His Highness The Rajah left Kuhing in H.H.S. Zahora on the 8th to pay visits fo Matang Mountain and Lundu Station. At Matang His Highness was pleased to find that all connected to the Reservoir and with the channel which brings the water from the farther source seemed in excellent order, and after standing the severe test of the heavy rains and floods in the N.E. monsoon this work may be pronounced sage to stand for many years.
The coffee on the Estate looked well, some of the older gardens having been abandoned through age. Pulping and husking were being carried on in the lower shed as usual.
After leaving Matang The Rajah, accompanied by the Hon'ble the Resident of the 1st Division, visited Lundu. Here everything was orderly and well kept. The examination at the school had just been held and prizes were distributed by His Highness. Arrangements were made to plant the spare ground around the school with orange trees, which should do well.
There were no cases of importance brought before His Highness. Satisfactory information was received from Mr. Boult, the Resident, that the coconut plantations along the coast were in a very prosperous condition, the trees bearing freely and the nuts selling at a good price. Some of the plantations are changing hands and fetching a high figure. The Lundu Malays who are nearly all of Sambas origin are well to do and better off than most. They are generally a hard working people anbd clever at different trades as well as gardening but honesty is not always their policy, they make on the wholem however, a desirable population.
H.H.S. Zahora with the Rajah and the Divisional Resident on board returned to Kuching on the 13th May.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Report from Lundu, May 1908
The most important event of the month was the visit of His Highness the Rajah to this station from the 11th to 13th. Throughout his stay His Highness was accompanied by the Hon'ble the Resident 1st Division.
On the morning of the 12th His Highness received the Native Officers, also many Dyaks, Malays and Chinese who had come to pay their respects. At 4 pm. His Highness inspected the Government School and afterwards walked through the main bazaar and around the kampong.
The prisoners have made good progress in clearing the land selected by His Highness for an orange plantation. Many of the seeds planted by His Highness have come up and are thriving well. More seeds and plants will be very acceptable.
Notwithstanding the fall in price of pepper and jungle produce the Chinese have commenced to erect their new temple at the up-river end of the bazaar. This building is to be of brick and when completed will present a very handsome edifice. Some of the finest biliam obtainable is being used for the interior.
Dr. F.W. Foxworthy, botanist of the Bureau of Science, Manila, arrived here on the 7th. He has come with the intention of making a study of the woods and forests of the district before proceeding to other parts of the country.
I visited Simatan from the 22nd to 25th. whilst there Dr. Foxworthy and I climbed the Sahabat Peak at Northern end of the Poe Range. We had a most interesting trip. Shortly we hope to make an ascent up Gunong Rumput at the southern end of this same group.
On the 3rd the old Squad of Police under Corporal 81 Mat returned to Headquarters.
At the end of the month natives were still harvesting. This is owing to the fact that numbers abandone their families and went in search of illipe nuts. In consequence later on in the season they had to plant out fresh paddi.
The Malays and Chinese still continue to apply for permits to open cocoanut plantations. The registry shows that there are over 300 of these gardens now in this district. In about 5 years time the coast between Rambungan and Simatan will be one long line of plantations. Seedlings are fetching $5.00 to $6.00 per hundred.
What the natives will have to contend against is a bettle known by Malays as bru. This insect seems to attack the trees planted inland more than those planted near the sea coast. With constant clearing away of the undergrowth, and the immediate destruction of trees attacked, also an occasional smoky fire blowing over the plantations, I think, this difficulty should be easily overcome.
F.F. Boult,
Resident 2nd Class.
On the morning of the 12th His Highness received the Native Officers, also many Dyaks, Malays and Chinese who had come to pay their respects. At 4 pm. His Highness inspected the Government School and afterwards walked through the main bazaar and around the kampong.
The prisoners have made good progress in clearing the land selected by His Highness for an orange plantation. Many of the seeds planted by His Highness have come up and are thriving well. More seeds and plants will be very acceptable.
Notwithstanding the fall in price of pepper and jungle produce the Chinese have commenced to erect their new temple at the up-river end of the bazaar. This building is to be of brick and when completed will present a very handsome edifice. Some of the finest biliam obtainable is being used for the interior.
