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ADVEKTISEMENTS.
}o^n iLiilfe 65 60.,
MERCHANTS and STOREKEEPERS.
WINES and PROVISIONS.
LADIES' and GENTLEMEN'S OUTFITTERS.
WATCHMAKERS and JEWELLERS.
BOOKSELLERS and STATIONERS.
FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS.
-^— 4-
:lqcnts for:
A. Usher <Sc Co.'s "GLENLIVET" Whi&ky.
Pommery & Greno's Champagne.
E. & J. Burke*s Ale and Stout.
Mappin <& Webb's Silver and Plated >A^are.
H. S. King <& Co., London.
Photographs and Views of Singapore
JOHORE, Sarawak, Siam.
'£WlIOfMWHIGAH LIBRARIES
The CEliliKElBOQ^SUO^
Box ^ . Co\lea« PvlxVl SXa^.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
SARKIES BROTHERS.
PROPRIETORS.
Raffles Hutel, Singapore.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel; Pexang.
Sarkies' Hotel, Rangoon.
f elegraliic Address :
Ratties, Sinfjrapore.
Sarkies, Penang.
Sarkies, Rangoon.
— o—
A. B.C. Code 4th Edition*
RflFFiies %mEh,
mgap©^e
Accommodation for Single and Married Couples.
Ctiisine of Highest Character is served at separate
tables. Klectric bells throughout the buildings.
Visitors and Boarders are allowed to have their
lunch at the Raffles TifEn Rooms, Raffles Square,
FRKK OF EXTRA CHARGE.
BilHard Room is in a separate block.
EASTERN & ORIENTAL HOTEL. Penang.
The only first olass Hotel in the Island.
.*>
SARKIES' HOTEL, Rangoon.
The Leading Hotel of Burm&tv.
CuOA*" ^'"'■^'^
HANDBOOK
TO
SINGAPORE,
With MAP,
AND A
PL.AN OF THE BOTANICAL. GARDENS.
First Edition.
BY.
The Rev. G. M. REITH, ivi.a.
iirtn0R|Tore :
Thk Sinoapork and Straits Printino Office, Robinson Sircet.
1893.
{^All Rightt Reterved."]
Ds
•S7
R38
singapore: printed at
The "Singapore and Straits Printing Office.'
OtL.
In compliance with current
copyright law, LBS Archival
Products produced this
replacement volume on paper
that meets the ANSI Standard
Z39.48-1984 to replace the
irreparably deteriorated
original.
1990
TM
00
C^^ -llhCfbCj
PREFACE.
•I-
handbook has been compiled specially for
the benefit of visitors to Singapore, who have
a few hours to a few days to spend in the
town. It is intended to supply a felt want in Singapore ;
to give in a handy form some notes historical, descriptive,
scientific, <fec., in regard to the town and island; to afford
what information is necessary to guide visitors during their
stay, and to obviate some of the difficulties which travellers
always encounter in a strange place. This work is the first
of its kind published in the Settlement. The Stranger^ s
Guide to Singapore by Mr. B. E. D* Aran jo (1890), and
Picturesque and Busy Singapore by Mr. T. J. Keaughran,
reprinted in 1887 from the Straits Times, are in circula-
tion, but the former is more limited in its scope than the
present work, and the latter too general to be of practical
value as a guide-book. To both, however, this handbook
is indebted for some of its information. The authority
for the historical introduction is mainly a series of articles,
entitled the Anecdotal History of Singapore, which
appeared in the Singapore Free Press some years ago,
from the pen of a well-known resident. The collection
of reliable information has been a matter of some
difficulty ; but care has been taken to make the work as
accurate as possible ; and it is hoped that future editions,
if they are called for, will correct the errors that may have
crept into this edition, and render the work what it is
intended to be, a useful vade-mecum for visitors to Singa-
pore.
IV
PREFACK.
I am deeply indebted to W. Davison, Esq., of the
Kaffles Library and Museum, for his notes on the Singa-
pore Fauna, an abridgoment of which is in Chap. XIII.;
and to H. N. Ridley, Esq., p.l.s., Government Directoi* of
Gardens and Forests, for his paper on the Fh>ra and
Geology of the island.
G. M. R.
Singapore,
Avgust, 1892.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Page.
Historical Introduction 1
CHAPTER II.
The Government — The Garrison and Defknces —
Justice — The Municipality of Singapore —
Police — Revenue 19
CHAPTER III.
General Description of the Town and Environs. 25
CHAPTER lY.
Favourite Walks AND Drives... 34
Prom Iho Wharves to Singapore Town and
thence to the IJotanical Gardens via the E.si»hinade
and Orchard lioad — From the Whirves to the Im-
pounding Reservoir nia Jiinicapore Town — From the
Wharves to Kranji via Sinir«vpore Town, and thence
to Johore Bharu.
CHAPTER V.
Public Buildings AND Places OF Interest ... -13
Botanical Gardens — Boustead Institute — Bukit
Timah — Bukit Timah Cemetery — Chinese Protecto-
rate — Churches— -Clubs — Docks — Esplan.ide— Drill
Hall — The Exdianj4:e smd Chamber of Commerce —
Fort Can nin.i,'— -Gaol — Government House— Govern-
ment Otfices — Hospitals — Hotels— Ladies' Lawn or
Dhoby Ghaut— Marine Department and Shippin.:^
Oflice — ^larkets — Monumen Is — Old Cemetery —
Police Court and Court of lletiuesta— Central Police
Station— General Post Ottice — Race Course — llafUes
Institution — Kafllcs Library and Mu.'<oum — Keser-
voirs— Rillo lianne, B:ilestier — Sailors' Home —
Sailors' Rest — St Andrew's lIou.se — St. Joseph's
Institution — Shrine of Iskandcr Khan — i^hrine of
Habib Noor — Supreme Court — Tanglin Barracks
—Town HaU— Tyersa\\---'W\iMsr^^ Qj^x^^iJkak^
VI CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
Page.
Places OF WoBSHip AND Hospitals 64
The Church of England - The Presbyterian
Church of Pmgland — The Methodist Episcopal
Church — Roman Catholic — Armenian — Miscellane-
ous—Jewish — Mahommedau — Indian and Chinese
Temples — Hospitals.
CHAPTER VII.
The Population OF Singapore 71
CHAPTER VIII.
Clubs, Societies, Banks, Consulates, Hotels,
Shops, &c. 76
Clubs — Literary and Scientific Societies — Politi-
cal — Musical — Religious — Sporting and Athletic —
Msisonic — Miscellaneous — Banks — Consulates —
Hotels— Livery Stables — Post Office — Telegraph
Office — Tiffin and Billiard Rooms — General Stores —
Booksellers and Stationers — Printers and Book-
binders — Newspaper Offices— Tailors and Outfitters —
Dispensaries — Slineral and Aerated AVater Manu-
facturers — Furniture Warehouses.
CHAPTER IX.
Rates op Hibe fob Pbivate and Hackney Cab-
BiAQES, WITH Tables OF Distances 82
Tables of Fares — Tables of Distances — Malay
names of the Principal Buildings and Places of In-
terest — Malay Phrases, &c.
CHAPTER X.
Steam Communication between Singapobe and
otheb pobts 95
Principal Steamship Lines and Agents — Owners
or Agents for various Local Steamers — List of Ports
with reference to Steamship Lines and Agents-
CHAPTER XI.
CuBBENCY, Weights, Measubes, Time, &c 102
CHAPTER XII.
Imports, Uxpobts, Shipping, &c., Singapobe ... 106
CONTENTS. Vll
CHAPTER XIII.
Page.
The Fauna, Floba, and Geology of Singapoee . . . 108
The Fauna of Siiij^apore Island — The Flora of
Singapore Inland — Geological Features.
CHAPTER XIY.
Climate, Monsoons, &c 124
Climate and Monsoons — Annual Abstract of
Haiufall for 1890— Annual Abstract of Meteorolo-
gical Observations for 1890.
CHAPTER XV.
The Malay Language and Literature 129
Tramway Time Table 135
MAPS.
Map op Singapore Facivg page 1
Index TO Map Page ix
Plan OF Botanical Gardens Facing page 43
CORRIGENDA,
Page 2. — " The hurricane and the earthquake are unknown
in Singapore." While this handbook was pass-
ing thi-ough the press a slight earthquake was
felt in Singapore (May, 18J.»2). The Malay
Peninsula and Sumatra were affected at the
same time; the disturbance probably came
from the centre of the latter. A similai* earth-
tremor is recorded, as having occurred in
Singapore, in 1861. The residents in the
town, however, continue to believe in the
immunity of the island from serious earth-
quakes, owing to its position, and to the
fact that the tremors felt in 1861 and 1892
were mere vibrations indicating that a violent
disturbance had taken place somewhere on
the long volcanic belt.
Page 6 (Note).— For Chapter XIV., read Chapter XV.
Page 38. — Since going to press the Victoria Begia has died.
Page 59. — On the opening of the Boustead Institute for
Seamen by H. E. the Governor on July 2nd,
1892, The Sailors* Rest was closed, its work
being can-ied on by the Boustead Institute, a
handsome three-storied building at the comer
of Tanjong Pagar and Anson Road. This
Institution has been founded by tbe executors
of the late Mr. Edward Boustead, and is a
Coffee and Boarding House for Seamen.
Evangelistic services are held there on Sun-
days.
Page 84. — For Tramway Time Table, see page 135.
INDEX TO MAP.
XOTK.
The Letters and j^Cumbcrs after the names eorrespond
with these in the borders cf the map, and indicate
the square in which the name will be found.
Abbotsford
Abrains' llorso Repository
Adelphi Hotel .
Alard Road
Albert Dock .
Albert Street .
Alexandra Koad
F G
GIO
HIO
E 11
L 9
F 10
(K 2
(H 3
Alexandra Rond Police
Station
H 3
Almeida Street
I 9
Amaranth
E 8
Amoy Street .
J 9
Angus Bun;(nlow
E 8
An<(U9 Street .
11 9
Annan Bank
II 8
Anson Road
K 9
A];>otliecaries' Quarters
(Criminal Prison)
I 8
Arab Street
Pll
Ardmore ....
