The death is announced at Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, of Admiral Sir Arthur Farquhar, K.C.B. in his 93rd year. Sir Arthur who was the senior admiral on the retired list, entered the Navy on March 13, 1829. In 1844 he was promoted to commander, and two years later posted to the command of the Albatross, 16, on the coast of Africa.
In 1849, when it was decided to despatch an expedition against the pirates in the Borneo Seas, he was placed in command of the small force detailed for this work, having with him the Royalist, Nemesis, Ranee, and a small native flotilla under Rajah Brooke. The force first took up position at the mouth of the Sarebas River, but later on, on hearing the pirates were off the coast, preparations were made for action, and on June 31, they were attacked, and 70 prahus driven on shore. He afterwards destroyed a number of the pirates haunts in the neighbouring rivers, and taught them a lesson so severe and wholesome that it was not forgotten for many years.
For this service he was promoted to captain on Oct. 27. From Nov. 1869 to July, 1873, he was Commander-In-Chief in the Pacific, and on his return home was promoted, in April 1873, to vice-admiral, and in 1878 to admiral and appointed Commander-in-Chief at Plymouth, which post he held until 1880, when he retired from active service.
In Mr. C.B. Buckley's "Anecdotal History of Singapore," p. 509, under the head of the year 1849, appears this reference to the late Admiral Fraquhar:
"In this year the Supreme Court in Singapore awarded £20,700 to Captain Farquhar of H.M.S. Albatross and other persons for the destruction of the Sarebas pirates in July. The expedition under Captain Farquhar had fallen in with a fleet of upwards of a hundred war prahus, manned by at least 3,500 men, which was proved on the the confession of the prates themselves, to have been committing outrages both by sea and land."
Under the heading a "A Splendid Record" the Globe says: The son of Rear Admiral Sir A. Faqrquhar, who was fighting in the year of Trafalgar, Admiral Sir Arthur Farquhar the senior admiral on the retired list, whose death has just occurred at the age of 93, himself gave several sons to the service of his country. These include Rear-Admiral A. Farquhar, now in command of the Portsmouth Division of the Home Fleet, Captain R. Farquhar, of H.M.S. Doris, and Major M. Farquhar, D.S.O., while a grandson is an acting sub-lietenant. The deceases Admiral entered the Navy in 1829."
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Sarawak Gazette, February 5, 1908
On the 23rd the s.s. Rajah of Sarawak arrived from Singapore. Passenger F.F. Boult, returned from vacation leave.
Appointments
His Highness the Rajah has been pleased to make the following appointments to date from 1st January 1908:
F.F. Boult Esq., to be Resident Second Class.
This change in rank also meant an increase in salary for Francis. He was now earning between 360 and 420 Pounds Sterling per year.
While salaries for Brooke administrators were not overly generous, the cost of living in Sarawak was relatively low, and most who were careful, managed to live within their means.
F.F. Boult Esq., to be Resident Second Class.
This change in rank also meant an increase in salary for Francis. He was now earning between 360 and 420 Pounds Sterling per year.
While salaries for Brooke administrators were not overly generous, the cost of living in Sarawak was relatively low, and most who were careful, managed to live within their means.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Note on Antique Bead
It has been known for many years that the Natives of Sarawak are in possession of antique beads concerning which they can give us no information beyond that they are very old and often treasured as heirlooms. Such beads were not made by their ancestors and it is ordinarily supposed that they were introduced to Borneo as objects of barter by the early traders.
In only very few cases is there any certainty respecting their origin and accordingly a recent discovery on this point is worthy of record. Some monts ago Mr. Collins picked up from the ground at Bau a large glassy bead of unusual and characteristic appearance. The ground colour is black and it is decorated with numerous white rings of circular or oval shape: these small rings are fairly regularly disposed on the surface and do not touch each other.
A large number of the same kind of bead was taken in a gardern at Bako in 1905 and the collection was acquired by H.H. the Rajah, the majority being deposited in the Sarawak Museum and the rest in Cirencester Museum. These beads, though all of the same type, differ individually both in size and shape and also in the number and size of the white rings: that is to say each bead is separately made. They range about a diameter of one inch are roughly spherical, a few being elongated.
The bead found by Mr. Collins was sent by him to the British Museum - afterwards he generously presented it to the national collection - whence comes the information that it was made in Venice before the year 1,100 A.D. The bead is of great rarity and it was known to the British Museum only by a solitary speciment presented by H.H. The Ranee some years ago.
In this country it is known also to the native bead collectors on the Baram river and an influential Kayan lady, wife of Laki Batang, famed for her bead collection, states that this kind of bead is highly esteemed by Kenyan connoisseurs.
It is much to be desired that these and the other antiquities of this country should be properly investigated before the materials disappear forever.
J.H.
In only very few cases is there any certainty respecting their origin and accordingly a recent discovery on this point is worthy of record. Some monts ago Mr. Collins picked up from the ground at Bau a large glassy bead of unusual and characteristic appearance. The ground colour is black and it is decorated with numerous white rings of circular or oval shape: these small rings are fairly regularly disposed on the surface and do not touch each other.
A large number of the same kind of bead was taken in a gardern at Bako in 1905 and the collection was acquired by H.H. the Rajah, the majority being deposited in the Sarawak Museum and the rest in Cirencester Museum. These beads, though all of the same type, differ individually both in size and shape and also in the number and size of the white rings: that is to say each bead is separately made. They range about a diameter of one inch are roughly spherical, a few being elongated.
The bead found by Mr. Collins was sent by him to the British Museum - afterwards he generously presented it to the national collection - whence comes the information that it was made in Venice before the year 1,100 A.D. The bead is of great rarity and it was known to the British Museum only by a solitary speciment presented by H.H. The Ranee some years ago.
In this country it is known also to the native bead collectors on the Baram river and an influential Kayan lady, wife of Laki Batang, famed for her bead collection, states that this kind of bead is highly esteemed by Kenyan connoisseurs.
It is much to be desired that these and the other antiquities of this country should be properly investigated before the materials disappear forever.
J.H.
Monthly Notes
Mr. Boult has been granted three months vacation which we understand he intends spending in India; we wish him a pleasant holiday.
Francis was most certainly going to India to visit his mother, Mina, who was living in Bombay with her third husband, Ernest Henry Burt.
