensions, S
wages, &c. ., .« .4 •« .. .. . ♦ 194,077
Provisions, forage, fuel' and light, transport, clothing,
services and supplies, &c. .• •• ,, .. 111,154
Warlike stores.. «• .. «• •« «• ,, 4,194
Works and buildings .« *, * ,, ♦, 5,450
314,875
Payments to Her Majesty’s ships, &c. ,, .. ,, 110,814
Passages and freight ., •. »• •• . • .. 8,612 -
Total .. .. $439,301
Note.—The above is purely local expenditure, and does not include regimental
clothing, passage to and from England, &c.
(5) Colonial
The military expenditure of the Colony for the year 1881 was
as under:—*
(1) Annual contribution now paid to the Imperial
Government by the Colony towards the cost $
of the military stationed in the Straits* .. 235,976
(2) Upkeep of military posts and works.—The
cost of repairs to the barracks at Singapore,
Penang, and Malacca is chargeable to the
Colony:—f
Singapore *. . • .. .. $15,356
Penang ». ,. .. 7,433
■ Malacca •• «* •• .. 662
23,451
(3) Lodging allowance and rent of officer^
quarters:—*
Singapore .. ... ... $1,924
Penang 276
Malacca .« .. .. ,. 320
2,520
(4) Police guard at powder magazine, Sepoy
Lines, Singapore* .. .. ... 735
(5) Grant to Singapore Volunteer Corps :—J
Arms, equipment, clothing, ammunition,
&c. ♦» •« «• •• *« «• $ 29 »
Salary of drill instructors 600
629
Total .. .. $263,311
* Charged under Item 20, Abstract of Expenditure,
i* »> >> 17, ,, „
J 77 77' 16, ,, „
67
Sec. M.
Public Debt.
The Colony borrowed in 1877 a sum of £100,000 on 4| per
cent, debentures.
The debt is being gradually repaid by means of a sinking fund
at 5| per cent., and on the 31st December, 1881, had been reduced
to £77,100.
Municipal Seventies.
The Bevenue and Expenditure of the Municipalities of Singa-
pore, Penang, and Malacca, for the year 1881, were as follows-:—
■ $
Singapore .. .. .. Revenue .. 303,774
Expenditure . ♦ .. 287,469
Debt .. ♦. .♦ 120,000
Penang .. - «• .« Revenue .. - ,, .. 142,848
Expenditure • • • • 124,903
Debt 101,700
Malacca •» •• ♦ ♦ Revenue .. , * .. 29,986
Expenditure . * .. 21,462
Debt m.
The Municipal Bevenues are derived from the following
sources:—
Assessment on houses at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum.
„ „ lands „ 5 ,, ,,
Taxes on horses and vehicles.
Licenses on offensive and dangerous trades.
Water Bates (in Singapore and Penang).
Bent of markets, ghants, &c.
The expenditure of the Municipalities may be classed as
follows:—
General administration and conservancy.
Maintenance of roads, streets, and bridges within a certain
radius of the towns.
Contribution to Government towards maintenance of Police
Force (see Abstract of General Bevenue, Item 9).
Waterworks.
Works and Buildings, &c.
E 2
Municipal
revenue and
expenditure.
Sources of
municipal
, revenues.
Details of
expenditure
of munici-
palities.
68
Silver coins.
Copper coins.
Paper cur-
rencyv
Barter.
Commercial
weight.
Section N-MONEYS, WEIGHTS, AND MEASURED
CURRENCY.
All accounts are kept in dollars and cents. The rate of
exchange for the adjustment of Government accounts between
England and the Colony is 3s. 9d.
The silver coins in circulation are dollars and twenty, ten, and
five cent, pieces.
The dollar issued from Her Majesty’s mint in Hong Kong, and
the silver dollars of America, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, and
Japan are all counted a legal tender.
The silver coins representing fractional parts of a dollar form
a legal tender for any sum not exceeding two dollars.
The copper coins are cents, half, and quarter cents. They are
legal tender for any sum not exceeding one dollar.
The amount of coin in circulation cannot be ascertained.
The average amount of paper currency in circulation during
the year 1881 was—
Singapore.
Oriental Bank Corporation ,. . • .. .. ,. 303,537
Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London, and China .. 711,994
Chartered Bank of India, Australia, and China .. .« 869,183
Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation ,. .. 165,625
Penang.
Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London, and China ., 534,805
Chartered Bank of India, Australia, and China .« . ♦ 442,280
These banks are bound by the terms of their charters of
incorporation to maintain specie to the extent of one-third of the
amount of the issue of notes.
There is no system of barter in dealing with the natives for
their goods.
Weights.
Commercial Weight.
16 Tahil = 1 Kati « 1$ lbs. avoirdupois.
100 Kati = 1 Pikul « 133| „ „
3 Pikul = 1 Bhara ~ 400 „ „
* 40 Pikul *= 1 Koyan = 5,333§ „ „
Kor E.—The Kati of 1^ lbs. avoirdupois is known as the Chinese Kati. There
is another weight, known as the Malay Kati, which was probably the original
standard, and which is still in partial use at Penang. The weight is that of
24 Spanish dollars, or 9,984 grains. This gives 142 *628 pounds as the weight of
the Pikul, and 6705 ‘143 pounds as the weight of the Koyan.
69
Sec. N.
Cfoldsmiths9 Weight.
12 Saga » X Mayam = 52 grains.
16 Mayam * 1 Bongkal = 832 „ (two Spanisli dollara).
12 Bongkal *= 1 Kati = 9,984 „ (1 lb. 8 oz. 16 dwfcs.).
Opium Weight.
10 Tee — 1 Hoon. -
10 Hoon — 1 Chee.
10 Cbee = 1 Tahil.
Measures.
Measures of Capacity.
4 Pau ** 1 Chupak.
4 Cbupak = 1 Gantang,
10 Gantang — 1 Para,
f 16 Gantang fl Nalih.
< 10 Nalih «= 1 Kencha.
[ 5 Kencha « L1 Koyan,*
800 Gantang = 1 Koyan.*
20 Gantang of rice — 1 bag.
Note.—1The capacity of the Chupak is not uniform at the three Settlements.
The variations are shown in the following statement.
Contents in
Cubic Inches.
Weight of Contents
in Distilled Water
(Ounce Averdupois).
Singapore Chupak ,.
55 *455
32
Penang ,,
67 912
39 *188
Malacca „ .,
62 *386
36
English Quart . •
69 *3185
40
French Ditre .. ..
61 *028
35 *216
Long Measure.
_ The measure in use in the Settlements is the English yard
(termed the Ma), with its divisions and multiples. but the native
terms, as shown in the following table, are still in use.
4 Plempap = 1 Jenghal — 9 inches,
2 Jengkal = 1 Hasta = 18 „
4 Hasta =* 1 Depa — 72 „
2 Depa — 1 Jemba — 144 „
20 Jemba = 1 Orlong 2,880 „
Note.—The equivalents in inches as above stated are what are now attributed to
these terms, but originally the Jengkal had no more definite meaning than a span :
the Hasta was the length of the fore arm, and the Depa the stretch of the two arms,
Square Measure.
Land is measured by the English acre with its divisions, but
the native terms are still in use, as shown in the following table.
1 Square Jemba = 144 square feet.
400 Square Jemba =* l Square Orlong ~ li acre (nearly).
1 Delong ® 2,400 square feet.
24 Delong — 1 Square Orlong — li acre (nearly).
* Taking the Gantang at the dimensions given to it at Singapore and Penang,
no relation can be established between the Koyan of weight and the Koyan of
capacity.
Goldsmiths*
weight.
Opium
weight,
Measures of
capacity.
Dong
measure.
Square
measure.
70
Section 0,—AKMY.
[This Section, being very confidential9 is published separately.]
Section P.—NAVY.
[ This Section, being of a confidential nature, is published separately.]
72
Section Q.—BOOKS OF REFERENCE, &c.
Books.
Author, &c.
Title.
Remarks.
Admiralty ..
China Sea Directory ; published
by order of the Lords Com-,
missioners of the Admiralty.
2 yols. London, 1878.
Contains sailing directions for tho
Straits of Malacca, with detailed
information regarding the ap-
proaches to Singapore, Malacca,
Penang, &c.
Begbi© *.
The Malayan Peninsula, em-
bracing its History, Manners
and Customs of the Inhabi-
tants, Politics, Natural His-
tory, &c. By Captain J. P.
Begbie, Madras Artillery.
Madras, 1834.
Cameron «.
Our Tropical Possessions in
Malayan India: being a
Descriptive Account of Sin-
gapore, Penang, Province Wei-
lesley and Malacca, their
Peoples, Products, Commerce,
and Government. By John
Cameron, Esq., F.R.G.S.
London, 1865.
Crawfurd ,.
History of the Indian Archi-
pelago; containing an Account
of the Manners, Arts, Lan-
guages, Religious, Institutions,
and Commerce of its Inhabi-
tants. By John Crawfurd,
E.R.S. 3 vols. Edinburgh,
1820.
This hook was afterwards re-com-
piled and compressed into one
volume—Crawfurd’s Dictionary.
Crawfurd ..
A Descriptive Dictionary of the
Indian Island s and Adjacent
Countries. By John Craw-
furd, E.R.S. London, 1856.
A most useful work of reference
regarding all matter s—political,
geographical, or scientific—con-
nected with the Malayan
countries. Itincludes the whole
of Malay a, from Sumatra to
the Phillipines and New
Guinea. It must, however, be
stated that the author had, in
common with others in the
Straits in 1824, when he was a
resident, less acquaintance
with the Malay Peninsula than
with any of the other district*
which he describee.
73
Sec. Q.
Author, &c.
Title.
„Remarks..
Earl
The ’Eastern Seas; or, Voyages
and Adventures in the Indian
Archipelago in 1832, 33, 34 j
comprising a tour of the
Island of Java, visits to
Borneo, the Malay Peninsula,
Siam, &c,; also an account of
the present state of Singapore,
with observations on the com*
mercial resource s of the Archi*
pelago. By George Windsor
Earl, R.A.S. London, 1837.
Logan «.
The Journal of the Indian Archi-
pelago and Eastern Asia.
Edited by J. E. Logan, E.E.S.,
&c., &c. 12 vols. Singapore,
1847-62.
This is a valuable series of journals
ably edited by Mr. J. E. Logan,
who is generally held to be the
highest authority on all the sub-
jects upon which lie personally
wrote in this journal.
Both from his pen and from
other contributors a good deal
of information is to be obtained,
particularly in Vols. I. to III.,
respecting the physical geo-
graphy of the Peninsula, as well
as upon many other subjects of
a scientific character.
A complete index for the
whole series is now being under-
taken by the new branch of the
Asiatic Society established at
Singapore.
McNair
Perak and the Malay s; or,
Sarong and Kris. By Major
Fred. McNair, R.A., C.M.GK,
Colonial Engineer and Sur-
veyor-General, S.S., &c. Lon-
don, 1878.
*
Newb old ..
Political and Statistical Account
of the British Settlements in
the Straits of Malacca, viz.,
Penang, Malacca, and Singa-
pore, with a history of the
Malayan States on the Penin-
sula of Malacca. By I. J. New-
bold, Esq., Lieut. 23rd M.L.I.,
&c., &c. 2 vols. London, 1839.
This book still remains the stan-
dard work on Malacca and its
vicinity$ it contains a particu-
larly useful and reliable account
of the “Naning War,” as to
which the author, though not
himself engaged, had the best
means of forming an opinion.
Be was Btationed as staff officer
in the territory occupied imme-
diately after, and in consequence
of, the military operations.
Lieut. New bold is also con-
sidered a high authority on
matters connected with Malay
customs and traditions.
Sec. Q.
74
Author, &c.
Title,
Bern ark s.
Popham #..
A Description of Prince of
Wales Island in the Straits of
Malacca, with its real and pro-
bable advantages and sources
to recommend it as a marine
establishment. By Sir Home
Popham, Capt. P.R"., E.R.S.,
&c. London, 1805.
Raflles
Memoir of the Life and Public
Sermces of Sir Stamford
Baffles, E.R.S., &c., &c., par-
ticularly in the (Government
of Java, 1811-16 j Bencoolen
and its dependencies, 1817-
24 5 with details of the com-
merce and resources of the
Eastern Archipelago, &c. 2
vols. London, 1835.
Sherard-
Osborn
Quedah; or Stray Leaves from
a Journal in Malayan Waters.
By Captain Sherard-Osborn,
R.N., C.B., &c. London, 1857.
Straits Asiatic
Society
Journal of the Straits Branch
of the Boy al Asiatic Society.
Published half-yearly, Singa-
pore, from 1879.
This is a Journal of a new branch
of the Boyal Asiatic Society,
established in Singapore to-
wards the end of 1877. The
object with which it was pro-
moted was to collect and print
information regarding the Ma-
lay Peninsula and neighbour-
ing countries (Malayan), and
more especially in regard to the
little-known geography of the
Peninsula.
Considerable additions to the
knowledge we possess of Perak,
Pahang, and Johor, are to be
found recorded in the numbers
already published.
Sec. Q.
75
Official Publications.
Title.
Remarks.
Papers laid before Parliament
Correspondence respecting the Transfer of
the Control of the Straits Settlements,
from the India Office to the Colonial
Office. 1866.
Papers relating to Recent Proeeedings at
Selangor, consequent upon the seizure
by Pirates of a Junk, &c. 1872. Com,-
mand, 466.
Correspondence relating to the Affairs of.
certain Native States in the Malay Pen-
insula. 1874. Command, 1111.
Further Correspondence, &c. 1875. Com-
mandi 1320.
Contains despatches describing the
operation in Sungei Ujong in
1874.
Further Correspondence, &e. 1876. Com-
mand, 1505.
Contains despatches describing the
operations in Perak and Sungei
Ujong in 1875-6.
Further Correspondence, &o. 1876. Com-
mand, 1510.
Further Correspondence, &c. 1876. Com-
mand, 1512;
Contains despatches describing the
operations in Perak and Sungei
Ujong in 1875-6.
Further Correspondence, &c. 1877. Com-
mandy 1709.
Instruction to Residents, relating to the
protected Malay States. 1879. Com-
mand, 2410.
Papers relating to the protected Malay
States. 1881. Command, 3095.
Government ^Records, Straits Settlements.
Government Gazette. From 1862.*
Straits Settlements Blue Book. From 1867.
Issued annually at Singapore.
Contains detailed statements of
Legislative Council Papers. From 1867.
the Statistics of the Colony.
* Vide also “ Local Publications,” Sec. I., page 49.
76
Position,
Extent.
Mountains.
PENANG AND PROVINCE WELLESLEY.
Section A.—GEOGRAPHY.
PENANG. — Situation. — Extent. — Mountains. — Streams.:—
Physical Aspect.— Settlements.— Geology.—
Subdivision s.
PEOYIN CE WELLESLEY.—Situation.—Boundaries.—Extent.
Physical Aspect.—Bivers.—Subdivisions.
The most northerly of the three Settlements is Penang, eon-
sisting of the island of that name, and the Province of Wellesley
on the adjoining mainland.
Penang.
The Island of Penang, or Prince of Wales* Island, called also
by the Malays Pulau Pinang, from the resemblance which they
think it bears to the areca or betel nut, lies in lat. 5° N. and
long. 100° 21' E. (site of the capital). It is about 15 miles long
and varies in breadth from 12 miles at its northern end to about
8 miles at its southern extremity; its area is 68,402 acres. It is
separated from the mainland by a channel about two miles wide
only, opposite the north-eastern part of the island, but gradually
opening out to the southward till it attains a maximum width of
eight or nine miles. In the southern part of the channel is the
lofty and thickly wooded Island of Jeraga, separated from Penang
by a deep but narrow strait.
The Island of Penang is very hilly. Its interior may be said
to consist of a mass of hills which rise steeply from the water’s
edge in the north-east,.gradually increase in height towards the
centre, and then decline in elevation as they approach the
south-western extremity. The highest peaks are West Hill, 2,713
feet, Bel Betiro or Government Hill, 2,550 feet, and Mount Elvira,
2,384 feet.
On both sides of this range level plains extend to the coasts.
The plain on the east side, called the Valley, is nearly three miles
in breadth, and on it is situated the capital, George Town. That
on the west side is less extensive.
77
Sec. A.
There is no river of any magnitude, but several streams of -Stream^
excellent water descend from the hills into the sea. The principal
are the Penang Eiver which waters the Valley and falls into the
harbour a little south of George Town, the Cluang, near the mouth
of which James Town is built, and the Soonghy Eusa which waters
the western plain.
The plains as well as the hills, where cultivation does not Physical
interfere, are clothed with jungle brushwood, with here and there aspect’
a patch of the tall forest trees which once covered the whole
island. A belt of cocoa-nut trees fringes the shore, and scattered
over the island are groves of the areca palm.
The east side of the island is low and swampy and well
adapted for rice cultivation; the southern and western valleys are
drier, and laid out in pepper and spice plantations. The slopes of
the hills are in great part cleared and planted with nutmegs and
cloves, and on the summits of many stand the bungalows of the
European residents.
. Besides the capital, George Town, there is only one consider- Settlements.
able assemblage of houses, called James* Town on the sea-shore,
opposite the Island of Jeraga, but numerous small villages and
Malay “Topes” are scattered over the island, especially on the
east and south sides, often beautifully situated on the coast or
amidst spice groves in the valleys.
The hills of Penang are composed entirely of a fine grey Gteology*
granite, except some near the coast which consist of laterite. The
subsoil of the valleys and plains is formed by the decomposition
of the rock below, and of detritus washed down from the
mountains.
Penang is divided into four districts, viz; Tanjong Penagri Sub-dmsions.
Tanjong Tokong, Baian Lepas, and Balik Pulau.
Pkovince Wellesley.
Province Wellesley is a tract of territory on the mainland, Situation,
opposite to Penang, extending about 45 miles along the coast, and
from 8 to 10 miles inland.
It is surrounded by the country of Kedah on the north and Boundaries.
east, and by the State of Perak on the south. On the north it is
separated from Kedah by the Mudah river, and till lately the
Krian formed its southern boundary; but within the last few
years a district south of this river, called the Transkrian, was
ceded to England, and now forms part of the Province.
The area of the territory between the Mudah and Krian rivers Extcnt*
is 151,000 acres, and that of the Transkrian district, 30,000,
making a total of 181,000 acres.
Three-fourths of the Province consists of an alluvial plain only Physical
some few feet above the level of the sea, very fertile and cultivated aspec *
for sugar and rice. The highest hill is that of Martagani, 800 feet,
about the centre of the country. The whole of the coast line is
lined by a shoal mud-bank.
78
Sec. A.
Eivera. • Province Wellesley is watered by several rivers, five of winch
are of considerable yolume. Their banks are fringed with
Mangrove swamp.
The Mudah, which forms the northern - boundary of the
territory, is its largest river. Even at its lowest, it is a consider-
able stream. Between the Mudah and the Pry, which disembogues
nearly opposite to George Town, are several creeks or streams
which permit small boats to reach the native villages that line
their banks.
The Pry is over 200 yards wide at its mouth, and, though
obstructed by a bar, is navigable by vessels drawing 10 or 12 feet
of water for nearly 10 miles inland. At this point it suddenly
changes from being over 50 yards in width, to a narrow creek,
encumbered by falling trees and brushwood. Near its mouth, on
the northern side, stands Pry Town, and numerous small villages
line its banks further inland.
About four miles south of the Pry is the Jitru River, which is
about 100 yards wide at its mouth, but rapidly diminishes until
at a mile from the sea it becomes a narrow and unnavigable creek.
The bar at its mouth too blocks it except to boats.
Four miles further south, behind the two steep islets of North
Kra and South Era, and skirting the northern slope of the small
promontory of Batu Kawan, is the mouth of the Junjong River,
which is navigable to boats about a mile up.
The Krian River has a large volume of water and is navigable
for a considerable distance beyond the British inland boundary,
affording a valuable outlet to the products of the native States of
the interior. There is a depth of water of not less than 2 fathoms
over the bar at low tide, and from 3 to 5 fathoms inside.
Off the rivers enumerated are numerous tributaries or creeks. .
Sub-diyisions. Province Wellesley is divided into the following five districts :
Mudah, Telok Ayar Tawar, Pry, Juru, and Transkrian.
79
SectionB—HARBOURS, ROADSTEADS, &c.
Penang Haeboue. — Anchoeage. — Tides. — Appeoaches. —
Poet of Geoege Town.—Coast of Penang.—Poet of
Peovince Wellesley. — Coast of Peovince Wellesley.
—Chaet.
The almost land-locked strait which separates Penang from Penang
Province Wellesley forms the common harbour for both places, in }iaTbour*
so far at least as the larger shipping is concerned, each having its
own landing place and port for small vessels, the former at George
Town and the latter at Pry Town.
The harbour or roadstead is of great extent, with good and
secure anchorage; its waters are placid almost throughout the
entire year, the periodical monsoons being only slightly felt, and
the winds partaking more of the character of land and sea
breezes.
As a commercial and maritime station, Penang has many
advantages. It serves as an entrepot for the various products of
China, the Eastern Islands, and the Straits, the native merchants
from which take back in return British and Indian goods. There
is always to be found in it a large fleet of vessels of every rig.
During the Burmese war, Penang formed a rendezvous for the
British Squadron in the Indian seas, for which purpose its
position, salubrity, and abundant supplies made it well adapted.
The Dutch, in the Acheen war, obtained nearly all their supplies
here. ^ ,
Vessels usually ride at anchor nearly opposite George Town, Anchorage.
Here there are soundings of from 12 to 14 fathoms in mid-
channel, 6 or 7 fathoms near the Malay shore, and 9 or 10
. fathoms near the Fort Point, which has deep water quite close to
it. The best anchorage for a large ship is about a quarter of a
mile to the southward of the Point, in 10 or ll fathoms of water,
and for smaller vessels closer to the town. The usual anchorage
for men-of-war is some little distance .to the north of the Point, in -
about 12 fathoms of water.
In addition to this, the usual roadstead, the entire extent of
the bag-like channel to the southward of George Town, as far as
the extremity of the island, offers a secure and favourable haven.
The tides are more regular on both sides of the Point than Tides.
immediately abreast of it. During the “ springs ” they rise 9 feet
and run 3 knots an hour. During “ neaps ” the rise is 7| feet.
When storms rage at sea the tides are affected and'become
irregular in their course through the Strait, sometimes running for
Sec. B.
80
Approaches to
the harbour.
Port of
Q-eorge Town.
Coast of
Penang.
Port of
Province
Wellesley.
Coast of
Province
Wellesley.
several days with great rapidity in one direction and then
changing to the other.
The northern approach to the roadstead is safer and easier
than the southern one, especially for large vessels. These
accordingly, when leaving the harbour generally go out by the
north channel, even when bound to the southward. The south
channel is marked out by two lines of beacons, white on the east
side and red on the west. Its greatest breadth navigable for
vessels drawing 18 feet of water is little over 2,000 yards.
There is no wharf, or pier at George Town at which large ships
can lie, cargo being loaded and discharged by means of lighters.
It was at one time contemplated to form here an extensive arsenal
and ship-building yard, and about the beginning of the present
century several vessels were built at George Town, but the project
was ultimately abandoned. The present small jetty is quite made-
quate to the requirements of the place, and it • is contemplated to
construct a suitable wharf.
But little coal is kept at Penang.
Almost the whole of the eastern coast of Penang is lined with
soft mud banks which are dry at low tide, and, as the sea is usually
quite calm, there is but little difficulty in landing from boats
almost anywhere between the N.E. and S.E. points of the island.
Most of the streams, even at low water, keep open a channel
through the mud-banks practicable for small boats. A good road
runs north and south from George Town close along the shore to
both extremities of the island.
The harbour of Province Wellesley is Pry Town, at the mouth
of the river of that name. It possesses a dock capable of taking
in vessels of moderate size, having a length of 250 feet, width at
entrance of 40 feet, and depth of 17 feet.
The Pry is navigable by vessels drawing 10 or 12 feet of
water for a few miles inland, and was formerly a favourite resort
of pirates.
The shores of Province Wellesley are, like the eastern coast of
Penang, low and easy of approach in small boats; but the swampy
nature of much of the country near the coast renders communica-
tion inland somewhat difficult except by the waterways offered by
the rivers and streams.
The chart of Penang Harbour (No. 1366) is on a scale of
T»ooo> corrected up to 1879.
Charts.
81
Section C.—COMMUNICATIONS.
PENANG-.—Roads.—Rivers.— Telegrapiis.— Mail Service.—
Transport Animals and Vehicles.
PROVINCE WELLESLEY.—Roads.—Rivers.
Penang.
Roads.
Penang possesses an excellent system of road communication E0ad?,
throughout the whole of the cleared parts of the island. Nearly
all the roads are metal led, and fchey are for the most part planted
on either side with rows of Angsana or other shady trees, which
afford a grateful protection from the rays of the sun.
The main thoroughfares are—
(1) Prom George Town to Government Hill and West Hill.
Por some distance from the town, neat little Malay cotta ges
with enclosures of fruit-trees, cocoa-nut and sugar-canes are passed.
Further on, though lying back from the road, are the large nut-
meg plantations of the Ayer Itam and Ayer Rajah estates*.
About three miles out a smaller road diverges, and here an hotel
has been built. From this point the ascent to Goverment Hill
beeomes steep and winding, very difficult for wheeled carriages of
any kind. Half-way up this steep ascent a branch road diverges
to the left, and windsup to the Highlands of Scotland (1,724 feet),
the main road continuing upwards through a ravine with wooded
hills on either side until the Bel Retiro or Government Hill
(2,550 feet) is reached. The distance from George Town is about
6 miles. On the top of the hill are situated a Government house,
a convalescent bungalow, and about a dozen merchants’ bungalows.
Prom this point there is a very extensive view, extending over
great part of the island and the roadstead, with the shores and
level plains of Province Wellesley beyond.
From Government Hill the road sweeps round the head of a
deep valley to West Hill, the highest point in the island
(2,713 feet).
(2) Another excellent road runs along the whole eastern coast,
northward from George Town to Mount Erskine and Tekoos Bay,
and southward from George Town through Glugar Ooban and
James Town to the southern coast. This road passes over level
F
Sec. C.
82
Railways.
ground, and gives access to the spice plantations and rice fields
which cover almost the whole eastern side of the island.
(3) A third road leads out from George Town between the two
just described, and passing through the gap which separates Mount
Elvira from the Pentland Eidges, goes on to China Bazaar in the
centre of the western plain. Thence it continues round the foot
of the Southern Eidge until it joins the East Coast Eoad.
(4.) Another road traverses the Ayar Ettam Valley, joining at
both ends the central road just described.
Besides these main thoroughfares there are many roads of less
consequence, especially in the vicinity of the town.
Railway s.
There are no railways existing or proposed.
Rivers and Canals.
The rivers of Penang are small, and of no importance as means
of communication, except that their mouths, in most cases, offer
favourable landing places for small craft.