E 6
Armenian Church
H 9
Armenian Street
GIO
Arsenal, H. M/s
I 8
Ashestiel ....
E 6
Ash ton Lodjs'e .
E 9
Assistant Colonial Secre-
tary's Residence .
E 8
Assistant Superintendent
of Police's Quarters
J 8
Atjeh House
F 7
Ayer Nipah
K -
Bachelors' Hall
Back Road
Bain Street
Balaclava
Balado ....
Baleave ....
Balestier Plain
Balcstier Road
Bailey Lane
Balmoral ....
Iknda Street
Barj^anny Lod^o
Barracks, Tangliu
Beach Hotel
Beach Road Police Station
Beaconsfield
Behn Meyer's Oil Stores .
Beldemeor
Belle Air ....
Bellevue (Orchard Road).
Belle Vue Bungalow
Belle Vue Cottage .
Belle Vue (off Tank Road)
Bellmont . . . .
Belviderc . . . .
Bencoolen Street
Berlaycr Point
Berlayer River
Birch Road
Bishop's House
E
G
9
GIO
1)
4
G
7
G
7
Bll
CB
9
K'll
Ell
J)
6
J
9
E
8
E
3
Gil
Ell
J
7
E 15
E
8
G
8
E
9
G
8
G
8
G
8
E
9
E
6
E
10
M
2
h
3
1)10
GVS
. ^ ^
INDEX TO MAP.
Blanche House
E 7
Blanco Road
Fll
Blanga Bay
L 6
Blind Alley
FIX
Boat Quay
H 9
Bon Accord House .
E 10
Bouliani Street
I 10
Bonny Grass .
G 8
Borneo Wharf .
L 7
Botan House .
J 8
Botanical Gardens .
E 4
Boustead &. Co.'s Kerosene
Oil Stores .
G]5
Brass Bassa B/Oad
GIO
Brick Fields, To
BIO
Brickworks, Sinj^apore
(Balestier)
Bll
Brickworks, Singapore
(Siran.i(oon) .
B13
Broadfields
F
Brothers' School
G 10
Buffalo Road .
E 9
Bu^is Street
Fll
Buitenzorg
F 6
Bukit Berkek .
E 7
Bukit Arang, To
A 10
Bukit Chermin
L 3
Bukit Guthrie .
K 9
Bukit Passoo .
J 8
Bukit Purmi .
K 6
Bukit Radin Mass .
K 6
Bukit Timah Road .
(A 1
ID 7
Bukit Tunggal
C 8
Burial Ground Road
J 5
Burniah Road .
DIO
Burn Brae
F 6
B umbrae ..."
E 6
Burnside ....
F 6
Bushey Park .
L 6
Cairn Hill
£ 8
Cairn Hill House
£ 8
Cairn Hill Cottage .
E 7
Cambo House .
G 8
Canibo Cottage
G 8
Campbell Lane
ElO
Canal Road
H 8
Canton Street .
I 10
Carpenter ^Street
H 9
Carrington House
F 9
Cash in Street .
GIO
Castle Lodge .
F 8
Castle, The .
E >\
Castle, The (Oxley Road;
F 8
Cavenagh Bridge
I 10
Cavenaich Road
F 8
Cecil Street
J 9
Cemetery, New
B 9
Cemetery, Old (Fort
Canning)
G 9
Cemetery, Protestant and
Roman Catholic .
B 9
Central Hotel .
GIO
Chancery House
B 7
Chancery Lane
C 7
Chasseriau Estate
A -
Chats worth
G 5
Cheang Hong Lim Quay .
H 9
Cheang Hong Lim Street
I 10
Cheang Te Road
FU
Chermin Bay .
L 3
Chin Chew Street •.
I 9
Chin Chew Street, Upper
I 9
Chinese Burial Ground
(Orchard Road)
F 7
Chinese Club .
1) 8
Chinese Girls' School
F 9
Chinese Pavilion
I 9
Chinese Protectorate
I 9
Chin Nin Street
H 9
ChittyRoad .
£11
Church Street .
I 10
Circular Road, Upper
H 9
Claregrove
F 8
Clarelands
£ 5
Claremont
F 9
Clark Quay
H 9
Cliff House
M 3
Clifton House .
F 9
Clive Street
£10
Clovelly ....
£ 6
Club Street
I 9
Cluny ....
D 3
Cluny T rouse .
1) 3
Clyde Street .
Fll
Clyde Terrace Market
G n
Clyde Villa .
F 5
Coleman Bridge
H 9
INDEX TO MAP.
Colemau Street
H)0
Ensfiuoer's Qrs,, Pumping
Collyer Quay .
I 10
Station
E g
Colonial Sewetary'» i;«si-
ErinLodye . . .
F 8
dynuo .
F
Ernestine Lust
F 8
Coloniiil Seereturj's Resi-
fckljank
E 5
dence, Asgiutaut .
1' 8
E.-'kbnnk Collaiie
E 5
Cotaiiial Surgeon's Quar-
lliireka CollaRO
G 8
ters .. .
J 7
Everton
J 8
Commissariat Buildiu^'s
I 8
Excliant'enidClub,
I lU
Confederate Estate .
D]S
Fairy Glen
G H
CoDveiit .
GIO
Fern Collage .
V 8
Couufil Chnmber .
HJO
Fei-ii Hill . .
D 6
Cnii« Hill . . .
J H
Fern Villa (KiUineyltoad)
U 8
Crai}f Road .
J S
Fern Villa (River Valley
Cricket Club Ground
. Eond) ....
O 7
Sinjtapore .
flio
Filter Beds
E 9
CrickBl Ground, Tanttliii
FinhysonGreeu .
I 10
(MiliUryl .
Cnminal l-risoii
F 3
I S
Fish Street
Fisher Street .
II
11 9
Cross Gardeu EoaU .
C fl
Ford Street
HIO
Cross Street
I
Forte
G 9
Cross Street 3i:liool .
I 1)
Fr "er Street
Fll
Cross Street, Upper .
I 9
G X W orks
E13
l>.Ihou8Le Lniie . .
ElO
( el Pot ee SI 1
D17
ITAlmeida Eoad
D
(el a B er
F 15
Dalvey . . . ,
D 5
G 1 tRo d
DM
Damar Roiid .
H 1)
C e enl Hosj t i
J 7
Deaurow .
F a
Ge erjl Host '"' '^ r^e
Dovou Villa .
<; a
Quarter
J 7
a N
Ge eral 1 o t Oflice
I 10
Devonshire Eoad .
u a
Genrye Street
I
IMcktusouMill.
I 8
G 11 U n M ood i. Co s
DinKwall
K 1
(.odon:n(H clock Rd)
H 8
Dovecot
G G
Gle rrj
G 8
Doves Nesl
G 8
Gle 1 Oi( n
F !)
Draycot
B 7
OolEL k
DlO
Drill Hall, S. V. A. .
I 10
Coodwood
E 7
Duiiearti . . . .
C 7
t over mt t Ho e
E
Duq1o|j Street .
ElO
Uo er n e t Pr 1 i.
Dunmaii Street
E 10
Office
HIO
DuxtoQ Koad .
J
Gru dSti tl Rjct, Course
DlO
East Road . . -
H 9
( r 1, K 1
F 7
EberEoad
F 8
Oni ^e lie
G 6
F 9
far -, Bt k
U 8
Edrinjtton
G 8
a-^alo
O 7
Education OQice
H
(ra 1 nl
G 7
EIniuBridse -
MIO
Gree h 11
V 8
Bllenborouuli Street
H
Gree \ llej
E 8
Emerald Hill .
K 8
Grove Tlw
<i\S.
xu
INDEX TO MAP.
Guthrie's Village
Hack Laue
Hadjee Lane .
Hallpike Street
Harbour Limit (Western)
Havelock Road
Havelock Road Police
Station
Herat ....
Heytor ...
High Street
Hilang Lane
Hillside.
Hill Side Cottage
Hill Street
H. M.'s Arsenal
Hock Lam Street
Hodeen's Housse
Hokieu Street
Hokien Street, Upper
Holland Road
HoUoway Lane
Holne Chase
Holyrood
Hongkong Street
Hong Lim's Market
Honolulu
Hotel de I'Europe .
Howarth Erskine, Ltd.*s
Works ....
Hurricane
Hylam Street .
Ice Works (River Valley
Road) ....
Ice AVorks (Rochore Canal
Road) ....
Ice Works (Serangoon) .
Iclii Ban ....
Institution Hill
Irwell Banlc
Irwell Bjink Road
Jalan Besar
Jalan Nipali
Jalan Sultan
Jalan Tambah
Japan Street
Jardine Matheson &, Co.'s
Wharf.
JavaBoad
K
F
8
F 11
HIO
M
2
H
6
H
7
G
8
F
5
HlO
E 10
F
9
F
9
HIO
I
8
HIO
L
3
I
9
I
9
E
..
GIO
F
5
D
G
H
9
H
7
•F
9
H 10
H
8
E
6
Gil
H
9
E 11
B13
L
3
G
8
G
G
G
E 11
K
11
E 11
E 10
J
10
L
6
F12
Jeddah Street .
Jessamine Cottage .
Johnston's Pier
Johore Lane
Johore Road
Judith House .
Kallang River .
Kampong Bharu Police
Station
Kampong Boyan
Kampong Bugis
Kampong Java Road
Kampong Kallang .
Kampong Kapoor .
Kampong Laut
Kampong Malacca .
Kampong Pahang .
Kampong Rokok
Kampong Saigon
Kandang Kerbau
Kandang Kerbau Police
Station
Kanisah Merican Road
Keppel Road
Keng Cheow Street .
Kerbau Lane .
Kerbau Road .
Kerosene Oil Stores
("Gelang; .
Kerosene Oil Stores
Kerosene Oil Stores
(Boustead & Co.'s)
Kerr Street
Killiney Lodge
Killiney Road .
Kim Seng Bridge .
Kingston House
KintaRoad
Kling Street .
Koek's Orchard Road
Market
Koon Hong's Estate, To
Labrador Villa .
Ladies' Lawn Tennis Club
Lady Hill
Lamlicrt Brothers .