Francis was most certainly going to India to visit his mother, Mina, who was living in Bombay with her third husband, Ernest Henry Burt.
Leave
His Highness the Rajah has been pleased to grant F.F. Boult Esq. three months vacation leave to date from November 5th 1907.
Report from Lundu, October, 1907
Little of importance has occurred this month.
The coming fruit season promises to be exceptionally good, if one mauy judge by the amount of fruit now on the trees. I hear there is any amount of buah engkabang ripening in the ulu. If this is so trade may shortly be expected to go ahead a bit, as this district exports large quantities of engkabang nuts.
Haji Mat Salleh, the Imam here, complains that very few of the Malays pay him the accustomary Pitra and Zakat for services rendered to them and the Mosque. I told Haji Mat Salleh that this was a matter entirely affecting the consciences of the Malays and one over which I had no control. I therefore declined to interfere. There has before been slight friction between the Imam and Malays over this matter. If Haji Mat Salleh instead of spending half the year in Kuching spent more time amongst the Malays in this district performing the various rites required of his creed, I feel sure that alms would very readily be forthcoming.
Bit Chiang a Lui Chew and pepper planter of Prigi, Simatan, was on the 10th sentenced to two years imprisonment. Three separate charges were brought against this man on all of which he was found guilty.
One Lahir a Malay escaped from the gang on 14th. This was entirely owing to the gross carelessness of P.C. No. 68 Lani who was prison mandor at the time.
I visited Simatan once during the month:
The following are this month's trade returns:
Exports Imports
Lundu $2,234 $7,554
Simatan $10,574 $1,786
Total $12,708 $9,340
This is all I have to report to Your Highness.
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
The coming fruit season promises to be exceptionally good, if one mauy judge by the amount of fruit now on the trees. I hear there is any amount of buah engkabang ripening in the ulu. If this is so trade may shortly be expected to go ahead a bit, as this district exports large quantities of engkabang nuts.
Haji Mat Salleh, the Imam here, complains that very few of the Malays pay him the accustomary Pitra and Zakat for services rendered to them and the Mosque. I told Haji Mat Salleh that this was a matter entirely affecting the consciences of the Malays and one over which I had no control. I therefore declined to interfere. There has before been slight friction between the Imam and Malays over this matter. If Haji Mat Salleh instead of spending half the year in Kuching spent more time amongst the Malays in this district performing the various rites required of his creed, I feel sure that alms would very readily be forthcoming.
Bit Chiang a Lui Chew and pepper planter of Prigi, Simatan, was on the 10th sentenced to two years imprisonment. Three separate charges were brought against this man on all of which he was found guilty.
One Lahir a Malay escaped from the gang on 14th. This was entirely owing to the gross carelessness of P.C. No. 68 Lani who was prison mandor at the time.
I visited Simatan once during the month:
The following are this month's trade returns:
Exports Imports
Lundu $2,234 $7,554
Simatan $10,574 $1,786
Total $12,708 $9,340
This is all I have to report to Your Highness.
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
Report from Lundu, September, 1907
The Government school was closed all this month for the annual holiday.
A very sad boating disaster occurred at Tulok Srabang on the 2nd when the occupants of a boat, three women and one man, all Malays, were precipitated into the water owing to their boat capsizing in a squall. The three women were drowned, but had they acted upon the advice of Jelani, the man with them, it is most probable that all would have been saved. Jelani ordered them to hang on to the upturned boat while he swam off in search of assistance. On reaching the shore he looked round, the women were nowhere to be seen although the boat was still visible. It is supposed that they tried to swim ashore also, but were overcome with fatigue. Two of the bodies were recovered a few hours after, but the third has never been seen since.
A beacon made in the Government workshop, Kuching, has been erected on Batu Mandi. This will be of the greatest assistance to vessels entering or leaving the river. It has been cemented well into the rock and is supported by three iron stays which are also cemented in. It should withstand the heaviest seas in the N.E. Monsoon. What I fear may possibly weaken or destroy it are the large pieces of timber and roots of nepah palm which are apt to get washed up against it. It will be examined once a month.
I visited Simatan from the 23rd to 24th.
I regret to write that Ong Tai Tiong, one of the principal partners in the old and well established firm of Soon Hong of Simatan, died suddenly on the 11th instant. Deceased who was in a very prosperous way of business died intestate. As there are at least four reported claimants to his property the winding up of his estate will be brought before the Hon'ble the Resident.
The trade returns are as under:
Exports Imports
Lundu $7,161 $3,470
Simatan $12,363 $4,470
Total $19,523 $7,949
This is all I have to report to Your Highness on this occasion.
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
Monday, November 13, 2017
Report from Lundu, July and August, 1907
Having obtained the sanction of His Highness the Rajah, I, early in July, called out the Stunggang Malays to repair the road throught their Kampong. This was completed within two days. The prisoners assisted. All the bridges were opened up and remade. As the road runs entirely through marshy land it will require attention every few years.
His Highness the Rajah having kindly granted me leave to attend the races I left for Kuching on July 14th.
On the 10th August I learned from Simatan that one Goh Ang Jit a Lewchew Chinaman, living at Saragan, had met his death at the hands of Yu Choon, Choon Kooi and Su Hap. Yu Choon and Choon Koi were both arrested within a week of the assault, and forwarded to Kuching. Su Hap up to present has not been heard of. My report on this affair was sent to the Hon'ble the Resident. The case came before a special Jury in the Supreme Court when Yu Choon was found guilty of the manslaughter of Goh Ang Jit and Chook Kooi was found not guilty and was discharged.
Mr. Parnell, who came to audit the Station accounts, arrivede on 10th August per p.s. Adeh returning on the 11th August at 9 P.M. The p.s. Adeh returned at day-light that morning.
On the 24th to 29th August I visited the coast as fas Telok Snabang. Here one Jauh Ah Sin a Kheh Chinese and padi planter at Mempawa Sambas applied for a permit to plant ov er 10,000 coconuts at Tanjong Sakol, which is between Sungei Samunsam and Sungei Limo, quite uninhabited land. Ah Sin will not be able to commence clearing until end of next harvest, but I think he really means business. If granted the land he intends bringing over about 10 doors of Chinese for whose good behaviour he will be responsible. Further he was willing to place a deposit if I would issue a permint then and there, which would have reverted to the Government in the event of his not appearing before the end of the 3rd Chinese moon 1908. I have not granted the permit, but told Ah Sin I would do so on his arrival next year, if Government raised no objection. There is land in these parts for many more who really mean serious planting.