There are no canals.
Telegraphs.
Penang has telegraphic communication with India on the one
hand and with Malacca and Singapore on the other, and, through
them, with Europe and Australia. There are also small local lines
for the convenience of the port and the public.
Mail Service.
The mail service to Europe, Ceylon, and China is by the
P. and 0. steamers, which touch once a fortnight; to Calcutta, by
the British India Company’s steamers, also once a fortnight, &c.
(see also page 23). Local steamers run to Singapore five times a
week.
Transport Animals and Vehicles,
A return of transport animals and vehicles for the fctraits
Settlements has been given under (Singapore, Sec. C, pages 24-25).
For use on the Peninsula, elephants can be obtained from the chief s
of the country.
Province Wellesley.
Roads.
Since the territory came into British possession it has been
largely intersected with roads, the chief of which run longitudinally
from Pry Town to the northern and southern boundaries. From
them branch off numerous minor roads, running towards the beach
on the one hand and towards the eastern boundary line on the
other. The trunk roads are metalled. The traffic on the cross
roads is not sufficient to warrant so large an expenditure.
There are, in many places along the roads, good encainping
grounds on the high sandy ridges which cross the plains.
Rivers.
The rivers in Province Wellesley (see page 93) are the chief
highways of the country.
Boats and steam launches are readily procurable. During the
Perak war, however, it was found necessary to have flat-bottomed
boats constructed at Singapore for the shallows of the Perak
river.
Railways.
There are no railways; conveyance by water being $o easy
they are scarcely wanted.
Telegraphs and Mail Service.
As for Penang (see page 82\
84
Georg# Town.
Street#.
Public
building#.
Water supply.
Sanitary
arrangement#.
Section D.—TOWNS.
George Town.—James Town.—Pry Town.
The only place of importance in Penang is the capital, pro-
perly styled George Town, but more generally known by the
name of the Island. It is situated on the north-eastern angle of
the island at the narrowest part of the Strait. The site of the
town is a perfectly level sandy plain. It occupies an area of
480 acres.
Of late years great improvements have been made in the
laying out of the streets. These are straight, wide, and at right
angles ; the principal thoroughfares being parallel to the sea front,
with minor streets branching off from them. The houses are
generally two-storied and brick-built, with tiled roofs, like those of
Singapore, but the town is perhaps less compact and more diver-
sified—small attap-covered native huts being frequently close to
handsome European buildings.
Port Cornwallis occupies a point at the northern end of the
town. Adjoining it' are the public buildings; then come the
English merchants’ houses of business and the Chiriamen’s Euro-
pean stores, and beyond them are streets of Chinese shops and
Klings’ bazaars. The European Government officials and mer-
chants reside in bungalows, which stretch along the beach north-
wards from the fort.
The principal public buildings are—a handsome church, an
Armenian chapel, two Eoman Catholic chapels, a court-house,
Government offices, a town hall (in course of erection), a public
school, a civil hospital, a poor-house, four markets (these are
indifferent). A new gaol is being built, which will give cellular
accommodation for 200 prisoners. There are also various military
buildings, as barracks, hospital, &c., which will be further referred
to under Section E.
Water from a mountain spring is led into the town in iron
pipes, and is laid on in the streets.
The sanitary arrangements are under the control of the muni-
cipality. Efficient drainage is rendered difficult by the flatness of
the site of the town, as also by the occasional spring tides which
flush the leading drains and prevent their emptying.
Along the sides of some of the chief streets in the native part
of the town run stone-built gutters from 1 to 2 feet in width and
depth, which are ostensibly for the purpose of rapidly draining the
streets after the heavy showers which are so frequent here, but
which are actually used for the temporary lodgment of house
85
Sec. D.
refuse, which is removed on occasion by a numerically insufficient
staff of town scavengers. One of the chief safeguards against the
collection of much putrescent material in and about the buildings
is to be found in the value which the Chinese agriculturist puts
upon it, so that private cnltivators arrange with the house owners
to remove their refuse regularly.
Although Penang cannot be considered, from a sanitary
point of view, a clean town, it does not appear to be liable to
epidemics.
The population of the town, according to the census of 1881, Inhabitant*,
was 43,565, comprising 211 Europeans and Americans, 26,716
Chinese, 9,919 natives of India, 2,923 Malays, &e. (see page 96).
Malays chiefly occupy the country districts.
The municipal affairs of Penang are managed by a local board, Municipal
which has a similar constitution to that of Singapore (see page 29.) 1DStltutlon9‘
The only other place of any importance is James Town, a con- James Town,
siderable native village situated on the sea shore, opposite to the
Island of Jeraja. Scattered over the island are numerous small
native hamlets, with occasionally a cluster of plantation buildings.
Province Wellesley.
There are no towns in Province Wellesley. The chief place is Pry Town.
Pry Town, situated on the right bank of the river of that name
near its confluence with the sea, but at present it is scarcely more
than a mere village. As mentioned in Section B, a dock has been
construeted at the mouth of the river.
86
Section E-FORTS, ARSENALS, STORES,
BARRACKS, &c.
[ This Section, being considered verg confidential is published
separately.]
87
Section F.-DOCKYARDS AND NAVAL
ESTABLISHMENT^
[This Section, being of a confidential nature, is puhlished separately^
Section G-.—CLIMATE.
Seasons.
Rainfall.
Range of
thermometer.
Climate as
affecting
health.
Sanitaria,
PENANG— Seasons.—Rainfall. — Range of Thebmometeb.—
Climate as Affecting Health.—Sanitabia. •
PROVINCE WELLESLEY.—Climate.—Abstract of Meteoro-
LOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Owing to the vicinity of Penang to the Bay of Bengal, the
influence of the regular monsoons is more distinctly felt there
than at any of the other Straits Settlements.
The prevailing winds are therefore north-east from November
to March, and south-west from May to September.
The rainy season is from September to November ; but neither
rains nor droughts are of long continuance, for refreshing showers
fall at short intervals throughout the year, except during January,
February, and March.
The annual rainfall on the plains rarely exceeds 65 inches, that
on the hills generally measures over 100 inches; the average for
the whole island is about 75 inches.
In the highlands the thermometer ranges from 64° to 76°, and
in the plains from 76° to 90°, the mean temperature of the island
being 82°.
The lowland or “ valley of Penang does not compare advan-
tageously in point of climate with either Malacca or Singapore;
but except in a few places it is considered to be healthy. An
invigorating sea-breeze is to be felt throughout the year in the
fort and along the beach to the north-west of it. Further inland
the air circulates much less freely, and in some of the more
confined valleys malaria prevails. The inland houses, however, if
open and well ventilated, are cool and refreshing at night.
On the high grounds only six miles from the town the climate
is most invigorating and eminently healthful; it is said to
xesemhle very much that of Madeira.
Penang is not subject to epidemics. Cholera is unknown, and
dysentery is infrequent. The liability to liver disease is probably
less than in England. In some of the low-lying places ague
prevails. Lepers are numerous.
On the top of Penang Hill is a convalescent bungalow, at an
altitude of 2,700 feet above sea level. It has been recommended
that a sanatarium should be established here for the treatment of
invalid soldiers from Burmah, Singapore, and Hong Kong, for
which the climate appears to be admirably suited.
Sec. Gr.
S9
Province Wellesley.
The climate of Province Wellesley is hot, the mean tempera-
ture being about 80°, but on the whole is not unhealthy, at least
near the coast; further inland malarious fever is said to prevail.
Eain falls in quantities nearly as great as on the hills of
Penang, though there are occasional and pretty long droughts. A
heavy and refreshing dew can always be depended upon at night
time, even in the hottest weather and during the longest droughts.
Climate.
Abstract of Meteorological Observation^ at Penang for the Year 1881.
Montha.
Barometrical Readings
corrected and reduced
to 32° F.
Hygrometer.
Self-Registering Thermometer.
Rainfall
during the
Month
(Central
Prison).
9 a.m.
3 p.m.
9 p.m.
Maximum in
Sun’s Rays
on Grass.
Minimum on
Grass.
Maximum in
Shade.
Minimum in
Shade.
9 a.m.
3 p.m.
9. p.m.
Dry.
Wet.
Dry.
Wet.
Dry.
Wet.
Inches.
Inches.
Inches.
°F.
°F.
°F.
°F.
°F.
°F.
°F.
°F.
°F.
°F.
Inches.
J muary
30*033
29*987
30*030
81*1
78*1
86*2
79*2
79*4
77 *5
156 *2
65 *8
89 *5
73*1
1*22
iebruary
30*032
29*970
30*030
83*1
79*6
86*9
80*6
80*9
79 *0
159 *0
65*8
92*9
75*0
2*09
March .........
30*020
29*900
30 *035
83 *7
80*1
87 *0
82 *2
81*1
79*0
159*6
63 *5
92 *7
75*1
5*44
Apri ..
30*012
29*934
30*032
84*0
80*7
87 *4
82*8
80*5
78*5
159 *9
65 *5
91*4
78*1
8*97
May
29*978
29*948
29 *980
82*7
80*3
86 *2
83 *6
79*2
77*3
152*9
90 *7
79*6
9*03
June..
29*308
29 *934
29*994
84*3
82*0
86*4
83 *8
80*7
78*3
147 *9
89 *5
79 *0
4*85
July
29 *968
29 *595
30*025
83*0
80 *0
85*7
80*8
80 *8
78 *5
148*1
89*1
75*4
9*63
August.
29*957
29 '895
29*970
83 *0
80*8
85*8
83*3
80*0
77*9
155*8
89 *2
75*1
5*64
September ...
29 *965
.29 *931
30*014
83*0
80 *G
84*6
82*2
80*5
77*9
146*6
87 *3
75 *3
14*57
October ......
80*003
29 *928
30 *024
82 *3
79*7
84 *4
81*8
80 *5
77*2
144*8
87*1
74*4
21 *54
November ...
29*901
29*887
30*000
83*6
81*2
86 *3
82*9
80*8
78*0
154*1
89*1
74*4
8*36
December ...
29*941
29 *900
30*014
83*7
80*9
85*7
82*6
80*3
77 *3
147 *2
89*3
74*1
9*46
The Barometrical readings are corrected and reduced to 32° F. from the 17th February.
Average daily maximum temperature in sun for the year 152*3°
„ „ shade „ 89*8
„ mean nightly temperature for the year ... 75*7
Total
100*80
O
Sec. a
91
Section H.-AGRICULTUKE, PRODUCTIONS,
TRADE, &c.
Agriculture and Vegetable Productions of Penang.—Ditto
of Province Wellesley. — Agricultural Statistics. —
Domestic Animals.—Wild Animals.—Birds.—Keptiles.—
Fish, Crustacea and Mollusca.—Fisheries.—Supplies.—
Minerals.—Manufactures.—Trade.—Shipping.
The soil of Penang is, on the whole, favourable for the culti-
vation of almost all kinds of tropical productions, and yields
abundantly.
Rice is sown in the wet season, and is reaped in February or
March; in seasons sufficiently moist, the seed often yields seventy-
five fold; in unsuccessful years the defieiency in rice is made up
for by plantains and bananas. Maize is the only other cereal
cultivated. Some spices, in particular, seem to flourish here
better than in any other part of the world; nutmegs, cloves,
peppers, pimento, and ginger grow luxuriantly, and two crops of
pepper are gathered annually, one in January and the other in
June. Tobacco, coffee, and cotton are raised only for home
consumption. The cocoa-nut and areea-nut are largely cultivated.
The sugar-cane thrives, and the tea-plant grows wild.
Many of the ordinary kitchen vegetables of Europe are
abundant and cheap; native products include yams and sweet
potatoes, and amongst fruits the mangosteen, rambutan, durian,
guava, pineapple, orange, lime, mulberry, grape, &c.
Amongst large timber trees are the teak, murhowe, wood-oil or
dammer tree, caoutchouc, cypress, and numerous varieties of
bamboos and rattans, besides curious and gigantic ferns.
Province Wellesley is the most productive of the British
possessions in the Straits, possessing many tracts of the richest
alluvial soil well suited for the growth of cereals. A few sandy
strips also occur, especially well calculated for cocoa-nut cultiva-
tion. Its vegetable and agricultural products are very similar to
those of Penang, the principal being rice, pepper, sugar, cocoa-nuts,
betel-nuts and tapioca. An attempt has recently been made with
some success to cultivate the tea-plant.
The following details, regarding the agriculture of the Settle-
ment, are taken from the Colonial Blue Book for 1881:—
Agriculture
and vegetable
productions
of Penang
Island.
Agriculture
and vegetable
productions
of Province
Wellesley.
Agricultural
statistics.
Sec. H.
92
Domestic
animal s.
Wild animal?.
Bird?.
Reptiles.
Pish,
Cultivated and Uncultivated Land.
—
Estimated
Acreage of
Cultivated Land.
Estimated
Acreage of IJn-
cultivated Land. :
Estimated
Acreage of the
Colony.
Penang and Province Welles-
168,190
51,212
219,402
ley.
Trans Krian..
• •
• *
10,800
Nature and Extent of Crops.
—
« <u
fee >
O
|o
*§
Padi.
Fruit-trees,
Cocoa-
nuts, and
Gardens.
Betel
nut.
Tapioca.
Sugar
cane. ;
Kumber of
Acres in
Crop.
Penang Island .
Province Wei-
lesley.
Acres.
700
Acres.
9,000
45,000
Acres.
22,000
25,000
Trees.
500,000
500,000
AcreB.
nil.
1,600
Acres.
500
10,000
] 178,000,
> including
Transhrian.
In 1881 there were produced in Province Wellesley 31,000
pikuls of tapioca, and 164,000 pikuls of sugar-cane.
Buffaloes and cattle are extensively reared for dairy or farm
purposes, and hogs in great numbers hy the Chinese for food.
Sheep cannot be reared, but are imported. Poultry are plentiful,
especially in Province Wellesley.
The return of stock for 1881 was as follows:—
Horses. Horned Cattle. Sheep. Goats.
Penang Island , • .. 849 2,627 78 2,015
Province Wellesley ,. 354 6,968 49 2,624
Por details of transport, see Table, pages 24-25.
The last tiger in the island was killed some 25 years ago.
Civets and wild eats, monkeys, lemurs, bats, otter, deer, wild oxen,
and pigs are abundant. In Province Wellesley the elephant,
rhinoceros, and tiger are common.
Pelicans, pea-fowl, adjutants, &c., are native, as are a great
variety of small birds of brilliant plumage, the preparation of
which for export to England forms a somewhat important branch
of native industry. Quail are to be found wherever there is room
for them. Excellent snipe shooting is to be bad during five
months of the year in the island and in the province.
Small snakes are rarely seen in Penang, but the boa is not
uncommon. Numerous varieties of snakes, poisonous and other-
wise, are said to be found in Province Wellesley. The sea and
river turtle is abundant in Penang, the eggs are much prized by
the natives.
The eoast abounds with fish, shell-fish and cmstaceans in great
93
Sec. H.
variety, including pomfret, sole, flounder, whiting, mullet, shark,
skate, &c.; oysters and other descriptions of shell-fish, crabs,
lobsters, slirimps, &c.
The number of fishing-boafcs registered in 1881 was 2,498.
The take was estimated at 107,000 tons, valued at $14,390,000.
Penang is the great centre for supplies which come in from
Kedah and other native States. Fuel and forage can be had in
abundance after due notice. During the Aeheen War, the Dutch
obtained nearly all their supplies here, which appear to have
been equal to the demand for their army and navy. Por average
price of provisions, see Table, pages 43, 44.
Tin-ore is said to be abundant in Penang, but does not seem to
be worked. A whitish clay of decomposed felspar, and well
adapted for making 'kaolin pottery is very plentiful.
In Province Wellesley there are numerous manufactories for
the preparation of indigo, oil, and sugar.
For average rate of wages, see Table, page 44.
Soon after its establishment, Penang supplanted Malacca as a
commercial centre. It rapidly acquired a monopoly of the trade
of the Malayan Peninsula and Sumatra, and had also a large traffic
with China, Siam, Borneo, the Celebes, and other places in the
Archipelago not reduced to mercantile subjection by the Dutch.
No sooner, however, was Singapore established, than Penang, in
its turn, dec-lined in importance, as the greater part of ‘the
extensive Eastern trade centered at Singapore, and Penang came
to depend chiefly on the local trade.
During the last 30 years the commercial activity of Penang
has, as will be seen from the annexed statement, greatly inereased,
principally in consequence of the opening out of the extensive tin
mines in Larut, Selangor, &e.
Year. Imports. Exports.
£ £
1833 ........ 427,000 440,000
1843 473,000 549,000
1853 725,000 ........ 962,000
1863 1,684,000 2,392,000
1871 3,587,000 3,682,000
1879 3,903,000 4,238,000
1880 3,698,000 • 3,719,000
1881 ........ 3,842,000 3,000,000
Like Singapore and Malacca, Penang is a free port. The only
tax to which shipping is liable consists of a very moderate one of
3 cents per ton register, in support of lighthouses.
The trade of the Settlement is chiefly that of transit between
Great Britain, British India, and British Burmah on the one hand,
and the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, China, and Sumatra on the
other. The following details are taken from the Straits Settle-
ments Blue Book for 1881:—
Great Britain.
Imports, $3,200,000.—Specie, cotton goods, and various manu-
factured articles.
Crustacea,
mollusca.
Fisher lea.
Supplies.
Mine rais.
Manufac*
tures.
Trade.
Sec. Hr
94
Shipping.
Exports, $2,400,000.—Tin, sugar, spiees, tobacco, gutta-percha
and india-rubber, &c.
British India.
Imports, $2,600,000.—Cotton goods, rice, &c.
Exports, $1,100,000.—Spiees, tin, &e.
British Burmah.
Imports, $2,400,000.—Rice, &c.
Exports, $1,100,000.—Silks, sugar, cocoa-nuts, &c.
Malay Peninsula.
Imports $4,000,000.—Tin, &c.
Exports, $2,500,000.—Opium, specie, rice, &c.
Singapore and Malacca.
Imports, $2,100,000.—Cotton goods, specie, tobacco, &c*.
Exports, $2,400,000.—Tin, rice, spiees, copperas, &e.
China.
Imports, $3,100,000.—Silks, specie, wheat, tea, &e.
Exports, $1,400,000.—Tin, sugar, spiees, &e.
Sumatra.
Imports, $1,700,000.—Spiees, tobacco, rattans, gutta-percha, &c.
Exports, $3,500,000.—Specie, rice, cotton goods, cattle, swine
and poultry, &c.
Comparative Statement of Vessels entered at the Port of
Penang for the years 1879, 1880, and 1881.
Square-rigged vessels.
Native craft.
Tear
Sailing vessels.
Steamers,
Total.
Number.
Tonnage.
Number.
Tonnage.
Number.
Tonnage.
Number.
Tonnage.
1879
319
70,386
1,397
828,144
1,716
898,530
1,881
53,023
1880
207
50,973
1,453
894,294
1,660
945,267
1,870
51,239
1881
155
39,617
1,518
920,522
1,673
960,139
1,213
33,253
Of the 1,673 vessels entered during 1881,1,456 were British,
100 Dutch, 47 Siamese, and 33 German.
95
Section I—INHABITANTS.
Population of Penang.—Ditto of Province Wellesley.—Peri-
ODICAL PUBLICATIONS.—DISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION.
The census returns of Penang and Province Wellesley, like
those of Singapore, show a steady increase of population
In 1824 the numbers were
1834
1844
1854
1864
1871
1881
.. 48,500
.. 82,000
,. 94,000
.. 113,000
.. 127,000
.. 133,000
.. 188,245*
Penang.
The population of Penang in 1881 was 90,951,* comprising
45,135 Chinese, 21,772 Malays, 15,528 Klings, and 607 Europeans
(see table, page 96),
The town, with the exception of one or two streets, is Chinese,
and nearly all the wealth and trade of the place is in their hands.
Though, as a rule, they show no disposition to resist authority,
they are always ready to turn out armed for a party fight (see
page 47), and on such occasions it has been found necessary to call
out the troops to support the civil authorities. The headmen,
however, use all their influence for the maintenance of order.
The police force, as at present organised and recruited (see
Section L.), could not alone be relied upon to restore order in
town and country, in the event of a serious outbreak; but a body
of mounted police, with a volunteer corps, would suffice to control
the Chinese, were the troops withdrawn. The Malays could be
depended upon to assist the civil authorities.
Province Wellesley.
The population of Province Wellesley was 97,294, comprising
61,209 Malays, 22,219 Chinese, 11,471 Klings, and 65 Europeans
(see table, page 96).
The majority of the Malay population are padi planters and
fishermen; they also form the greater part of the police force.
Though more industrious than those of the same race in other
parts (see page 9), they are, compared with the Chinese, indolent in
the extreme. They never have any ready money, their only care
being to get sufficient rice to support them till the next harvest.
In the southern half of the province there is a considerable
Chinese population on the sugar estates, and in several villages,
which are increasing in size. The rival kongsis (secret societies),
give occasional trouble, but they are controlled by the headmen in
* Inclusive of British military.
Population.
Sec. L
S6
Periodical
publication?.
Penang, and prompt measures soon restore order. The ordinary
coolies, who have lately emigrated from China, know little of our
Government, and depend in a great measure on their Chinese
employers.
The natives of India are chiefly employed on the sugar estates.
The few Europeans in the province are officials and planters.
The alluvial land to the south of the Krian river, will pro-
bably be, in a few years, taken up for padi and sugar, when its
population will become similar to that of the rest of the province.
The following are the principal periodical publieations issued in
Penang.
Penang Gazette (bi-weekly).. .. .. .. circulation 160
Daily Advertising Sheet (daily) .. ,. . * „ 80
Import and Export List for Chamber of Com-
merce (daily) ,. «, «. ,. .. „ 30
Market Report for Chamber of Commerce (bi-
monthly) .. ., .. .. .. .. „ 280
Distribution of the Population of Penang (exclusive of
British Military), 3rd April, 1881.
Penang.
Total
Penang
and
Province
Welles-
ley.
Nationalities.
Town
Division.
Country
Division.
Floating
Popula-
tion.
Total
Penang.
Province
Welles-
ley.
Acliinese,. .«
74
75
28
177
50
227
Af ricans .. »,
1
1
2
4 :
6
10
Anamese. • *»
35
,,
35
,,
35
Arabs .. ..
269
251
1
521
53
574
Armenians
26
6
,,
32
32
Bengalis and other
na-
672
438
23
1,133
722
1,855
tives of India, not par-
ticularised.
Boyanese,.
35
18
S
56
2
58
Bugis ,. • •
7
25
1
33
54
87
Burmese .. »•
21
154
22
197
1
198
Chinese ..
26,716
17,050
1,369
45,135
22,219
67,354
Dyaks ..
974
..
• *
• •
1
1
Eurasians
358
20
1,352
245
1,597
474
Europeans and Americans
211
65
133
409
C5
Japanese.. ..
3
».
3
1
4
Javanese.. .«
437
214
34
685
624
1,309
Jawi Pekans* .,
2.825
1,660
1
4,486
976
5,462
Jews ,. • •
32
..
32
. ,
32
Malays ..
2,923
18,467
382
21,772
61,209
82,981
Manilamen
1
5
..
6
,,
6
Parsees .. •.
5
,«
5
•.
5
Persians ..
1
«.
..
1
,,
1
Siamese ..
73
181
8
262
314
576
Sinhalese,. ..
15
7
.,
22
3
25
Tamils ..
9,247
5,056
92
14,395
10,749
25,144
44,565
44,069
2,119
90,753
97,294
188,047
* Native lialf-castes.
97
Section K -HISTORY.
The first British Settlement in the Straits of Malacca was
formed at Penang in the year 1786, under the auspices of the 1786.
Honourable East India Company. The Company had long, been
desirous of possessing a commercial emporium, but above all a
naval station, at the Eastern side of the Bay of Bengal, with the
view of watching over and, if possible, counte'rbalancing the pro-
eeedings and influence of their rivals the Dutch, then established
at Malacca. The agent they employed for this purpose was a
Mr. Francis Light, the master of a merchant vessel, who success-
fully accomplished his object by concluding an agreement with the
owner of Penang, the Eajah of the adjoining state of Kedah, for the
cession of the island in consideration of a yearly pension.
No grave dispute with any foreign power was occasioned by
this measure. The Government of Siam, indeed, appears to have
raised some objections to the cession on the ground that Kedah,
being tributary to that kingdom, had no power to enter independ-
ently into any engagement with the British, but these objections
were never seriously pressed, and they were eventually settled by
a treaty with the Court of Bangkok.
When the island was first occupied it was an entire forest
throughout, without a rood of cultivation or, an inhabitant, with
the exception of a family or two of migrating Malay fishermen;
but under the management of Mr. Light tile Settlement rapidly
acquired importance, A compact little town, with a fort, was
built on the point where the expedition had first landed, and' in
1789, or within three years of the establishment of the Colony, its
founder reported the imports to be of the value of £130,000.
In 1791 a second treaty was entered into with the Eajah of 1791.
Kedah, providing that the latter should receive $6,000 per annum,,
so long as Penang was retained by the British.
In this year the Colony was called upon to repel a threatened
attack. During the month of April, a semi-piratical body "of
Malays, consisting of 110 boats and a considerable land force,
assembled in Province Wellesley, where they raised stockades and
sent a defiance to Penang. The- challenge was answered by ther
landing on the 11th of May of a force consisting of one company
of Native Artillerymen, two companies of Bengal Sepoys, and 20,
European soldiers, under Captain Glass, B.N.I. This small body / ..
proeeeded at once to attack the enemy’s entrenched position, the*
advance being covered by four gun boats. The Malays were un-
prepared for such an assault, and after a feeble resistance were
broken and driven off.
* ' 'g
Sec. K.
98
1792.
1800.
1805.
1810.
1826.
At daybreak on the following day, the gun-boats attacked the
Malay fleet, which then mustered 200 prahus. They were hotly
received at first, but soon coxnpelled the enemy to retreat out of
sight of the town.
On the 14th the Malay prahus again appeared, but the gun-
boats, supported by a punt on which was mounted an 18-pdr. gun,
attacked them a second time, and dispersed them with consider-
able loss, pursuing them for four miles.
Thus 400 disciplined troops of all arms obtained an easy
victory over a force of Malays estimated at between 8,000 and
10,000 men.
The loss of the British during these operations was only four
men killed and twenty wounded, that of the enemy was not
ascertained.
In 1792, seven years after its foundation, Penang had a popu-
lation of 7,000 resident inhabitants, or including public establish-
ments and sojourners, 10,000.
The Colony had* no regular form of government until the year
1800, when it was constituted a Lieutenant-Governorship, sub-
ordinate to the Bengal administration. The first Lieutenant-
Governor, Sir George Leith, soon after his arrival concluded a
treaty with the Eajah of Kedah for the cession of Province
Wellesley, the stipulation being that the Eajah should receive a
pension of $10,000 a year, so long as be was de facto the ruler of
the country. This money is still regularly paid to the Eajah’s de-
scendants. The principal object of the Company in adding this
territory to their possessions, was to protect the island and the
traders who visited it from the ravages of pirates, who found in
the numerous rivers of the province an ambush from which to
pounce upon their victiins, as well as a safe retreat from pursuit.