Lanercost
Langlands
Laundry, Steam
F 11
F 9
I 10
F 11
FU
E 7
F 13
K G
E n
E 13
D 8
E U
E 10
E 13
II 8
K G
E M
H 8
ElO
E 10
H 8
L G
H 9
E 10
E 10
D 13
E 15
G15
H 9
G 8
G 8
H 7
L 4
D 10
I 10
F 8
A 9
L 1
GlO
E 5
F 9
G 7
G 7
D 7
INDEX TO MAP.
xni
Laura Villa . E 7
Lavender Street . D 12
Leonie Cottage . G 7
Leonie Hill 7
Leper Hospital . C 10
Librar}* and Museum G 9
L. Krian . . F 11
Lloyd Eoad . G 8
Lochiel Lodge . . G 7
Lock Hospital . . E 9
Lot's Wife . M 2
Lunatic Asylum . J 7
Lurong Teluk . . I 10
Lyndhurst (Llovd Boad) . G 8
Lyndhurst (Mt. Elizabeth) E 7
Lyon, J. M., & Co.'s Works F 12
Macao Street . .19
Macao Street, Upper I 9
Mackenzie Boad . E 9
Magazine Boad . H 8
Magazines .17
Maisonette . F 5
Malay Street . . F 11
Malagar Street .Gil
M. Alley Lane .19
Manila Street . . F 10
Manor House . . E 7
Mapledurham . . E 7
Marine Police Station G 12
Market CBochore; . . E 13
Market (Baffles Quay; . J 10
Market Street . . I 10
Masonic HaU . . H 9
Master Attendant s Office I 10
Mayfield . .EC.
McCallum Street . J 9
McPherson Boad . A 13
Merchant Boad . H 9
Methodist Episcopal
Church . G 9
Middle Boad . . F 10
MUitary Bifle Ban^e . F 3
Minto Boad . . F 12
Mirabau Boad . . H 8
Mission House CNiel Boad) J 8
Mission House (Stamford
Boad; . .GO
Mission Chapel . G 9
Monastery . L 6
\
Monks Hill . D 8
Monks Hill Cottasre . E 8
Monks Hill House . . E 8
^lonti Bosa . G 7
Mosque Street . .19
Moss Bank .37
Mount Alma . D i
Mount Alma House D 4
Mount Bank . . E 8
Mount Carey . . H 7
Mount Echo . G 4
Mount Elizabeth . E 7
Mouut Elizabeth Cottage E 7
Mount Erskine . J 9
Mount Faber . . L 5
Mouut Fuber Flagstaff . K 5
Mount Narcis . . K 8
Mount Palmer . . K 9
Mouut Bosie . B 7
Mount Stevens . G 8
Mount Victoria .DC
Mount Wallich . J 9
Mount Zion . G ti
Mount Zion Cottage . G 6
MuarBoad . Fll
Nankin Street . .19
Nankin Street, Upper . I 9
Napier Boad . E 4
Nassim Hill . E 5
Nassim Lod«re . . E 4
Neidpath . D (»
Neuk, The . G 8
New Bridge Boad . J 8
New Cemetery . D 9
New Harbour Dock L 4
New Market Boad . .HO
NielBoad . . J 8
North Boat Quay . . H 9
North Bridge Boad . . H 10
North Canal Boad . .19
North Boad . H 9
Norwood . . . G 7
Nurses* Quarters (General
Hospital) . . J 7
Obelisk . . HlO
Officers' Mess House,
Tanglin . F 4
Offices, Public . . .HlO
XIV
INDEX TO MAP.
Olga Lodge
G 7
Portuguese Church .
GIO
Omar Koad
H 9
Presbyterian Church
G 9
One Tree Hill .
F «
Princep Street .
FIO
Ophir Road
Fll
Priory, The
G 8
Orange Grove .
E 6
Protestant and Roman
Orchard Road Police
Catholic Cemetery
D 9
Station
F 7
Public Offices .
HIO
Orchard House
E G
Pulau Gelang .
F15
Orchard Road .
E 6
Pulau Hantu .
M 3
Orchard Villa .
F 9
Pumping Station (Mac-
Ord Bridge
H 9
Kenzie Road)
E 9
Osborne House
F 9
Pyah Line
F 8
Outram Road .
H 7
Quarantine Station for
Oxley Road
G 8
Animals
F 12
Paddock (Race Course) .
DIG
Queen Street .
GIO
Paint "Works, Singapore
Race Course .
DIO
Patent .
D 8
Race Course Road .
E 10
Pagoda Street .
I 9
Raebnrn Estate
K 7
Pagar Spit
L 9
Raeburn House
K 7
Palembang Road
F12
Raffles Girls and Boys'
Panglima Prang
G 7
School
GIO
Parade Ground, Military
Raffles Hotel .
GU
(Tanglin) .
F 4
Raffles Place .
1 10
Park House
G 8
Kaffles Plain .
HIO
Park Villa
G 8
Raffles Quay ,
J 10
Parsee Lodge .
K 9
Raffles Statue
HIO
Paser Lane
Ell
Ramah Street
I 9
Pasir Panjang
K -
Rangoon Road
CIO
Pasir Panjang Road
K -
Ranuoch Lodge
G 7
Patent Slip
G13
Read Bridge .
H 9
Paterson Road .
F G
Recreation Club Ground .
HIO
Pauper Hospital
C 11
Richmond Lodge .
G 8
Pavilion (S'pore Cricket
Rifle Range (Balestier
Club) ....
HIO
Plain)
B U
Pavilion,The(off Tank Rd.)
G 8
Rifle Rmge (Military) .
F 3
Payah Lebar Road .
A 16
River Valley Road .
G G
Pearls Hill ,
I 8
Robert's Road .
DIO
Pearls Hill Road ,
I 8
Robinson Road
J 9
Pekin Street .
I 9
' Rochalie
F 5
Peninsular and Oriental
Rochor Canal Road .
Flo
S. N. Co.'s Wharf
M 5
Rochor Police Station .
E12
People's Park .
I 8
Rochor River .
F12
Perak Road .
F 10
Rochor Road .
F 11
Perseverance Estate
C17
Rock Hill
D G
Phillip Street .
I 10
Regie ....
D 4
Police Bharu .
HlO
Roman Catholic Church .
GIO
Police Court .
I 9
Rose Bank
E 7
Po)}ce Parade Ground (Tank
Rose Cottage .
G 8
JSoadJ ....
9
Roselands
G G
INDEX TO MAP.
XV
Bosemary
G 4
South Road
H 9
Rosemount House .
F 9
Spottiswoode House
K 8
Runiah Miskin Police
Spottiswoode Lodge
K 7
Station
Sago Lane
C 11
J
Spottiswoode Park .
(K 7
[K 8
Sa^o Street
I
Spring Field Cotta^re
G 8
Sailors* Home .
GIO
Spring Grove .
G C
Samba wa Road
E12
Spring Street .
J
Sans Souoio (River Valley
Sree Sophia
F 9
Road)
G 8
Stamford Road
GIO
Sans Soiicie (St. Thomas'
St. Andrew's Cathedral .
HIO
Walk)
G 7
St. Andrew's House
G
Saryah River .
K 7
Stanmore
F 5
Scott's Road
E 7
Steam Laundry
D 7
Selegie Road .
F 10
Stevens' Road *.
C 5
Sepoy Lines .
J 8
St. Helens
G 7
Serangoon Road
E 10
St. James'
L 6
Serangoon, To
A1:J
St. Thomas .
G 7
Shaik Madersah Lane
Fll
St. Thomas' AValk .
G 7
Sharon (River Valley
Straits Hotel .
GIO
Road) ....
G 8
Sutfolk House,
F 9
Sharon (Wilkie Road)
F 9
Sultan Gate .
F12
Sherwood Cottatro .
F 6
Suprintondentof Pri.<son's
Short Street .
FIO
Quarters
I 8
Sibet Bay
L ♦>
Supreme Court
HIO
Silat Road
K
Synagogue
110
Singapore and Straits
Sycd Alley Road .
D 8
Aerated Water Co. .
I 10
Syed Alvvee Road .
Ell
Singapore and Straits
'lambusu
H 8
Printing Office
I 10
Tampeuis Road
H 8
Singapore Brick Works
Tangliu Barracks .
F 3
(Balestier) .
B 11
Tangliu Club .
E 7
Singapore Brick Works
Tangliu Road .
H 1
(Sirangoon)
B13
Tank (Fort Canning) .
G 9
Singapore Cricket Club
Tank Road
G
Ground
HIO
Tan Quee Lan Street
GU
Singapore Oil Factory
E
Tanjong Katong
G16
Singapore River
[ 10
Tanjoug Katong Road .
D 17
Singapore Patent Paint
Tanjong Mallang .
Klo
Works
D 8
Tanjong Pagar Docks
L 8
Singapore Slipway Com-
Tanjoug Pagar Land Co.'s
pany
G13
Proi)erty
K 9
Singapore Volunteer Ar-
Tanjong Pagar Market .
K 9
tillery Drill Hall
I 10
Tanjong Pagar Police
Small Pox Hospital
C 10
Station
K 9
Smith Street
I 9
Tanjong Pagar Road
K
Somerset Road
F 8
Tanjong Rhu .
G13
South Boat Quay .
I 10
Tanioug B.\xvi, V\^^».^<fe
<^^!^
South Bridge Boad .
I
\ Te\%««\)\vCQ:^\i«\*i"^
, ^ **
XVI
INDEX TO MAP.
Teluk Ayer Police Station
Teluk Aj-er Street .
Teluk Blanjfa RoaU
Teluk Blan<j^a Police
Station
Temple ....
Teutonia Club
The Castle (Oxley Road) .
The Castle (Cavenah Rd.)
The Grange
The Grove
The Mount
The Neuk
The Pavilion * (off Tank
Road) .
The Priorv
Tiverton House
Tiverton Lane .
Thomson Road
Thomson Road Police
Station
Town Hall
Tramway Depot
Trin^anu Street
Tyersall .