On the 28th August I paid a few hours visit to the Talang Talang islands. I understand that the turtles this year have not come up in such large numbers as they did last or even previous years. I am not surprised to hear this, and should imagine that probably in 25 years time, unless some precautions are taken, the turtles will come up in even lesser numbers. No provision whatsoever is made for keeping up the supply of young turtles, and this seems a great pity. I wonder that the lessees to further their own interests do not agree to ser apart a certain time each year for a close season - say any three weeks between 31st May and 30th September. A million eggs were collected last year. This number is smaller than what I thought the islands capable of producing.
The prisoners have been employed in raising the road across river and in opening up the old road to the Tobacco Estate to its original size 24 feet in width. Owing to careless and indifferent mowing the 'babas' had been allowed to grow up until the road measured scarcely 6 feet broad.
This is all I have to report to Your Highness on this occasion.
His Highness the Rajah having kindly granted me leave to attend the races I left for Kuching on July 14th.
On the 10th August I learned from Simatan that one Goh Ang Jit a Lewchew Chinaman, living at Saragan, had met his death at the hands of Yu Choon, Choon Kooi and Su Hap. Yu Choon and Choon Koi were both arrested within a week of the assault, and forwarded to Kuching. Su Hap up to present has not been heard of. My report on this affair was sent to the Hon'ble the Resident. The case came before a special Jury in the Supreme Court when Yu Choon was found guilty of the manslaughter of Goh Ang Jit and Chook Kooi was found not guilty and was discharged.
Mr. Parnell, who came to audit the Station accounts, arrivede on 10th August per p.s. Adeh returning on the 11th August at 9 P.M. The p.s. Adeh returned at day-light that morning.
On the 24th to 29th August I visited the coast as fas Telok Snabang. Here one Jauh Ah Sin a Kheh Chinese and padi planter at Mempawa Sambas applied for a permit to plant ov er 10,000 coconuts at Tanjong Sakol, which is between Sungei Samunsam and Sungei Limo, quite uninhabited land. Ah Sin will not be able to commence clearing until end of next harvest, but I think he really means business. If granted the land he intends bringing over about 10 doors of Chinese for whose good behaviour he will be responsible. Further he was willing to place a deposit if I would issue a permint then and there, which would have reverted to the Government in the event of his not appearing before the end of the 3rd Chinese moon 1908. I have not granted the permit, but told Ah Sin I would do so on his arrival next year, if Government raised no objection. There is land in these parts for many more who really mean serious planting.
On the 28th August I paid a few hours visit to the Talang Talang islands. I understand that the turtles this year have not come up in such large numbers as they did last or even previous years. I am not surprised to hear this, and should imagine that probably in 25 years time, unless some precautions are taken, the turtles will come up in even lesser numbers. No provision whatsoever is made for keeping up the supply of young turtles, and this seems a great pity. I wonder that the lessees to further their own interests do not agree to ser apart a certain time each year for a close season - say any three weeks between 31st May and 30th September. A million eggs were collected last year. This number is smaller than what I thought the islands capable of producing.
The prisoners have been employed in raising the road across river and in opening up the old road to the Tobacco Estate to its original size 24 feet in width. Owing to careless and indifferent mowing the 'babas' had been allowed to grow up until the road measured scarcely 6 feet broad.
This is all I have to report to Your Highness on this occasion.
Report from Lundu, June, 1907
The 3rd being Your Highness' birthday the usual public holiday was observed and the flag-staff was decorated.
On the 15th Your Highness accompanied by His Highness the Raja Muda arrived per s.l. Young Harry at 8.30 A.M. the S.Y. Zahora having anchored off the mouth of the river at 4 P.M. the previous evening. During the morning Your Highness conversed with the Native Chiefs and at 4 P.M. inspected the Government School. Your Highness personally examined the boys and expressed great satisfaction at the progress made in all subjects. By kind permission of Your Highness the boys were granted a week's special holiday in honor of the occasion.
At day light on the 16th Your Highness left for Kuching.
Orang Kaya Radai of the Poi Dyaks has complained that some of the Dyaks of N.I. Territory are felling the jungle on this side of the frontier preparatory to farming. I informed the Orang Kaya that unless these people paid revenue to the Sarawak Government they would most certainly not be allowed to farm on this side, if, however, they wished to move with their wives and families into Sarawak Territory, they would be allowed reasonable time in which to pay their tax. I have since heard that it is the intention of these people to live with Orang Kaya Radai at Poi.
Your Highness has been pleased to sanction the appointment of Matzin as Tuah Kampong of Samunsam.
The prisoners have been employed raising the upriver end of the bazaar road and in the general upkeep of the station.
Appended are the trade returns for the month:
Exports Imports
Lundu $7,622 $2,337
Simatan $2,424 $5,100
Foreign $ 24 _____
Total $10,090 $7,437
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
On the 15th Your Highness accompanied by His Highness the Raja Muda arrived per s.l. Young Harry at 8.30 A.M. the S.Y. Zahora having anchored off the mouth of the river at 4 P.M. the previous evening. During the morning Your Highness conversed with the Native Chiefs and at 4 P.M. inspected the Government School. Your Highness personally examined the boys and expressed great satisfaction at the progress made in all subjects. By kind permission of Your Highness the boys were granted a week's special holiday in honor of the occasion.
At day light on the 16th Your Highness left for Kuching.
Orang Kaya Radai of the Poi Dyaks has complained that some of the Dyaks of N.I. Territory are felling the jungle on this side of the frontier preparatory to farming. I informed the Orang Kaya that unless these people paid revenue to the Sarawak Government they would most certainly not be allowed to farm on this side, if, however, they wished to move with their wives and families into Sarawak Territory, they would be allowed reasonable time in which to pay their tax. I have since heard that it is the intention of these people to live with Orang Kaya Radai at Poi.
Your Highness has been pleased to sanction the appointment of Matzin as Tuah Kampong of Samunsam.
The prisoners have been employed raising the upriver end of the bazaar road and in the general upkeep of the station.