Dr. F.W. Foxworthy, botanist of the Bureau of Science, Manila, arrived here on the 7th. He has come with the intention of making a study of the woods and forests of the district before proceeding to other parts of the country.
I visited Simatan from the 22nd to 25th. whilst there Dr. Foxworthy and I climbed the Sahabat Peak at Northern end of the Poe Range. We had a most interesting trip. Shortly we hope to make an ascent up Gunong Rumput at the southern end of this same group.
On the 3rd the old Squad of Police under Corporal 81 Mat returned to Headquarters.
At the end of the month natives were still harvesting. This is owing to the fact that numbers abandone their families and went in search of illipe nuts. In consequence later on in the season they had to plant out fresh paddi.
The Malays and Chinese still continue to apply for permits to open cocoanut plantations. The registry shows that there are over 300 of these gardens now in this district. In about 5 years time the coast between Rambungan and Simatan will be one long line of plantations. Seedlings are fetching $5.00 to $6.00 per hundred.
What the natives will have to contend against is a bettle known by Malays as bru. This insect seems to attack the trees planted inland more than those planted near the sea coast. With constant clearing away of the undergrowth, and the immediate destruction of trees attacked, also an occasional smoky fire blowing over the plantations, I think, this difficulty should be easily overcome.
F.F. Boult,
Resident 2nd Class.
The Sarawak Gazette, April 3, 1908
Mr. F.F. Boult, Resident of Lundu, and Mr. E.F. Pumpin arrived from Lundu on the 2nd by the Cutch Company's launch. Mr. Pumpin has made a thorough examination of the land in the Lundu district and was pleases particularly with that in the Simatan Valley. Unfortunately the difficulties of transport are such that we fear that he will probably be unable to decide in facvour of that district; in the meantime he is visiting other parts of Sarawak.
Report from Lundu, March, 1908
On the 4th instant accompanied by Orang Kaya Baja I paid a visit to the Ulu Lundu. From the mouth of Rasau upwards I found crowds of Malays and Dyaks living in huts lining both banks of the main river and side streams for miles. All were in search of the illipe nut. By the end of the month the price for these nuts had risen to nearly $5.00 per pikul.
At Stungkor Orang Kaya Nyulim complained "that for two years now the Stingang Dyaks had farmed on the Stungkor side of Sungei Stuman which land really belongs to the Stungkor Dyaks. Now that Dyaks were living in the Rasau river the Stungkor Dyaks had very little land left for farming and could not afford to allow the Stingang people to encroach on their land." Many years back a previous Resident arranged that the Stingang Dyaks should not farm below the right bank of the Stuman and the Stungkor Dyaks should not farm above the left bank of the same stream. This arrangement seems perfectly fair as the Stingang Dyaks have almost an unlimited acreage of land to choose for farming on. I have sent for the Orang Kaya of Stingang who was away at Bau during the time I was up-river. I shall inform him "that I insist on his people adhering to that old order and that if they again encroach on the Stungkor Dyaks farming land they will be punished."
The Stungkor Dyaks have further asked if the fine for adultery could be increased. The present fine amongst the Land Dyaks here, of eight tempaian equal to four dollars, was many years ago quite sufficient to meet this offence. Nowadays it is wholly inadequate and acts more as an inducement to crime than as a determent.
Probate duty on the estate of Ong Tai Tion deceased of Messrs. Soon Hong Co. of Simatan amounted to $414.75.
In consequence of a letter received from the Hon'ble the Divisional Resident I left on sunday 22nd for Sampadi to inspect the building of a tongkang for Government by one Nandi. The tongkang which is nearly completed is in my opinion a most disgracefully built one, and has been put together in a very rough and ready fashion. I strongly recommend very careful examination of this boat before it is finally taken over by Government.
On the 22nd instant Messrs. H.H. Everett and E.F. Pumpin arrived from Santubong.
Mr. Pumpin who had letters of introduction from the Hon'ble the Divisional Resident came to inspect the soil in this district with a view to planting Ramie. On the Lundu side Mr. Pumpin inspected the soild at Skati, Simuning, Prundang, Simatan valley Seberis, Saraian, Selarat, Sebokoh and Timbaga were visited. The trip to Rasau was made per s.l. Saraktan. This is I believe the first time that a steamer of any kind has been so far up river. It is quite certain that a fairly large sized launch or steamer could, if it were necessary, easily get up as far as Rasau on a flood tide. The Chinese and Malay bandongs go some good two hours above Rasau as far as Stungkor.