Upper Chin Chew Street
Upper Circular Road
Upper Cross Street
Upper Hokien Street
Upper Macao Street
Upper Nankin Street
no
J
(i K 2
(. L .>
L
J
E
F
o
7
7
8
E S
G i)
G 18
G 6
G 8
G 8
G 8
G 8
G 8
8
B 8
HIO
K 8
1
E 3
I
H i>
I 9
I 9
I 9
I 9
Upper Wilkie Road . F 9
Veritas . F 4
Victoria Dock (T. P:iicar) L 9
Vi(!toria Street . . G 10
View Place . . F 9
Wanitah . . . . G m
"Warders' Quarters (Cri- (I 7.
minal Prison) .'(,18
Warinyra . . . F G
Waterloo. . G7
Waterloo Street . G 10
Water Works (Thomson
Road), To . . . A 8
Waterworks Reservoirs
(Government Hill) . F 9
Waverley . F (}
Wayang Sutu Police
Station . .Co
West Road . . H 9
Whuuipoa's Bakery H 8
Whampoa's Garden - C 12
White House . . . D 6
Widmor Cottatce . . C
WilkieRoad ^ . . F
Wilkie Road, Upper . F
Woodcot . . . F
Woodneuk . E :t
Woodside (Sirangoon) A 13
Woodsid** . . G 6
Woodsville . A 13
Woolsthrope . . . F 9
Zion Road . . G G
7
9
9
5
Handbook to Singapore.
CHAPTER I.
Historical Introduction.
m^^ INGAPOBE* is an island lying off the southern-
most extremityt of the Asiatic continent,
from which it is separated by a narrow strait,
varying in width from three quarters of a mile to two
miles. It is one of the many islands that stud the sea
between the Malay Peninsula and Australia. It is sup-
posed, from the shallowness of the surrounding seas, and
the nature of their flora and fauna, that Singapore, with
the very much larger islands of Sumatra, Borneo and Java,
not to mention the smaller islets that may be reckoned by
the hundred around them, once formed part of the conti-
nent of Asia; while, for similar reasons, the Celebes, New
Guinea, &c., were at one time united with Australia.
The island of Singapore lies about eighty miles north
of the equator. It is oblong in shape, its greatest length
(from east to west) being twenty-eight, and its greatest
breadth (from north to south) fourteen miles. It occupies
an unusually favoured position, being sheltered by Sumatra
on the west from the storms that sweep over the Indian
• Singapore (Malay Singapxira) is said to mean " the City of
Lions" (Sanscrit.) There are no lions in the island, but as the
natives use the word Hartmau indiscriminately for "lion" and
" tiger." it ia possible that the word Singha or Sinha may have been
as loosely used. But the derivation is not unchallenged.
t The southernmost point of the Malay Peninsula and of Asia is
called Tanjong Bulus : it lies to the west ot Svii^^x^.
2 Handbook to Singapore.
Ocean, and on the east bj a spur of the Malay Peninsula
from the typhoons that periodically disturb the China
seas. Further, it is outside of the long volcanic belt
that passes from Japan through the Philippines, and
thence curves westward through Java and Sumatra.* Con-
sequently the huiTicane and the earthquake are unknown
in Singapore.
The climate is moist; there is a heavy rain-fall
extending over the whole year; and the temperature is
mo<lerate for a place in the heart of the tropics.
Singapore City is built on the south coast of the
island, and faces the south-east. As the capital of the
Straits Settlements, f it is the seat of the local government
of the Colony.
Before the Settlement of the British in the Island,
Singapore cannot be said to have had any history. It has
a place in Malay legends, J according to which it seems to
have been a place of some note; it has the honour of
mention in the great Portuguese Epic, the Lusiad of
Camoens : but though a succession of Portuguese, Spanish,
Dutch and British expeditions, both commercial and
military, visited the Peninsula and the Archipelago from
the beginning of the fifteenth to the beginning of the
nineteenth century, the island of Singapore was passed by
as if of little importance, until its occupation by the British
in 1819.
* The nearest point to Singapore of the volcanic belt is in the
Karimon Islands, about 30 miles to the W. ; where there is a volcano
which has long been quiescent.
t The Straits Settlements form a Crown Colony of the British
Empire, and consist of the Dindlngs, Province Wellesley and Malacca
in the Malay Peninsula, the islanc^ of Penang (Prince of Wales'
Island) and Singapore, with a few small islets in the Singapore Strait.
Also, the Cocos or Keeling; Islands and Christmas Island (added in
1886) in the Indian Ocean.
X See the Sejarat Malayut an English translation of which is to
be found in Lejrden'a Malaj Annals.
Historical Introduction* 3
The reference of Camoens to Singapore is in the tenth
Canto of the Luaiad : —
'' But on her land's-end throned see Cingapur
Where the wide sea-road shiinks to.naiTOw way :
Thence curves the coast to face the Cynosure*
And lastly trends Aurora- ward its lay."
{Sir B. F, Burt<yn'8 Translation.)
" The island of Singapore is said to have been settled
about 1160 A.D. by Malays from Sumatra, Java, or the
neighbouring Johor Archipelago, The Settlement was
named Sinhapura (Lion City), and according to old
accounts, was large and prosperous. The following century
saw the conversion of the Malay inhabitants of the Penin-
sula to Mahommedanism ; and in 1262, the colonists of
Singapore were driven by Javanese invaders to Malacca.
At Malacca they remained till the Portuguese conquest in
1511, when they turned south again to what is now the
territory of Johor, and there founded a kingdom which
included their old home of Singapore.*' — Lucas : Historical
Oeography of the British Colonies.
The British Empire owes the possession and the
prosperity of Singapore to the foresight and energy of
Sir Thomas Stamford Eaffles. There is not space here to
give an account of his romantic and eventful career, only
an outline can be given of his connection with the Settle-
ment.t Baffles was sent to Penang as Assistant Secretary,
by the East India Company, in 1805 ; in 1811, he was
appointed Lieut.-Governor of Java, and in 1817, having
received the honour of knighthood, he was despatched to
* The Cambodian Peninsula.
t It is unfortunate that Lady Raffles* biography of her husband
is now out of print ; and that there is, so far as we know, no life of
the founder of Singapore to be had of the booksellers. There should
be a fair market for a new edition of Lady Baffles* book, or better
perhaps^ for a shorter memoir.
4 Handbook to Singapore,
Bencoolen. a small British settlement on the south-west
coast of Sumatra, as Lieut. -Governor. While acting in this
capacity, he was impressed with the necessity that the
British should have a port in the Malay Archipelago to
protect their trade, which was increasing yearly, between
the Far East (China and Japan) and Europe and India.
Ships from Europe to the China seas, after rounding the
Cape of Good Hope, crossed the Indian Ocean, and thence
passed through the Strait of Sunda between Sumatra and
Java ; while ships from India held their course down the
Straits of Malacca, and through the Strait between Johor
and the island of Singapore. Eaffles thought a position on
the island of Bintaug, or somewhere in the neighbourhood,
should be secured; and in 1818, he went to India to lay
his plans before Lord Hastings, the Govenior-General.
Hastings authorised him to select a spot suited to his pur-
pose ; and as Bintang was occupied by the Dutch, who had
established the port of Ehio there to command the Archi-
pelago, he fixed on the island of Singapore, owing to the
excellent anchorage there ; and concluded a treaty with
the Maharajah of Johor, to whom the island belonged, trans-
ferring part of it to the British Government. On February
6th, 1819, the British flag was hoisted on the island ; the
anniversary of which event is still observed as a public
holiday in Singapore. "Our object" wrote Sir Stamford
Eafiles at this time " is not territory but trade ; a great
" commercial emporium and fulcrum, whence we may
** extend our influence politically, as circumstances may
** hereafter require. By taking immediate possession, we
" put a negative to the Dutch claim of exclusion, and, at
** the same time, revive the drooping confidence of our allies
" and friends. One free port in these seas must eventually
•* destroy the spell of Dutch monopoly.*' For the first
fourjesLTs Singapore was a dependency of the Bencoolen
Historical Introduction, 5
Government ; in 1823 it was transferred to the East
India Company. The price paid for the island was
§60,000 down, and a life annuity to the Sultan of 324,000.
The part of the island originally ceded to the British
was a strip of land about five miles in length, stretching
aloDg the sea-coast from Mount Palmer to Tanjong Katong.
The opposition of the Dutch to the British Settlement on
Singapore was so strong that the Home Grovemment at
first declined to sanction it ; the Calcutta officials were
hostile, and indeed the Settlement might have been broken
up, had it not been for the dogged obstinacy of its founder,
who persisted, on his own responsibility, in maintaining
his position. In 1824, however, the Dutch and British
Governments came to an agreement ; the Malay Archipelago
was divided between the rival powers, and though Holland
secured the lion's share of territory, England remained in
possession of the most important positions on the eastern
route, and especially, Singapore. Sir Stamford Raffles
died in England in 1826, at the comparatively early age
of forty-five. The annals of British influence in the East
contain the name of no man who in so short a life-time
accomplished so much. The following pages will furnish
many instances of his wisdom, philanthropy, and adminis-
trative genius.
The population of Singapore, when Sir Stamford
Il:iffles hoisted the British flag in the island, was under
200. A Malay kampong or tillage at Teluk Blangah,
where the P. & O. S. N. Co.*s wharf now is, seems to
have been the only inhabited spot, for the island was
wooded to the water's e«lge. At that time there were not
fifty Chinamen in the place. It is hard to realize as we
pass through the streets of the busy, populous city, that
seventy years ago there was hardly one man to every
two square miles on the island. Only a year after t\!L<^
6 Handbook to Singapore.
landing of Sir Stamford Baffles the population had risen
to 5,000.
The first of the now many European trading
firms was founded by an enterprising Scotchman —
Mr. A. L. Johnston — who established himself in the
Settlement a few months after its acquisition. The firm
A. L. Johnston & Co. survived to the present year.
From the beginning, Singapore has been a free port ;
no duties of any kind are levied. The policy of Sir Stam-
ford Baffles in this respect finds its justification in a
comparison of the progress and general importance of the
Dutch and French with the British Settlements in the Far
East. There have been several attempts to levy customs,
but the good sense of the mercantile community has
hitherto prevented the adoption of so suicidal a policy.*
The year 1820t saw the establishment of Gambling,
Opium, and Spirit Farms, though somewhat against Sir
Stamford Baffles' inclination, and in the same year another
well-known European firm was founded by Mr. Alexander
Guthrie, whose name survives in the present local style of
the firm — Guthrie & Co.