Appended are the trade returns for the month:
Exports Imports
Lundu $7,622 $2,337
Simatan $2,424 $5,100
Foreign $ 24 _____
Total $10,090 $7,437
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
Report from Lundu, May, 1907
The Hon'ble The Resident and Lady Cunynghame accompanied by Mr & Mrs Hodgson arrived per p.s. Adeh on the 5th instant returning again on the 7th instant.
From the 15th to 20th I visited the coast from Simatan to Tanjong Datu, spending 2 days at Teloks Serabang and Milano. At both places the soil appears excellent and all the Malays, of whom there are quite a number, have splendid gardens, the produce from which is largely sold to the people of the Dutch islands nearby. This spot is a very favorite anchorage for vessels of all sizes from all parts, which pass on their way to and from Kuching.
During the Hon'ble The Resident's visit it was arranged that Your Highness' sanction a Tuah Kampong be appointed from Samunsam to Tanjong Datu. One Matzin, a Sarawak Malay, has been proposed as a suitable man.
Early in the month I sent the Native Officer Abang Ahmat to Simatan to enquire into the further wounding of Government cattle which took place towards the end of May. He returned being unable to obtain information that would lead to the arrest of the offending party. The cattle now number nearly 140 head. This is too large a herd for the cowmen to properly look after and might with advantage be reduced.
A very violent thunderstorm passed over this district on the 18th instant, when the house of one Lim Ah Kew at Tanjong Puron was struck by lightning and Lim Ah Kew was killed.
The prisoners have this month made a dapor for their own use, which was badly needed, and cleared the road and ditches from the Bazaar to Stunggang.
Exports Imports
Lundu $3,641 $4,126
Simatan $2,347 $1,865
Total $5,988 $5,991
I have nothing further to report to Your Highness.
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
From the 15th to 20th I visited the coast from Simatan to Tanjong Datu, spending 2 days at Teloks Serabang and Milano. At both places the soil appears excellent and all the Malays, of whom there are quite a number, have splendid gardens, the produce from which is largely sold to the people of the Dutch islands nearby. This spot is a very favorite anchorage for vessels of all sizes from all parts, which pass on their way to and from Kuching.
During the Hon'ble The Resident's visit it was arranged that Your Highness' sanction a Tuah Kampong be appointed from Samunsam to Tanjong Datu. One Matzin, a Sarawak Malay, has been proposed as a suitable man.
Early in the month I sent the Native Officer Abang Ahmat to Simatan to enquire into the further wounding of Government cattle which took place towards the end of May. He returned being unable to obtain information that would lead to the arrest of the offending party. The cattle now number nearly 140 head. This is too large a herd for the cowmen to properly look after and might with advantage be reduced.
A very violent thunderstorm passed over this district on the 18th instant, when the house of one Lim Ah Kew at Tanjong Puron was struck by lightning and Lim Ah Kew was killed.
The prisoners have this month made a dapor for their own use, which was badly needed, and cleared the road and ditches from the Bazaar to Stunggang.
Exports Imports
Lundu $3,641 $4,126
Simatan $2,347 $1,865
Total $5,988 $5,991
I have nothing further to report to Your Highness.
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Report from Lundu, February, 1907
This month has been particularly noticeable for the numerous complaints lodged by the Chinese and orthers against the Land Dyaks for the adulteration of gutta jangka.
Owing to this many of the traders here have had their gutta returned from Kuching.
One firm at Simatan had 21/2 koyans sent back. Evidently this way of working jungle produce has been going on for some time.
Notwithstanding the number of complaints receivede only two summonses were issued for breach of the orders relating to adulteration of gutta jangka etc, etc,. Defendants, who in each case were found guilty, were severely punished, as this state of things can only be most injurious to the trade of the country. With regard to those cases in which summonses were not asked for, the Chinese stated, "they preferred to settle them out of Court, if possible, as if settled by jurisdiction they would suffer in the long run, should defendants be fined they would be sure to ask if their Towkays to advance payment, which they were not prepared to do, also they could not afford to lose that time which defendants would spend in goal in default of the fines". I am, however, inclined to think that in some cases the gutta when bought was known to be of inferior quality and so a very low price was paid; the Chinese themselves trying to impose upon their Towkays in Kuching, thus hoping to make a substantial profit.
I visited Simatan from the 3rd to the 7th instant going along the coast and returning overland via Saraian and Sebiris.
Whilst at Simatan I ordered the arrest of one Masmail, a Sambas Malay, who was suspected of having wantonly wounded four of the Government cattle on the 28th of January. After communicating with Kuching it was decided that there was not sufficient evidence to convict defendant. As Masmail is a very bad character and one who appears to disturb the peace of the district in which he lives I have, by order of the Hon'ble the Resident, told Masmail he is to remove at once to Kuching, where he must live for the future. Of course if he wishes to remove elsewhere outside Sarawak Territory he is at liberty to do so.
A very sad case of poisoning occurred on the 11th instant at Sibako, where one Lingkin, his wife Wang and their four children, with two others, all residing in the same house, were suddenly taken sick through having eaten poisonous fungus in mistake for mushrooms (kulat taun). Lingkin and his wife succumbed but the children recovered after having been in a state of coma (according to native reports) for over 24 hours.
I received word from the Court Writer, Simatan, that on the 24th instant Juli, a Dyak of Sibako, had been taken by a crocodile at Sungei Samunsam. Deceased at that times was with four others and all were wading across the stream on their way to shoot pig. Two days after a crocodile 15 feet 4 inches long was caught and part of Juli's left arm was found in its stomach.
On the 22nd instant Mr. H.H. Everett and Mr. W.H. Geikie arrived from Santubong.
Rice and other food stuffs are now almost at famine prices. About the 15th rice was sold at 2 gantangs a dollar, and towards the end of the month shopkeepers had stopped selling it altogether. It will go very hard with a great many if Suhut's bandong which is daily expected does not arrive the 14th December 1906. Although there are a number of small boats running between here and Kuching in the landas, the rice they bring is not nearly sufficient to meet the demands of the inhabitants.
The bridge at Stunggang, mentioned in last month's report, has been completed, and at no cost to Government. Although not made of billian, a strong wood (chengal) has been used which should last 20 years.
The trade returns are as appended.
Exports Imports
Lundu $2,362 $1,800
Simatan NIL $1,050
This is all I have to report to Your Highness on this occasion.
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
Owing to this many of the traders here have had their gutta returned from Kuching.