Mr. Pumpin was very impressed with the land in the Simatan valley, particularly with that at Sebakoh and Timbaga. Here the soild is undoubtedly very rich. I do not think I am far wrong when I write and say "that it would be hard to find in Sarawak soil better than that which is to be found on the land lying between Lundu and the Poi Mountains." There is no doubt that this spot is one of the most fertile valleys in the country.
On the 21st Baling of Siling reported that one Lincha, a leper, had suddenly disappeared. He was last seen the previous evening at 6 p.m. by his daughter. All property in the hut which Lincha occupied was undisturbed. I ordered the Dyaks to make a thorough search for this man but up to the 29th no signs of him had been discovered. The Dyaks seem to think that Lincha had run away to the mountains in the hopes of finding relief from his terrible sickness. I am, however, of the opinion that Lincha knowing he was an outcast committed suicide to end his misery. He no doubt threw himself into the river and was devoured by the crocodiles.
I have nothing further to report to your Highness for this month.
F.F. Boult,
Resident 2nd Class.
At Stungkor Orang Kaya Nyulim complained "that for two years now the Stingang Dyaks had farmed on the Stungkor side of Sungei Stuman which land really belongs to the Stungkor Dyaks. Now that Dyaks were living in the Rasau river the Stungkor Dyaks had very little land left for farming and could not afford to allow the Stingang people to encroach on their land." Many years back a previous Resident arranged that the Stingang Dyaks should not farm below the right bank of the Stuman and the Stungkor Dyaks should not farm above the left bank of the same stream. This arrangement seems perfectly fair as the Stingang Dyaks have almost an unlimited acreage of land to choose for farming on. I have sent for the Orang Kaya of Stingang who was away at Bau during the time I was up-river. I shall inform him "that I insist on his people adhering to that old order and that if they again encroach on the Stungkor Dyaks farming land they will be punished."
The Stungkor Dyaks have further asked if the fine for adultery could be increased. The present fine amongst the Land Dyaks here, of eight tempaian equal to four dollars, was many years ago quite sufficient to meet this offence. Nowadays it is wholly inadequate and acts more as an inducement to crime than as a determent.
Probate duty on the estate of Ong Tai Tion deceased of Messrs. Soon Hong Co. of Simatan amounted to $414.75.
In consequence of a letter received from the Hon'ble the Divisional Resident I left on sunday 22nd for Sampadi to inspect the building of a tongkang for Government by one Nandi. The tongkang which is nearly completed is in my opinion a most disgracefully built one, and has been put together in a very rough and ready fashion. I strongly recommend very careful examination of this boat before it is finally taken over by Government.
On the 22nd instant Messrs. H.H. Everett and E.F. Pumpin arrived from Santubong.
Mr. Pumpin who had letters of introduction from the Hon'ble the Divisional Resident came to inspect the soil in this district with a view to planting Ramie. On the Lundu side Mr. Pumpin inspected the soild at Skati, Simuning, Prundang, Simatan valley Seberis, Saraian, Selarat, Sebokoh and Timbaga were visited. The trip to Rasau was made per s.l. Saraktan. This is I believe the first time that a steamer of any kind has been so far up river. It is quite certain that a fairly large sized launch or steamer could, if it were necessary, easily get up as far as Rasau on a flood tide. The Chinese and Malay bandongs go some good two hours above Rasau as far as Stungkor.
Mr. Pumpin was very impressed with the land in the Simatan valley, particularly with that at Sebakoh and Timbaga. Here the soild is undoubtedly very rich. I do not think I am far wrong when I write and say "that it would be hard to find in Sarawak soil better than that which is to be found on the land lying between Lundu and the Poi Mountains." There is no doubt that this spot is one of the most fertile valleys in the country.