The affairs of Penang from this time rapidly improved. In
1805 it was constituted a separate presidency, thus ranking with
Madras and Bombay; and in 1810 its population (including
Province Wellesley), amounted to 31,600.
The relations of the Penang Government with the native States
of the Peninsula, and with Sumatra, may be considered as having
been almost uniformly satisfactory. It has been indeed asserted
that the Eajah of Kedah, impressed with the belief that he had
been deceived by the East India Company regarding the terms of
the occupation of Penang, secretly invited, on several occasions, the
French, the Dutch, and the Burmans to expel the British, but it is
difficult to say whether there is any truth in these statements. At
any rate no power, European or Eastern, interfered actively to
obtain their removal.
In 1826 the Penang Government concluded a treaty with the
Court of Siam, which confirmed the three previous engagements
entered into with Kedah, and also provided for the mutual extra-
dition of eriminals.
In this year, Penang was incorporated with Singapore and
99
Sec. K.
Malacca into one Colony, under the title of the Straits Settlements,
the seat of government being at first fixed at Penang, which was
still by far the largest of the three stations.
In 1828 the limits of Province Wellesley were extended, the 1828.
Krian River now forming its southern boundary in place of the
Pry.
In 1836 the seat of the Government of the Straits Settlements 1836.
was transferred to Singapore, which had now become the most
important of the three Colonies, and the administration of Penang
was henceforward conducted by a Lieutenant-Governor, subordinate
to the central authority at Singapore.
In 1859 the authority of the East India Company in the 1859.
Straits was replaced by that of the Crown, and eight years later
the Straits Settlements received their present constitution of a 1867.
Crown Colony..
In 1869 a rectification of the eastern frontier of Province 1869.
Wellesley took place, under a treaty with Kedah, approved by
Siam, by which the boundary line was fixed in the position which
it at present occupies.
In 1871 an expedition was despatched from Penang to punish 1871.
some pirates who had taken refuge in Selangor and there defied the
Straits Authorities, and as will be seen (page 52), the object was
successfully accomplished.
It was found that the Krian River formed an extremely in- 1874.
convenient boundary to Province Wellesley, both with regard to
matters of police and of revenue. Accordingly, in 1874, a treaty
was eoncluded by Sir A. Clarke, Governor of the Straits Settle-
ments, with the Rajah and chief s of Perak, whereby the country
on the south bank of the river as far as the watershed (now known
as the Transkrian) was incorporated in the Province.
G 2
Section L-ADMINISTRATION,
Civil
establishment.
Lieut.-
Governor.
Civil Establishment.—Lieutenant-Governor.—Chinese Pro-
TECTORATE.—ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.—ECCLESIASTICAL
Details.—Education. — Hospitals. :— Police. —- Prisons.—
Municipal Commission.—Tenure of Land.
As already mentioned (page 64) Singapore is the seat of
Government of the Colony of the Straits Settlements, and all the
principal Government officials in Penang are subordinate to the
heads of their respective departments in the capital.
The civil establishment is as follows :—
Lieutenct nt- Governor.
Chinese Branch—Assistant Protector of Chinese.
Land Branch—Collector of Land Kevenue.
Treasury—Assistant Treasurer and Collector of Stamps.
Public WorTcs and Survey Department — Deputy Colonial
Engineer and Surveyor-General.
Marine Department—Harbour Master.
Post- Office—Postmaster.
Registration Department—Deputy Registrar.
Supreme Court—Puisne Judge, Registrar.
Solicitor-GeneraV s Department—Solicitor-General.
Protector of Immigrantd Department—Protector of Immi-
grants.
Police Court and Courts of Requests — Magistrates and Com-
missioners.
Sheriff ’s Department—Sheriff.
Ecclesiastical Department—Colonial Chaplain.
Education Department—Superintendent of Education. -
Medical Department—Senior Medical Officer.
Police—Superintendent.
Gaols—Superintendent.
Since the transfer of the seat of Government of the Straits
Settlements to Singapore, Penang has been presided over by a
Lieutenant-Governor ; but it is intented, on a vacancy occurring, to
replace this officer by a Resident Councillor, as has already been
done in the case of Malacca.
101
Sec. L.
This department was instituted with the * object of regulating
the importation of Chinese coolies, of supervising the proeeedings
of their secret societies, &e. (see page 57).
The judicial system in force in the Straits Settlements has been
described in treating of Singapore (see pages 57, 58).
Penang and Province Wellesley have each two ^police magis-
trates. The work in both places is heavy. In*the town of
Penang the population is large and troublesome, and crime is
abundant; in the Province there are District Courts at long
distances from each other and from the magistrate s residence at
Butfcerworth, so that much travelling is necessary.
The ecclesiastical establishment consists of a Colonial Chaplain
(Church of England). There are also clergymen of other denomi-
nations (Protestant, Roman Catholic, &c.), supported by various
religious societies, by private eontributions, &c.
According to the School Returns for 1881, there were :—
In Penang 20 schools, attended by 1467 male and 314 female
scholars, and in Province Wellesley 15 schools, attended by 398
male and 2 female scholars.
The schools are English, Malay, Chinese, or Tamil. Some of
them are entirely, and most of the others partially, supported by
Government.
The grant for this purpose in 1880 amounted to $8,882.
The following hospitals are established in Penang and
Province Wellesley:—
In Penang—A general hospital for Europeans and natives, a
pauper hospital, and a lock hospital.
In Province Wellesley—Four native hospitals in different
parts of the Province.
The largest of these institutions is the pauper hospitals, which
is supported partly by Government, partly by bequest, and
voluntary eontributions, and is managed by a local committee
eomprising some of the wealthiest Chinese headmen in the
Settlement. The other hospitals are supported entirely by
Government. Eees are charged in them to all patients who can
afford to pay, ranging from $2 per diem for European offieers to
6 cents per diem for ooolies. The general hospital is not
adequate to the wants of the Colony, and a new building is being
erected at an estimated cost of $88,000. The lock hospital is
engaging the attention of Government, with a view to its improver
ment.
The gaols at Penang are in a satisfactory state.
The municipal affairs of Penang are administered by a body of
Commissioners, who are appointed under the Indian Act, HSTo. 14,
of 1856, and whose duties, &c., are regulated by that enactment.
They are subject, in regard to appointment^, the audit of _accounts,
and the imposition of fees, &c., to the supervision of the Local
Government.
Chinese-
protectorate;
Administrat
t ion of justice.
Ecclesiastical.
Education,
Hospitals.
Prisons.
Municipal
commission.
Sec. L.
102
Tenure of
land.
Land in Penang and Province Wellesley is held on similar
terms to those prevailing in Singapore, viz., leased for different
periods, under squatter permit, and in fee simple. The alienation
in perpetuity of Crown Land has here, as in Singapore, stood in
the way of a large permanent revenue, though not to so great an
extent. Leases in the country in Province Wellesley pay an
annual rent of 30 cents, and in the Island of Penang, 40 cents
per acre. .Land is disposed of after application at an upset
price, which is about $3 per acre in Province Wellesley, and $6
per acre in Prince of Wales’ Island.
103
Section M-FINANCE.
See Singapore, Sec. M, pages 61-67.
Section N.—MONEYS, WEIGHTS AND MEASURE S.
See Singapore, Sec. N, pages 68, 69,
Section 0.—ARMY,
Printed separately%
Section P—NAVY.
Printed separately.
Section Q—BOOKS OF REFERENCE, &c.
See under Singapore, pages 72-74,
105
MALACCA.
Section AGEOGRAPHY.
Position. — Boundaries. — Extent. — Topography. — Bivers.—
6E0L0GY.—SUBDIVISIONS.
On the south-western side of the isthmus, and about 100 miles
from Singapore, is the territory of Malacca, lying between the
petty Malay States of Sungei Ujong to the north-west, ^Rambau
and Johol to the north-east, and Muar to the south-east. On the
south-west it is bounded by the Straits of Malacca. The rivers
Linggi and Kessang form its north-western and south-eastern
boundaries respectively: the north-eastern frontier is defined by
substantial boundary pillars.
The town of Malacca, which lies nearly in the centre of the
coast line, is situated in lat. 2° 10' N., and long. 102° 14' E.
Malacca is the largest of the three Settlements, measuring
about 42 miles along the coast, and extending inland from 10 to
28 miles. It contains an area of 422,760 acres. Adjoining it are
some islands, also the property of the Crown, of an extent of 520
acres, making a total acreage of 422,760 acres. Of these islands
the most important is a group called the Water Islands, situated
from 6 to 10 miles-to the south-east of the town. They are small,
high, round islands, covered with trees, and on the largest of them
abundance of good water may be obtained from several springs?
The coast is partly ^rocky, but for the most part low and
swampy. The interior is undulating, with low hills and valleys,
the former gradually increasing in elevation as they recede from
the coast. The highest hill is Bukit Linggi, 800 feet. The
country is gradually becoming 'denuded of forest, and is generally
open. Springs are plentiful, and water is abundant.
- The chief rivers are the Linggi (or Lingie), thb Malacca, and
the Kessang. Their mouths are more or less obstructed by bars
and sandbanks. Their banks are generally low, in many places
swampy, and covered with forest.
The Linggi divides at Sempang, about six miles from its mouth,
into two branches. The right or northern branch flows through
Sungei Ujong, while the left branch forms the boundary between
Position.
Boundaries.
Extent.
Topography,
Rivers.
Sec. A.
106
Geology.
Sub-division s.
Malacca and Eambau, up to Sungei Landoo, above which it is a
mere streamlet coming down from the Eambau Hills.
. The Malacca river, on which the town is situated, drains a
large extent of land, and frequently overflows its banks.
The navigability of rivers is described under Section C,
page 109.
The principal Hills are of granitic formation, but the rock
which most abounds in Malacca is black laterite, eontaining a
large percentage of iron. The valleys are of rich alluvial soil, and
grow plentiful rice crops. Thermal sulphureous springs are met
with at Ayer Panas, about 15 miles east of Malacca, at Sabang,
and at Londi in Naning, but no volcanic products occur.
The country is divided into 64 districts, each presided over by
a native official, called a penghulu.
107
Section B.-HARBOURS, &c.
The Port of Malacca is but an open roadstead lying opposite to
the town. It is nevertheless safe at all seasons of the year, not
being within the latitude of hurricanes nor within the active
influence of either monsoon. Violent tempests are never felt, and
the sudden hard squalls, which during the S.W. monsoon frequently
blow into the roads at night time from the Sumatra' side (hence
called “ Sumatras ”) seldom last above an hour or two.
The anchorage for large vessels is at from 1^ to 2 miles from
the shore, in rather less than 10 fathoms of water, with a bottom
of soft mud. Vessels of light burden may be moored much closer
to shore, under the lee of Fisher Island, near the Fort, where they
are sheltered from the S.W. monsoon.
The rise of tide at the springs is from 8 to 10 feet, and it then
runs about 2 miles an hour.
The great defect of the Port is the distance from the shore at
which vessels are eompelled to lie. At low water the mudbanks
are bare for nearly a mile out, leaving open only a narrow channel
into the town, blocked by a bar at the mouth of the small river,
over which even boats have some difficulty in passing, except from
a quarter flood to three quarters ebb tide.
A lighthouse has been erected on St. PauTs Hill, overhanging
the town, to guide ships passing through the straits, or coming
into the roadstead. The light is visible for a distance of 13 miles.
108
Main roads.
Road to
Kassang.
Country
roads.
Camping
grounds.
Section C.-COMMUNICATIONS.
Roads. — Camping Grounds. — Rivers. — Telegrapiis. — Mail
Services.—Transport Animals and Yehicles.
Roads.
The surface of the Province being level or gently undulating,
there is no difficulty in laying out a good road line in almost any
direction. Of late years much has been done to open up the
country, and there are now 256 miles of road, of which 170 are
metalled. There are five principal thoroughfares, radiating from
the town to various parts of the frontier; they are kept in good
order.
Perhaps the most important road is that leading to the tin
mines of Kassang, about 18 miles inland. As soon as the outskirts
of the town are passed, long prairie-like plains of waving “ paddy
stretch away on either side, till broken by a belt of jungle, or a
range of hills, while dotted here and there are little dark green
dumps of cocoa-nut trees, shading the homesteads of the Malay
husbandmen. Por about four miles from the town these paddy
fields stretch uninterruptedly along. At this distance belts of
jungle and half-cleared land appear, beyond which very little
paddy is grown. Here, however, commence the tapioca planta-
tions, which continue to about 10 miles from the town, when they
loo cease, and the road runs then through jungle for some five
miles to the hot springs or Ayer Panas, where stand a small
native hamlet and a Government bungalow. Up to this point the
road is identical with that which existed two or three hundred
years ago, and it still preserves its smooth and level surface. The
road from Ayer Panas bungalow to Kassang runs through forest,
and is not quite so good.
The best roads are usually macadamized with a ferruginous
clay found in many parts of the territory, which is soft when first
dug out but becomes exceedingly hard upon exposure to the sun.
The roads or tracts in the interior of the country, are often
very bad, leading along paths knee-deep in mud, through dense
forests, in which the traveller is much annoyed by the leeches,
which fasten on him from the grass and bushes as he goes along.
There are good encamping grounds in many parts of Malacca.
On the sea-beaehes near Tanjong Kling is a very good place where
troops encamped in the war of 1829.
Springs are plentiful and water is abundant; a small supply
109
Sec. C
may almost everywhere be collected from tlie curious pitcher-
plants which abound throughout the country.
PvAXLWAYS.
There are no railways.
Rivers.
The Linggi River is an important channel of communication
for bringing down tin from the mines in the interior. It is navi-
gable, for vessels of 8 feet draught as far as Sempang, the point of
bifurcation {see Sec. A, page 105). The right branch can be as-
cended by large native boats for a distance of 4 or 5 miles above
Sempang, and by small boats for about 30 miles higher. The left
branch is only navigable for boats a distance of 5 miles.
The Malacca River, which runs through the town, is a canal-
like stream, which at high tide enables tong-kangs and small
cargo-boats to come' up and discharge opposite the numerous
“ godowns ” which line its banks. Small boats can ascend it for
about 5 miles. At. low water the entrance to the river is nearly
dry.
The Kessang can be ascended by native boats as far as. Ayer
Bankong, some 25 miles from the sea.
The other streams are small, and navigable even for boats only
a short distance from their mouths.
Telegrapiis.
. Malacca is in telegraphic communication with Singapore and
Penang. There are no local lines.
Mail Services.
The mail steamers do not touch here, but there is a local
service once a week.
The'boats of the B.LSJsT. Company touch once a fortnight.
Transport Animals and Vehicles.
For Return of Transport Animals and Vehicles in the' Straits
Settlements, see pages 24, 25.
110
Section D-TOWNS.
Position.
Malacca
proper.
^European
quarter.
The capital of the Colony, and indeed its only town, is
Malacca, situated on the western coast of the Peninsula, at the
mouth of the river of the same name. It lies about 100 miles
N.W. of Singapore, 220 miles S.S.E. of Penang, and is distant
some 45 miles from the nearest point of the coast of Sumatra on
the opposite side of the Strait.
The town has an area of 270 acres; it is divided by the
river into two parts, connected by a handsome iron bridge. On
the right bank is the native town, or Malacca proper, and on the
left bank the European or official quarter.
The former, which is by far the larger part of the city, is
built upon flat ground, not much more than 10 or 15 feet above
the sea level, and sloping gradually to the beach. The houses are
well built, with tiled roofs, closely packed together towards the
river bank, and running out towards the beach on posts or piles
considerably beyond high water mark. The dwellings thus built
out into the sea stand in most cases over mudbanks which, when
the tide is out, emit a very disagreeable odour; they are said,
however, to be perfectly healthy. The streets are well maea-
damised, but narrow: the three principal ones run parallel to the
coast.
This division of the town is, properly speaking, the business
quarter, and contains the bazaars. It is densely peopled, and the
streets are usually crowded, but there is little appearance of com-
mercial activity. The principal buildings on the right bank of the
river are the Anglo-Chinese College, the Mission Chapel, the
principal Chinese temple and two large mosques.
The European part of the town, on the left bank of the river
is very picturesque, the houses of the English officials and mer-
chants being tastefully built and often surrounded by groves of
palms and fruit trees.
Near the river rises the verdant hill of St. Paul, surmounted
by the lighthouse and flagstaff, and by the ruins of the ancient
church of Our Lady del Monte, erected by the Portuguese in the
early part of the lGth century. Around its base lie the barracks,
lines, and most of the houses of the military; the stadt-house,
court-house, gaol, church, civil and military hospitals, the site of
the old inquisition, convent, school, police office, post office, &c.
The Stadt-house is a solid and substantial edifice of Dutch
architecture, and is perhaps the finest old building to be met with
in the Straits : it now forms the Government House. Close to it
Ill
Sec. D
is the church at present in use, a Dutch building some 150 years
old, of ample proportions and in almost perfect preservation.
On the seaward side of St. Paul’s Hill stood formerly one
of the strongest forts which had probably ever been constructed
in the Straits: it was des troy ed by the British in 1807 in antiei-
pation of the abandonment of the place, and all that now remains
is the eastern gateway.
A little to the south rises the hill of St.. John, and in the
rear that of St. Francis. On these eminenees are still the remains
of batteries ereeted by the Portuguese and Dutch, commanding
the eastern and southern entrances to the town. Smaller knolls
intervene, covered with the extensive cemeteries of the Chinese.
The water supply of the town is limited.
The population of the town, according to the census of 1881,
was 30,222, comprising 29 Europeans, 10,000 Chinese, 14,000
Malays, and 1,700 nativesof India (see Table, page 118).
The Local Board of Malacca has the same constitution and
duties as that of Singapore (<*ee page 29).
Malacca was formerly, as the remains of its ancient buildings
testify, a place of considerable importance, and carried on an
extensive trade; but, -owing to the superior advantages of Penang
and Singapore, its commerce has declined and is now very limited.
It seems very improbable that it will ever again attain its former
prosperity.
Water
supply.
Inhabitants.
Municipal
institutiona.
Section E.-FORTS, ARSENALS, STORES,
BARRACKS, &c.
[This Section, being very confidential\ is printed separately.]
SectionF—DOCKYARDS AND NAVAL
ESTABLISHMENT^
113
Section G.—CLIMATE.
Climate.—Temperature and Rainfall.—Effect of Climate on
Health.—Epidemics.
The climate of Malacca is considered to be preferable to that
of either Singapore or Penang.
The temperature is remarkably uniform, the thermometer
usually ranging from 72° to 85°, seldom exceeding the latter, or
falling much below the former. The mean annual temperature is
about 77*6°, or about 2*4° below that of Singapore. Scorching land
winds are not encountered here, but there are regular land and
sea breezes. The mornings and evenings are cool, and hot nights
rarely occur.
Malacca is but slightly affected by the monsoons that prevail
in the Bay of Bengal. Rain falls throughout the year at intervals
of a few days, keeping the face of the country in a state of
perpetual verdure. The rainy season, if such it can be called,
continues from September to December and January. Prom this
month to March is the coldest and driest time of the year.
Yiolent squalls, termed Sumatras, prevail during the S.W.
monsoon, which commences in May and terminates in October.
They rise suddenly, attended with thunder and lightning, and with
floods of rain, but seldom last longer than three hours, often not
one.
The fluctuation of the barometer is very trifling, only from
29*83 in. to 30*3 in.
Notwithstanding constant heat and much moisture, the town
at least is remarkable for its salubrity, and, with the exception of
the early period of its occupation by the Portuguese, has always
enjoyed this reputation. It was found that, during a period of
seven years (1841 to 1847), the deaths among the troops stationed
here amounted to less than 2 per cent. Instances of longevity are
numerous, not only in the native population but among the Dutch
and Portuguese inhabitants.
The country inland is not so healthy, and in some places fever
and rheumatism are very prevalent.
In 1819 there was an outbreak of cholera. The natives were
first attacked, then the Portuguese and Chinese, and finally the
native and European troops. During its height the casualties
varied from 5 to 15 daily. It was remarked that its ravages were
greatest among the population of marshy and confined situation*},
and among persons of feeble constitution.
Climate,
temperature,
rainfaU, &c.
Effect of
climate on
health.
Epidemics.
II
114
Section H—AGRICULTURE, PRODUCTIONS,
TRADE, Ac.
Agriculture and Vegetable Productions.—Domestic Animals.
—Wild Animals.—Birds, Reptiles, &c.—Fish.—Supplies.—
Minerals.—Manufactures.—Trade.—Shipping.
Agriculture
and vegetable
productions.
Domestic
animals.
The soil of Malacca is remarkably fertile, but till lately
agriculture has been much neglected. A few years ago the rice
raised in the Colony was scarcely sufficient for four months’ con-
sumption, the additional supply being brought from Acheen, Java,
and Bengal. A principal cause of this was the former poliey of
the Dutch, who, while Malacca belonged to. them, prohibited the
raising of any kind of grain, with the view of rendering the in-
habitants wholly dependent for their supplies on Java. The
British Government, however, has given every encouragement to
agriculture, which is on the increase, the forests being rapidly
cleared away ; but still (as will be seen, pages 42, 116 & 178)
a considerable quantity of rice has to be imported.
According to the returns for 1881, out of a total acreage of
421,760, the extent of land under cultivation was 139,047 acres,
of which 37,914 were devoted to padi, 29,097 to fruit trees, cocoa-
nuts and gardens, and 72,036 to tapioca. No details are given as
to the amount of produce. Cocoa-nuts form a considerable portion
of the food of the lower-classes.
Among the other vegetable productions are jaggery, sago,
pepper, rattans, a few nutmegs, cloves, gambier, dammar, gum-lac,
&c. Coffee, sugar-cane, cotton, indigo and chocolate have also been
tried and found to answer well. A great variety of fine fruits are
cultivated, and also grow spontaneously, including the mangosteen,
which is said to attain a higher perfection here than probably any-
where else.
The forests abound with fine durable timber, well adapted for
ship and house building.
The Colonial Blue Book for 1881 gives the number of stock
as:—
Horses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 300
Horned Cattle .. .. .. .. .. ,. 3,000
Sheep . • .. • • .. 150
Goats 2,500
Buffaloes are the beasts of burden, and their flesh is not un-
115
Sec. H.
palatable. During the Perak war our troops had a ration of
buffalo meat four times a week. There is good grass for cattle.
Poultry are abundant and, as well as cattle, are exported to Singa-
pore in considerable numbers.
For information as to transport animals, see Table, page 24.
The zoology of Malacca is that of the Peninsula generally, and
includes nine species of monkeys, the tiger, leopard, and several
smalier feline animals, the elephant, rhinoceros, tapir, several
species of deer, two species of wild ox, &c.
Birds are numerous, including the argus pheasant, woodpeckers,
kingfishers, cuckoos, doves, &c.
The rivers are infested by crocodiles.
In the marshy grounds of the interior, leeches abound, and are
very troublesome to travellers, fastening upon them from the
bushes which border the narrow jungle paths.
The coast abounds with fish in great variety, and prawns, both
of excellent quality.
There are 1,012 registered fishing boats, and 1440 natives are
classed as fishermen.
Malacca is convenient for vessels requiring supplies. Fish,
yams, grain, sago, and a variety of fruits may be obtained at
moderate prices; also poultry, hogs and buffaloes. Forage and
fuel are more readily obtainable than at Singapore or Penang.
For average price of provisions, see Table, pages 43, 44.
The great bulk of the tin exported from Malacca is derived
from Linggi, Lukut, Selangor, Perak, and other places in the
interior, but part is the produce of the Colony. In 1881 the yield
of the Malacca tin mines was 662 cwt., valued at $14,207. The tin
is obtained in the form of black grains, from beds of quartzose
sand, and is melted into ingots in rude clay furnaces.
The manufactures of Malacca are very limited, the principal
being the preparation of tapioca and gambier. A small amount of
iron work is manufactured by Chinese smiths.
For average rate of wages, see Table, page 44.
When Malacca was taken possession of by the Portuguese
in 1511, it was one of the grand entrepots for the commerce of the
East, but as the Portuguese pushed their operations further east-
ward in the Archipelago and neighbouring countries, the trade of
Malacca gradually declined and it ceased to be of consequence as
a collecting centre, except for the trade of the Malayan Peninsula
and the Island of Sumatra. This trade it retained under Dutch
rule till the establishment of Penang in 1786, when, in the course
of a few years it almost ceased, and Malacca became what it has
ever since been, a place of comparatively small commercial import-
ance, but possessing great undeveloped agricultural resources.
Since 1830, the trade of Malacca (as appears from the sub-
joined statement) has considerably revived, but there is no prospect
that its former state of prosperity will ever again be reached.
H 2
Wild animals.
Birds, rep-
tiles, &c.
Fish.
Supplies.
Minerals.
Manufac-
i ures.
Trade.
Sec. H.
116
Shipping.
In 18S3, the Imporfcs ainounted
„ 1843
tt
if
„ 1853
ft
H
„ 1863
ft
ff
„ 1872
a
f)
„ 1879
tt
ft
„ 1880
tt
f>
„ 1881
»
if
£104,000, and the Exports to £58,000.
95,000
fi
f)
62,000.
299,000
fi
ft
218,000.
453,000
a
ft
360,000.
549,000
if
)t
603,000.
509,000
it
519,000.
622,000
))
it
681,000.
687,000
ft
ft
734,000.
The trade of Malacca is principally with Singapore and with
the Malay States in the interior. To the former it exports tin,
tapioca, cattle, poultry, blachang, copra, &e., &c., in return for
specie, rice, opium, manufactured goods, salt fish, tobacco, &c.
From the latter the principal import is tin, and a little blachang
and gutta, in exchange for specie, opium, and rice.
Like Singapore, Malacca is a free port, the only tax to which
shipping is liable consists of a very moderate one of 1 \d, per ton
register, in support of the lighthouses.
Shipping.
Statement, showing the number of Vessels entered at the Port of
Malacca for the Tears 1879, 1880, and 1881.
Tears.
Steamers, Ships, Barques, Brigs, and Sehooners.
Native Craft.
British.
Foreign.
Total.
Number.
Tonnage.
Number.
Tonnage.
Number.
Tonnage.
Number.
Tonnage.
1879
..
..
• •
M
645
168,699
666
13,807
1880
649
152,382
8
9,850
657
162,232
697
15,162
1881
687
178,617
5
5,150
692
183,767
584
14,292
117
Section I-1NHABITANTS.
The population of Malacca was returned at 29,000 in 1834, at
49,000 in 1844, at 63,000 in 1854, at 71,000 in 1864, at 77,000
in 1871, and in 1881 at 93,579, comprising 67,000 Malays, 19,000
Chinese, 1,900 natives of India, and 40 Europeans {see Table,
page 118).