The progress of Singapore must have been very rapid
in these early days, for we find the population estimated
at 10,000 in 1822, From 200 to 10,000 in three years is a
considerable advance.
The next year (1823) was important in many respects.
A Chinaman, Seah Eu Chin, is said to have started
* There is a small charge on all vessels entering the port for the
up-keep of the Light-houses in the Straits ; but payment is not grudg-
ed, for navigation in dangerous waters is made safe by the numerous
lights that stud the channel.
t An interesting though not wholly reliable history of the acqui-
sition of Singapore, and the first few years of its occupation by the
British was written bv a Malay teacher named Abdullah. The
Hikayat Abdullah (so the book is named) is ordinarily used as a read-
j'ng^ book by atadenta ot Malay. See Chap. XIV.
Historical Introduction. 7
gambier and pepper planting on the island, an industry
which had much to do with the early prosperity of the
Settlement.
The increasing population demanded some regular
form for the administration of justice ; and in this year
five European magistrates were appointed, of whom two
had to sit with the Resident (then Colonel Farquhar) in
court. The composition of juries in those days was either
five Europeans, or four Europeans and three respectable
natives.
Sir Stamford Eaffles had in his mind, from the begin-
ning of the Settlement, a scheme for native education,
which took practical shape shortly before his departure
in the foundation of the Eaffles' Institution. $17,500 were
subscribed for this object, and grants of land to endow
the school were given.
One of the last acts of Sir Stamford Raffles was the
abolition of slavery. He left Singapore about the middle
of the year, to the great regret of all who had known his
just and kindly rule.
The island of Singapore was finally ceded to Britain,
on August 3rd of this year, and a grant of 56 acres, in
Kampong Glam was assigned to the Sultan. An attempt
of the Dutch to occupy Johor came to nothing.
In 1824 appeared the first issue of a local newspaper,
The Singapore Chronicle, It was originally published
fortnightly. This year witnessed the settlement of the
rival claims of Dutch and English to various possessions
in the Malay Archipelago by the Treaty of Holland.
England ceded Sumatra to the Dutch, and all the islands
south of the Singapore Strait ; while Holland relinquished
her Indian possessions, gave up Malacca, withdrew her
protest against the British occupation of Singapore, and
ceased all political intercourse with the Peninsula. The
8 Handbook to Singapore,
treaty in later years was the cause of many diplomatic
quarrels between England and Holland, without, however,
producing any serious rupture.
In 1826, Penang, Malacca, and Singapore were united
under one Government, with Penang as capital. The popu-
lation of Singapore at this time was computed at
13,732.
The first Criminal Sessions, and the first infliction of
the death penalty, occurred in 1828, when a Kling* and a
Chinaman were hanged for murder. At this 2>eriod, and
for many years later, the neighbouring seas were infested
by pirates. In their light prahus the Malay sea robbers
swooped down upon passing ships, and then took refuge in
the many creeks and inlets with which the Peninsula and
the islands of the Archipelago abound. The Grovernment
sentexpeditions against them, and private enterprise joined
with the Government in waging a war of extermination
against these highwaymen of the seas. Great credit is
due to the Chinese merchants who about this time fitted
out aud manned a few junks to meet, and to pursue to
their haunts, the piratical prahus. Against these junks
the prahus were powerless, and the pirates lost much of
their prestige.
Even now occasional piracies occur ; but they are few
and far between. The age of steam and the rapid increase
of traffic on the Eastern seas give few facilities for piracy
and ensure swift vengeance on thc-pirates.
Tigers, which were for a time the curse of Singapore,
began to molest the inhabitants about the year 1831, by
which time the population had increased to more than
20,000. The interior of the island was then as little
• The name Kling is given in Malay to immigrants from the
Coromandel coast. It is derived from the old emigration port
£sluigap»tam.
Historical Introduction, 9
known to the inhabitants as Central Afhca was to
Europeans a few years ago. It was covered with dense
jungle ; but, as the increase of population demanded a
clearing of the jungle, these savage denizens of the forest
began to give trouble. The tiger has been nearly exter-
minated by this time ; but occasionally one is shot by
local sportsmen, and from time to time, news comes from
the plantations of a coolie being carried off by a man-
eater, — an occurrence which probably happens oftener than
is recorded.
In 1832, Singapore, by reason of its rapid growth,
was made the capital of the Straits Settlements, in
place of Penan g, which had held that honour for six
years.
To meet pressing necessity a Court of Requests was
established in the Settlement in 1834.
In the same year the Bishop of Calcutta visited
Singapore ; and as a result of this visit, it was resolved to
found a church. Previous to this time there had been a
missionary in the Settlement, who acted as Colonial
Chaplain, and conducted Divine Service in the Mission
Chapel. The Bishop consecrated the old cemetery on
Fort Canning, which had been in use since 1822, and
which continued in use till 1867. The proposed church
was founded in 1835, and consecrated by the Bishop of
Calcutta, on a second visit, in 1838, The Armenian
Church of St. Gregory, which still stands in Hill Street,
was consecrated in 1836.
The rapid development of trade at the port led to the
formation of a Chamber of Commerce in 1837 ; and in the
following year, Mr. Waghorn's suggestion of the Overland
Route between Europe and the East began to be seriously
discussed. It is curious to read how the mercantile com-
mimity in Singapore regarded this \iYo^o%^V^ Xai^'^'OckKt ^>S5qw
lo Handbook to Singapore,
another somewhat earlier, the use of steam-ships. Both of
these, which have done so much for Singapore, were
looked upon with suspicion and distrust, and were even
regarded as foolish dreams. It is a strange commeutary
also on human gratitude that Mr. Waghorn was allowed
to die in abject poverty, though many were enriched by
his suggestion.
In 1840, the population was estimated at 39,681 ; at
that time the chief European residences stood on Beach
Boad and in the neighbourhood of Kampong Glam. No
attempt seems to have been made to penetrate north- wards
into the island, until in 1843 a road to Bukit Timah (Hill
of Tin), six miles inland, was opened for traffic. Horses
were first imported into Singapore in 1844. In 1845, the
Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company started
a mail service to the Far East, the s.s, ** Lady Mary Wood "
arriving at Singapore in August of that year. This marks
a new era in the commercial prosperity of the Settlement.
In the same year the Straits Times newspaper was
founded, which still holds its j^lace as one of the chief
journals in the Straits.
The next year saw another event of commercial
importance, — the establishment of the Oriental Bank in
Singapore, which was a great convenience to local merchants
and traders, there being hitherto no bank in the place.
In 1847 two additions were made to the public buildings of
the town — the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (founded
in 1843), and a G-aol at Sepoy Lines, which is now in-
cluded in the area occupied by the present Criminal
Prison.
Singapore was visited in 1850 by Lord Dalhousie, the
Governor-General of India, in coumiemoration of whose
visit an obelisk was built, which now stands near the
Cricket Pavilion on the Esplanade. The foundation of
Historical Introduction, ii
the Horsburgh Light-house* was laid on the rock of Pedra
Branca y which lies in mid-channel between Cape Eomauia
and the island of Bin tang. The light-house was named after
the well-known hydrographer, James Horsburgh, f.b.s.,
by whose charts the dangers of the difficult navigation in
the neighbouring seas were reduced to a minimum. The
light was first put into use in October, 1851.
Chinese Secret Societies began to give trouble about
this time. The successes of the Roman Catholic Mission-
ariesf amongst the Chinese in the country districts caused
a fanatical persecution of the converts, at the instigation
of the Secret Societies. Conversion to Christianity removed
the proselyte from the authority of these Kong-seea to the
protection of the priests ; and to prevent further conver-
sions, the Chinese rose and plundered the proi)erty of their
Christian countrymen, burning their houses and planta-
tions, stealing their goods and money, adding acts of vio-
lence and murder to their robberies. The insurgents came
into collision with bodies of police and marines, and were
ultimately reduced to order. Much of the stolen property
was recovered and restored to the owners.
Three years later (1854) the most serious riot that
has ever occurred in the history of the Colony, broke out
through a trifling bazaar dispute between a Hok-kien and
a Macao. ^ The rapid increase of the Chinese population
* Horsburgh Lighthouse, white flash light (one flash in ten
seconds). Lat. 1* 19' 57" N. Long. 104* 24' 30" E. Dioptric lens
of first order. It is 33 miles East of Singapore town, and its height
fix)m high water to centre of light is 101 feet. The name of the rock
on which it is built is a Portuguese translation of the Malay name
Batu Puteh, i.e., the White Bock.
t The Roman Catholic Missions were at this time, as they are
still, the largest and most active in the Colony. In 1851, the Portu-
guese Church of St. Joseph was founded, and placed under the juris-
diction of the Bishop of Macao. The School of St. John, was started
in the same year by the French Mission.
{ That is a native of the province of Hok-kien, and a native ol
Quangtung.
12 Handbook to Singapore.
was fraught with cousiderable danger to the peace of the
community, chiefly because of tribal feuds between the
different clans, which often led to violence and bloodshed.
The bazaar-dispute became the excuse for a war between
the rival factions, and the fighting lasted for more than a
week. The Governor— Colonel W. J. Butterworth, to
whom the Settlement owed much of its early prosperity —
did not believe the danger so great as it turned out to be,
and delayed taking decisive steps to check the riot, with
the result that the riot, which might have been suppressed
in a few hours, lasted without intermission for eight days ;
and the suppression involved considerable loss of life on
both sides. From the town the insurrection spread to the
country districts; business was suspended; tlie offices
shut and strongly guarded, the European residents were
enrolled as special constables, Malays and Indians were
armed, and for a few davs the island was in a state of war.
Many aiTests were made ; about 250 prisoners were brought
to trial, but only two were executed ; most of the rest being
sentenced to long terms of imprisoiunent with hard labour,
and some transported.
The Verandah Riots* in 1888, show that the Chinese
population, law-abiding as a rul»^, may at any moment be
a serious trouble to the Settlement; they, too, were unneces-
sarily prolonged by the indecision of those responsible for
the peace of the town.