One firm at Simatan had 21/2 koyans sent back. Evidently this way of working jungle produce has been going on for some time.
Notwithstanding the number of complaints receivede only two summonses were issued for breach of the orders relating to adulteration of gutta jangka etc, etc,. Defendants, who in each case were found guilty, were severely punished, as this state of things can only be most injurious to the trade of the country. With regard to those cases in which summonses were not asked for, the Chinese stated, "they preferred to settle them out of Court, if possible, as if settled by jurisdiction they would suffer in the long run, should defendants be fined they would be sure to ask if their Towkays to advance payment, which they were not prepared to do, also they could not afford to lose that time which defendants would spend in goal in default of the fines". I am, however, inclined to think that in some cases the gutta when bought was known to be of inferior quality and so a very low price was paid; the Chinese themselves trying to impose upon their Towkays in Kuching, thus hoping to make a substantial profit.
I visited Simatan from the 3rd to the 7th instant going along the coast and returning overland via Saraian and Sebiris.
Whilst at Simatan I ordered the arrest of one Masmail, a Sambas Malay, who was suspected of having wantonly wounded four of the Government cattle on the 28th of January. After communicating with Kuching it was decided that there was not sufficient evidence to convict defendant. As Masmail is a very bad character and one who appears to disturb the peace of the district in which he lives I have, by order of the Hon'ble the Resident, told Masmail he is to remove at once to Kuching, where he must live for the future. Of course if he wishes to remove elsewhere outside Sarawak Territory he is at liberty to do so.
A very sad case of poisoning occurred on the 11th instant at Sibako, where one Lingkin, his wife Wang and their four children, with two others, all residing in the same house, were suddenly taken sick through having eaten poisonous fungus in mistake for mushrooms (kulat taun). Lingkin and his wife succumbed but the children recovered after having been in a state of coma (according to native reports) for over 24 hours.
I received word from the Court Writer, Simatan, that on the 24th instant Juli, a Dyak of Sibako, had been taken by a crocodile at Sungei Samunsam. Deceased at that times was with four others and all were wading across the stream on their way to shoot pig. Two days after a crocodile 15 feet 4 inches long was caught and part of Juli's left arm was found in its stomach.
On the 22nd instant Mr. H.H. Everett and Mr. W.H. Geikie arrived from Santubong.
Rice and other food stuffs are now almost at famine prices. About the 15th rice was sold at 2 gantangs a dollar, and towards the end of the month shopkeepers had stopped selling it altogether. It will go very hard with a great many if Suhut's bandong which is daily expected does not arrive the 14th December 1906. Although there are a number of small boats running between here and Kuching in the landas, the rice they bring is not nearly sufficient to meet the demands of the inhabitants.
The bridge at Stunggang, mentioned in last month's report, has been completed, and at no cost to Government. Although not made of billian, a strong wood (chengal) has been used which should last 20 years.
The trade returns are as appended.
Exports Imports
Lundu $2,362 $1,800
Simatan NIL $1,050
This is all I have to report to Your Highness on this occasion.
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
The Sarawak Gazette, May 3, 1907
On the 26th Mr. F. F. Boult arrived from Lundu by boat. He returned to Lundu again on the 28th.
A Milano Fable (The Sarawak Gazette, May 3, 1907)
Many generation ago there lived in Sungei Rutus, which flows into the Igan river, a very powerful Milano chief named Tugau. He had no sons, but three daughters, or as many accounts say, adopted daughters. One of these three he married to the son of Kedahat, ruler of Oya, a man named Jiluan who lived with his wife in Tugau's house.
Thinking he would like a change of diet, Jiluan one day borrowed Tugau's golden-headed spear and went out into the jungle to hunt for pig. After searching for a very long he at last caught sight of a beautiful, sleek, white-skinned pig, and crept near to get a good stab at it. The weapon wounded the animal, but not very severely, and it went tearing away with the golden spear blade sticking in its side, leaving the snapped shaft behind. Jiluan followed the tracks for some time, but eventually got tired of it and returned to the house. When Tugau heard of the loss of his spear he was very angry and told Jiluan to go out next day in search of it and not return until it was found, so early on the next morning Juluan's wife got up and cooked 2 days provisions for her husband and sent him off on his quest.
He went to the spot at which he had left the pig's traces on the previous day and then climbed a tall tree to look round and see the lie of the land. While up there he heard the noise of people approaching and, looking down, saw two men walking along with a very sorrowful aspect. Jiluan called down and asked them what the matter was, and they answered that there was trouble in their village because the daughter of their Raja had been taken suddenly ill and nobody could cure her. "Who is your Raja"? asked Jiluan. "The Raja of pigs" (Raja baboi) said the men. Then Jiluan began to climb down the tree, and when he reached ground, he said, "If you will take me to your Rajah, I believe I can cure his daughter."
The two men then turned back along the path by which they had come, and conducted Jiluan to their village and into the presence of their Raja, who received him graciously and agreed to his attempting the cure of his daughter that same evening. Jiluan then stipulated that no one except himself should enter the room where the Raja's daughter lay ill until he had either failed or succeeded in curing her, and also that during that time nobody should approach the house from below. This being agreed to, he cleared the people out and went to examined the patient. The Raja's daughter turned out to be a very beautiful, fair-skinned girl, but when Jiluan came to examine her injuries he found Tugau's golden spear head sticking in her side. This he extracted, put in a hollow bamboo joint and three down below the house, after which, by his magic art, he closed and cured the wound it had made. Then he and the Raja's daughter began to talk together and she was so pleased with Jiluan that he easily persuaded her to run away with him (or as some versions have it, the Raja gave her to him) and became his second wife, although by the old custom only a single wife is allowed. They stole down the house and started off before dawn, Jiluan picking up the golden spear head as he went.
Now between the Raja's house and that of Tugau there were several streams to be forded, and when they reached the first the Raja's daughter seemed reluctant to cross it. However, she did at last, buton climbing the opposite bank Jiluan saw that her feet had turned to those of a pig. At the next sream they forded the lady became a pig as far as the knees, at the next to the waist, and so on, until just as they were getting near Tugau's house she turned to a pig altogether and ran off into the jungle and Jiluan, when he got home and told his story, was very soundly rated by his proper wife, Tugau's daughter, for his conduct in trying to marry the other lady.