The Malays here, having been so long under European rule,
are most orderly subjects, and live quiet, peaceable lives, cultiva-
ting the few acres handed down to them, and getting just
enough to live upon. Tliey are for the most part padi planters.
During the disturbances in Sungei Ujong, a state of alarm
approaching to panic prevailed in Malacca, the residents fearing
that the Malays of Naning, in concert with their countrymen in
the neighbouring state of Eambau, would descend and attack the
town. There were, however, not the slighest grounds for these
apprehensions. Regarding the Malays of Malacca, Mr. J. R.
Logan, a keen observer of native character, writes—“ A. European
travels with a sense of such absolute security amongst agricultural
Malays, and is treated with so much deference and friendliness,
when his own manner is courteous and friendly, that it is hard to
believe that anything short of a supercilious behaviour and a
despotic disregard of rights and prejudices could provoke them
into an armed resistance of a European Government. The truth
is that the Malays are essentially a peaceful and not a warlike
people.”
The Chinese inhabitants are mainly employed in the tin-
mines, and on the sago and tapioca plantations. A large propor-
tion of them have been born in the place, and boast of being
British subjects.
About the old town there are a considerable number of
descendants of the old Dutch and Portuguese settlers.
The population of Malacca is very poor compared, for instance,
with that of Province Wellesley. The system of collecting land
revenue by tenths of the produce, which was handed down by the
Dutch, is a very defective and troublesome one besides giving rise
to much peculation. Attempts are now being made to supersede
it by encouraging the people to take out leases on easy terms.
The form of administration in force (each district being
presided over by a Pengulu or headman appointed by Govern-
ment) is well suited to the people, and they have no real
grievance. The small police force, which is composed almost
entirely of Malays, is quite sufficient to maintain order. As
telegraphic communication is established with Singapore, which
Sec. I.
118
is less than twelve hours’ steaming from Malacca, the present
garrison of European troops could be dispensed with. They might
be replaced by a small body of mounted police.
No newspapers are published in this Settlement.
Distribution of the Population of Malacca, 3rd April, 1881.
Nationalities.
Town
Division.
Country
Division.
Floating
Population.
Total.
Aborigines of the Peninsula
6
302
308
Achinese •. .. • •
1
4
,,
5
Af ricans .. . *
7
3
10
Anamese .. .. . •
5
.,
• •
5
Arabs ,.
212
15
227
Bengali s, and other natives
of
56
38
12
106
India, not particularised.
Boyanese ,. • •
194
15
3
212
Bugis.. .. .. ..
42
15
..
57
Chinese .. ., ..
10,737
8,916
88
19,741
Dyaks .« .,
• .
7
,.
7
Eurasians «, ,, ..
2,186
24
3
2,213
Europeans .. «.
29
3
8
40
J avanese .. .. ..
179
212
8
399
Jawi-Pekans*
815
52
• •
867
Malays ,,
14,200
63,258
55
67,513
Manilamen •• ..
..
,,
22
22
Siamese «« .. ..
7
3
* •
10
Sinhalese .. ..
10
42
• *
52
Tamils . • ..
1,536
241
8
• 1,785
30,222
63,147
210
93,579
* Native half>castes„
119
Section KHISTORY,
The founders of Malacca appear to have been a tribe of Malaya
who had for many years held Singapore, but who in the year 1252
had been driven from that island.
In the following year, 1253, Sri Iskander Shah, the last King 1253.
of Singapore, founded the new city and named it Malacca, after a
tree of that name, under which he had rested whilst hunting.
The new Colony rapidly acquired importance, and Malacca very
shortly became the third greatest city in the East, Majapahit in
Java being the first and Pasi in Sumatra the second.
In 1276 Sultan Muhamed Shah, the first Mahometan King of 127&
the Malays, ascended the throne of Malacca. He spread the new
religion far and wide, and extended the limits of his kingdom to
include Lingga, Bintang, Johor, Patani, Kedah, Perak, and even
some states in Sumatra.
In 1340 and following years, Malacca was twice unsuccessfully 1340.
attacked by the King of Siam.
The longest and most important reign was that of Sultan 1374.
Mansar Shah, 1374 to 1447, during which Malacca conquered
Pasi, and became the first city in the East.
His successor, Sultan Mahmud Shah, was the last King of 1477.
Malacca, which was captured by the Portuguese under Albuquerque
in 1511. 1511.
During the possession of Malacca by the Portuguese, which
lasted for 130 years, it would seem to have maintained its
importance, although with the exception of courage and daring its
possessors exhibited none of the qualities fit to rule an Asiatic
people.
From their first appearance in the Indian seas they declared a
crusade against the Mahomedan religion, to which their subjects,
and most of the inhabitants of the neighbouring countries
belonged, while they carried on a piratical war against all who
opposed them in the prosecution of their main object, viz., the
establishment of a commercial monopoly in the Eastern seas.
This policy necessarily raised against them a host of enemies.
The expelled Malays made war upon them during the whole period
of their occupation of Malacca, while their territory was invaded
on several occasions by the sovereigns of Java and of Acheen in
Sumatra. In addition to these attacks by the natives of the
different countries of the Archipelago, they had also to withstand
the repeated assaults of a far more powerful enemy, the Dutch, to
whom they had eventually to succumb.
The Portuguese resisted all these enemies with extraordinary
courage and fortitude. The Dutch besieged Malacca in 1606, and
Sec. K.
120
1642.
1795.
1805-8.
1810.
1818.
1825.
1826.
again in 1608, but were defeated on botli occasions, and it was not
until 1642, and after a siege of nine months’ duration, that they
succeeded in capturing it. The attacking force at this time
amounted to 1,500 men, with Malay auxiliaries to the' same
number, while the garrison was reduced to 200 Europeans and 400
natives.
Under the rule of the Dutch the prosperity of Malacca speedily
began to decline, the cruel and narrow-minded policy which they
pursued driving the population away in large numbers to the
neighbouring States. They retained its possession till 1795, when,
during the war of the French revolution, it came into our hands
by a friendly military occupation.
During the period of the first British occupation, which lasted
till 1818, the Fort of Malacca, which had been built in 1743 (or
as some say, had been begun by Albuquerque in 1515), and which
enjoyed a wide celebrity for strength, was destroyed by order of
the Home Government, at the enormous expense of 260,000 rupees.
The work of demolition commenced in 1805, and was concluded
in 1808. It would probably never have been undertaken, had it
been foreseen that the English would remain eventual masters of
the place.
In 1810 the forces under Lord Minto, destined for the capture
of Java, rendezvoused here and at Penang.
In 1818 Malacca was restored to the Dutch, but was finally
ceded to Great Britain in 1825, in exchange for the East India
Company’s Settlement at Bencoolen, on the west coast of Sumatra.
In the following year it was incorporated with Singapore and
Penang, which were now formed into the Colony of the Straits
Settlements,
In 1831 the tranquility of the Settlement was interrupted by
the Naning War, the causes which led to which were briefly as
folio ws:—
FTaning is an inland territory lying to the north of Malacca, of
which it now forms part: in 1831, however, its ownership was not
so clearly defined.
It appears to have fallen into the power of the Portuguese at
the same time as Malacca, and when they gave place to the Dutch,
it was looked upon as a dependency of that Settlement, being
governed by a pengulu and assistants, appointed by the Dutch
Governor of Malacca. The Dutch also reserved to themselves the
power of inflicting capital punishment in JSTaning, and levied a
small revenue, chiefly a percentage on the yearly rice crop.
The Dutch rule was not altogether unopposed by the Malays
of Naning (cliiefly immigrants from Menang Kahau, in Sumatra);
and successive governors of Malacca found it necessary, on more
than one occasion, to make demonstrations in support of their
claims to the supreme power in that district.
In 1825 the British took final possession of Malacca and
Naning, holding the latter place on the same terms as had hitherto
121
Sec. K
been in force between its inhabitants and the Dutch; and in 1827,
the pengulu, Abdul Syed, with his assistants, the “ ampat suku,” or
four subordinate ehiefs, proceeded to Malacca and paid their
respects to the English Besident.
In 1828 an unsuccessful attempt was made to pension these
ehiefs, and to place the Naning lands on the same footing as those
of Malacca. In 1829 an officer was sent to inform the pengulu
that Naning was an integral part of Malacca, and that it was
intended by Government to subject it also to the general regula-
tions affecting the rest of the territory. The officer was further
instructed to take a census of the people, and to offer compensation
to the pengulu and sukus. The census was allowed to be taken,
but the rest of the proposals were resisted.
The pengulu was then summoned to Malacca, but refused to
attend, and still further compromised himself by the forcible
seizure of some property within the Malacca boundary, which he
refused to give up. It w as therefore determined that an expedition
should be sent to chastise him.
The force destined for this purpose consisted of 150 rank and
file of tbe 29th Madras Native Infantry, two 6-pdrs., with a small
detail of native artillery, under the command of Captain Wyllie,
Madras Native Infantry, and was accompanied by a civil com-
missioner.
On the 6th of August, 1831, the expedition started from
Malacca, and reached Sungei Pattye, 13 miles from Malacca,
whither it was intended that the provisions for the troops should
be sent, by way of the Malacca river. It turned out, however,
that there was not sufficient depth of water to permit of this being
done.
On the following morning, although the supplies had not as
yet reached Sungei Pattye, Captain Wyllie determined on pro-
ceeding, fearful that, were the detachment to halt on the confines,
an erroneous impression might be conveyed to the Naningites, who
would, in all probability, attribute a delay to vacillation and
apprehension. As, besides, the best information up to this period
tended to strengthen the belief that the affair could, even in the
event of hostilities, be decided by a coup-de-mcvin, for which
purpose the troops could carry sufficient provisions in their
haversacks, the advance was fully justified.
After eneountering some resistance near Ivalama, the frontier
of Naning, and at Bukit Sabusah, a little further on, the force
arrived, at 10.30 a.m. on the 9th, at Mulike, a village 17 miles
from Malacca and 5 from Tabu, the residence of Abdul Syed,
where they encamped.
The position of the force had now become critical. The pro-
vision s were totally expendcd, whilst the enemy were s warming
around in large numbers, and menacing the communieations with
Malacca. A retreat was accordingly resolved upon, and next day
the detachment fell back to Sungei Pattye, where, with the aid
1831.
Sec. K.
122
1832.
of reinforcements from Malacca, it maintained its position until
the 24th of August, when orders for its return arrived. After
destroying the heavy baggage, the retreat was comment uu cne
same evening, and Malacca was reached, after some little fighting,
early the next morning. The two guns had to be abandoned on
the way, it being found impracticable to get them over the felled
trees which obstructed the line of march.
The Malacca territory, up to the very outskirts of the town,
was thus left at the mercy of the Malays, until the arrival of
reinforcements from Madras; a treaty of friendship and alliance
being, in the meantime, concluded with the chiefs of the neigh-
bouring state of Kambau, who had assisted the Pengulu in his
rebellion.
In January, 1832, a force of Malacca troops was organized at
Malacca, under Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert, to effect what the
first expedition had failed to accomplish. It consisted of the
5th Madras Native Infantry, a company of rifles, two companies
of sappers and miners, and a detachment of European and native
artillery.
On the 2nd of March Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert joined the
force at Kumbujah, about 10 miles from Malacca.
On the 25th the troops encamped at Sungei-Pattye, nearly
three miles in advance, after a slight resistance met with when
felling the dense forest which lies between the latter place and
Kumbujah.
On the 5th April they arrived at Alor Gajeh, 15 miles from
Malacca, with the loss of a European officer, who fell whilst carry-
ing a stockade at Ayer Mangis, not far from Kalama.
Near Alor Gajeh, the resistance was more stubborn, and after
a further loss in officers and men, the troops were compelled to
act on the defensive, the Malays making frequent attacks upon the
camp.
About the middle of May, reinforcements, principally of the
4Sth N. I. Kegiment, arrived from Penang. On the 21st offensive
operations were resumed; and on the 15th of the following
month Tabu fell after a slight resistance, the Pengulu making his
escape.
Thus terminated the second Naning expedition. The general
conduct of the campaign was cautious and slow. The country in
which it took place, between Kumbujah, the base of operations,
and Tabu, is an undulating tract about 12 miles in length; the
hollows consisting of swampy flats and wet rice grounds, and the
intervening swells generally covered with dense jungle. From
Kumbujah, itself situated in a lofty forest, the sappers and miners,
protected by a covering party from the infantry, and occasionally
by artillery, commenced clearing the forest to the extent of from
70 to 100 yards on each side of the road or pathway to Tabu. The
skirmishes of the covering parties with the Malays, who as they
retreated kept up a harassing, though by no means effective fire
123
Sec. K.
from the cover of the jungle, the attacks on such stockades as
were here and there erected in favourable positions commanding
the route to Tabu, and an occasional detour to attack others on
the flanks, formed the line of operation throughout. The advance
of the force was consequently regulated by the necessarily slow
progress of the clearing of the forest. The troops, therefore, did
not reach Tabu, a distance of only 12 miles from Eumbujah, in less
than ten weeks, exclusive of the check at Alor Gajeh.*
The defeat of the first expedition, and the consequent neces-
sity and expense (estimated at 10 lacs of rupees) of the second, are
attributed to the want of information displayed by the Civil
Commissioner regarding the country and the resources of the
Naningites, and to the fact that there was then in the Straits no
military officer exercising a general command over all the troops
serving therein. Had such an authority existed, the first expe-
dition, so nearly successful, could have been at once supported by
troops drawn from the idle detachments at Penang or Singapore,
and the end accomplished with ease at but small cost.
After the fall of Tabu, a Settlement officer was sent to conduct
the administration of ISTaning, and the country was for some time
occupied by Madras troops. In 1834 Abdul Syed, the ex-Pengulu,
surrenderee! himself to Government, and ISTaning became gradually
merged in Malacca; no further resistance to the British authority
having since been attempted.
In December, 1875, a riot broke out amongst the Chinese in the 1875,
town of Malacca, and at one time spread throughout nearly the
whole Settlement. Great alarm was occasioned among the Euro-
pean residents, it being at first apprehended that the outbreak had
some connection with the rising of Malays which had occurred in
some of the adjacent States (see pages 149 and 167). It subsequently
appeared, however, that this was not the case, but that the disturbance
originated simply in a fracas between members of rival Chinese
societies. A detachment of troops was sent to reinforce the
garrison, and on their appearance tranquility was speedily restored,
the principal Chinese merchants and the Malay inhabitants ren-
dering every assistance to the Government in suppressing the
outbreak.
Ever since the occupation of Malacca by the Dutch, the
importance and wealth of this once great seaport have steadily
diminished, and later years have shown but little improvement.
The establishment of the Colony of Penang dealt a severe blow
to its prosperity, while that of Singapore, a much nearer and
more important rival, has resulted almost in the effacement of the
older Settlement as a place of political or mercantile importance.
* A detailed account of these operations will be found in “ The Malayan
Peninsula,” by Captain Begbie, Madras Artillery (see Sec. Q, page 72).
124
Section L.—ADMINISTRATION.
List of tlie
principal
Government
officials.
Resident
Councillor.
Administra-
tion of justice.
Administra-
tive subdi-
visions.
Ecclesias-
tical.
Education.
List of the principal Government Officials.—Resident Coun-
cillor. — Administration of Justice. — Administrative
sub-divisions. — Ecclesiastical Details. — Education. —
Hospitals. — Police. — Prisons. — Municipal Council. —
Tenure of Land.
The form of Government of the Straits Settlements has been
described in a former Section (see pages 54-57).
The principal Government Officials in Malacca are as under.
They are all subordinate to the heads of their respective depart-
ments in Singapore:—
Resident Councillor.
Treasury—Assistant Treasurer.
Public Works and Survey Department — Superintendent of
Works and Survey s.
Supreme Court—Eegistrar.
Court of Regruests and Police Court — Commissioner and
Magistrate.
Sheriff’s Department—Sheriff.
Ecclesiastical—Colonial Chaplain.
Medical—Colonial Surgeon.
Police—Superintendent.
Gaols—Superintendent.
In 1879 a Eesident Councillor was appointed as head of the
Administration of Malacca. Previous to that time the Settlement
was presided over by a Lieutenant-Governor.
The judicial system in force in the Straits Settlements has
been described in treating of Singapore (see page 57).
The Supreme Court at Malacca is presided over by one of the
judges resident at Singapore. There is only one police magistrate
in the Settlement, and he is able to discharge his duties without
difficulty, there being comparatively little crime.
Malacca is divided into 64 districts, each presided over by a
native official in the pay of Government, called a Pengulu.
A Colonial Chaplain (Church of England) is supported by
Government. There are several Eoman Catholic clergymen, who
are maintained by the Portuguese Government.
According to the School Eeturns for 1881, there were 6
English and 17 Malay schools, with an attendance respectively of
589 and 619 pupils. The English schools are partially, and the
Malay schools entirely, supported by Government. The grant for
this purpose in 1881 amounted to $10,556.
125
Malacca is provided with a general hospital, a pauper hospital,
and a lock hospital. The largest of these institutions is the
pauper hospital, which is supported partly by voluntary sub-
scriptions and partly by Government. The other hospitals are
supported entirely by Government
The gaol at Malacca is a new building with cellular accommo-
dation for 200 prisoners, and is in a satisfactory condition.
The conservancy of the town of Malacca is in the hands of a
municipal Council, which defrays the cost thereof from assess-
ments levied on property within the municipal limits, &c.
(see page 58).
The tenure of land in Malacca is more complicated than in
the other two Settlements, owing to many titles dating far back
to the days when the Dutch were in possession, and to the system
of tenure by prescriptive right.
In 1840 the East India Company issued a set of Land Regula-
tions, leasing lands on certain terms for 20 years, whilst a clause
provided that, if at any time any portion of a lessee’s land
remained uncultivated for a year’s time, it revferted to the Com-
pany. As may be imagined, hardly any applications were made
for leases on such conditions.
At the present time leases are issued for various terms of
years, at certain upset prices, which vary according to the quality
of the land and the species of cultivation contemplated.
All leases bear an annual rent; lands held by prescriptive
right are subject to a payment to Government of one-tenth part of
the annual produce, which in some cases has been commuted for a
money payment (see Sec. I, page 117).
Sec. L.
Hospitals.
Prisons.
Municipal
Council.
Tenure of
land.
126
Section M-FINANCE.
See Singapore, Sec. M, pages 61-67.
Section N.-MONEYS, WEIGHTS AND MEASURE S.
See Singapore, Sec. N, pages 68, 69.
Section 0—ARMY.
Printed separately.
Section P.-NAVY.
Printed separately.
Section Q.-BOOKS OF REFERENCE, &c.
See Singapore, Sec. Q, pages 72-75.
THE DIND1NGS
Section A—GEOGRAPHY.
About 70 miles south of Penang and near the mouth of the
Perak Kiver, is a group of islands known as the Dindings, which,
as well as a portion of the adjacent mainland, have lately become
British territory. The estimated extent is—
Dindings, Mainland .« .. .. .. ,, 103,000 acres.
Pftlan Pangkor, or Great Dinding Island .. .. 7,560 „
Other islands .. .. 5,500 „
Total • • 116,060 acres.
The territory on the mainland, which appears to have been but
little explored, extends along the coast northward from Pulau Katta
for 22 miles, with a breadth inland of about 8 miles. It is
traversed by the Dinding River, the mouth of which is opposite to
Pulau Pangkor, and which is perhaps the only stream in Malacca
Strait without a bar. It has a deep and clear entrance, 8 cables
wide, and a channel 3 cables wide, with a depth of from 5 to 9
fathoms, extends 3 miles up the river, the farthest point reached
by the surveying parties. On the south shore, near the mouth, is
a native village.
Pulau Pangkor, or Great Dinding Island, is 5 miles long by 2
miles broad, and is separated from the mainland by a channel one
or two miles wide, named Dinding Channel. The island, which is
of granitic formation, is mountainous and densely wooded, the
highest point being 1,318 feet above the sea. Fresh water of good
quality is plentiful. On the east side is the harbour and village of
Port Pangkor. See Admiralty Chart: Dinding Island and
Channel, No. 792.
128
Section B.—HAKBOURS.
On the east side of Great Dinding Island and abreast of the
Settlement of Port Pangkor there will be found secure anchorage
for vessels of large draught, and sufficient space for several vessels
to moor.
At the north part of the village, near the entrance of a small
creek, a pier is in course of construction by the Colonial Govern-
ment, which pier it is contemplated to extend to a depth of three
fathoms water.
At Port Pangkor is a small Government depot for coal, where
from 60 to 100 tons are usually kept for the supply of Government
and other coasting vessels. Wood for fuel is also procurable.
Small vessels may be readily aud safely grounded for examina-
tion or slight repairs between tides. Labour may be obtained at
the rate of 40 cents per day per man.
Section C—COMMUNICATIONS.
For navigability of the Dinding River, see Sec. A.
The local steamers which run between Singapore and Penang
call at Port Pangkor.
Section D.—TOWNS, &c.
The village of Port Pangkor consists only of a police station
and a few houses scattered on the beach. The ground in the
vicinity is swampy.
Section E.
Nil.
129
Section F.
m.
Section G—CLIMATE.
See Perak, page 143.
Section H.-PRODUCTIONS, &c.
The woods of Great Dinding Island consist of ebony, sandal Vegetable
wood, several varieties of gum, india-rubber and palm trees, production^
bamboo, and the following native woods, namely, damarloud,
nebong, kampenis, ringas, murbar—the last three are similar to
mahogany: murbar is much used by the natives of Malacca Strait
for the manufacture of furniture. To the above-mentioned products
may be added coffee and cotton. The whole of the woods are
farmed out by the Colonial Government at an annual rental. ' Of
fruits there are the durian, pineapple, mangoe, and pomegranate.
In 1881 there were 517 acres of cultivated ground on the
mainland, and 192 acres in Pulau Pangkor.
Poultry, eggs, and occasionally pigs, may be procured at reason- Supplies.
able prices. Fish are plentiful and may be caught with the seine
in the bays; turtle may also be obtained in the season. Fresh
water of good quality is plentiful at almost all the villages, but
owing to want of proper conduits can only be obtained in small
quantities.
Animal life abounds, but at present the density of the jungle Zoology,
renders the animals very difficult of approach. The island is
known to contain the following, viz.: hogs, deer (moose and other
kinds), monkeys, civet cat, cranes and pigeons, boa-constrietors,
several kinds of cobra and other deadly snakes, alligators, guanas,
lizards, scorpions, centipedes,
I
130
Section I—INHABITANTS.
The population of the Dindings in 1871 was 2,352, comprising
2 Europeans, 1,791 Malays, 466 Chinese, 37 Klings, and 33
Javanese.
Section K.-HIST0RY.
In 1826 atreaty was concluded between the Penang Govern-
ment and that of Perak, by which the latter ceded to the former—-
“ the Pulau Dinding and the Islands of Pangkor, because the said
islands afford safe abode to the pirates and robbers who plunder
and molest the traders on the coast and inliabitants of the main-
land, and as the King of Perak has not the power or means to
drive out those pirates, &c.”
It is probable that the power which Government thus obtained,
to pass freely through the channels dividing the islands, was
sufficient to cause the retirement of the pirates from the neigh-
bourhood; but it does not appear that for 50 years the British
Government ever occupied or took formal possession of them. It
was also long doubtful whether the cession referred to the islands
only, or included also part of the adjoining mainland.
This was finally settled by a treaty concluded in 1874 by
Sir A. Clarke with the Eajah and Chiefs of Perak, by which a
clearly defined portion of the mainland opposite to the islands
was declared to be British territory.
Section L.—ADMINISTRATION.
The Dindings are placed for temporary convenience under the
supervision of the Resident of Perak. The Settlement is under
the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Singapore.
A small police force, under a European superintendent, has
been established on Pulau Pangkor to preserve order.
131
Section M.--FINANCE.
The revenue of Pulau Pangkor for the year 1881 amountecl
to $3,505*, the expenditure being $6,417f»
Section N.—MONEY, WEIGHTS, &c.
See Singapore, Sec. N, pages 68, 69.
Section 0—ARMY.
Nil.
Section P—NAVY.
Nil.
Section Q.-BOOKS OF REFERENCE,
Nil.
I 2
* Included in Singapore Revenue, Item 12.
f Included in Singapore Expenditure, Item 16.
133
NATIVE STATES.
The Native States of the Malay Peninsula are—
On the West Coast .. Kedah,
Perak and Larut,
Selangor.
Stjngei Ujong.
Muar.
JOHORE.
On the East Coast .. Johore.
Pahang.
Tringganu.
Kelantan.
Patanl
In the Interior.. .. Rambau.
Sri Menanti.
Jell abu.
JUMPOL.
JOHOL.
Jellye.
Three of these, viz., Selangor, Perak and Sungei Ujong, are
under British protection, while Kedah, Tringganu, Kelantan and
Patani are in a greater or less degree tributary to Siam. The
others are independent.
There is little intercourse between one State and another; and
it is improbable that, with Siam in the position of suzerain over
the four last named, and our influence in the other States, any
serious fighting will take place between them.
134
Situation, &e*
Mount, ains
and plains.
Rivers.
KEDAH.
Geography, &c.
Kedah is the most northerly of the Malay States on the western
side of the Peninsula of Malacca. It is bounded on the north by
the Langa River, which separates it from Siam; on the east by the
chain of mountains running down the middle of the Peninsula,
which divides it from the Malay State of Patani; on the south by
Perak; and on the west partly by the sea and partly by the British
territory’of Province Wellesley. Its length is about 140 miles,
and its average breadth about 50 miles. Along the coast runs a
chain of islands, some of which, as Langkawe and Trutao, are of
considerable size. Between the islands and the mainland there
lies an extensive mud bank, so that vessels of any considerable
size cannot come nearer the coast than 4 miles.
Kedah is distinguished from the other States of the Peninsula
by the greater amount of its level ground, which affords consider-
able facilities for the. production of wet grain. The liighest
detached hill on the Kedah main is Gunong-Gerai, or Kedah Peak
(lat. 5° 47' N.), a mass of granite which rises to a height of 5,000
feet. North of this mountain is an immense plain of very gentle
elevation, bounded on the east by a small chain of hills, 16 or 20
miles inland. Near the coast it is covered with a belt of man-
groves, from half a-mile to a mile in breadth, and further inland
the country is laid out in rice-grounds, broken every two or three
miles by natural boundaries of forest. Out of this plain, at a
distance of about 6 miles from the sea, and in lat. 6° ll' N., rises
abruptly to a height of 780 feet, the Elephant Hill, an isolated and
remarkable object. It is >of an oblong shape, about a mile in
length by half a mile in breadth, and presents on every side bold
and eraggy precipices, with a number of small needle-like pinnaeles
shooting up like the spires or turrets of a cathedral. The moun-
tains which separate Kedah from Patani attain in places a height
of 6,000 to 7,000 feet.
