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
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