Soon after the riots of 1 854, it was considered expe-
dient to have a volunteer corps of European residents in
Singapore ; and a rifle corps was accordingly formed. In
the same year, navigation in the Straits was rendered safer
* So-called because the Municipality of Singapore insisted that
the verandahs in the streets of the Chinese quarters should be cleared
of the goods and stalls with which they are usually crowded, to make
ws^y for foot passengers. The riots lasted for three days.
Historical Introduction, - 13
by the founflation of the Raffles' Light-house on a small
rock in the Straits of Malacca, some twelve miles west
of the town. It was much needed, for the sea in that
region is full of small islands and shoals.
The foundation-stone of the present Town Hall was
also laid in this year, though the building was not com-
pleted till 1861.
An unsuccessful attempt was made by the Indian
Council to substitute the rupee for the Mexican dollar
which had been the local cuiTency in the Archipelago
long before there was a British Settlement. The proposed
change was stoutly resisted by the Singapore merchants,
and subsequently dropped. This attempt had much to
do with a proposal mooted for the first time in the follow-
ing year (1855) that the Straits Settlements should be
transferred from the Indian G-overnment to a government
which should be directly responsible to the Crown. A
public meeting was held in Singapore, and resolutions to
that effect were carried by acclamation. The reason of
the proposal is declared in the words of one of the reso-
lutions : — ** This meeting is forced into the painful convic-
" tion that the Legislative Council of India in treating with
** utter disregard the remonstrances of the inhabitants, have
" shown that they are neither to be moved by any prospect
" of doing good, nor restrained from doing evil to the Straits
" Settlements ; and that it is, therefore, the painful duty of
" this community to use every exertion, and to resort to
"every means within their reach to obtain relief from the
" mischievous measures already enacted, and to escape from
"the infliction of others of the same nature, more compre-
" hensive and still more hurtful."
The Indian Council again attempted to over-ride pub-
lic opinion in Singapore, by the imposition of port-dues,
a policy which was thought disastrous by the local trader*^
14 Handbook to Singapore,
it being regarded as a sine qxca non from the time of Sir
Stamford Eaffles downwards, that Singapore should be
a free port. A spirited protest addressed to the Imperial
G-ovemment led to the abandonment of the proposal.
The Straits Settlements were made a Crown Colony
in 1867, and placed under the direct control of the Colonial
Office ; though by their constitution, the Settlements have
scarcely any more voice in the management of their affairs
than they had iinder the Indian Council : for the official
members — a majority in the Legislative Council — ^are
bound to vote as the Secretary for the Colonies 'pro tern,
directs.
The old English Church in Singapore had became
imfit for public worship by this time ; the congregation
being compelled to use the Court-house for Divine Service.*
The Indian Council voted the sum of Rupees 47,000 for the
erection of a new building. The remainder of the cost
was defrayed by public subscription, and the foundation
of St. Andrew's Cathedral was laid in the following year
(1856.) The building was opened for worship in 1862.
In 1858, the Patent Slip and Dock Company, now
known as the New Harbour Dock Co., was incorporated,
and six years later, the Tanjong Pagar Dock Company,
both of which have contributed largely to the commercial
importance of the city.
The Scotchmen in the town organised a Presbyterian
congregation in the following year (1859), and worshipped
* A curious illustration of the superstitions prevalent amongst
the uneducated Chinese may he quoted in this connection It was
widely believed that the English had deserted their Church through
fear of the demons that haunted it ; and that it was the purpose of
the Government to sacrifice a number of human heads to propitiate
the demons. A panic seized the populace, men were afraid to go out
after dark lest they should fall victims to the English sacrifice. It
was lon^ before the (Government and the educated Chinese succeeded
in aJlafwg the fears ot the people.
Historical Introduction, 15
for a time in the Old Residency Chapel in Brass Bassa
Road, the use of which was granted them by the Govern-
ment at the hours when it was not used by the Anglican
congregation. The present Presbyterian Church was
built in 1878.
The transfer of the Colony from the Indian Govern-
ment to the Crown was made in accordance with the report
of Sir Hercules Robinson, then Governor of Ceylon, who
was sent to the Straits to enquire into the state of affairs.
The first Governor after the change was General Sir Harry
Ord. It would appear from the local press of the time,
that he carried matters with a high hand, and embroiled
himself with the commercial community by the way in
which he pressed forward his plans for administrative
reform. The monument of his rule is Government House.
In 1873, the system of administering justice in the Colony
was revised ; The High Sheriff, grand and petit juries gave
way to the present system. {See Chapter II.) In the
same year General Sir Andrew Clarke arrived in Singapore
as Governor. His name will be associated with the deve-
lopment and prosperity of the Malay Peninsula, for he
established what ultimately became the Residential system
in the Malay States,* by means of which order and good
government were introduced and the foundation of material
prosperity laid. The result has justified Sir Andrew Clarke's
policy. From 1874 to the present time the progress of
the Native States has been remarkably rapid. The
Residential system took definite shape after the Perak war
which broke out in 1 875, owing to the murder of Mr. J. W.
W. Birch, the first British Resident in that country, and
* The Protected Native State.** are Perak, Selangor and Suugei
Ujong on the West Coast of the Peninsula, Pahang on the East
Coast, and Negri Serabilan (including Jelebu, Hemhau, Johol and
Sri Menanti) to the East of Sungei Ujong and Selan^r.
1 6 Handbook to Singapore.
the disturbed condition of Sungei Ujong. The Gh)vemor
at this time was Sir William Jervois, whose energetic
administration bore good fruit in later days ; especially in
the matter of Colonial defences. In 1877, occurred a great
fire at Tanjong Pagar Dock, which lasted for 28 days,
baffling all endeavours to extinguish it. On April 13, a
Chinese coolie smoking in one of the attap-roofed coal sheds,
accidentally set fire to the building. The coal soon
kindled, and till May 12 the fire continued, consuming
during that time about 50,000 tons of coal with the sheds
in which it was stored.
Sir William Jervois* was succeeded by Sir William
Robinson, whose bad health compelled him to leave the
Colony in 1879, and Sir F. A. Weld was appointed in his
place in 1880.
From 1879 to 1889, reclamation \^ork9 were carried
out on an extensive scale, first from Colly er Quay towards
Tanjong Pagar by running a sea-wall across what used to
be called Teluk Ayer and filling up the tidal swamps;
and thon by running another sea-wall from the north side
of the Singapore river towards Beach Eoad, thereby re-
claiming many acres of valuable land, and adding to the
beauty of the Esplanade. During the same period some
new public buildings were erected, and others added to
and enlai^ed to the great improvement of the general
appearance of the city.
The present Governor, Sir Cecil Clementi Smith,
assumed office in October, 1887, as successor to Sir F. A.
Weld. During the first year of his administration Pahang
was included among the Protected Native States, and a
British Eesident despatched to that country.
* Col. Anson, afterwards General Sir Arch. Anson, twice helH
office as Acting Governor, in 1877 and 1879 to 1880.
Historical Introduction^ i 7
In February, 1888, the Verandah Eiots, already referred
to (p. 12), broke out ; and in the same month the Singa-
pore Volunteer Artillery Corps was enrolled.
The Chinese Secret Societies* Ordinance was passed
by the Legislative Council in 1889, and a jiroclamation
ordering the disbanding of these troublesome organisa-
tions by January 1, 1890, was posted throughout the town
ill November. In the following year (March) T. R. H.
the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, on their way home
from India, visited Singapore. The Duke of Connaught
inspected the fortifications of the town, and in commemo-
ration of his visit the principal Fort on Pulau Blakang
Mati was named after him.
Improvements in the town and neighbourhood are
being carried on rapidly ; but these are too numerous to
be particularised here.
*
Between 1857 and 1860, the prosperity of Singapore
sustained a severe check through the failure of the nutmeg
crop. The trees were destroyed by a blight ; and the cul-
tivation of the nutmeg is now practically at an end in the
Island. Pepper, gambier, indigo, spices, liberian cofEee,
tapioca, &c., withcocoanuts, pine-apples and other fruits are
cultivated to some extent : the prosjierity of Singapore does
not, however, depend on these, but on the fact that it is the
great entrepot for Eastern commerce, and an important
coaling station. Its position and harbour secure both its im-
portance and its prosperity ; and few of the outposts of the
British Empire can show such a record of growth and pro-
gress as Singapore. It has suffered for the last few years,
like the rest of the world, through the depression of tra«le,
and the consequent diminution of its revenues ; but tKU.,
it is believed, is only temporary, T\ie AftN^Vy^xa^^^ <2>l'*0aft
i8
Handbook to Singapore*
Native States, and tbo further opening up of the Malay
Peninsula, which is supposed to contain great mineral
wealth, will react favourably upon Singapore ; and it is not
too much to hope that the future of the town will eclipse
its past.
CIIAPTEK II.
The Government — The Garrison and Defences —
Justice — The Municipality of Singapore —
Police — Revenue.
^W/^ROM 1819 to 1867, the Straits Settleinenfs
were governed bv the Indian Council ; but in
1867, they were erected into a Crown Colony,
the Local Government being vested in a Governor,* an
executive of eight Members appointed by the Crown,
assisted by a body of seven unofficial Members of Council
(two of whom are elected by the Chambers of Commerce
in Penang and Singapore, and the rest nominated by the
Governor) .
1S28
1833
1837
1843
1855
1861
* Previous to 1867, the Local Governors in the Colony were : —
Mr. Robert. FuUerton ... 1826
„ S. Ibbetson
„ K, Murchison ...
„ Sam. G. Bonham
Col. ^y. J. Biitterworth
Mr. E. A. Blundell ...
Col. Cavenugh
Since 1867, the following have held the Office : —
Gen. Sir Harry St. George Ord, G.c.M.G. ... 1867-73
Col. Sir Andrew Clarke, k.e., k.c.m.o., c b. 1873-75
Gen. Sir "NVm. F. D. Jervois, k.e., g.c.m.g. 1875-77
Sir Wm. C. F. Robinson, k.c.m.o 1877-79
t Gen. Sir Arch. E. H. Anson, R.A., k.c.m.g. .. 1879-80
Sir Fred. A. Weld, g.c.m.g 1880-87
t Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, G.c.M.G 1887-
Those marked thus f held the office of Acting-Governor for short
periods ; and to the list should be added the name ot Svt J . 'Sx^^srv.^
Dickson, k.c.m.o,, who acted as Governor m\^1 w.tv^\^^.