Kedah is traversed by at least 26 rivers, which gene-
rally flow in a westerly direction. Six of them are of considerable
size, and are navigable to some extent by the common trading
vessels of the Malays, but they are all obstructed at their mouths
by bars. The most considerable is the Kedah River, the entrance
of which is in lat. 6° 6' N. It has a depth of 3 feet on its bar at
low water : inside the bar the depths vary from 2 to 5 fathoms. It
is navigable for vessels drawing 8 feet and having a pilot, as
far as the town of Kedah, which is situated 7 miles from the sea.
This is the chief place of the State: it is, however, hut.a mere
13 3
village. There is anchorage in 5 or 6 fathoms 3 miles off the
mouth of the river.
The geological formation of Kedah generally is granite, which Gteology.
contains iron and tin, of the last of which near 150 tons used to
be exported. Gold also was found formerly.
Communication s.
From Alorstur, where the Kajah resides, 12 miles up the Kedah Koads and
Biver, to Singora,'on the opposite coast, is a road, which, as far as telegraphs.
the Siamese boundary, could, with little trouble be made good.
Beyond that the road is very bad, and only fit for elephants.
A few years ago the Siamese Government contemplated laying
a telegraph line from Singora to Penang: in fact the track was
partly cleared and the posts cut, but the idea was abandoned. It
is to be hoped that the Siamese Government will make this road
good, and establish telegraphic communication with Penang. The
line should be continued through Province Wellesley for police
purposes, and in time through the Native States to Singapore. In
case of any future disturbances in the Peninsula, the value of a
trunk road and telegraphic communication between the different
stations would be inestimable.
Pkoductions, &c.
The vegetable products are the usual ones of the Peninsula, Vegetable
and the country seems to be better fitted for the production of rice Pkoductions.
than any of the other States; for, besides feeding its own pojDii-
lation, it used, in more prosperous times, to furnish Penang with
30,000 quarters of husked rice. At present, the state of agricul-
ture is in most places ath low ebb. Coeoa-nuts, plantains, betel-
nuts, the mangosteen, durian and other fruits, grow in great
perfection.
Among its animals, the elephant is very numerous, and is used Animals,
as a beast of burden—even bred, and occasionally exported to the
Coromandel coast. The ox, a small, compact and hardy breed,
and the buffalo of great size, are abundant in the domestic state.
The horse does not exist. The whole coast is most abundant in
fish, and some of them are of exquisite flavour, especially that
called the “ bawal putih,” or white pomfret of the English, which
is less rich but more delicate than the turbot.
Inhabitants.
The population may be roughly estimated at 34,000, about inhabitants.
25,000 of whom are Malays, the remainder being Siamese, half-
breeds, Chinese, and natives of India. Before the Siamese invasion
and conquest of 1821, the country is believed to have had a
population of 50,000, which in 1839 was reduced to 21,000, the
rest having either been killed in action, perished by disease and
136
History.
famine, or taken refuge witliin the British territory, The highest
of these numhers gives a relative population of less than twelve
inhabitants to the square mile; the country - must, therefore, at
all times have been very thinly populated.
The bulk of the inhabitants are padi planters and fishermen, and
living, as they do, under a comparatively good government, they
are more industrious than the Malays of other States.
With the exception of a small military guard of Malays, they
are not armed except with spears and krises, and, unless ealled
upon by the Eajah to fight, they are most peaceably disposed.
There are no forts or stockades on the rivers. When disturbances
arise in the neighbouring States subject to Siam, Kedah has to
furnish a contingent, which is found to fight very well.
Though they have little cause for gratitude to our Govern-
ment, which, in spite of an implied promise to assist them, handed
them oyer to the tender mercies of the Siamese, the Malays of Kedah
are well disposed to the English, having a strong prejudice against
our old rivals the Dqtch. They dislike the Siamese extremely.
History.
The early history of Kedah is involved in obscurity. According
to Kewbold, it was at one time a dependency of Malacca, and
subsequently of Acheen, but for many years it has been tributary
to Siam.' The suzerainty of the Siamese appears, however, to
have been originally regarded by us as rather nominal than
real, for we find that the agreements for the cession of Penang
in 1785, and of Province Wellesley in 1800, were concluded by
the Honourable East India Company with the Eajah of Kedah on
his sole responsibility, without any reference to the King of Siam.
After this time the Siamese seem to have interfered more
actively in the affairs of Kedah, and in 1818 they eompelled the
Eajah, much against his own inclination, to attack and conquer
Perak.
In 1821 the Eajah was either refractory or was alleged to be
so, and the Siamese invaded and overran the country, massaering
and enslaving most of the inhabitants. The Eajah and many of
his subjects made their escape into British territory, where they
found refuge. Since this period Kedah has remained under the
yoke of Siam, its Government being administered by a vassal
of that country.
In 1831 the Kedah people, unable to endure any longer the
tyranny of the Siamese, flew to arms and captured the town of
Kedah, then held by the latter. The Penang Government had,
however, meanwhile recognized the supremacy of Siam over
Kedah, and had undertaken not to permit the former Eajah or any
of his followers to attack or disturb the territory. They accord-
ingly interfered in favour of the invaders, and with their assist-
. ance the revolt was speedily suppressed.
The Siamese now interfere little with the government of
137
Kedah, but when disturbances arise in the neighbouring States
subject to Siam, Kedah is called upon to furnish a contingent.
The late Kajah (Sultan Ahmed Tajudin, ob. June, 1879) and
his family have always been intimately connected with Penang,
and his services to our Government in the Perak war and on
other occasions, have been acknowledged by the British authorities.
Under his politic rule the State has to some degree regained the
prosperity which it enjoyed prior to the Siamese invasion.
138
Situation and
extent.
Coast.
Mountains.
Topograpliy,
PERAK.
Geogeaphy, &c.
" The State of Perak, of which the District of Larut forms part,
is bounded on the north by Province Wellesley and Kedah, on the
east it is separated by the chain of granite mountains which forms
the backbone of the Peninsula from the States of Kelantan and
Tringganu, on the south it is divided by the Bernam Eiver from
Selangor, on the west it is bounded partly by the sea and partly
by our recently-acquired territory of the Dindings. It measures
about 100 miles from north to south, and about the same distance
inland.
The district of Larut is an irregular strip of territory stretching
along the coast between the Kurow and Bruas Rivers and bounded
on the east by a mountain chain ealled the Gunong Bubo Range.
It is about 70 miles in length and from 20 to 50 miles in breadth.
The coast is for the most part low and flat, indented with
numerous embouchures of rivers and creeks, the latter varying
from a considerable width and depth to barely the width of a
small boat, with a depth of only an inch or two. Land is being
fornied daily along the whole of the Larut coast. The sea with
each sueceeding tide leaves a deposit of silt and mud on the shore,
and thus thick banks are fornied on which the mangrove and other
marine shrubs quickly vegetate. Land which has thus been
fornied within the last 50 years is now being cultivated for
paddy. There is so little water off this coast that gunboats cannot
approach nearer than 4 or 5 miles.
The mountain ranges of Perak are composed of granite and
clay-slate ; they appear to run generally north and south.
On the east the great central chain of the Peninsula has a
height of from 5,000 to 8,000 feet. In it the Eiver Perak and its
principal tributaries take their rise. Further west a mountain
range, which east of Qualla Kangsa rises to an altitude of 3,700
feet, separates the valley of the Perak from that of the Kinta
River. Still nearer the coast, on the eastern boundary of Larut,
are the Gunong Bubo mountains, some 3,000 feet high, which
run in an almost unbroken line from north to south, with detached
liills at intervals at their base. In the valleys of this range most
of the rivers in Larut or Upper Perak have their origin.
The Larut district, from the coast to the Gunong Bubo
mountains, is flat and is divided into two strips, that bordering the
coast being marshy and intersected by numerous rivers and creeks,
while that at the base of the liills is of a rich alluvial soil. Here
are situated the tin mines which are the principal, indeed almost
139
the sole industry of the country. In the interior the country is
•undulating or hilly, interspersed with streams or rivulets, and
often presenting most picturesque scenery.
The territory of Perak, though endowed with a remarkably
fertile soil and great mineral wealth, has remained to the present
time little else than an immense primeval forest. A considerable
Chinese population has been attracted to the mines of Larut, but
elsewhere the jungle is only broken by little Malay villages, thinly
scattered along the shores, or on the banks of the rivers.
Perak possesses several considerable rivers. The embouchures Rivers,
of all, however, are much choked up by the debris and sand
brought down year-after year from the hills and the interior of the
country by the freshets caused by the periodical rains, as well as
by the alluvial deposit from their own~ banks. The following are
the principal, taken in order from the north.
The K'utow, a very fine stream, coming down from the Gunong
Bubo Eange. It is navigable for a launch drawing 4| feet of
water at least 40 miles from the sea, and for canoes for a distance
of 80 miles.
The Gula, Kalempang, and Spatang are smaller streams, drain-
ing the country between the Kurow and Larut.
The Larut is only navigable for canoes for a distance of 25
miles. At its mouth is Teluk Kartang, the principal harbour of
the territory.
The Sungie Lima is a small stream apparently well adapted to
paddy cultivation.
The Trong lies about 5 miles south of the Larut, and is
navigable for canoes for 56 miles.
South of the Trong are three small streams, the Jurumas,
Sungei Tirigie, and Sungei Hut.
The jBtuos, which lies just beyond the northern boundary of
the Dinding territory, takes its rise in the Gunong Bubo Eange.
•It is navigable for small.boats for about 56 miles from its mouth.
There is some fine land on its banks. A pathway leads from it to
Blanja, on the Perak river.
The Perah is one of the largest and most rapid streams of the
Peninsula. It is supposed to rise in Siamese territory, near the
northern boundary of Province Wellesley, and llows due south for
about 150 miles as far as Durian Sabatang, 43 miles from the
entrance, from which it runs in a westerly direction to the Malacca
Strait. Its banks, as far up as Banda Baru, 52 miles from the
mouth, are low and marshy; above this they become higher: '
throughout, they are for the most part covered with jungle, Along
the whole course of the river there are numerous small villages.
The Perak is sometimes as much as a mile in width, and at
Qualla Kangsa, some 150 miles up, it has a breadth of 400 feet.
The entrance is narrow, but vessels of nine feet draught can
always cross the bar at high water: those of greater draught
should not attempt it, except at springs. Inside, the river is wide
140
and deep, and is navigable for vessels of ll feet draught as far as
Durian Sabatang. Steam launches can ascend as far as Kotah
Lumut, 48 miles from the entrance.
At Kotah Stiah, 25 miles from the bar, the Perak receives the
River Dedap, which drains the country to the north of the former
river. The Dedap flows for about 40 miles parallel to the Perak,
and is almost all the way tidal. The country through which it
flows is rather marshy. The water of the Perak river is fresh two
miles above Kotah Stiah.
Durian Sabatang, 43 miles up, is the port of Lower Perak, and
the seat of government of the district. Spring tides here rise
12 feet. The ebb stream runs at 2\ to 3 knots. The Perak
receives near this place two rapid rivers, the Bidor and Batang
Padang, both of which descend from the main range, their sources
being 18 miles apart. These rivers have promising villages, and a
population of, probably, 1,500 people on each.
Five miles higher, on the right bank, is the village of Kotah
Lumut, the highest point steam launches can reach. Above it the
river is rapid, and shallow when not in flood. It can only be
ascended by native boats of light draught, which are propelled up
stream by poles, making way at the rate of about a mile an hour.
In travelling down stream, paddles are used.
The Kinta river, which enters the Perak about three-quarters
of a mile above Kotah Lumut, has a current of about 2\ miles an
hour. It rises and falls very rapidly. Its banks are generally flat,
and its valley is rich in tin. On the Kinta and its branches there
is a population of some 2,000 people. At the town of Kinta which
is situated on the left bank, about 40 miles from its mouth, the
width of the river varies from 70 to 230 feet, and it is fordable at
almost any point, except after the heavy rains.
The tides are felt on the Perak river as far as the mouth of the
Kinta. Four miles above this, and on a small island in the Perak
river, is Banda Baru, formerly the site of the British Besidency,
and some 30 miles higher is the town of Blanja.
At Qualla Kangsa, 150 miles from its mouth, the Perak
receives from the westward the River Kangsa. The villages along
this stream are very fine, with about 1,000 inhabitants.
At Chigah Gala, 10 miles above Qualla Kangsa, the Perak
receives the Vlus River, coming from the eastward; and 10 miles
higher, at Buluk Minujak, are the first rapids.
The Bernard, which forms the southern boundary of Perak, is
one of the largest rivers on this side of the Peninsula. It takes its
rise in the main range, and far up in the interior it is joined by the
Slim River. Its entrance is 2 miles wide, and there is a depth of
8 feet on the bar at low water. It is navigable by a steam launch
for 100 miles, and a large steamer could ascend it for a consider-
able distance.
District*. Perak is divided into four districts, viz., Larut, Durian
Sabatang, or Lower Perak, Qualla Kangsa, and Krian.
141
Harbours.
The principal port of Perak is Telok Kartang, at the mouth of
the Larufc river, whence steamers run to Penang, &c.
The harbour of Lower Perak is Durian Sabatang, 43 miles up
the Perak Biver. It is accessible to steamers and large native
craft, and is provided with a strong jetty capable of accom-
modating vessels of considerable tonnage.
COMMUNICATION.
There is at present no communication by road between the Boads.
Krian and Larut, and though, owing to the nature of the country,
which is low and marshy, there will be difficulties in making one, _
it is advisable that a road with a telegraph line along it should be
constructed, thus connecting Perak and Penang. The work has
already been begun.
A good metalled road connects the port of Telok Kartang with
Taiping Kola, the seat of the Assistant Eesident of Larut (8 miles)
and the mining Settlement of Kamunting (12 miles). Between
Taiping and Kamunting the road passes through the spurs of
the Assam Kumbang Eange, and, owing to the numerous streams,
it has been necessary to construct, in the short space of miles,
no fewer than 10 bridges. The average size of these bridges is
12 feet by 16 feet; they are all made of wood procured from the
neighbouring forest.
At Sempangx about two miles from Teluk Kartang, a branch
road diverges from the main road and leads through a thinly
populated country to Qualla Kangsa, 22 miles distant, the seat of
the Eesident of Perak. At 9 miles on this road is Bukit
Gantang, the residence of the Mantri of' Larut, and at 13 miles it
passes through the Brapit Pass. In the greater part of its length
it is in fair order and tolerably level.
The above are the only roads in the country deserving the
name; the remainder are mere elephant tracks through the jungle,
and of these there are very few. The path from Blanja to Kinta,
which was traversed by our troops in 1875, is described as being
from 2 to 3 feet in width, kept in no repair, and from being con-
stantly travelled over by elephants very full of large holes, which,
when full of water, as is usually the case, become very dangerous.
Many small streams also cross and run along the track, and during
heavy rains the water in it is about 4 feet deep. When the
revenue admits of it, the country will be gradually opened up.
It is contemplated soon to construct a railway from Telok
Kartang to Taiping Kotah, which will relieve 6 miles of the road
from heavy traffic.
Throughout Perak the buffalo is domestieated, and is used not Land trans*
only for agricultural purposes but as a beast of burden. The load Port-
is placed in panniers made of cane, which are slung on to the sides
of the animals. This method of conveying goods is principally
142
Water trans*
port.
Telegraplig,
adopted by the Malays in the interior, where the absence of roads
precludes the possibility of transport by carts. In Larut, where
roads exist, buffaloes are also used in carts, but invariably singly,
as a pair cannot be yoked, on account of their widely-spreading
horns.
Bullocks are more generally used as draught cattle in Larut
than buffaloes; they are invariably yoked in pairs. The vehicle
for which they are employed is a two-wheeled cart, with a body
measuring about 6 feet by 4 feet, and capable of holding about
half a ton. The drivers are principally natives of Madras.
Elephants are employed by the Bajahs and chief s for traffic,
the goods being packed in strong panniers of cane, similar to those
used for the buffalo. Tin to the weight of half a ton can be
carried by a full-grown elephant, but rice only to half that weight.
The coolies from the mines of Larut make good carriers.
The Perak river, with its branches, forms the principal means
of communication in the interior of the country. The navigability
of this and the other rivers has been already alluded to (page 139).
A telegraph line connects Matang (near the port of Telok
Kartang) with the Eesidencies at Taiping and Qualla Kangsa. It
will no doubt in time be extended.
Towns.
Kinta, the former capital of Perak, which consists of about
110 houses, is situated on the left bank of Kinta Eiver, about 40
miles from its mouth, and is 8 or 10 miles distant from the range
of mountains which bound Perak on the east. It is surrounded
by dense jungle and marsh, with little extent of cultivated ground.
A path leads from it to Blanja, on the Perak Eiver, 16 or 17 miles
distant; tracks also run north and south along the banks of the
stream, which near the town varies from 70 to 230 feet in width,
and is fordable almost anywhere, except after heavy rains. The
following description of the houses of Kinta is probably applicable
to the other towns and villages of the country. The houses, which
are raised from the ground on piles to the height of about 5 feet,
are simply mat huts, built of spars fastened together with bamboo
lashings, the framework thus formed being covered with leaf
thatching ealled <fattap.” In the best houses, the sides are
covered with a better kind of matting, ealled “ kadjan.” The
roof s are in most cases covered with “ attap,” and are given the
great slope of 60° on account of the heavy rains. The rough
framework of the floor is covered with bamboo laths, lashed
together, and in the best houses this is again covered with matting.
A small patell of garden is attached to each house.
Qualla Kangsa, now the seat of the Eesident of Perak and the
place of meeting of the State Council, is situated on the right bank
of the river, about 150 miles from its mouth. It contains the
Kesident’s house, Police Barracks, Court-house, &c.
143
Taiping, the seat of the Assistant Resident df Larut, is situated
in the centre of the tin mines, about 12 miles from the mouth of
the Larut River. It has over 5,000 inhabitants, principally
Chinese, about one-tenth being shopkeepers. It contains several
public buildings, including Assistant Resident’s House, Court-
house, gaol, hospital for 50 patients, stores, Public Works Office,
Police Barracks (two buildings, one for Sikhs and one for Malays,
capable of holding about 50 men each), resthouse, &c.
Kamunting, a prosperous mining village, about 4 miles north
of Taiping, has a Chinese population of about 4,000, with 300
shops.
Durian Sabatang, on the left bank of the Perak River, 43 miles
from its mouth, is the port of Lower Perak, and the seat of
administration of the district. The village has been twice burnt
down within a few years, and has now been arranged on a proper
plan, with wide streets and more substantial houses. Population,
400 or 500 Malays, and the same number of Chinese. The place
has not yet the appearance of a busy port, but as the rich country
on the Perak River and its tributaries become developed, it seems
likely that Durian Sabatang will grow in importance. It contains
Superintendent’s house and office, Court-house, separate quarters
for the Sikh and Malay Police, storehouse, &c., also many well-
stored shops.
Climate.
The climate of Perak is hot and moist, but, except at the bases
of the mountain range, where there is always more or less malaria,
is not unhealthy. It is more favourable for Europeans than that
of most tropical countries. The Malays and Chinese suffer from
febrile attacks, scrofulous affections and ulcer s on the legs and
ankles, but these forms of disease are believed to be attributable to
the salt fish, which forms so large a portion of their diet.
This part of the Malay Peninsula is protected from the
influence of the monsoons by the high mountains of Sumatra on
the one side, and by the range which forms the backbone of the
Peninsula on the other, and is consequently only subject to the
usual land and sea breezes, calms and variable winds, interrupted
by occasional squalls.
In the low country the thermometer seldom rises higher in the
shade during the day than 86°, while at night it frequently sinks
to 65°, the temperature on the hills being proportionately less.
The mornings and evenings are invariably cool and refreshing, and
warm covering is often indispensable at night. The heat of the
noon-day sun is tempered so materially by a breeze which almost
always blows freshly from the hills, that fatal effect has never been
known to result from it.
The rainfall is great, from about the middle of August to the
end of December, but during the remainder of the year the weather,
144
Agriculture,
Domestic
animals.
Fish.
Supplies,
Wild animals.
though decidedly wet, does not in any way interfere with agricul-
tural operations.
PRODUCTIONS.
The soil of Perak is remarkably fertile; but, in consequence of
long continued bad government, there has hitherto been but little
cultivation. The only cereal grown to any extent is the rice plant,
of which there are three varieties; one cultivated chiefly on the
plains, and the other two on higher ground. The other articles
cultivated by the natives are sugar-cane, coffee, tapioca, Indian
corn, tobacco, the cocoa-nut, the jaggary palm, from which a good
deal of coarse sugar is made, the areca palm, the betel vine, brinjal,
pumpkin, and the labu—a gourd which is dried and is the common
water vessel of the country.
The forests contain numerous durable woods, all well adapted
for building purposes.; also others yielding gums and drugs, as
india-rubber, gutta-percha, cojfal, catechu, &c.
The eastern slopes of the Xarut hills seem admirably adapted
for the growth of coffee, tea, cinchona, vanilla, nutmegs, eloves, &c.,
while the plains are equally well fitted for plantations of sugar,*
tobacco, tapioca, &c. The expense of clearing jungle is at the
average rate of 6 dollars an acre, and Malay coolies can always be
obtained at 25 cents a-day. American coffee, South American
india-rubber, African coffee, and other plants have lately been
introduced and promise to become important cultivations.
Buffaloes, goats, fowls and ducks are plentiful throughout the
country.
Fish in great variety are very abundant at the mouths of the
rivers and along the whole of the sea coast, affording the principal
subsistence of the seafaring Malays. Several ingenious methods
are used for netting them. Fresh fish is sold by the fishermen to
hawkers at 2d. per lb., who retail it in the interior at 6d per lb.
Europeans find no difliculty in obtaining varieties of food in
Larut, the markets being well stocked with buffalo meat, fish,
ducks (price 50 cents), fowls (5 for a dollar), all kinds of tinned
stores, wine, beer, biscuits, many kinds of vegetables, &e.
The dense forests and jungles of the interior afford homes to
numerous kinds of wild animals, including wild elephants, wild
cattle, rhinoceros (two varieties), tigers (three species), leopards,
bears, boars, deer of several species, civet cat, armadilloes,
monkeys, racoons, lemurs, and sloths, &c.
Jungle fowl are exceedingly numerous, also the whistling teal,
snipe/golden plover, and the argus and other pheasants.
Among reptiles the iguana, turtle, anaconda, boa-constrictor,
cobra, and many other species of snake, both poisonous and harm-
less, are indigenous. The crocodile abounds in every river and
tidal creek.
# European, capital to a considerable extent has lately been invested in the
opening of a large sugar estate near the mouth of the Perak River.
145
The tin mines of Larut form the principal industry of the Minerals.
country, affording employment to large numbers of Chinese.
Nearly half the revenue of Perak is derived from this source. The
mines at present worked are in the neighbourhood of Taiping.
The ore is found in the plains at depths varying from 20 to 30
feet, but at the foot of the hills it lies within 6 feet of the surface.
There is no doubt that the whole country contains more
or less tin, and it is probable that as the land towards the
mountains becomes cleared, valuable lodes will be found.
The exports consist only of tin and gutta-percha, and, to a
limited extent, hides, horns, and coffee.
The principal articles of import are opium, cattle, pigs, pro-
visions (chiefly rice, sugar, and salt fish), and treasure, the latter
consisting of Mexican dollars, the chief medium of exchange.
Inhabitants.
The population of Perak is estimated at 43,000, including
30,000 Malays, 12,000 Chinese, and 1,000 natives of India. The
Chinese are to be found almost exclusively in Larut, where they
form the bulk of the population; the remainder of the country is
thinly peopled by Malays, who live in small campongs or villages
along the Perak Eiver and its tributaries. The mountains of the
interior also contain some wild and wandering tribes known as
“ Orang Sakei; ” they are said to be harmless and docile, and to
make good coolies.
The general characteristics of the Malay and Chinese races have
been already described (pages 8-9-10). The Malays of Perak are
essentially lazy and unenterprising. Small and crowded villages,
with a few acres of paddy land adjoining and a few plantain trees,
suffice for their wants; of trade they have but little idea. Owing
to the long continued bad government, there has hitherto been but
little inducement to industry, the petty chiefs and their retainers
living on what they could squeeze from the rayahs or serfs.
The system of “bar utang,” or debt slavery also, which has
existed in the country from the earliest times, has done much to
retard its prosperity. According to this custom, a Malay, on
being unable to pay a fine to which he has been sentenced, becomes
the slave of his creditor for years, perhaps even for life; the
special injustice of the system consists in the fact that even should
he be subsequently in a position to pay for his ransom, the creditor
is not bound to receive it, and should the money not be paid,
although the debtor is able and willing to pay it, not only himself,
but his family and his descendants remain slaves for ever to the
creditor and his descendants. Another phase of the custom is
that should a man have borrowed money for a given time, and be
at the expiration of the period unable to pay, he and his family
become in like manner debtors for life.
In this manner three-fourths of the Malay population are
bound over to the remaining quarter. An endeavour is now being
K
146
Chinese.
made to put down this abuse, and in time the system will totally
disappear.
The Malays of Perak are very clannish, and have a love of
independence which renders them intractable to European ways;
though they will do anything they are ordered by their chiefs, to
whom they are much attached. Still, it cannot be said that the
bulk of the people are ill-disposed to our rule ; and beyond a sulky
disposition manifested by some of the chiefs, who find their
occupation (extortion and robbery) gone, there is little opposition
to the present form of government. Now that the principal
opponents of the new order of things have been removed or pen-
sioned, it will be comparatively easy in time to develop the
resources of the country, and give the people a chance of improving
their condition; though but little industry or improvement can be
expected from the present generation.
The Perak Malays are more deceitful than those of Kedah.
In dealing with them it is necessary to be most on one’s guard,
when they, especially after opposition to the views urged upon
them, appear most amenable.
It is impossible to estimate correctly the number of Malays in
Perak capable of bearing arms, but the proportion ever likely to
be brought against us is very small compared to the population.
No chief could muster much more than a thousand men, and
nothing like combined action is to be feared. They are badly
armed, having only a few telas (guns) of small calibre, and old-
fashioned rifles, the majority being only armed with spears and
krises. The chiefs and people are so poor that they could be
starved out in a short time by blockading the mouths of the rivers,
by which alone they can obtain supplies of rice.
As already mentioned (page 9), they are very clever at con-
structing stockades, the capture of which, when the use of artillery
has been neglected, has sometimes entailed serious loss. The
country being chiefly jungle, with rivers and elephant tracks as
the only means of communication, the difficulty of carrying even
the lightest guns, and of procuring transport for commissariat
purposes is very great.
The peculiar phase of madness known among the Malays by
the name of running “ amok ” still exists in Perak, but not to any
great extent.
The Chinese settlers in Larut are many of them naturalized
British subjects from Penang. They are, as elsewhere, very enter-
prising and industrious. The miners are all Chinese, and the trade
of the district is principally in their hands. While they were
under native government, fighting was the order of the day, but
under an English Resident they live peaceably. They are on the
whole easily governed, but they require to be carefully watehed,
and in dealing with them firmness and decision are essential.