Thus Jiluan tried to defy the old custom of his people and marry two wives, and by so doing brought no manner of good upon himself but only trouble, aqs any man must if he sets at naught the traditionary laws handed down from the people of long ago.
As a parallel to this story it is worth while comparing the fable of Laboh and the human elephants told in Skeat's "Malay Magi" pp 151, 152 and 153, Chap: V. In it the elephant-princess is wounded by a caltrop instead of a spear; Laboh marries and lives with her some time and they have children; and finally she is changed back into animal form while going back to Laboh's country with him by eating young tree-shoots with her rice, instead of contact with water while crossing rivers. (Contributed).
Thinking he would like a change of diet, Jiluan one day borrowed Tugau's golden-headed spear and went out into the jungle to hunt for pig. After searching for a very long he at last caught sight of a beautiful, sleek, white-skinned pig, and crept near to get a good stab at it. The weapon wounded the animal, but not very severely, and it went tearing away with the golden spear blade sticking in its side, leaving the snapped shaft behind. Jiluan followed the tracks for some time, but eventually got tired of it and returned to the house. When Tugau heard of the loss of his spear he was very angry and told Jiluan to go out next day in search of it and not return until it was found, so early on the next morning Juluan's wife got up and cooked 2 days provisions for her husband and sent him off on his quest.
He went to the spot at which he had left the pig's traces on the previous day and then climbed a tall tree to look round and see the lie of the land. While up there he heard the noise of people approaching and, looking down, saw two men walking along with a very sorrowful aspect. Jiluan called down and asked them what the matter was, and they answered that there was trouble in their village because the daughter of their Raja had been taken suddenly ill and nobody could cure her. "Who is your Raja"? asked Jiluan. "The Raja of pigs" (Raja baboi) said the men. Then Jiluan began to climb down the tree, and when he reached ground, he said, "If you will take me to your Rajah, I believe I can cure his daughter."
The two men then turned back along the path by which they had come, and conducted Jiluan to their village and into the presence of their Raja, who received him graciously and agreed to his attempting the cure of his daughter that same evening. Jiluan then stipulated that no one except himself should enter the room where the Raja's daughter lay ill until he had either failed or succeeded in curing her, and also that during that time nobody should approach the house from below. This being agreed to, he cleared the people out and went to examined the patient. The Raja's daughter turned out to be a very beautiful, fair-skinned girl, but when Jiluan came to examine her injuries he found Tugau's golden spear head sticking in her side. This he extracted, put in a hollow bamboo joint and three down below the house, after which, by his magic art, he closed and cured the wound it had made. Then he and the Raja's daughter began to talk together and she was so pleased with Jiluan that he easily persuaded her to run away with him (or as some versions have it, the Raja gave her to him) and became his second wife, although by the old custom only a single wife is allowed. They stole down the house and started off before dawn, Jiluan picking up the golden spear head as he went.
Now between the Raja's house and that of Tugau there were several streams to be forded, and when they reached the first the Raja's daughter seemed reluctant to cross it. However, she did at last, buton climbing the opposite bank Jiluan saw that her feet had turned to those of a pig. At the next sream they forded the lady became a pig as far as the knees, at the next to the waist, and so on, until just as they were getting near Tugau's house she turned to a pig altogether and ran off into the jungle and Jiluan, when he got home and told his story, was very soundly rated by his proper wife, Tugau's daughter, for his conduct in trying to marry the other lady.
Thus Jiluan tried to defy the old custom of his people and marry two wives, and by so doing brought no manner of good upon himself but only trouble, aqs any man must if he sets at naught the traditionary laws handed down from the people of long ago.
As a parallel to this story it is worth while comparing the fable of Laboh and the human elephants told in Skeat's "Malay Magi" pp 151, 152 and 153, Chap: V. In it the elephant-princess is wounded by a caltrop instead of a spear; Laboh marries and lives with her some time and they have children; and finally she is changed back into animal form while going back to Laboh's country with him by eating young tree-shoots with her rice, instead of contact with water while crossing rivers. (Contributed).
Report from Lundu, December 1906
I returned from Simatan on the 6th instant. Whilst there a great many cases were brought by Malays against Malays for abuse. In one case no less than six summonses were issued and all the parties, who were females, were closely related. The reason of the abuse appears to have originated in a dispute between Siti (f) and Kaka (f) as to the lawful ownership of a certain fruit tree, buah mengkala. The fruit tree case was settled and both parties were fined small sums for the abuse.
As a result of a recent examination of the boys attending the Government Elementary Lay School a prize giving took place at the School House on the 11th instant. All the parents of the pupils and a number of friends were present. Full particulars of this have already been forwarded to Your Highness.
Referring to the case of Ampuan Haji Bujang vs. Pangeran Jarudai mentioned in last month's report, I I received a letter on the 13th instant from the Hon'ble the Resident informing me that "the fine of $22.14 was imposed on deft: by Haji Bakri T.K. of Rembungan had been remitted and that plaintiff has been fined 15 reals in the Datu's Court Kuching." All parties concerned were informed of this decision.
On the 22nd instant I left for Santubong where I had been invited to spend Christmas and returned here again on the 28th instant.
During the early part of the month the upper river was in heavy flood.
The trade returns for the month are as under.
Exports Imports
Lundu $1,981 $6,144
Simatan $1,416 $3,262
This is all I have to report to Your Highness on this occasion.
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
As a result of a recent examination of the boys attending the Government Elementary Lay School a prize giving took place at the School House on the 11th instant. All the parents of the pupils and a number of friends were present. Full particulars of this have already been forwarded to Your Highness.
Referring to the case of Ampuan Haji Bujang vs. Pangeran Jarudai mentioned in last month's report, I I received a letter on the 13th instant from the Hon'ble the Resident informing me that "the fine of $22.14 was imposed on deft: by Haji Bakri T.K. of Rembungan had been remitted and that plaintiff has been fined 15 reals in the Datu's Court Kuching." All parties concerned were informed of this decision.
On the 22nd instant I left for Santubong where I had been invited to spend Christmas and returned here again on the 28th instant.
During the early part of the month the upper river was in heavy flood.
The trade returns for the month are as under.
Exports Imports
Lundu $1,981 $6,144
Simatan $1,416 $3,262
This is all I have to report to Your Highness on this occasion.
