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.