The secret societies, which have been found objectionable in other
places (see page 47), are forbidden in Larut. About four-fifths of
147
the Chinese are miners: the remainder are tradesmen, shopkeepers,
blacksmiths, gardeners, carpenters, &e.
The Malay language is that most spoken even in Larut,
Chinese being beyond the power of a Malay to acquire. Another
reason, which here, as in any foreign country, would prove a
serious obstacle to Chinese becoming a universal language, is the
number of dialects, each wholly different from the other, of which
it is composed. It is not uncommon to see two Chinamen con-
versing in Malay, being totally unable to comprehend each other
in their dissimilar Chinese.
The principal food of both Chinese and Malays is rice, to
which they add salt fish for seasoning. The Malays, being
Maliomedans, never touch pork, which is a favourite dish of the
Chinese. Fish forms the principal subsistence of the seafaring
Malays.
History.
The State of Perak was formerly tributary to the Malayan
sovereigns of Malacca, and afterwards to those of Acheen. On the
decline of that power it became in a measure independent,
although Siam at various periods asserted claims to its sovereignty,
and demanded tribute. #
Its first intercourse with the British appears to have taken
place in 1818, when a treaty was concluded by the East India
Conipany providing against the monopoly of the tin trade by the
Dutch, and securing to British merchants the privilege of trading
with Perak on terms as favourable as any other nation. In the
same year, in consequence of the resistance shown by its ruler to
the pretensions of the Siamese, the country was overrun by troops
from the neighbouring province of Kedah, who invaded it by
order of the King of Siam. In 1822, the Siamese were expelled
and the rightful chief restored by the powerful assistance of the
Bajah of Selangor. In 1826, a treaty was concluded between
the East India Conipany and Siam, by which at our instigation the
latter country declared the independence of Perak, both the con-
tracting parties agreeing that its Bajah should govern his own
territory according to his own will.
The discovery of tin in Larut in 1848 attracted thither
numbers of Chinese, by whom the mineral resources of the
country began to be developed. The immigrants belonged to two
parties, the See-Kwans and the Go-Kwans, between whom there
was a strong feeling of animosity; but for some time the Chief of
Larut, called the “Mantri,” who was to a considerable extent
independehLof the Sultan of Perak, was able to keep a nominal
control over both factions. In 1862, however, their numbers had
so much increased that, on dissensions then breaking out amongst
them, the Mantri thought it better, in order to keep his own position,
to side with one of the parties, the Go-Kwans, who with his aid
K 2
Languages.
Tood.
148
succeeded in driving most of their rivals out of the country.
During the next 10 years matters in Larut were pretty peaceful.
In 1871 the Sultan of Perak died, and disputes arose regarding
the succession to the throne. The rightful heir, according to Malay
law and usage, was Abdullah the “ Eajah Muda,” but by some
intrigue his title was ignored, and another chief, Ismail the
“ Eajah Bandahara,” was proclaimed Sultan. Abdullah contended
for his rights of sovereignly and half of the chiefs sided with him,
the others supporting Ismail. Among the latter was the Mantri*
who hoped by espousing Ismail’s cause to obtain his object of
establishing Larut as an independent kingdom.
Shortly after, fresh disturbances broke out amongst the Chinese
in Larut, and soon assumed a most serious aspect. The Mantri,
finding that his former allies were not comparatively so powerful
as before, turned in favour of the See-Kwans, and the Go-Kwans
then made common cause with the Eajah Abdullah. The dispute
concerning the succession to the throne of Perak may be said to
have thenceforward merged in the more determined quarrel
between the Chinese factions, and so complete was the ruin
brought about by this most disastrous warfare that Larut became
almost depopulated; villages were demolished wholesale, and
thousands of people massacred.
The British authorities at first remained neutral, and
prohibited the export of arms and ammunition to Larut, but
subsequently cancelled the order so far as it related to the Mantri,
who had in fact all the moral support of the Government at
Penang.
The Go-Kwans sent out fast armed, row-boats to blockade the
coast, and especially to look out for provisions. The men in these
boats were at first only combatants against their rivals, the
.See-Kwans, but at last, becoming desperate for want of supplies,
they attacked all boats indiscriminately, and committed such
atrocities that the British Government could no longer refrain
from interfering. Accordingly, in the autumn of 1873, H.M.
ships Thalia and Midge were despatched to the coast of Larut
and succeeded, after some opposition, in destroying several
stockades and large fighting junks. Their efforts to suppress the
piratical proceedings were not, however, attended with any success-
ful results, the vessels being unprovided with steam launches, and
the ordinary ship’s boats proving wholly unable to overtake and
capture the fast-pulling native row-boats.
Such was the state of things when, in November, 1873, Sir
A. Clarke became Governor of the Straits Settlements; and he lost
no time in taking steps for putting an end to a nuisance and a
danger, which not only affected the trade but threatened the peace
of our Colony. Proceeding to the Dinding Islands, off the coast of
Perak, he assembled the Eajah (Abdullah), the Mantri, and several
of the other principal chiefs, as well as some of the leading
Chinamen of both the contending factions; and after investigating
149
the claims of the rival candidates, he induced the ehiefs to accept
Abdullah as their Sultan, the Mantri being confirmed in the
governorship of Larut. In order to guard against a relapse into
anarchy, the Sultan and the Mantri engaged to receive at their
respective courts, and to maintain at their expense, a British
Resident and assistant Resident, whose advice was to be taken and
acted upon in the collection and control of all revenues, and in all
matters of general administration other than those touching Malay
religion and custom. The Sultan and ehiefs were also induced to
concede our long-standing claims to the ownership of the Dinding
territory, and to agree to a rectification of the southern boundary of
Province Wellesley, which was now defined by the watershed of
the Krian River. The Chinese consented to submit all their
disputes to British arbitration, to dismantle their stockades, and to
give up their arms.
An Assistant Resident was at once appointed to Larut. The
claims regarding the disputed mines were settled by drawing a
line through the mining country, and settling the See-Kwans to
the north and the Go-Kwans to the south of it; and the tran-
quility of that district has since remained undisturbed.
Perak proper, however, as distinguished from Larut, did not
prosper under the new state of things to the extent anticipated.
A Resident was appointed in December, 1874, and stationed
at Banda Baru, on the Perak River; but, in consequence of the
bad faith of . the Sultan, he found himself utterly powerless to
improve the condition of the country, Abdullah taking the collec-
tion of revenue into his own hands, and setting the advice of the
Resident completely at nought.
Under these circumstances, Sir W. Jervois, who had succeeded
Sir A. Clarke as Governor of the Straits Settlements, resolved
upon a change of system, and in September, 1875, proposed that
the direct power of government should be given into the hands of
two British Commissioners, who were to administer the country in
the name of the Sultan, and with the assistance of a Malay Council;
the Sultan, and other ehiefs entitled to payments by the State, to
receive allowanees. Abdullah consented to this arrangement
which also seemed agreeable to the majority of the ehiefs and
people; and it was not anticipated that, in carrying it out, any
opposition would be met with.
Proclamations, announcing the new regime, were accordingly
prepared in the Malay language, and were posted, under the
Resident’s supervision, in several villages without any dissatisfac
tion being manifested. On the 2nd of November, however, at a
place called Passir Sala, about five miles above the Residency, the
proclamations were torn down, the Resident’s escort was attacked,
and he himself was murdered. The affray arose apparently in an
accidental manner, but was believed to have been in accordance
with a previously-arranged plan, to which nearly all the ehiefs of
the country were privy.
150
The only available fighting element tinder English officers then
in Perak, eonsisted of the Resident’s guard, about 70 Sikhs, stationed
at Banda Baru, and a larger body, about 200 strong, of the same
composition, under the Assistant Resident in Larut; but on the
news of the murder reaching Penang, a force of 2 officers and
60 men of the 1 | 10th Regiment, was at once despatched to Banda
Baru, where they arrived on the 6th of November, and on the
following morning started to destroy the village of Passir Sala.
On their way to this place, however, they suddenly came under
the fire of a stockade, which had been hidden from view by
standing corn. After trying in vain to dislodge the enemy by
means of rockets, they attempted to take the work by assault, but
suffered in a short time such severe loss (15 men killed and
wounded, including all the officers) that it was determined to
retire to the Residency, and await further reinforcements.
’ These soon began to arrive, and by the 14th of November the
available force at Banda Baru eonsisted of three officers and 131
men of the 1 | 10th Regiment; one officer and 20 men Royal
Artillery, with a 7-pr. gun; and a Naval Brigade of 10 officers,
60 seamen and 15 marines, with two rocket tubes, one 7-pr. gun,
two 12-pr. howitzers, and a small Coehorn mortar.
On the 15th of November an expedition was undertaken against
the stockades previously attacked, and the village of Passir Sala.
The force was for this purpose divided into a land and a river party:
the former consisting of the Infantry, Artillery and Marines ; while
the latter, which was conveyed in six boats and a steam gig, com-
prised the remainder of the Naval Brigade, with their guns and
rockets.
The combined attack of the two parties proved completely
successful. After six hours* continuous fighting against a stubborn
resistance, the stockades and village were taken and destroyed,
with a loss of only one man wounded.
Resistance was not, however, at an end. The leaders of the
outbreak, whom it was deemed necessary to secure if possible, had
retreated up the river, and thence to Kinta, the principal town of
the country, situated some 15 miles inland, and here a determined
stand was expected. The troops therefore returned to the Resi-
dency to await further orders.
On receiving intelligence of the unsuccessful attack of the 7th
November, Sir W. Jervois, the Governor of the Straits Settlements
sent from Singapore to Banda Baru 80 more men of the 1 | 10th
Regiment, with half a battery of Royal Artillery, and also tele-
graphed to India and to Hong Kong for reinforcements. The
following troops were accordingly despatched to Perak.
From Hong Kong.
300 Oriicers and men of Her Majesty’s 80th Regiment, under
Major> Gen. Colborne, commanding the troops in China and
the Straits.
151
From Calcutta.
Her Majesty’s 3rd Regiment (Buffs), about 600 strong,
lst Ghoorkas ., ,. ., .. ,, 450 „
1 Battery R, A., with 7-pr, mountain guti, „ 120 „
1 Company Madras Sappers ., .. ,, 80 „
Under Brig.-G-en. Ross, C.B.
The general plan of operations was that the troops from Hong
Kong should proceed to the Residency at Banda Baru by way
of the Perak River; while the Indian column was directed to land at
the mouth of the Larut River, and thence march to Qualla Kangsa,
the nearest point on the Perak River, a distance of some 20 miles.
It was then proposed that an expedition should ascend the river
from Banda Baru, to meet a similar force coming down from
Qualla Kangsa, and that the combined force should land and
advance on Kinta,
In consequence, however, of disturbances having broken out in
the neighbouring State of Sungei Ujong, it was found necessary to
divert thither part of Gen. Ross’ column (250 Ghoorkas with half
a Battery R.A.), and, as will be seen, the Indian force was unable
to take part in Gen. Colborne’s movement on Kinta.
A number of Her Majesty’s ships had also meanwhile arrived
on the station, and from them naval brigades were formed, one of
which acted with Gen. Colborne, another with Gen. Ross, and a
third in Sungei Ujong.
Gen. Colborne experienced considerable difficulty in procuring
suitable boats for the transport of his force, as also men to pole
them (rowing being impracticable in consequence of the strength
of the current). Eventually this difficulty was overcome, and on
the 8th of December he advanced up the river from Banda Bahru
with the following troops:—
Royal Artillery, about 40 men
1 | 10th Regt.,* „ 100 „
80th Regt., „ 100 „
Naval Brigade, „ 70 „
After five day s* travelling, Blanja, the point of disembarkation,
was reached. Here 50 men of the 1 | 10th Regt. were left, and
the remainder of the force started at once for Kinta. The detach-
ment Royal Artillery had with them two 7-pr. guns, and the Naval
Brigade carried two Hale’s rocket tubes.
Some opposition was met with on the way, but the chief diffi-
culty was the transport of guns, ammunition and stores, over an
almost impassable jungle path. No eoolies could be obtained, but
about 70 of the men who had poled the boats up were impressed
as carriers.
After three days’ toilsome march, during which one of the
guns had to be left behind, Kinta was occupied on the 17th of
December with but slight resistance from the enemy. Here the force
remained for some time.
Owing to want of boats and eoolies, the Indian column was
unable to make any movement from Qualla Kangsa till the 19 th
152
of December. On that day a force of about 250 men (composed of
the Buffs, Ghoorkas and Naval Brigade), under Colonel Storey,
descended the river to Blanja, and thence folio wed Gen. Colborne
to Kinta, where they arrived on the 21st of December. General
Ross, with the main body of his column, remained at Qualla
Kangsa.
On the 4th of January, 1875, an expedition was organized by
General Ross to disarm the hostile village of Kota Lama, situated
about two miles from Qualla Kangsa, which had long been the
haunt of all the worst disposed and most turbulent Malays. No
resistance was at first offered, but when the troops were off their
guard, a determined attack was made on them, resulting in the loss
of one officer and three men, whilst General Ross and his Staff had
a narrow escape. The Malays were, however, quickly put to flight,
and the village burned.
Several subsequent expeditions were directed, in the course of
the next few weeks, against Kota Lama and other disaffected
villages in the neighbourhood, and were all successfully carried
out. As, however, the enemy generally took to flight on the
appearance of the troops, little loss was inflieted on them.
No further engagement of any note took place in Perak, and
after about a year’s occupation the troops were withdrawn, being
replaced by a native police force chiefly composed of Indians.
All the persons implicated in the murder of the Resident were
eventually secured, and either exeeuted/imprisoned, or deported to
the Seychelles ; among the latter being Sultan Abdullah, the ruling
chief of the State. Since April, 1876, the country has been per-
fectly quiet, and there seems to be no danger of any renewal of
disturbances.
Administkation.
Upon the restoration of order, the future administration of
Perak received the fullest attention of Her Majesty’s Government,
and the policy which was finally decided upon by the Secretary of
State is now being carried out.
Raja Muda Yusuf, the next heir to the Sultanate after the
deportation of Abdullah, was left at the head of affairs, and a
Resident was appointed to his Court to give influential and
responsible advice to him, to maintain peace and law, to initiate
a sound system of taxation with the consequent development of
the resources of the country, and to supervise the collection of the
revenue.
Officers were also appointed hy the State to exercise magisterial
and other functions under the Eesident, but without other re-
sponsibility.
To assist the Resident in the due performance of his duties, a
mixed Council of State, consisting of some of the principal chiefs
153
and of the higher European offieers of Government, has been
appointed; and in this Council the chief authority of the country
is vested.
The Eesident is in direct subordination to the Secretariat in
Singapore, and receives from the Government of the Straits
Settlements all directions as to the advice he is to tender; it is
further his duty to report to this Government all decisions arrived
at by the State Council.
The footing upon which the Government now stands with the
chiefs of Perak is essentially a friendly one, and the regenPs two
sons are at this moment receiving an education from a Govern-
ment schoolmaster. The State is being rapidly opened up, and
with the careful management which it now enjoy s there is every
probability of its future being a prosperous one.
For purposes of administration, Perak is divided into four
districts, viz:—
Larnt, by far the richest and most important district, contain-
ing the State Treasury, the Head-quarters of the Police and Public
Works, the principal port of the country, &c., under the immediate
supervision of the Assistant Eesident. Eesidency at Taiping.
Qualla Kangsa, under the personal charge of the Eesident of
Perak, who lives in the town of that name.
Lotoer Perak, administered by a Superintendent, resident at
Durian Sabatang.
Krian, under a Collector and Magistrate, head-quarters at
Parit Buntar, on the left bank of the Krian Eiver.
The Malay villages are presided over by native offieials termed .
Punghulus, who collect the local revenues, receiving a percentage
thereof, are responsible for good order being kept, arrest offenders,
and provid e, on requisition from the proper authorities, a certain
number of men and boats for the public service.
The Chinese population is managed through the Chinese
headmen.
The organization of the police force is good: it is under
the command of a Superintendent and two assistant Superin-
tendents, all Europeans.
Finance.
Under the present Government, the revenue of Perak has
steadily increased year by year. In 1878 the amount was
$329,000, in 1879, $388,000, in 1880, $582,000, and in 1881,
$609,000 (estimated). The greater part is contributed by the
district of Larut.
About half the revenue is derived from the duty on tin, then
come the import duty on opium and the rents of the excise farms
(including gambling, pawnbroking, and toddy farms, &c.), the
remainder being made up of a considerable number of less
154
important items, such as duty on gutta-percha, the sale of timber,
harbour dues, &c.
The expenditure for the year 1880 was $522,000, the chief
items being establishments, allowances to chiefs, and public works,
including the construction and upkeep of roads.
The public debt, which in 1877 amounted to $451,000, had
been reduced in 1880 to $215,000.
Money, Weights & Measukes.
As in the Straits Settlements.
155
SELANGOR.
Geography, &c.
The territory of Selangor, or Salangore, is bounded on the
north by Perak, from which it is separated by the Bernam Eiver,
on the east by the range of mountains which forms the backbone
of the Peninsula, and on the south by the State of Sungei Ujong.
It has a coast-line of 140 miles, for the most part low, jungle-
covered, and skirted by a mud bank. The territory is said to be a
magnificent one, watered and opened up by fine navigable rivers,
and possessing a fertile soil with great mineral resources; but, in
consequence of the incessant quarrels of its Eajahs, it has long
been in a deserted state and has been very little cultivated. Now
that a settled Government has been established, it may be
expected that the land will be brought unde^ cultivation, instead
of being left to jungle as hitherto.
The principal rivers are the Bernam, Selangor, Klang and Bivors.
Langat.
The Bernam is one of the finest rivers on the Malay coast, its
entrance being about 2 miles wide. It has a depth of 17 feet on
the bar at high water, or 8 feet at low water. A large steamer
could ascend it for a considerable distance, and a steam launch for
100 miles.
The Selangor is also a large river with several considerable
tributaries ; it has a tortuous course, its banks very low and lined
with mangroves. It is navigable for boats for about 90 miles, and
for steam vessels with a draught of 8 feet for 14 miles.
The Klang runs for a distance of 30 or 40 miles in the interior.
Its banks are high and covered with mangroves and palms. It is
from 2 to 4 cables broad at the entrance, and is free from danger
for about ll miles from the entrance. Yessels drawing 8£ feet
can proceed up for a distance of 12 miles above the town of Klang,
which is 10 miles from the sea.
The Langat has two mouths, one of which (the Langat), opens
into Lumant Strait, the other (the Jugra) into the sea about ten
miles further south. The town of Langat, which is situated at the
junction, is 25 miles from the sea by the Langat, and about 7 by
the Jugra. The Langat Eiver is navigable to a distance of 10 or
12 miles above the town by a gun vessel, and has a depth of 3 or
4 fathoms. The Jugra is only safe for steam launches and small
craft. It is, however, both widening and deepening year by year.
The Sultanate of Selangor consists of four distinct provinces : Provinces.
Bernam * Selangor, Klang and Langat} each on the river of the
same name.
* In July, 1880, the administration of the district of Bernam was transferred to
the Groyernment of Perak.
156
Roads,
Klang.
Qualla
Lumpor.
Langat.
Selangor,
Vegetable
production
&c.
COMMUNICATIONS.
In the interior several good cart-roads have been formed,
connecting the various mining Settlements with the landing places
on the rivers, where the ore is shipped. It is very desirable that
a road should be constructed through' the territory, connecting
Slim in Perak with the mines of Bernam, Selangor and Klang,
and continued to Sungei Ujong, from which an existing road
eommunicates with Malacca.
A steamer runs once a week between Malacca and Klang.
Towns.
The town of Klang, or Penkalen Batu, which is the seat of
Government and the residence of the Viceroy and British
Resident,* is situated on the river of the same name, about ten
miles from the sea. It has only 800 inhabitants, and their
numbers are decreasing. It is defended by a fort and stockades.
It contains Government offices, police barracks, prison, hospital
for 50 patients, &c. A road is being constructed to Langat,
14 miles distant.
Twenty miles higher up, on the left bank of the river is Qualla
Lumpor, the depot for all the mines in the district, which has the
most flourishing appearance of any Settlement in the Peninsula.*
The town is weU laid out and the houses are roomy and substantial.
It possesses a market and numbers of good shops, both Chinese
and Malay. Boats are numerous. There are about 1,000 Chinese
and 700 Malays resident in the town, the authorities being a
Captain China and a Toh Dagang. In the neighbourhood
including the mines there is a population of about 7,000 Malays
and Chinese. Good bullock-cart roads run from the town to the
mines; a brickfield and kiln have lately been established here,
and a large number of excellent bricks and tiles already produced.
Langat, at the junction of the Langat and Jugra Rivers, is the
residence of the Sultan. Its situation is very low, and houses are
constantly washed away by the tide. It has about 700 inhabi-
tants, and a considerable number of shops, kept both by Malays
and Chinese. There is a considerable native trade between Langat
and Malacca.
The town of Selangor, situated on both banks of the river of
that name near its mouth, which was destroyed by us in 1871,
does not seem now to possess much importance.
Producttons, etc.
The soil of Selangor is very fertile, well suited for growth of
almost all kinds of tropical produce, as rice, coffee, tea, sugar, sago,
pepper, gambler, tobacco, &c.; but in consequence of the state of
anarchy which has prevailed till within the last few years, agri-
* During the year 1880, the Residency and the head-quarters of the police,
Treasury, and other departments were transferred from Klang to Qualla Lumpor.
157
culture has been almost entirely neglected, and there is at present
little land under cultivation. On both sides of the Selangor river
there are miles of deserted cocoa-nut and sago plantations quite
untenanted. Now, however, there are signs of reviving prosperity,
and it is to be expected that the country will soon present a more
flourishing appearance. A European Company in Singapore has
lately obtained a concession of a tract of land for the purpose of
an agricultural venture, which, it is hoped, will prove a success;
and one of the leading planters in Ceylon has applied for ground
to open a coffee estate.
The territory is richly wooded. Gutta-percha and rattans are
abundant, and are expoited to some extent. Some of the hills are
covered with large camphor trees, hitherto undisturbed.
Some parts of the country are infested by tigers, wild pigs, and Animals,
elephants. There are no tame elephants, though they might be
most advantageously used for transport.
The coasts abound with fish of excellent quality, large quan- Fish,
tities of which are cured for export.
The principal industry of Selangor is tin mining. The principal Hines,
mines are situated in the watersheds of the Selangor, Klang,
Lukut, and Langat rivers, the largest quantity being produced in
the Klang district. Gold is also found in washing the tin. Owing
to the very low price of tin which existed in 1879, the mining
interests of the State suffered to such an extent as to threaten the
abandonment of many of the mines, and several of those yielding
pool ores were closed.
Inhabitants.
Selangor is very thinly inhabited. The population does not, Inhabitants.
probably, exceed 18,000, of whom 5,000 are Chinese. The
inhabitants of the coast are chiefly Bugis from Celebes. They
were formerly much addicted to piracy. As a rule, they are too
proud to work, only doing so when they have actually no other
resource to gain a livelihood. It will take years of good govern-
ment before they can be ehanged into husbandmen and traders.
They are, however, now pretty quiet: though attached to their
chiefs, like other Malays, and strongly conservative, they are not
disaffected towards the established Government. During the
recent disturbances in the neighbouring States, the [Resident of
Selangor was able, without the assistance of troops, to hold his
own, and no rising took place. Two of the principal chiefs did
good service during the operations in Perak, furnishing scouts, and
engaging actively in the pursuit of Mr. Birch’s murderers.
As in the other States, the only people likely to give trouble
are the petty chiefs. “ The Government in the Malay States,'” says
a writer on the subject, “ though nominally in the hands of one
sovereign, is really divided between a number of chiefs. These,
like the feudal barons of old, are independent masters of their own
bit of territory; they levy their own taxes, and are perpetually
158
History.
encroaching on, and being eneroached upon by, their neighbourl
Each chief has a swarm of needy brothers, cousins, and followers,
who consider themselves bound to be supported by him in dignified
idleness; for to work is unfashionable, and to rob is as gentleman-
like as it was among the Highlanders a century ago. It is very
easy to conceive in what degree such a class would appreciate the
blessings of a common treasury and settled government, the aims
to which our interference has tended. The ruling sovereign may
be well disposed towards us, and anxious to improve his country,
but his nobles do not consider themselves bound by his engage-
ment, and he has no power to control them.”
In. the interior of Selangor, especially in the Bernam district,
there are numbers of the jungle people, known to Europeans as
Jakuns, who speak a language totally different to Malay. The
Jakuns are clever gardeners, and cultivate sugar-cane, plantains,
sweet potatoes, and other vegetables in abundance, also tobacco;
rice they use but little. They can walk wonderful distances, and
make their way with ease through a jungle which Malay s would
not dream of entering, and will carry as heavy loads as a Chinese
coolie. They are a wonderfully harmless and docile race and often
make themselves very useful to the Malay s, who requite them
very badly.
Histoky.
The name Selangor is not to be found in the earlier Malayan
records. The district which now bears the name appears to have
been known as Klang, and to have been a dependency of the
Malayan Empire. At the commencement of the 18th century, a
chief from Goa, in Celebes, settled in the Klang country, and
founded the dynasty still existing under the title of the Sultans of
Selangor.
The Dutch long had a station and fort at the mouth of the
Selangor Eiver, from which they monopolised the tin of the dis-
trict, as far as their power extended. In 1783 they were attacked
by the then Sultan, Ibrahim, and abandoned the place in a panic.
It has been held ever since by the native Princes; but Sultan
Ibrahim was compelled to acknowledge himself a vassal of the
Dutch, and to give them a monopoly of the tin of the country at
a low price.
During the occupation of Malacca by the British, from 1795
to 1819, the Government did not keep up the Dutch monopolies
and trading relations with the neighbouring States; but in 1818,
on the eve of the surrender of Malacca, in order to protect our
commerce from the effects of a restoration of the usual Dutch
monopoly system, a treaty was entered into between the Govern-
ment of Penang and the Sultan of Selangor, by which British
trade was to be protected, and no monopolies were to be given
to other Powers.
When the Dutch returned to Malacca in 1819, they commenced
159
at once to restore their relations with the native States, and espe-
cially to recover the lucrative tin trade at Selangor and other
places on the Peninsula. Before, however, they had time to
organize their plans, and to get the better of the resistance of
their old enemy, Sultan Ibrahim, who was still alive, Malacca was
finally given over to the British by the Treaty of 1824. In the
following year, 1825, another Treaty was made between the
Government of Penang and the same Sultan Ibrahim, in relation
to Perak affairs, and for the suppression of piracy.
Sultan Ibrahim died in 1826, leaving a number of sons, one of
whom succeeded to the throne with the title of Sultan Mahomed.
Under his rule, the central Government became weak ; his brothers
and relations assumed to act without control wherever they settled,
and anarchy on land and piracy by sea. followed in their natural
course. No security existed for life or property, and trade was
paralysed.