20 Handbook to Singapore,
The Executive consists of : —
H. E.* the Geueral Officer Commanding the Troops;
The Hon. the Colonial Secretary ;
Do. Resident Councillor of Penang ;
Do. Resident Councillor of Malacca ;
Do. Attorney-General ;
Do. Colonial Treasurer ;
Do. Auditor-General ;
Do. Colonial Engineer & Surveyor-General;
These, with the seven unofficial Members of Council
form the Legislative Body of the Colony.
The system of governing a Colony from Downing
Street secures a permanent official majority in cases where
there is a difference of opinion between the Colonial Office
and the residents on important questions.
# #
#
The Colony contributes ^100,000 annually to the
Imperial Exchequer • for garrison and defences, besides
considerable sums spent locally for the accommodation of
the troops. There are stationed in Singapore two Batter iesf
of Artillery, an Infantry Battalion, a Company of Royal
Engineers, a few Sikhs (China Gun Lascars), with repre-
sentatives of the various Army Departments, — in all, about
1,150 men. A small part of the Infantry Battalion is
assigned to Penang. In addition to the regular troops
there is a Corps of Volunteer Artillery-, about a hundred
strong, recruited from the British residents in Singapore.
The Infantry is quartered in the large barracks at
Tanglin ; the Artillery is divided between Fort Canning,
and the new baiTacks on Pulau Blakang Mati; the
* The G. O. C. is styled *• His Excellency " in the Straits Settle-
ments, as well as the CJovemor.
t According to a re-arrangemeut in 1891, these Batteries are
now called Companies.
The Garrison and Defences, 21
Engineers are stationed on Pulau Brani, and the Sikhs at
Sepoy lines near Pearl's Hill, where are the Head Quarters*
Office, and the offices of the Army Departments. The
whole force is underthe command of H, E. Major-General
Sir Charles Warren, r.e., o c.m.g., k.c b.
The town and strait are defended by eight forts ; six
of which, however, are clustered round the wharves and
coal depots.
In the heart of tbe town, at a height of 156 feet,
stands Fort Canning, formerly called Government Hill,*
which is now used as a barracks for the Garrison Artillerv
and as the general signal station for the town. From this
fort all salutes are fired ; time-guns at 5 a.m., 12 uoon,t
and 9 p.m., and fire alarms. Shipping signals are given
on the flag-staff. Fort Canning is, however, of no military
value as a defence. Between China Town and Tanjong
Pagar Dock is Fort Palmer, on a crag, about 120 feet high,
overhanging the sea. Four miles to the east of the town
is Fort Tanjong Katong, and about four miles to the west,
commanding the entrauce to New Harbour is Fort Passir
Panjang. The other forts stand on the two islands, Pulau
Brani and Pulau Blakang Mati. On the former is Fort
Teregeh, at the S. E extremity : on the latter, which is
much the larger island, there are three forts — Fort Sera-
pong, on the highest point (301 ft.) towards the N, E„
Fort Connaught (originally Fort Blakang Mati East),
named after H. E. H. the Duke of Connaught, who visited
it in 1890 ; and Fort Siloso on the N. W. extremity of the
island, opposite Fort Passir Panjang. J Most of the forts
* So called because Sir Stamford KaMesand other Governors till
1867, lived there duriiii< their administration.
t 1 p.m. on Sundays.
X The remains of the origiu.il tort on the i:>land — Fort Fuller-
ton— are to be seen behind the Post Office, near the new Volunteer
Drill Hall.
22 Handbook to Singapore*
are marked by clumps of the Casuariua-tree. Some heavy
pieces of ordnance have been mouuted in the different
forts, and more are expected.
A gun- boat or cruiser from the China Station lies in
the Roads ; and the harbour is well-protected by sub-
marine mines and tori^edoes. The mam objection of the
Calcutta authorities in 1819. to Sir Stamford Raffles'
settlement in Singapore, was that the harbour could not
be proi>erly defended. The objectii)n has been removed
in recent years to a very considerable extent.
#
The law of the Colony is made or modified by Ordi-
nances of the Legislative Council, subject to the approval
of the Crown. Criminal cases are tried under the Indian
Penal Code (slightly modified to meet local conditions);
and the Civil Procedure Code of the Colony is based on
the English Judicature Acts.
The Courts of Law in the Settlements are of six
kinds: — The Supreme Court, Courts of Requests (for
sums not exceeding $50) ; Courts of two Magistrates ;
Coroners' Courts, Magistrates' Courts and Justices of the
Peace. The Supreme Court, consisting of a Chief Justice
and three Puisne Judges, sits weekly in Singapore; holds
assizes every two months ; and w^hen required acts as a
Court of Appeal and a Vice-Admiralty Court.
#
The Miuiicipal Commission of Singapore is partly an
elective body, some Commissioners being elected by the
rate-payers in the different wards, and others, with the
President, appointed by H. E. the Governor. The water-
supply of the town is under its control ; also, the up-keep
of roads and bridges within Municipal limits. The Muni-
Police — Mu n icipality — Revenue. 2 3
cipality has power to levy rates and taxes ; and in addition
to the water rate, its revenue comes from assessments on
house property, a horse and carriage tax, registration of
buUock-carts and all vehicles plying for liire, dog licenses,
and licenses for offensive and daDgerous trades. In 1890,
the total revenue was 8t)o5,082, and the total expenditure,
8703,748.
The Municipal area is about 28 square miles; it
extends 4.j miles E. W. and N. of the Town Hall. It is
divided into five wards : —
1. Tanjong Pagar.
2. Central Ward (commencing at Rallies School,
and including roughly that part of the town
between Orchard Koad and Grange Koad).
3. Tiinglin (between Orchard Road and Bukit Timah)
4. Rochore, at the N. E. end of the town.
o. Kallang, beyond Rochore.
# #
*
The Police Force of the Straits Settlements is nude
up of a small Euro[>ean contingent with over 2,000 Asia-
tics, consisting of Sikhs, Malays, Kliugsand Chinese. At
the head is the Inspector-G-eneral (R. W. Maxwell, Esq.),
under whom are 3 Superintendents, 3 Assistant Super-
intendents, 3 Chief Inspectors, and 21 Inspectors (all
Europeans). Of the Asiatics, the Sikhs are generally con-
sidered the most efficient and reliable Police. In the Town
and Island of Singapore there are 36 Police Stations ; the
Central Station being in South Bridge Road opposite the
Magistrates* Courts.
# #
#
The revenue of the Straits Settlements is mainly
derived from Opium, Spirit, and Pawnbrokin^ FvLtm&x
H
Handbook to Singapore,
For 1890, the sum derived from these sources was nearly
three millions of dollars ($2,852,422.37). The total
revenue for 1890 was $4,368,237.1 7 from all sources, in-
cluding Land Eevenue, Stamp Duties, Fines, Forfeitures
and Fees of Coui't, <fcc., &c.
CHAPTEK III.
General Description of the Town and Environs.
^^^^'^PPROACHING- Singapore from the west,
wt^f^^ travellers find themselves in a channel
,:^^^i^ry^A^^^r^ thickly studded with islands, as thov
reach the southern end of the Straits of Malacca.
On the right is to be seen the mountainous group of
islands called the Karimons ; and further on amongst a
number of small islands stands the Raffles Light-house*
which guides ships to the old channel of entrance to
Singapore Harbour.
Sailiiii; shii)s and occnsionally steamers* eoiniug southward
throuj^li the Straits of Malacca make use of the old channel. They
steer from the Pulau Pisanjir Liifht to the Raffles Liifht-house, and
then pass by 8t. John's Island to the harbour. The P. & O. S.
N. Co.'s steamers and others pass between the Sultan Shoal, marked
by beacons, on the left, and the Ajax Shoal, marked by a lii^ht ship
ou the right, and thence steam into the New Harbour. It is ex-
pected that a light-house will shortly be erected on the Ajax Shoal.
On the left, there stretches away to the horizon in a
series of undulating hills, the Island of Singapore, with
some of the mountains of Johor visible in the distance,
notably the conical peak called Giuiong Pulai.
The scenery has a quiet beauty that impresses every
spectator ; and as the water in the channel is generally
smooth, all are able to eujoy the prospect. Every now
and then the ship startles a gar-fish that skips
* Raffles Light-house, finished in 1855, stands on Coney Island,
12 miles west of Singsipore Town, in Lut. l*^ 0' 50" N., and Long
103*^ 44' 50' E., white light, iixed. Lens, Dioptric of third order.
Height of light-house from high w\xlex to <i^u\.x^ ol\fe\i&A^ V^»
26 Handbook to Singapore.
nimbly ovei* the surface of the water to a safe distance.
Occasionally a golden-coloured watersnake may be seen
hurrying away from the bows. In tlie early morning, or
afternoon, the sea-eagle may be descried at a great height
overhead, watching for its finny prey in the blue waters
below. At low-tide vast shoals of coral can be seen in the
neighbourhood of the islands in the Strait. If the sun is
shining, a curious optical illusion strikes the spectator, —
the distant islands seem to be suspended in the air a few
feet above the sea. This is probably due to the effect of
the sun's rays on the shallow water covering the coral reefs
that surround tbe islands.
One can see from the steamer, as it passes the islands,
small Malay fishing kampongs (I.e. villages) with clumps
of cocoanut palms overhanging them, and fishing stakes
running out into the sea. The method of fishing is
ingenious. A long line of stakes, on which a net is hung,
is run out to sea for a few hundred yards, ending in a
cleverly-arranged cul-de-sac. The fish, stopped in their
progress by the long line of stakes, swim along side of
it till they find themselves entrapjied in the cul-de-sac,
from which they are transferred at low tide into the fisher-
man's boat.
As the steamer approaches the harbour, the island
seen in front is Pulau Blakang Mati on which the new
Artillery barracks are plainly visible at a considerable
distance. The entiTince to the New Harbour lies between
Blakang Mati and the Island of Singapore,* and here
the steamer passes under the guns of Fort Siloso on the
right, and Fort Passir Panjang on the left. Both forts
* The "Western Harl)oiir hmit is maiked hy a white obelisk on
the site of a rock called Ijot's wife, which was blown up some time
ago. The obelisk is at Berlayer Point, and behind it a gallery is
bejug- cut IB the rock to receive some quick-firing guns.