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
Report from Lundu, November, 1906
At 1:30 A.A. on the 5th instant I left for up river and after 71/2 hours fast paddling on a strong tide reached pengkalan Stungkor. I got to Orang Kaya Pa Nyuhm's house at Stungkor at mid-day. Here I spent the night. The following morning at 7:30 I left for Bau, reaching Bidi that same evening just before 4o'clock, and went on to Bau the next day, the 7th instant.
It is somewhat difficult to judge the distance one covers walking through the jungle over a Dyak track that consists for the most part of batangs not more than 4" in width. However, after deducting all stoppages, I find we walked 61/2 hours with an additional 30 minutes ride on the train from Sijeroh to Bidi. Reckoning we kept up an average of 3 miles an hour, the distance from Stungkor to Bidi would work out at over 20 miles. Although in places the track was difficult and we had one stiff climb at Gunoong Udang (a continuation of the Sou range just close to Dutch Territory where the Sambas river has its source), the walking was not nearly so fatiguing as I have experienced in other parts of the country, or as bad as I had been given to understand I should find it.
The first part of the road from the Lundu side passes through primeval jungle, but after leaving the foot of Gunoong Udang, one ceomes to old farming land and the Jagoi Dyak country. Here I found the inhabitants all busy farming. They make very extensive farms and all their young paddi appeared very healthy.
I left Bau on the evening of the 8th and Bidi at 7.40 A.M. on the 9th instant, reaching Stungkor the same evening at 5.40 and Lundu at 4.20 P.M. on the 10th instant.
It is interesting to note that should it ever be necessary, during the landas, to send an urgently express message to Kuching it would be quickest to do so overland via Bau than it would be to send along the coast via the lobahs and Santubong. By using the first route one would get a message to Kuching for certain well within 20 hours.
On the 13th instant I left for Kuching via the lobahs, having been ordered by the Hon'ble the Resident 1st Division to appear in Court there as witness in the case of Government vs. Cha Boo and Ah Chang.
On my return I spent one night at Rombungan and one at Stu. At the former place I reheard the case of Ampuan Haji Bujang vs. Pangeran Jarudai. Plaintiff had summoned Defendant for abuse and the latter had been fined $22.14 by Haji Bakri, Tua Kampong of Rombungan. Full minutes of this case have been forwarded to the Hon'ble the Resident and judgment now awaits his decision.
Finding it very difficult for boats to work a passenger through the lobahs, owing to the drift wood and timber that has been carelessly felled obstructing the channels, I ordered all those persons living on or around the lobahs to turn out and remove those obstacles. I also issued a local notice to the effect "that persons found placing any obstruction whatsoever in the lobahs would be fined".
On the 12th instant P.C. 105 Diding arrived from Kuching to relieve P.C. 95 Bujang whose term here has expired.
P.C. returned to headquarters the following day.
I left for Simatan on the 30th instant.
The prisoners have been employed in the general up-keep of the roads and paths around the station.
The following are the Lundu and Simatan trade returns:
Imports Exports
Lundu $4,224 $7,779
Simatan 5,842 $1,363
I have nothing further to report on this occasion to Your Highness.
It is somewhat difficult to judge the distance one covers walking through the jungle over a Dyak track that consists for the most part of batangs not more than 4" in width. However, after deducting all stoppages, I find we walked 61/2 hours with an additional 30 minutes ride on the train from Sijeroh to Bidi. Reckoning we kept up an average of 3 miles an hour, the distance from Stungkor to Bidi would work out at over 20 miles. Although in places the track was difficult and we had one stiff climb at Gunoong Udang (a continuation of the Sou range just close to Dutch Territory where the Sambas river has its source), the walking was not nearly so fatiguing as I have experienced in other parts of the country, or as bad as I had been given to understand I should find it.
The first part of the road from the Lundu side passes through primeval jungle, but after leaving the foot of Gunoong Udang, one ceomes to old farming land and the Jagoi Dyak country. Here I found the inhabitants all busy farming. They make very extensive farms and all their young paddi appeared very healthy.
I left Bau on the evening of the 8th and Bidi at 7.40 A.M. on the 9th instant, reaching Stungkor the same evening at 5.40 and Lundu at 4.20 P.M. on the 10th instant.
It is interesting to note that should it ever be necessary, during the landas, to send an urgently express message to Kuching it would be quickest to do so overland via Bau than it would be to send along the coast via the lobahs and Santubong. By using the first route one would get a message to Kuching for certain well within 20 hours.
On the 13th instant I left for Kuching via the lobahs, having been ordered by the Hon'ble the Resident 1st Division to appear in Court there as witness in the case of Government vs. Cha Boo and Ah Chang.
On my return I spent one night at Rombungan and one at Stu. At the former place I reheard the case of Ampuan Haji Bujang vs. Pangeran Jarudai. Plaintiff had summoned Defendant for abuse and the latter had been fined $22.14 by Haji Bakri, Tua Kampong of Rombungan. Full minutes of this case have been forwarded to the Hon'ble the Resident and judgment now awaits his decision.
Finding it very difficult for boats to work a passenger through the lobahs, owing to the drift wood and timber that has been carelessly felled obstructing the channels, I ordered all those persons living on or around the lobahs to turn out and remove those obstacles. I also issued a local notice to the effect "that persons found placing any obstruction whatsoever in the lobahs would be fined".
On the 12th instant P.C. 105 Diding arrived from Kuching to relieve P.C. 95 Bujang whose term here has expired.
P.C. returned to headquarters the following day.
I left for Simatan on the 30th instant.
The prisoners have been employed in the general up-keep of the roads and paths around the station.
The following are the Lundu and Simatan trade returns:
Imports Exports
Lundu $4,224 $7,779
Simatan 5,842 $1,363
I have nothing further to report on this occasion to Your Highness.
Obituary: Baroness Burdett-Coutts (The Sarawak Gazette Feb. 4, 1907)
Baroness Burdett-Coutts, who had been suffering from bronchitis for several days died on 30th ult. at her house in Strattan-street, London, at the age of 92.
Angela Burdett was a daughter of Sir Francis Burdett, and grand-daughter of Mr. Thomas Coutts, the richest private banker in England. In 1837 she inherited from her step-grandmother, the Duchess of St. Albans, a huge fortune amounting to nearly two millions in cash, and half the profits of the famous bank in the Strand, and her life has been an unexampled exhibition of princely but unostentatious charity in the widest sense of that sometimes abused term. Beyond all the examples of her munificence at home, such as the buildings of Columbia market, the foundation of vaious model town schools for girls, and dozens of other benefactions, there were enterprises which she directed or aided in the Imperial sphere. Her connection with Borneo may be recalled.