On the 21st Baling of Siling reported that one Lincha, a leper, had suddenly disappeared. He was last seen the previous evening at 6 p.m. by his daughter. All property in the hut which Lincha occupied was undisturbed. I ordered the Dyaks to make a thorough search for this man but up to the 29th no signs of him had been discovered. The Dyaks seem to think that Lincha had run away to the mountains in the hopes of finding relief from his terrible sickness. I am, however, of the opinion that Lincha knowing he was an outcast committed suicide to end his misery. He no doubt threw himself into the river and was devoured by the crocodiles.
I have nothing further to report to your Highness for this month.
F.F. Boult,
Resident 2nd Class.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Report from Lundu, February, 1908
I returned from vacation leave on the 1st instant. Lundu and the coast present a very deserted appearance, nearly all the Malays and Dyaks of this district having gone to the Ulu in search of engkabang nuts which are now falling. Owing to this, trade amongst the Chinese is quite brisk, the price here for these nuts is over $3 per picul.
There was a great accumulation of cases which the Native Officers had deferred until my arrival. These have now been wiped off. They were chiefly amongst the Chinese and few were of any importance.
On the 10th instant it was arranged that with Your Highness' sanction Nyulim be appointed Orang Kaya of the Stungkor district. He is the son of the late O.K. Julia who died lasty December. Further it has been proposed that Pa Bidi of the Rasu Dyaks, who have lately arrived from Sambas, be elected Pengara O.K. Nyulim at Rasu.
I visited Simatan from the 17th to the 20th instant. I had great difficulty in obtaining coolies for this trip, all able bodies persons being away up river.
The herd of Government cattle at Simatan is far too large numbering over 150 head. I would suggest that it be reduced as soon as possible, especially would I advise the removal of the two breeding bulls. The last lot of cattle sold fetched in Kuching $600 for 29 head.
On the 15th instant on Tan Chang Jin of Mungol Billian, Simatan, was killed by a tree he was felling falling on him. Death was instantaneous.
Mr. H.H. Everett spent a couple of nights here during the month. He came re debts owed to the Cutch Company at Santubong which is in liquidation. The Company to assist their debtors are in many instances receiving payment in engkabang nuts and other jungle produce.
The very heavy rains of the present landas have done considerable damage to the bridges between Skambal and Siah. The bridges are very old and not built entirely of billian; when I can spare the labour I intend sending prisoners out to Siah for a week or two and will then have the bridges repaired. There is plenty of good wood in the jungle near by.
There has been a good deal of fever amongst the Police and Prisoners, this month which has been somewhat handicapping.
I have nothing further to report to your Highness this occasion.
F.F. Boult
Resident 2nd Class.
There was a great accumulation of cases which the Native Officers had deferred until my arrival. These have now been wiped off. They were chiefly amongst the Chinese and few were of any importance.
On the 10th instant it was arranged that with Your Highness' sanction Nyulim be appointed Orang Kaya of the Stungkor district. He is the son of the late O.K. Julia who died lasty December. Further it has been proposed that Pa Bidi of the Rasu Dyaks, who have lately arrived from Sambas, be elected Pengara O.K. Nyulim at Rasu.
I visited Simatan from the 17th to the 20th instant. I had great difficulty in obtaining coolies for this trip, all able bodies persons being away up river.
The herd of Government cattle at Simatan is far too large numbering over 150 head. I would suggest that it be reduced as soon as possible, especially would I advise the removal of the two breeding bulls. The last lot of cattle sold fetched in Kuching $600 for 29 head.
On the 15th instant on Tan Chang Jin of Mungol Billian, Simatan, was killed by a tree he was felling falling on him. Death was instantaneous.
Mr. H.H. Everett spent a couple of nights here during the month. He came re debts owed to the Cutch Company at Santubong which is in liquidation. The Company to assist their debtors are in many instances receiving payment in engkabang nuts and other jungle produce.
The very heavy rains of the present landas have done considerable damage to the bridges between Skambal and Siah. The bridges are very old and not built entirely of billian; when I can spare the labour I intend sending prisoners out to Siah for a week or two and will then have the bridges repaired. There is plenty of good wood in the jungle near by.
There has been a good deal of fever amongst the Police and Prisoners, this month which has been somewhat handicapping.
I have nothing further to report to your Highness this occasion.
F.F. Boult
Resident 2nd Class.
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