The state of the country became even worse under the reign of
the present Sultan, Abdul Meshed, who succeeded to the throne
about the year 1859, and he, finding great difficulty in retaining
his power from the turbulence of his chiefs, appointed, in. 1868,
his son-in-law to be Governor of the whole kingdom, with full
powers. The latter appears to have endeavoured to govern the
country properly, and, above all, to check piracy; but he had a
very difficult and dangerous task, being systematically opposed by
the various petty chiefs, some of whom resisted him by open
fighting.
The coasts of Selangor are peculiarly well situated as a refuge
and haunt for pirates, and were especially famous in former days
for piratical attacks of the most daring character. Under the
Indian Government, attempts were persistently made to put down
piracy, and were attended with a large measure of success, but
after 1866 our action became intermittent, and in consequence acts
of piracy became more frequent.
In 1871 a case occurred which demanded our interference.
In June of that year a junk, owned by certain Chinese
merchants of Penang, sailed from that place for Perak, but failed
to reach its destination. After some time, information reaehed the
owners that the vessel had been seized and carried off by a few
Malay passengers (who had no doubt embarked with that object),
and that the crew and the rest of the passengers, numbering in all
34 men, women and children had been murdered.
The colonial steamer “ Pluto ” with a party of police was im-
mediately despatched in search of the missing junk, which was
found at anchor in the Selangor river. The police, placing them-
selves in communication with the Malay authorities at Selangor,
succeeded in recovering the junk with part of its cargo, the greater
portion of which was in the shops of the town, and also in arresting
nine of the pirates.
In attempting the capture of another, decided opposition was
160
met with, and. the police were obliged to retire, the “ Pluto ” being
fired on as she left the river.
On learning what had oeeurred, the Acting Governor of the
Straits Settlements requested Captain Robinson, B.N., H.M.S.
“ Rinaldo,” the senior naval officer at Singapore, to proceed with
his ship to Selangor, and endeavour to secure the remainder of the
pirates, and to obtain possession of the stolen property. The
“ Pluto” was ordered to join the “Rinaldo” in making, the
attempt
On the morning of the 2nd July, the two vessels arrived off
the bar of the Selangor river. The boats of the “ Rinaldo ” were
at once manned and armed, and started for the town in tow of the
“ Pluto.”
The entrance of the river was commanded by two forts, one
close to the water, the other, which had been originally constructed
by the Dutch, rather further inland, and at a higher elevation.
They were subsequently found to be armed with 38 guns, mostly
old 32 and 24 pounders.
The town was reached without opposition, and parties were
landed to search the houses on both banks. One of these parties
having encountered a native chief, tried to force him to go on
board the “ Pluto.” He, however, escaped to the jungle, from which
a heavy fire was opened on the party, who wrere compelled to
make their way back to the “Pluto” sustaining a loss of one
officer and six men wounded. The other boats returned without
accident, when they heard the firing. The “ Pluto ” being quite
unfitted for warlike purposes (her boilers being very liable to injury
from an enemy’s shot), it was considered advisable to take her at
once outside the river. She was despatched to Penang with the
wounded, and carried a message to the Lieutenant - Governor
asking that troops might be sent from that place to form a landing
party.
In compliance with this request, a force of 130 men, consisting
of detachments of the Royal Artillery and 19th Madras 'N. I.
under command of Colonel Shortland, immediately proceeded to
the Selangor river.
Before the arrival of these troops, however, Captain Robinson
had taken steps to punish the Malays for their hostile action. On
the morning of the 4th the “ Rinaldo ” entered the Selangor river,
in doing which she had to run the gauntlet of a severe fire from
the forts. In less than five minutes she had three men wounded,
and her hull and rigging sustained considerable damage. Once
the forts were passed and the river was entered, the enemies*
position was turned, and in a short time most of their guns were
dismounted and the defences rendered untenable.
A musketry fire was, however, continued at intervals on the
ship, and Captain Robinson deemed it advisable to wait for the
troops from Penang before attempting to land.
On the arrival of Colonel Shortland with his party, a landing
161
was effeeted, but no enemy was found, the Malays having retreated,
abandoning their positions. The town was then burnt, the forts
destroyed, and the guns rendered unserviceable.* A decree was
subsequently obtained from the Sultan of the country, outlawing
the chiefs concerned in the piracy and subsequent attack on the
“Binaldo.”
The vigorous measures thus taken had the immediate result of
overawing the marauders; but the effect was only transient, and
towards the end of 1873 piracy on the Selangor coast had assumed
such a formidable character as to threaten the peaceful navigation
of the Straits, One case was attended with unusual atrocity; a
'British boat, registered at Malacca, having been seized at Langat
and the crew, with one exception, murdered. Shortly after, the
perpetrators were recognised at Malacca by the survivor and
arrested. It was at first intended that they should be tried there,
but on further reflection it was considered that a greater effect
would be produced if their punishment were infUcted by the
authorities of their own country and at the scene of the crime.
As the China squadron happened to be at this time in the
neighbourhood, the opportunity was favourable for bringing a
strong influence to bear on the Government of Selangor. Accord-
ingly the Governor of the Straits Settlements (Sir A. Clarke), along
with the admiral and seven men-of-war, proceeded to Selangor and
entered into negotiations with the Sultan. The latter was readily
induced to agree to the Governor’s demands, and nominated a
court, presided over by the Viceroy, for the trial of the offenders,
who were found guilty and executed. The piratical stockades at
the mouth of the Langat River were destroyed, and a compensation
of $5,000 was exacted from the Sultan.
Administration.
At the Sultan's special request, Selangor has now passed under
the immediate protection of the English Government, and the
administration of the country is now conducted on the same footing
as Perak, namely, under the advice of a British Resident assisted
by a mixed Council of State {see page 152).
This arrangement appears to be cordially acquiesced in by the
great majority of the inhabitants, and to be highly successful, and
thus Selangor seems to be now in a fair way to obtain a peaceful
future. Piracy may be said to be a thing of the past, and though
small quarrels may occasionally occur, it is believed that under the
present regime there is no danger of a recurrence of those dis-
turbances which formerly distracted the country and prostrated all
legitimate enterprise.
The police force is under a European superintendent, an
inspector, and a number of- native non-commissioned officers.
* A .detailed account of this Expedition will be found in Parliamentary
Paper, C. 465.
L
162
Finance.
Finance.
Export duties are levied on tin, gutta-percha, salt fish, rattans,
&c., and import duties on opium, salt, rice, tobacco, &c. The
revenue, which is at present mainly dependent upon the tin mines,
amounted in 1878 to $190,000, in 1879 to $184,000, in 1880
to $216,000, and in 1881 to $244,000 (estimated).
The expenditure is kept within the revenue, the principal
item being establishments, including allowances to native ehiefs,.
and the next largest for public works.
The debt of the country on the 1st January, 1881, was $317,000. -
Interest on this is regularly paid at the rate of 6 per cent., and
when the funds of the State admit, a portion of the principal is
refunded.
On the whole, the financial condition of Selangor is considered
to be moderately satisfactory, and likely to improve in the future.
163
SUNGEI UJONG.
Geography, &c.
The State of Sungei Ujong, which, like Perak and Selangor,
is now under British protection, is -situated between Selangor on
the west and north, and Malacca on the south-east. It is bounded
towards the interior by the native States of Jelebu, Sri Menanti
and Rambau.
The principal rivers are the Lukut and the Linggi.
The Lukut may be entered at high water springs by vessels
drawing 9 feet. Steam launches can ascend as far as the village
of Lukut, about 5 miles up.
The Linggi River from its mouth to Sempang, 5 miles up,
forms the boundary between Malacca and Sungei Ujong. Here it
divides, the right branch flowing through Sungei Ujong, while the
left divides Malacca from Rambau. The river is navigable for
vessels of 8 feet draught as far as Sempang. The right
branch can be ascended by large native boats and steam launches
up to Permatang Pasir, five miles above Sempang, and by small
boats for about 30 miles higher.
Sungei Ujong is separated from Sri Menanti by a range of
mountains from 2,000 to 3,000 feet high, through which leads a
narrow defile, called the Bukit Putus Pass. On the coast, between
the mouths of the Lukut and Linggi Rivers, is the steep bluff
point of Cape Rachado, 368 feet high, surmounted by a light-
house.
Harbours.
The chief port of the country is at Permatang Pasir.
COMMUNICATIONS.
The Linggi River is the principal channel for bringing 'down
the tin from the mines in the interior. Within the last few years
several roads have been opened, viz.—From the Residency to the
Port of Permatang Pasir, a distance of some 23 miles; from
the Residency to the coffee plantations recently established on the
hills behind Pantay, 16 miles distant; through the Bukit Putus
Pass, affording free communication with Sri Menanti.
VlLLAGES.
The principal village appears to be Linggi, on the river of that
name.
about a mile above Permatang Pasir.
I 2
Geography,
&c.
Harbours.
Communica-
tions.
Yiliages.
1G4
Production
and trade.
Inliabitants.
History.
Proditctions and Trade.
Sungei Ujong has hitherto been dependent principally upon its
tin mines, which are situated in the interior, about 30 miles from
Linggi, and there has been very little agriculture. Lately, how-
ever, padi cultivation has very considerably increased, and several
tapioca plantations are in progress. Two experimental plantations
have also been opened by Ceylon planters, one in the low country
for Liberian coffee and cocoa, the other on the ranges behind
Patay, at an elevation of from 1,500 to 2,000 feet, intended for the
cultivation of Arabian coffee and cinchona. Should these under-
takings meet with success, the future of Sungei Ujong will rest on
a firmer basis than the fluctuating value of tin.
The value of the exports for 1880 amounted to $364,000,
while the imports are put down at $241,000.
Inhabitants.
The country is thinly populated; about two-thirds of the
inhabitants are Chinese, the remainder being Malays. They are
peaceably disposed, the offences being few and in the main of a
trifling nature. Arms are not allowed to be carried without a
pass. Debt slavery only existed to a limited extent in Sungei
Ujong, and the custom has now almost disappeared.
History.
Till within a comparatively recent date, Sungei Ujong formed
part of a confederation known as the Negri Sambilan, or Nine
States.
Their early history is somewhat obscure. The tradition runs
that, soon after the foundation of the first Malay Empire at
Singapore, in the 12th century, a chief of the Menangkabow
family crossed over from Sumatra with a number of foflowers,
and settled in the interior of Malacca. The newcomers inter-
married with the Jakuns, the former inhabitants of the country,
and rapidly increased in numbers. In course of time they divided
themselves into nine petty States, under as many penghulus, or
chiefs, feudal to the sultans of Malacca, and, after their expulsion
by European powers, to those of Johore, by whom they were
consolidated under the name of the Negri Sambilan, or Nine
States. The names of these States were Sungei Ujong, Rambau,
Johol, Naning, Segamet or Muar, Jelabu, Klang, Jompol, and
Jellye.
The State of Naning soon became so closely connected with
Europeans, and the authority of its chief was so curtailed by them,
that it was excluded from the confederation, its place being taken
by Sri Menanti, a district to the north of Eambau, which had risen
into importance. Subsequently, when the kingdom of Selangor
was formed, Klang was incorporated in it, and ceased to form a
part of the confederated States.
165
It does not appear clearly how the States had "been governed
from Johore before; but in 1759, a Bugghese of Bhio was in charge
of them as Viceroy, acting directly under the authority of the
Sultan of Johor. Whatever his rights and position may have
been, his rule was so little beneficial that the chiefs rebelled, and
he was obliged to retire to Bhio. He was not replaced, as far as
can be found, by any other superior native authority from Johor.
About this time the Sultan of Johore made over to the Dutch
his rights over four of the States, viz., Sungei Ujong, Bambau, Sri
Menanti, and Johol. The result of the interference of the Dutch,
and the absence of Malay rule from Johore, were felt, here as
elsewhere, in the want of that direction in religious and social
matters which cannot well be given to a Mahomedan people by an
European Government. To supply this want, the four States
applied to the Sultan of Johore, as he had resigned his own
authority over them, to procure for them a ruler from the royal
family of Menangkabau, the parent Malay State. The Dutch
Government sanctioned this arrangement, which lasted from 1773
to 1832, during which period five princes were successively sent
from Menangkabau to the four States as rulers, under the title of
“Eang Depertuan Besar.” It appears that the sovereigns thus
appointed were considered mainly in the light of pageant princes,
and were not allowed to take any active part in the government,
each punghulu administering his own State. After this period the
four States remained independent, and, until recently, a state of
anarchy and confusion prevailed amongst them. Hostilities were
especially prevalent between Sungei Ujong and Bambau, in
consequence of which the trade on the Linggi river was frequently
interrupted.
On several occasions attempts were made by the colonial
authorities to bring about a more settled state of matters, but for
some time without much effect. In April, 1874, however, the
Datu Klana, or paramount ruler of Sungei Ujong, entered into an
agreement, by which, on condition of being permitted to procure
arms from Singapore for the defence of his country, he bound
himself to carry on his government with justice, to offer protection
to traders, not to allow expeditions to be got up against Govern-
ment or its friends, and to place the river, from Sempang as far as
Permatang Pasir, under the control of Government.
In September, 1874, the Datu Klana wrote to the Governor
of the Straits Settlements, to the effect that one of his most
influential chiefs, the Datu Bandar, had expressed openly his
disapproval of these engagements, and threatened to attack him
if he attempted to fulfil them. Under these circumstances, he
begged for the assistance of Her Majesty’s Government.
In reply to this communication, a Government officer, with a
party of police, was sent to try to induce the Datu Bandar to
come to amicable terms with the Klana. The Datu Bandar,
however, resisted all advances and asserted his independence of
166
the Klana, though he disclaimed any intention of taking up arms
agaist him.
The Klana having then collected what he deemed a sufficient
force, attempted to reduce the Bandar to submission. He was at
first to some extent successful; but on proceeding to attack the
village of Kapoyang, the Bandar’s principal stronghold, he was
repulsed, his followers deserted him in panic, and the Klana only
effected his escape by the protection and assistance of the British
official and his police guard. The Datu Bandar then assumed the
offensive, and threatened the Klana at his own residence.
Under these circumstances the Governor of the Straits Settle-
ments considered it advisable to despatch to Sungei Ujong a com-
bined military and naval force, under the command of Captain
Dunlop, B.A., and composed as under:—
1 Officer, 20 N-C.O’s. and men R.A*., with a 7-pr. mountain gun.
2 Officers, 50 N-C.O’s. and men H.M.’s 1 | 10th Eegt.
„ 4 Officers, 40 seamen and 20 marines H.M.S. “ Charybdis,” with rockets.
An Inspecter and 50 native police.
This force was landed on the 26th of November, at a place called
Lukut, on the coast of Selangor, some six miles north of the Cape
Bachado Lighthouse, and after a toilsome march of 16 miles over a
jungle path reached, on the 28th, Ampangan, the Datu Klana’s
residence, where they found a detachment of 20 men of the 1 | 10th
Begt., under Lieut. Palmer, who had arrived three days before from
Malacca, via the Linggi river.
Captain Dunlop learned on his arrival that the Datu Bandar’s
followers had retired to Kapoyang, where they had stockaded and
entrenched themselves, and the same day sent two parties by
different roads to reconnoitre the place.
It was ascertained that the village was surrounded on three
sides with thick jungle, while in front were deep wet rice fields
and abandoned mines, almost impassable except in single file along
a path completely commanded by stockades. The village was pro-
tected on all sides by a heavy palisade with a deep ditch, and
each house within the enclosure was again defended in a similar
manner.
Captain Dunlop, who had accompanied one of the parties,
considering the opportunity favourable for attacking the rebels and
preventing their escape, ordered up the remainder of his party
with the gun and rocket tube. Great difficulty was however
experienced in transporting the gun, the Chinese earriers refusing
to proceed. It was, therefore, decided to leave it behind, and to
try the effect of rockets and rifle fire. The attacking force got into
good positions under cover and kept up a constant fire on the
stockade, to which the enemy replied with- great persistence, but
with small effect. Several rockets were fired, but it was found that
the range from which they had to be diseharged (about 400 yards)
was too short for, effective practice, and it was seen that without
the gun the enemy could not be driven out of the stockades which
167
commanded the approach to the village. Before it could be brought
up, however, darkness had set in, and Captain Dunlop decided on
witlidrawing for the night. The only casualty on the British side
occurred at this time, a seaman being mortally wounded by a rifle
bullet from the stockade.
On the following morning a son of the Datu Bandar presented
himself to make negotiations for his father’s surrender, and hos-
tilities were suspended for twenty-four hours to enable him to
fulfil his promises. The Datu Bandar, having, however, failed to
appear within the prescribed time, the whole force started for
Kapoyang, which on arrival they found deserted. The stockades
and houses were then destroy ed, and the fugitives pursued and
driven out of the State of Sungei Ujong. The Datu Bandar, with
his family and principal fighting men, took refuge in Selangor,
where they soon after gave themselves up to the British Resident.
At the request of the Datu Klana, Sungei Ujong was now
taken under British protection, a detachment of troops and a
police force being left to support the authority of the Resident.
Since this appointment no further disturbance has arisen in the
country, and the measures taken for its better government have
brought about a greatly increased prosperity.
The rising importance of Sungei Ujong, however, aroused the
jealousy of the chiefs of some of the neighbouring States, who
soon displayed feelings of animosity against the Klana, and
against the English as his proteetors. In the end of November,
1875, hostilities broke out; the Resident of Sungei Ujong, when
proceeding on a reconnoitring expedition into the adjoining State of
Sri Menanti, being stopped by an armed force, who opened fire on
his escort, and eompelled the party to retire. The Malays then,
collecting a considerable force, invaded Sungei Ujong, and estab-
lished themselves at a village called Paroe, about five miles from
the Residency. The invaders, as it afterwards appeared, were
principally from the State of Jumpol, a few only coming from Sri
Menanti and Muar. Rambau remained neutral throughout. '
The British force at this time in Sungei Ujong consisted only
of about 40 men of the 1 j 10th regiment and 70 native police; but,
on the news of the outbreak reaehing the Governor of the Straits
Settlements, reinforcements were at once despatclied thither, 20
men of the 1 | 10th regiment being sent from Malacca and 85
Sepoy with two mountain howitzers from Singapore, while the
detachment from the Indian column already spoken of* (250
Ghoorkas and half a battery R. A. under Colonel Clay) was put
under order to follow as speedily as possible.
The Malays meanwhile were gaining confidence, and it was
feared that if they were not checked they would make a night
attack in large force. On the arrival, therefore, of the Sepoys, it
was determined that an effort should at once be made to dislodge
them from their position.
Page 151.
16.8
Accordingly, on the 7th of December, a force of 35 men of-the
1 | 10th regiment, 48 police, and 85 Sepoys, with a 12-pounder
howitzer, started for Paroe.
Owing to difficulties of the road, there was great delay in
bringing np the gun, and the attack was commenced without wait-
ing for it* For about two hours firing was kept up, the assailants
suffering considerable loss, while little impression was made on the
enemy, who were thoroughly protected by their stockades. At
last the howitzer arrived, and the affair was then soon concluded.
After a few rounds had been fired, the enemy were seen to be
retiring from their position, which was then assaulted and cap-
tured without serious resistance. The attacking force on this
occasion sustained a loss of 10 killed and 30 wounded.
The Malays retired about seven miles, to a very strong
position, a narrow defile between two jungle-covered liills, called
the Bukit Putus Pass, which they fortified with stockades and
other obstacles*
On the arrival of Colonel Clay's column, which was soon
followed by a naval brigade of 32 men, the offensive was resumed.
In order to drive the Malays from fheir new stronghold.it was
determined to divide the force, one portion, of about 170 men,
making a wide turning movement so as to get into the rear of the
enemy’s position, while the main body, 280 strong, attached the
pass in front. The relative departure of the two parties was
timed so that the attack from front and rear should be simul-
taneous.
On the 20th of December, Colonel Clay with the main body
reached the foot of the pass, and sent on an officer with 25
Ghoorkas to reconnoitre the position. This officer advanced
cautiously through the dense jungle and got within a few yards
of the enemy's defences without his approach being perceived.
Seizing the opportunity, he rushed into the nearest stockade,
followed by his men, and in a few minutes cleared it of all its de-
fenders, with the loss of one Ghoorka killed and one wounded.
The work thus captured commanded a considerable part of the
position, and after half an hour's steady firing the Malays were
dislodged from their remaining defences and put to flight.
The position, naturally of great strength, had been carefully
stoekaded, and under ordinary circumstances could not have been
taken without serious loss.
No further resistance was met with, the enemy being thoroughly
cowed and disheartened; a few only remained under arms, and
these were shortly induced to give themselves up peacefully. By
the end of December the active operations were concluded, and
although troops were retained in Sungei Ujong for some months
longer, as a precautionary measure, they were all withdrawn before
the following year.
In November, 1876, Sir W. Jervois, the Governor of the Straits
Settlements, called a meeting of the chiefs of the Nine States,
169
with the view of coming to an arrangement as to their future
government. It was then settled* that Sri Menanti, Jumpol, and
Johol, with some minor territories, should form a confederaey under
a sovereign, to be called the “ Earn Tuan ” who was to reside at
Sri Menanti, each State being governed by its own Datu under the
“Earn Tuan.” Also that Sungei Ujong, Eambau and Jellabu
should be independent States under their present rulers. It was
distinctly provided that the Earn Tuan should not interfere with
the three larger States, and he engaged also to consult with the
Maharaja of Johore in the event of any difficulty arising in any
matter relating to the government of the confederation. This
arrangement appears to have proved successful, the rule of the
Earn Tuan being attended with a fair amount of satisfaction to the
subordinate chiefs and people. All the States in the neighbour-
hood of Sungei Ujong are now on friendly terms with her and
with each other.
Administration.
The chief ruler of Sungei Ujong is the Datu Klana, who is
assisted by a British [Resident. The form of Government is similar
to that already described as existing in Perak (see page* 168),
except that a Council has not yet been established. The present
form of administration appears to be satisfactory to the Datu
Klana and to the other chiefs of the State.
Finance,
The revenue of Sungei Ujong for the last four years was as
follows:— 1878, $76,000, 1879, $77,000, 1880, $84,000, and
1881 (estimated) $104,000. The financial condition of the country
is considered to be satisfactory, and should the cultivation of
coffee, which has been lately introduced, prove successful, in-
ereasing prosperity may be looked for. So far the revenues have
been derived almost exclusively from an export duty on tin, and
from the excise farms (opium, spirits, salt, &e).
The principal items of expenditure are salaries, establishments,
and allowances to chiefs. Public works are carried out in pro-
portion as the state of the revenue permits.
In consequence of the disturbances of 1874-5-6, Sungei Ujong
incurred a debt, amounting in the latter year to $33,000, but the
whole of this has now been paid off,
Administrat
tion.
Finance.
170
MU AB.
The small territory of Muar adjoins the Malacca frontier. It
appears to have been at one time of considerable importance, but
owing to bad government, the land has been allowed to revert to
jungle, and the population is insignificant. hTewbold writes of it—
“The land is an uninterrupted mass of jungle and swamp,
exhibiting only a few straggling villages and clearings. Thriving
rice-grounds have degenerated into barren marshes; an enormous
forest, peopled with wild elephants, overshadows a soil naturally
rich and prolific, while the rhinoceros and tapir stalk unmolested
over spots, once, if tradition belies them not, the sites of large and
populous towns.”
The territory is traversed by the important river Muar, which
has its rise, according to the natives, amongst the mountains of
Jelabu, and by means of which there is a water communication
almost all the way with the eastern coast of the Peninsula, of
which the Pahang traders frequently avail themselves. Its course
is tortuous, and its banks for the most part low, muddy, and
covered with dense jungle. The current runs at the rate of 2% miles
an hour. At its embouchure the river is 600 yards wide, and has
a depth of water on its bar of from f fathom to 4 fathoms. At
Gressik, 18 miles up, it is about 100 yards broad and 7 fathoms
deep.
In the interior of Muar is situated Mount Ophir (3,840) one
of the loftiest mountains in the Peninsula.
Its productions are the usual ones for such a country, most of
them spontaneous products of the forest, as ivory, ebony, beeswax,'
rattans, &c. The interior, however, yields a little gold and tin.
It would appear that Muar has been feudal to the Sultans oJE
Johor since the time of their ancestors, the ancient sovereigns
of Singapore and Malacca. In 1855, when Sultan Ali of Johor
was dismissed from the sovereignty of that State, the territory of
Muar was assigned to him, but after his death in 1877 it was
handed over to the Maharaja of Johor e.
171
JOHORE.
The principally of Johore emhraces the southern extremity of
the Peninsula, Teaching to Muar on the west and to Pahang on the
east coast, being separated from the latter by the Indau River.
It includes also all the adjacent islands, except those in possession
of the European Governments. The area of the whole territory
is probably not less than 10.000 miles, but it is very thinly
inhabited and is at present chiefly jungle. Cultivation, however,
is on the increase.
The principal rivers appear to be the Formosa on the west
coast, the Johore, the embouchure of which is at the eastern
entrance of the “ Old Strait of Singapore,” and the Indau. The
latter has a depth of 15 feet on its bar at high water, the rise and
fall of the tide being 9 feet; the average depth for a distance of
34 miles up is from 5 to 6 fathoms. Both banks of the Indau are
thickly wooded, and during heavy rains the right bank is usually
submerged. The Johore river is navigable for vessels up to the
town of Johore, 10 miles from its mouth.
Some eight miles east of the mouth of the Indau river is
Blair Harbour, which is safe and sheltered from all winds with
anchorage in 4 to 4J fathoms.
The chief town, Johoie Lama, is situated on the Johor river,
10 miles from its mouth. It was once a place of considerable
importance, but now consists only of a few huts. It is no longer
the abode of the Rajah, whose residence is at Johor Bharu, on the
shore of the Old Strait.
The products of Johore are ivory, ebony, gold, tin, sandalwood;
camphor, beeswax, gutta-percha, &c. The cultivation of pepper
and gambier has been introduced and is now carried on to some
"extent. There is also some prospect of the higher lands being
brought under coffee cultivation. The larger animals of the forest,
namely, two species of ox, the elephant, tapir, rhinoceros, hog, and
above all the tiger, are numerous.
The population is estimated at 61,000, viz., 20,000 Malays,
40,000 Chinese, and 1,000 natives of India. The Chinese are
rapidly increasing in numbers,
. The Mahometan Empire of Johore was foundedin 1512 by the
Sultan of Malacca, after his expulsion from that place by the
Portuguese, and was long ruled over by his descendants. From
one of these the cession of the Island of Singapore was obtain ed
by the Indian Government in 1819 (see page 50).
In 1855 the reigning sovereign, Sultan Ali, was, on account of
’ incapaeity, displaced from the throne of Johore by the Government
of India, in favour of his “ Tumonggong,” or principal officer of
Geography.
Harbour.
Town.
Production,
&c.