When Sir James Brooke returned to this Country, depressed with his failure to obtain Government recognition for his project at Sarawak and smarting under a sense of the injustice done to him by public opinion, he had the good fortune to meet Miss Burdett-Coutts at Torquay.
She soon grasped the probabilities of the situation at Labuan, and provided the eager "Raja" with the one thing, as he conceived it, necessary to make his authority effective. She presented him with a steamer, fully found, and allowed him in a addition a subsidy towards the expense of administration. How succesful from the patriotic standpoint the investment has proved our protectorate and the operations of the company declare.
When the famous Raja Brooke died he made provision by will whereby, in default of any successor to his immediate heir, Baroness Burdett-Coutts was to take means for retaining Sarawak as a British possession, and she duly executed a trust for this purpose.
A model farm, designed to train the Dyaks in the art as well as the habit of agriculture, was for many years a specific indication of her interest in the people.
The late Baroness is to be buried tomorrow in Westminster Abbey, close to the statue of Lord Shaftesbury, after lying in state at her residence in Stratton-street.
Angela Burdett was a daughter of Sir Francis Burdett, and grand-daughter of Mr. Thomas Coutts, the richest private banker in England. In 1837 she inherited from her step-grandmother, the Duchess of St. Albans, a huge fortune amounting to nearly two millions in cash, and half the profits of the famous bank in the Strand, and her life has been an unexampled exhibition of princely but unostentatious charity in the widest sense of that sometimes abused term. Beyond all the examples of her munificence at home, such as the buildings of Columbia market, the foundation of vaious model town schools for girls, and dozens of other benefactions, there were enterprises which she directed or aided in the Imperial sphere. Her connection with Borneo may be recalled.
When Sir James Brooke returned to this Country, depressed with his failure to obtain Government recognition for his project at Sarawak and smarting under a sense of the injustice done to him by public opinion, he had the good fortune to meet Miss Burdett-Coutts at Torquay.
She soon grasped the probabilities of the situation at Labuan, and provided the eager "Raja" with the one thing, as he conceived it, necessary to make his authority effective. She presented him with a steamer, fully found, and allowed him in a addition a subsidy towards the expense of administration. How succesful from the patriotic standpoint the investment has proved our protectorate and the operations of the company declare.
When the famous Raja Brooke died he made provision by will whereby, in default of any successor to his immediate heir, Baroness Burdett-Coutts was to take means for retaining Sarawak as a British possession, and she duly executed a trust for this purpose.
A model farm, designed to train the Dyaks in the art as well as the habit of agriculture, was for many years a specific indication of her interest in the people.
The late Baroness is to be buried tomorrow in Westminster Abbey, close to the statue of Lord Shaftesbury, after lying in state at her residence in Stratton-street.
Report from Lundu, October, 1906
The Hon'ble the Resident of the First Division, accompanied by Dr. White-Hopkins and Mr. Stuart Cunynghame, arrived here at 1:30 p.m. on the 1st instant per p.s. Adeh, and returned again at daylight on the 3rd instant.
On the 2nd the Hon'ble Resident attended Court, when several matters of importance were brought before him.
I visitede Simataan from the 20th to 23rd. I was obliged to return sooner than I had intended owing to the unsettled state of the weather. The neaptimes coming on the approaches to the rivers were each day becoming more dangerous.
Nearly all the nacodahs of the bandongs here have been fined for breach of Port Regulations. The falling off in the trade returns caused me to make very minute enquiries as to the reason of this.
I found that to some extend the decrease was due to nacodahs omitting to declare goods which they received after having taken out a "Port Clearance." The importation of tobacco showed a very marked deficit as compared with what it was several years back. This lead me to suppose that a great deal of smuggling had been going on. After close examination of the books and letters of the traders in this district I find that the import of tobacco has kept well up to the average. The mistake appears to be that the shippers in Kuching are in the habit of declaring tobacco as sundries. Although it is almost impossible to prevent a certain amount of smuggling in a district situated as close as this to Dutch Territory, I am glad to be able to report that the smuggling here is practially nil and only goes on among those villages which are nearly on the border.
Draman's boat, which left for Kuching on the 20th instant, was wrecked off Sampadi mouth. The mail was fortunately saved, and no lives were lost.
The fines this month amounted to $216.64.
Per p.s. Adeh on the 1st instant arrived one pony for this station.
The prisoners have been employed the greater part of the month repairing some of the bridges.
The following are the trade returns for Lundu and Simatan.
Exports Imports
Lundu $5,789 $2,089
Simatan $22,366 $2,748
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
On the 2nd the Hon'ble Resident attended Court, when several matters of importance were brought before him.
I visitede Simataan from the 20th to 23rd. I was obliged to return sooner than I had intended owing to the unsettled state of the weather. The neaptimes coming on the approaches to the rivers were each day becoming more dangerous.
Nearly all the nacodahs of the bandongs here have been fined for breach of Port Regulations. The falling off in the trade returns caused me to make very minute enquiries as to the reason of this.
I found that to some extend the decrease was due to nacodahs omitting to declare goods which they received after having taken out a "Port Clearance." The importation of tobacco showed a very marked deficit as compared with what it was several years back. This lead me to suppose that a great deal of smuggling had been going on. After close examination of the books and letters of the traders in this district I find that the import of tobacco has kept well up to the average. The mistake appears to be that the shippers in Kuching are in the habit of declaring tobacco as sundries. Although it is almost impossible to prevent a certain amount of smuggling in a district situated as close as this to Dutch Territory, I am glad to be able to report that the smuggling here is practially nil and only goes on among those villages which are nearly on the border.
Draman's boat, which left for Kuching on the 20th instant, was wrecked off Sampadi mouth. The mail was fortunately saved, and no lives were lost.
The fines this month amounted to $216.64.
Per p.s. Adeh on the 1st instant arrived one pony for this station.
The prisoners have been employed the greater part of the month repairing some of the bridges.
The following are the trade returns for Lundu and Simatan.
Exports Imports
Lundu $5,789 $2,089
Simatan $22,366 $2,748
F.F. Boult
Assistant Resident
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