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
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