Inhabitants.
History.
172
State, the small territory of Muar and an annual pension being
assigned to the ex-Sultan.
The new ruler fulfilled the favourable expeetations which had
been formed of him, and under his prudent administration the
country entered on a career of improvement. His son, the
present maharaja, has folio wed his father’s example, and has
shown unswerving loyalty to the British Government, to which he
rendered most valuable services during the recent disturbanees in
the Malay Peninsula. Johore may now be said to be in a flourish-
ing condition.
An old-standing feud exists between Johore and the neighbour-
ing state of Pahang, but it is to be hoped that our influence will
always be sufficient to prevent hostilities.
173
PAHANG.
The State of Pahang stretches along the eastern coast of the
Peninsula, from the Indau ."River on the south to the Kemaman on
the north, which latter separates it from the State of Tringganu.
Its limits to the west are very undefined, but it is believed to
extend at the hack of Tringganu to the western boundaries of
Kelantan. Along the shore its length is about 80 miles, and it
embraces, besides the territory on the continent, two chains of
islands running parallel to its coast, and generally at the distance
of about 30 miles. The country is mountainous, the highest
peaks however rising to a height of not much more than 3,000
feet above the level of the sea. Eivers are numerous, the largest
being the Indau and the Pahang. The latter is wide, but
shallow and full of sandbanks; a vessel drawing 3 feet would
experience great difficulty in getting up to the town, 7 miles from
the entrance. This river was formerly a place of great trade and
is still frequented by Chinese junks. It is almost inaccessible
during the north-east monsoon.
The geological formation consists of granite, sandstone, shale
and clays.
Pahang, though at present little more than an uninhabited
forest, is a most beautiful, rich, and valuable country; the scenery
along the coast is said to be most picturesque.
The town of Pahang, a very poor place, lies on both banks of
the river, the Chinese quarter being on the right bank and the
Malay quarter on the left. The latter contains the residence of
the Bandahara.
The vegetable products are gutta-percha, timber, rattans and
damar; its minerals are iron, tin and gold. Some years ago large
quantities of the two latter were sent to. Singapore, but the receipts
have now dwindled down to almost nothing. The wild mammalia
are the elephant, rhinoceros, tapir, tiger, leopard, deer, monkeys,
buffalo and wild ox.
The population is estimated at 42,300 (30,000 Malay s, 12,000
Chinese, and 300 inhabitants of India). Besides these the
aboriginal tribes inhabiting the forests are particularly numerous.
Pahang was originally a dependency of Johore, but is now an
independent State under a ruler called the “ Bandahara/' who does
not, however, appear to exercise much authority over his subordinate
chiefs. It may be considered to be to a certain extent under the
protection of the Straits Settlements Government, for, although we
are under no treaty obligations with Pahang, the Bandahara has,
on occasions of internal depressions or external attack, sought their
advice and protection, and it is to the assistance so afforded that
Pahang mainly owes its present independent position.
The Bandahara afforded active assistance to the British
Government during the recent outbreaks.
Geographer.
Town.
Produetions,
&c.
Inhabitants.
Adininistra-
tion/
174
Geograph^.
Town.
Trade.
Inliabitants.
Government,
&c.
TRINGGANU.
The Malay State of Tringganu lies between Pahang on the
south and the Basut River, which separates it from Kelantan, on
the north. Its boundaries on the west side are little known; it
seems to be. uncertain whether it extends inland to the central
mountain range of the Peninsula, or whether Pahang extends
behind it up to the borders of Kelantan." , It is one of the richest
States on the east coast, extremely fertile and possessing large
mineral wealth, but has, as yet, been-very little opened up.
Its principal river, the Tringganu, has a depth of 7 feet on its
bar at low water. Within the bar and immediately off the town,
there is good anchorage in 5 fathoms, but above the town the
river is shallow.
The town of Tringganu, which lies not far from the mouth of
the river, has a population of some 5,000 inhabitants, including a
number of Chinese settlers. It contains many stone and brick-
built houses.
Tringganu carries on a considerable trade, principally with
Singapore, exporting gambier, coffee, pepper, paddy, gutta, tin,
galena, and large numbers of cattle. Fisheries are carried on
extensively.
The population is reckoned to consist of about 25,000 Malays,
5,000 Chinese, and 300 natives of India; in all 30,300.
Tringganu is nominally tributary to Siam, but practically
independent. It presents, every three years, a golden rose, valued
at $4,000, to the Siamese Government, as a recognition of its
authority, but the latter interferes in no way in the internal affairs
of the State. Sir W. Jervois reported that, on a visit to Tringganu
in 1875, he was received with great courtesy and eordiality by the
chief s, who evinced a marked respect and friendship for the
British Government.
Hardly any taxes appear to be levied, the Sultan’s source of
revenue being due mainly to the fact that he himself is the
Jargest trader in the place.
175
KELANTAN.
Kelantan is bounded to the north by the Malay State of Geography.
Patani and to the south by that of Tringganu, the Elver Banara
dividing it from the first and the Basut from the” last. It has the
Malay State of Kedah to the west, the great central chain of the
Peninsula being the boundary. The country is rich in resources of
every kind. Large tracts have been cleared, in which the cultiva-
tion of paddy is carried on to a great extent; the clearings also,
when not taken up for this purpose, afford excellent pasture land.
The Eiver Kelantan, the embouchure of which is in lat. 6° 16'
N., divides, about five miles from its mouth, into five different
streams, enclosing a fertile and highly cultivated delta, inhabited
by a large population engaged in fishing and agricultural pursuits.
The main stream is broad, but very shallow and rapid. It is
frequented during the S.W. monsoon by large numbers of native
trading vessels.
Kelantan possesses no good harbours, and the coast is so
exposed to the N.E. monsoon that a landing is with the greatest
difficulty effected during the time that it is the prevailing wind.
The town of Kelantan stands on the right bank of the main Town,
river, five miles from the entrance. It is of considerable extent,
extending about a mile along the river bank, and seems to be
densely populated. There are a few brick buildings, but the
houses are built chiefly of bamboo and attap. It contains two
markets, which are well supplied with provisions. . .
The delta of the Kelantan river produces immense quantities Produciions,
of cocoa-nuts and a great variety of fruits. Of vegetables there
are maize, rice, potatoes, beans, vegetable marrows, cucumbers,
melon s, &c.; and all vegetable produce is very cheap. Tobacco is
extensively cultivated. Bullocks, sheep, goats, and fowls are
plentiful. Large numbers of cattle are annually exported.
Gold, which used to be extensively worked in the country, is
now said to be exhausted. Tin and galena are found, but are little
worked at present
The population is estimated at 25,000 Malays, 5,000 Chinese, inhabitant,
and 300 natives of India; in all, 30,300. The people are said to
be friendly and courteous to strangers.
Kelantan existed as a State at the close of the 15th century, Government,
and before the arrival of the Portuguese; but of the time or the &e.
manner in which it was founded nothing is known. ’
Like Tringganu, it is nominally tributary-to Siam, to which it
presents triennially a golden flower, as a recognition of its
176
authority; but this sovereignly is only nominal, and the Siamese
Government scarcely recognises Kelantan as a tributary province.
Sir W. Jervois, who visited Kelantan in 1875, was received
with great courtesy and cordiality by the chiefs, who professed a
marked respect and friendship for the British Government.
The revenue of the State is raised by taxes imposed on gam-
bier, paddy, salt, and opium.
PATANI.
Geographer.
Town.
Producfcions.
Inhabitants.
Government,
&c.
Patani is the most northerly of the Malay States on the eastern
side of the Peninsula. It is situated between Kelantan and Sungora,
the most southerly province of Siam, and extends inland to the
central mountain chain which divides it from Kedah.
A great deal of land has been eleared for the cultivation of
rice, for which the country is admirably adapted; and when paddy
is not being grown, excellent grass land supplies its place.
The Patani Biver (6° 55' K. lat.) is wide but the water on the
bar is so extremely shallow that a boat drawing only 3 feet of
water cannot enter. Yessels are obliged to lie a considerable dis-
tance off. the mouth, where there is anchorage in 2 to 5 fathoms.
The town of Patani proper is situated on the right bank of the
river, some two miles from the mouth, but its outskirts extend for
a considerable distance on both sides of the stream. Its inhabitants
seem to be hardworking and busy; -many boats are to be seen
anchored off the banks, both loading and discharging.
Rice is the staple article of produce. Salt is collected by
evaporation, and forms a considerable item of commerce. Galena
and gold are worked to some extent: tin and iron ore are also found.
The population is estimated at 25,000 Malays, 5,000 Chinese,
and 300 natives of India; in all 30,300.
Patani, like Kelantan and Tringganu, is nominally under the
Siamese Government, to which it sends a tribute every three years,
but practically independent. Its ruler and chiefs profess the
greatest friendship for the British Government.
The Dutch formerly had a trading establishment here, and
were succedeed by the British in 1610 ; but the factory then erected
has long disappeared, having been given up in 1623.
177
RAMBAU.
The independent native State of Rambau lies to the north of Geograph?.
Malacca and to the south and east of Sungei Ujong. The country
is hilly, the ranges varying from 2,000 to 3,000 feet in height.
As already mentioned (page 163), the Linggi River divides at
Sempang, about 6 miles from the sea, into two branches, of which
the right, or northern, flows through Sungei Ujong. The left
branch forms the boundary between Rambau and Malacca up to
Sungei Landoo, above which it is a mere streamlet, coming down
from the Rambau hills. Below the fork the river is wide and
deep. From Sempang, as far as Sungei Pidass (about 5 miles up),
it is navigable for boats; above this the channel is shallow, and so
overhung and obstructed by trees as to prevent any but very small
canoes from passing.
The principal places are Chembong, Sempang, Bandar (on the Yillages.
left bank of the Linggi, about 13 miles above Sempang), Kaling .
and Battu Ampar. Chembong, the residence of the Penghulu, is
said to contain about 600 houses, and to have a petty trade in
timber, dammar and wax, which are bartered for opium, cloth,
iron utensils and tobacco. The other places mentioned are mere
villages of a few huts.
The Malay population is probably under 10,000. During the inhabitant*},
disturbances in the neighbouring States, the Rambau people
remained neutral and maintained a friendly tone. They are deeply
attached to their country and old customs, and it would be unwise
to interfere with them so long as they keep to themselves. Several
aboriginal tribes also inhabit the mountains and forests.
The history of Rambau has been alluded to under Sungei History.
Ujong (pages 165-169).
Rambau is an independent State. The form of government is Administrat-
peculiar, and has been handed down from the time of the first tion.
Settlement from Menangkabau in Sumatra. The ruler, or Penghulu,
is elected by the people. Under him are the Sukus, or heads of
the eight tribes into which the population is divided.
M
178
G-eographv..
Villages.
Productions.
Inlmbitants.
SRI MENANTI.
Sri Menanti, which adjoins Sungei Ujong and Rambau, is
encircled by mountains from 2,000 to 3,000 feet high. It com-
munieates with Sungei Ujong by the Rukit Putus Pass, which was
strongly defended by the Malays in 1876. A path has now been
made through the pass, and a defensible police station built there
by the Sungei Ujong Government.
The country is easily traversed, being, with the exception of
the wooded mountains, comparatively open. The low lands are
cultivated with padi, and the grassy slopes on either side of the
valleys planted with fruit trees.
The principal villages are Sri Menanti, the residence of the
“ Earn Tuan,” Pinang Saribu, and Pila.
Agriculture is carried on here to a greater extent than in most
Malay States, but a bad harvest is sufficient to reduce the inhabi-
tants to great destitution.
The articles of export are tin, sapan wood, wax, rattans, and
rice, most of which find their way down to Malacca.
The inhabitants are about 8,000 in number. If left alone,
they are quiet and inoffensive. They are deeply attached to their
country and ancient customs; and before our troops marched
through the State in 1876, they used to boast that no white man
had ever been there. Having learned that they are powerless to resist
our troops, they are not likely in future to provoke hostilities.
The population is divided into 12 tribes, each presided over by a
Suku.
The history of this State has been alluded to in treating of
Sungei Ujong (see pages 165-169).
JELLABU OR JELEBU.
The independent state of Jellabu lies to the east of Sungei
Ujong. It produces gold, ivory, tin, aloe wood, jaggery, rattans, &c.
These generally find their way to the Pahang market. Its popula-
tion is estimated at about 3,700, not including the aborigines.
Eemarks on its history, &c., will be found under Sungei Ujong,
pages 165-169.
179
JUMPOL.
The state of Jumpol, which adjoins Jellabu and Sri Menanti,
is now associated with the latter and with Johol, under an “ Earn
Tuan” (see page 169). The country is of a similar character to
Sri Menanti (see page 178). It has communication by river with
Pahang on the east coast, by the rivers Seruting and Braugh, and
with the Straits of Malacca by the Muar Eiver.
It produces a considerable quantity of tin, rice, dammar,
rattans, and a little gold, which is sent down the Muar River to
Malacca (8 days’ pull), and also to Pahang.
The population is estimated at 2,000.
JOHOL.
Johol, another of the “Nine States” which lies to the north of
Malacca and the east of Eambau, joined the confederacy formed
in 1876 (see page 196). Its trade consists chiefly of gold dust
and tin. Fruits, rattans, jaggery, and fowls are brought in con-
siderable quantities down to Malacca. It has a population of
about 2,000.
180
JELLYE.
Jellye is far in the interior and has had no relations with our
Government, nor has it at present with any other States with
which we are connected. It is said to produce a considerable
quantity of gold and tin, which go to Pahang.
181
APPENDIX.
HINTS TO OFFICERS ORDERED TO SINGAPORE *
The following notes were drawn up with especial reference to
officers of Eoyal Engineers, but may probably be found useful also
by those of other branches of the Service:—
Plain Clothes.—Thick plain clothes may be left behind, except
a couple of old suits for the voyage as far as Port Said. Blue
serge is the nicest thing to wear, and two suits should be brought
out. White serge is also very comfortable, especially for working
in the sun, and it is a good plan to bring a roll of this material
from England to be made up as required by the Chinese tailors.
The climate is too hot to allow waistcoats to be worn, so coats
must be made accordingly. Get two thin pair of riding trousers,
and if you are fond of racing bring breeches and boots. Cricket
things are required, also a waterproof warranted to stand constant
damp heat. It is a mistake to bring white clothing from England
as it can be made better and cheaper on the spot. So also can
light tweed and shooting suits. Order a good supply of white
shirts, thin silk or merino jerseys, and coloured bajus and pyjamas.
Shoes are more comfortable than boots. Take out a moderate
supply of boots and shoes, and make your bootmaker understand
that you will probably want a small package of the same sent to
you occasionally whilst you are abroad. On the spot you must
wear all your boots and shoes regularly in turn, or they will spoil.
A thin cashmere dress suit should be ordered, plenty of white ties,
and a small supply only of white gloves in a good stoppered bottle.
Eor little things such as these you pay three times as much as in
England.
Uniform.—Bring a supply of gilt buttons, two pair of shoulder-
eords and chain-straps. A thin cashmere shell jacket may be
made on the spot from your mess jacket as a pattern, but a thin
pair of gold-laced trousers should be brought out for wear at
Government House. Otherwise, as a rule, white trousers are worn
for mess. A tunic must be brought, but will seldom be put on, as
it is worn only on such rare occasions as the Queen's birthday ball,
swearing in a new Governor, &c. I was going to say that your
tunic would seldom “ see the light/' but that would have been a
* From an article in The Royal Engineer^ Journal of February 2nd, 1880, by
Lieutenant H. E. McCallum.
M 2
182
mistake, as things have to be aired every two or three days to
prevent mildew. A light helmet is a desideratum. The weight of
Ellwood’s regulation helmets makes them almost unwearable.
Staff, Artillery, and Engineer officers should bring a spare pouch
in soldered tin box, as, in spite of all precautions, it will one
morning be found that the damp heat has converted the one in use
into a jelly.
Furniture.—It is scarcely worth while to bring out barrack
furniture, as Chinese carpenters are very fair upholsterers, and
their camphor-wood chests of drawers are very good. The rattan
furniture, which can be obtained on the spot at cheap rates, will
answer all your requirements. Let your boxes be of tin, and not
of wood or leather, which the white ants soon demolish.
Plate, &c.—Silver is only a temptation to Chinese burglars, who
would find no difficulty in walking off with it from the bungalows,
which are always open. If you are married, therefore, and are
going to take a bungalow of your own, bring only electro-plate.
Cutlery, glass and crockery are very expensive to buy at Singapore
and should be brought out; but nothing should have about it a
distinctive monogram or crest, as without it you will be able to sell
your pantry ware, when you leave the place, for nearly as much as
you gave for it. Bring a duplex lamp.
Saddlery.—A good light saddle will be found very useful. You
may drive a pony dogcart, an American buggy, or a pair of Aus-
tralians in mail phaeton. The first named is the most popular,
and you may therefore safely bring a set of small pony harness.
Weapons.—If you are buying a gun, get a light one, weighing
about 6^ lbs., and have a pair of heavier barrels made to fit the
stock, to fire ball and lieavy charges. Holland will sell you a
stock with two sets of barrels and case complete for about £36. If
you are an enthusiastic sportsman, and propose to hunt tigers and
elephants up the Muar Biver, or rhinosceri in Perak, bring out a
pair of heavy express rifles. You may get a day’s very good fun
shooting crocodiles from a Malay “ dug out ” in the rivers of the
Peninsula. In the Muar and Quedah rivers I have seen them
lying quite thick at low tide. If you are fond of fishing, bring a
light rod, as you can get some bottom fishing when you stay (as
you probably will) at the Government convalescent bungalow at
Changhie, about 14 miles from Singapore. In the rivers of the
Malay Peninsula, capital fishing may be got at times, especially
about Kota Lama, a name well known to those who took part in
the Perak expedition of 1875-6. Here the river is shallow, and a
curious sight may be witnessed at times, when bamboo fishing
stakes are erected across the river and the whole population in the
neighbourhood form in a line and drive the fish towards the stakes.
Servants.—A European servant is quite useless, as the odds are
that he will take to drink and he requires as much waiting on as
yourself. If you are married, however, and intend bringing out
your wife and children, a nurse is a great comfort, but she must be
183
elderly and, by choice, plain, for age in Singapore does not always
save her from contracting matrimony and leaving you in the lurch.
The Malay Ayahs, however, are very good nurses, and become
much attached to the children. At the same time, I would advise
you to leave your children at home. They become washed out
before they are out a month, whilst it is almost impossible to give
them an education.
Tor your own personal attendance, you have your choice of
engaging a Malay, Chinese, or Kling boy—locally so called,
although the said boy may be 40 years of age. Having tried each
class, I would unhesitatingly recommend a Malay. Though, perhaps,
not so smart as a Kling, he is not such a thief as a Chinese boy, or
such a liar as a Kling. Moreover, being a Muhammadan, he does
not drink as they do; though the Koran does not prevent him
from occasionally polishing off your champagne and whisky,
beverages which, he contends, the Prophet could have known
nothing of when he wrote the Koran. The wages which you may
expect to give as a bachelor are:—
Per Mensem.
Malay boy .. .. .. .. ,. .. $9
Malay syce .. .. .. .. ,. .. $7
Chinese water-carrier and lampoo .. .. .. $6
Total .. .. .. $22
If married, you will require, in addition:—
Indian butler . • . * .. .. .. $12
Malay ayah .. .. .. .. ,, •, $8
Malay (No. 2) boy .. .. .« . ♦ . • $7
Chinese cook.. .. .. .. ,. .. $1.2
Javanese gardener .. .. .. .. $6
Making a total of.. .. ,. $67
Horses and Dogs.—The climate is very deadly both to horses
and dogs. Australian horses are those chiefly imported, but few
stand the climate well. The hardiest and prettiest animals are
the little fast-trotting ponies from Deli, in Sumatra. They are
every day becoming more difficult to get, and you must expect to
give $200 for a good one. Most of the ponies now imported come
from Eangoon, and you will be able to get one for about $120.
As regards dogs, smooth, short-haired dogs, like the fox-terrier,
stand the climate best. A good retriever, if he survives the first
six months, is invaluable to the keen sportsman, but he will
require a good deal of care and looking after.
Passages.—The P. and 0. steamer, vid Brindisi, alternates
every week with the Messageries Maritimes mail from Marseilles,
enabling you to arrive at Singapore from England in about
30 days. Government passengers start from Southampton in
the P. and O. mail, and probably change at Galle; and this route
takes about seven days longer than by Brindisi. A troopship,
which comes with reliefs, naval and military, once or twice a-year,
184
takes, as a rule, about two months Lo make the voyage. If you
are coming home on six months' leave, which you can get after
three years’ service, come by the French mail to Marseilles. The
steamers are very comfortable, and they pile on steam on the
homeward trip, often saving four days on the contract time.
Cheaper passages to England, but not nearly so comfortable, can
be obtained in the Holt, Glen, or Castle steamers. If you are not
in a hurry to get home, a pleasant trip may be made by taking the
route of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Japan, and America.
Arrival.—Singapore is a free port, so you have no
bother with customs and so forth. If you arrive by mail
steamer, your best plan is to hand a list of your baggage to
the agent of the Hotel de l’Europe, and jump into a
gharry (cab) with your portmanteau. Malay is the language
of every day life, and you must at once set about picking
it up; your gharry wallah will not understand English, but
“ Purgi (pronounced piggy,‘ go') punch house," will get you on
the way to the Hotel de l’Europe, which is known to the drivers
as the “ punch house besar (big)," an English word which I
suppose they think sounds better than “ grog shop." On arriving
at the hotel, take a room for the night and get one of the boys to
direct your gharry to the house of your friends (if you have any
at Singapore), or to the barracks at Tanglin, three miles from the
town, if it be still the morning, when you can report yourself to
the Brigade Major. Bungalows are rather difficult to get, so if
you are married the hotel will probably be your headquarters for
a while.
Botany.—To botanists the Malay Archipelago will prove a
most interesting field, whilst on the island itself you may find
beautiful rare orchids and ferns and tropical vegetation generally.
Trips taken by offieers to Borneo have resulted in magnificent
eollections of orchids.
Zoology.—The only wild animals in the island are deer, pigs,
and monkeys, but on the Peninsula you may find in addition,
elephants, rhinoeeri, buffaloes, and tigers. Tiger shooting you may
get in Johor, close to Singapore, the .Maharajah of which will
give you every facility, and elephants may be shot up the Muar
river; but as a rule the thick jungle makes it very difficult to reach
big animals, who must be hunted down by proper shikaris. At
Sayung, in Perak, I have heard of hot springs where they say
there is very fair shooting.
Entomology.—Insect life is, as in all tropical countiies, very
abundant, and a great many different specimens of beetles, moths,
and butterflies can be collected in the island.
Ornithology.—To an ornithologist the Peninsula offers a rich
and but little-explored field, roughly divided by the central ranges
of hills into two distinct districts—the western, or Ind-Malayan,
the ornithology of which is allied to that of East India and Ceylon,
185
and the Eastern Malayan, which approaches that of China and the
islands of the Eastern Archipelago.
Valuable collections of the former have been made by officers
stationed in the Peninsula after the outbreak in 1875-6, but of the
latter extremely little is known, and doubtless many new species
of birds are yet to be discovered there.
A great deal of ornithological work may be done in the island
of Singapore itself, and before coming out you should be able to
skin and preserve both birds and animals, an art easily acquired.
Precautions as regards health.—To live well and temperately,
to take plenty of exercise in the morning and evening, to go in
the sun only with the head and back well covered, are the principal
precautions to be taken to preserve health. All Europeans, how-
ever, especially ladies, feel the effects of the constant high damp
temperature after a year or two, and if once you are ill there is
nothing for it but to change to a colder latitude. Once ill you
cannot pick yourself up, and the most sanguine temperaments
become dreadfully depressed. In this respect Hong Kong has the
advantage of Singapore, as it has a bona fide cold season.
Quarters.—The quarters at Tanglin, whether married or single,
are very comfortable and well suited to the climate. The officers’
quarters are in one long building (in which you will get a front
and back room and a bath room), with mess, ante, and billiard
rooms in the centre. There is a capital verandah running round
the building.
The married quarters are pretty detached bungalows, standing
about 50 yards apart, each with a garden and lawn. There is a
great run on these married bungalows, so you may find it difficult
to get one. Immediately facing the quarters are the public
gardens, a large tract of ground, tastefully laid out and where the
band plays.
Bent—Private bungalows are seldom vacant, and you must
expect to give a high figure, $50 or $60 per mensem, even for a
small one within a mile of the town.
Cost of living.—Singapore is a very • expensive place to be
chartered in. Servants and rent I have already alluded to.
Provisions are also very dear, due to the fact that nothing is to be
got in the island but fowls, fish, and a few vegetables. Mutton
comes from Calcutta, and costs 2s. 6d. per lb.; beef from Quedah
and Kelantan, States of the Malay Peninsula to the northward;
potatoes from Bombay and Australia. Thus it is not at all easy
to have variety of diet. Singapore curries and sambals are
supposed to be the best in the world, and make their appearance at
every meal. An unmarried subaltern can, however, with care,
live on his pay, but if lie be married he must be prepared to spend
another £300 per annum, especially as he will have, in all
.probability, the expense of sending home eventually his wife and
children sick from the climate.
186
Boohs.—Very few good books have been written on Singapore
The best to read are:—
Wallace's Malay Archipelago,
Cameron’s Tropical Possessions in the East,
Thompson^ Malacca, Indo-China and China,
McNair’s Perak and the Malays,
Journal of the Eastern Archipelago.
There is a very fair public library in Singapore.
Amtcsements.—There is some of the best snipe shooting in the
world to be got in Malacca and Province Wellesley. If you are a
fair shot you may expect to bring home 50 couple in a day to
your own gun in the month of November. In Singapore itself
5 to 10 couple is a good day’s work. Large deer and wild pig
can also be shot in Singapore, but require a beat of 30 or 40 men,
and 5 or 6 guns. Such a beat takes place once or twice a month,
but you must not be surprised to have a blank day. Lawn tennis
and cricket are played on the esplanade every evening from half-
past four to six, and cricket matches every Saturday from three
to six, a match lasting three or four Saturdays. Lawn tennis ties
for champion bats and challenge cups take place frequently, and
some very good play is shown. The cricket-ground is the great
place of reunion in the afternoon, the ladies driving down there to
watch the tennis and pick up their husbands.
General Bemarks,—Singapore, to a man of pursuits, is a very
interesting station to be quartered in, owing to the wide fields to
be explored in the Malay Peninsula and Eastern Archipelago.
For a short time it is very healthy, but after a time it becomes
monotonous, and the climate will then begin to tell upon you.
The very amusements are then regarded as exertions which you
indulge in more for the sake of home association and of keeping
yourself off the sick list, than from inclination.
LONDON:
Printed for Her Majesty’s Stationery Opfice,
BY HARRISON AND SONS,
Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty.
(Wt. 9390. 200 I 8 I 83. 786. w.o. 433.)