General Description of Town and Environs, 27
are marked by clumps of the Casuarina tree. Immediately
after passing these, New HarLour Dock comes into sight,
behind which rises Mount Faber, 011 which there is a
Signal Station. The P. *fc O, S. N. Co.'s wharf is thou
reached, opposite to which is the island of Pulau Brani,
where a company of Koyal Engineers is stationed, and
where there are also the large tin-smelting works of the
Straits Trading Co.
The mail steamers uf the Norddeutscher Lloyd Co.
and of the Companie ties Messageries Maritimcs berth at
the Borneo wharf, and other steamers from the west at
the Tanjong Pagar wharf ; l)oth of which are nearer to
town than the P. *fc O. wharf.
Approaching Singa])ore from the east, ships, after
crossing the Gulf of Siam, sight the Horsburgh Light-
house,* which stands between Cape Komania and the
island of Bintang. (The former disputes with Tanjong
Bulus tlie honour of being the southernmost point of
Asia : the latter is a Dutch possession, on which stands the
sea- port of Khio, — or Riouw, according to the Dutch
spelling — which was intended to be the chief eutrepnt for
trade in the ArchipeLigo. The opening of the Overland
Route and, later, of the Suez Canal, and the consequent
discontinuance of the Sunda Strait as the passage from
Europe to China and Japan has prevented the hopes of
its founders from being fulfilled).
After rounding Cape Romania the long, low-lying
Island of Singapore comes into view, behind which are to
be seen the distant mountains of the Peninsula, while the
channel in front is studded with many small islands. As
* See note ou p, 11.
28 Handbook to Singapore,
the ship passes Tanjong Katong,* a long beach above
which small country bungalows peep through groves of
cocoanut palms, the city aud roadstead of Singapore
appear, the latter crowded with ships of all nations.
Bukit Timah, the highest point in the island. Government
Hill, Fort Canning, Mount Faber, and the Cathedral
spire are the most prominent landmarks ; and the general
effect of the landscape is very pleasing. Steamers making
for the wharves pass through the Roads, aud give passen-
gers the opportunity of gaining a fair idea of the situation
and general apjiearance of this picturesque eastern town.
^ #
The main business part of the town is compactly built
on a level stretch of land between Fort Canning and the
sea-shore. Part of the plain on which the town is built
has been reclaimed from tidal swamps, and part was ori-
ginally covered by small hills which have been cut away,
and their sites are now occu|)ied by streets and squares.
Collyer Quay, facing the sea, Battery Road, Commercial
Square, or Raffles Place, and the streets leading into it, form
the nucleus of the business activity of the town. In this
quarter are all the Banks, the Exchange, the offices of the
principal European and other merchants and lawyers, the
Post Office and the Shipping Office. On the other side
of the Singapore River, (the north side,) stand the
Government offices, the Supreme Court, the Town Hall,
* The word Taujong is literally "land's eud ;" it is a contraction
of Tanah bujonj^, and means a promontory or spit of land. Katon.i,'
is " turtle," so that Tanjong Katouj? means " the Turtle Promontory.'*
Its long f?andy beach and bathing facilities make it a favourite water-
ing place for the residents. A bar of sand at some distance from tlie
shore protects bathers from the sharks that abound in these waters.
A white obelisk about the middle of the beach marks the Eastern
Harbour limit.
General Description of Town and Environs. 29
the chief Hotels, the English Cathedral, and for some
distance along the sea-shore, there stretches a well laid out
Esplanade and Recreation ground, a favourite afternoon
resort of residents.
Between Tanjong Pagar and the commercial centre of
the town lies the Chinese quarter,* in which are the
Central Police Station, the Magistrates' Courts, and the
Chinese Protectorate. (See Chapter V.)
Between the Esplanade and the Rochore River is the
districi: of Kampong Glam, inhabited mainly by Malays
and Arabs. The chief European dwellings are built on
the north of the town, and extend for several miles into
the countrv. Here there are a number of small wooded
hills, on each of which there are seveml houses, which
are, by reason of their position, airy and well-drained, and
therefore healthy and comfortable. On one of the highest
of these hills surrounded by tastefully laid-out grounds,
stands Government House, the official residence of the
Governor of the Straits Settlements. The roads in this
district are well kept ; they are skirted by lofty trees,
which, often meeting overhead, throw a cool and grateful
shade below.
The town of Singapore has three main arteries or
thoroughfares, running parallel to the shore. Robinson
Quay, Colly er Quay, the Esplanade and Beach Road, skirt
the shore, crossing the Singapore River by the Cavenagh
Bridge. Farther inland, and parallel to it is the long street
known on one side of the Singapore River as South Bridge
Road, and on the other as North Bridge Road, the two
Ijeing connected by the Elgin Bridge. The third is that
* The Chinese population is not confined to this quarter, but is
scattered over the whole town. The largest body of Chinese, however,
is settled there. Dep6t9 for the accommodation of the endless stream
of Chinese immigrants are licensed by Government in thU dUtti^t.
30 Handbook to Singapore,
called at different points of its course New Bridge Eoad,
Hill Street and Victoria Street, and is carried over the
Singapore Eiver by Coleman Bridge, Each thoroughfare
is considerably over two miles in length ; and the three
form, as it were, the framework upon which the town is
built. At right angles to these thoroughfares, four main
roads run inland ; the first of which, Havel ock Road — to
begin from the south — skirts the south bank of the
Singapore River for the first mile or so of its course, and
thence curves round in the direction of Bukit Chermin and
Passir Panjang.* The second, River Valley Road, winds
along the north side of the river to Mount Echo and Tanglin ;
European residences are closely built on both sides of it
for a considerable distance. The third, which starting from
the Esplanade is called Stamford Road, and from Foi-t
Canning onwards is called Orchard Road, is • the chief
thoroughfare to the European dwelling houses in the
Tanglin district. This is one of the most beautiful roads
to be seen anywhere; in one part of its course it is straight
for nearly a mile ; and one seeing it for the first time
cannot fail to be delighted with the long vista of high
trees with their variegated foliage and coo] shade. If the
Pigeon-orchid, which grows on most of the trees, happens
to be in flower, the pleasure is enhanced.
The fourth road, fourteen miles in length, crosses the
island to Kranji, whence the passage to the Sultanate
of Johor is made by boats. It passes the foot of the
highest hill in the island — Bukit Timali (Hill of Tin,)
and is therefore called the Bukit Timali Road. Two other
roads cross the island — Thomson Road, branching off the
Bukit Timah Road about 2 miles from town, and reaching
the Johor Strait at Selitar, and Gaylang Road which crosses
the Eastern part of the island to Changi.
* It is called Alexandra Road after the curve.
General Description of Town and Environs. 31
For quiet but effective l)eaiity these roads are often
compared to the Devonshire lanes. Both Orchard Road
and Eiver Valley Road, not to mention others, present the
appeamnce of a well- shaded avenue to an English mansion.
The comparison has often been made, but the best that
northern latitudes can produce cannot be compared with
the richness and variety of the tropical foliage, and the
bright colours of the flowermg trees. There are many
beautiful walks and drives in the environs of Singapore,
for a description of which see Chapter IV.
The streets of the town are crowded and busy at all
hours of the day. and in the native quarters at nearly all
hours of the night as well. Carriages, steam-cars, hack-
gharries, bullock-carts, and jinrickshas pass and re-pass in
a continual stream ; native vendors of various kinds of
foods, fruits, and drinks, take up their position by the
roadsides, or, wandering up and down the streets proclaim
the excellence of their wares; carriers and messengers come
and go : all is bustle and activity.
In half-an-hour's walk, a stranger may hear the .accents
of almost everv lanixuaoje and see the features and costume
of nearly every race in the world. Amongst the crowds that
pass him, he may see, besides Europeans of every nation,
Chinese, Malays, Hindus, Madrassees, Sikhs, Japanese,
Burmese, Siamese, Singhalese. 'J'amils, Ambs, Jews,
Parsees, Negroes, &c., &c.
At anchor in the Roads, there may be seen any day
the ships of all nations, from the Chinese junk to the
man-of-war, and gliding in and out among these, or
waiting for goods or passengers by the shore, a large flotilla
of tongkangs and sampans, manned by Malay, Kling and
Chinese boatmen.
The native bazaars both in the centre and on the
outskirts of the town always present t^ Ivs^Vj ^^i.^XL^&^'OasiXi^'^
o
2 Handbook to Singapore.
their busiest hours are between six and seven in the mor-
niucr, especially in the suburbs. The visitor to Singapore
will do well to stroll round some of the native quarters ;
and if he be a curio-hunter, he is recommended to inspect
the native shops in High Street, which is close to the
Hotel de TEurope, and in streets in the neighbourhood, if
he bears in mind that the price asked for an article there
is usually treble the amount that will ultimately be
accepted.*
Singapore Island is drained by a number of auiall
streams, dignified by the name of rivers.
Flowing into the Singapore Strait are : —
1. Jurong River, 10 miles west of the town ;
2. Singapore River, passing through the centre of
the town ;
3. The Rochore, Kallaug and Gaylang Rivers,
which meet in a large basin at. Tanjong Rhu,
nearly 2 miles to the east of the town.
Flowing into the Johor Strait are : —
4. The Kranji;
5. The Selitar ;
6. The Ponggol ;
7. The Serangoon ;
8. The Tampinis ;
9. The Changi.
The Kranji and Selitar rivers drain the largest extent
of country ; but the Singapore and Rochore Rivers, with
* The unwary i)assenger is considered fair fjnme for the native
dealer. The present writer was in a shop one day, pricinjf an article
for which the seller demanded $4. Thinkin;:,' the price too hij^h, he
tried to beat it down and said that he was not a passenger but a
resident. ** O no, sah : I know, sah" said the native. " If you had
been passenger, las Ar>E/^e«n do //a^, ioh** And he probably would
have got it.
General Description of Town and Environs. 33
large tidal basins, are navij^able for some distance by
native craft of considerable size. Crocodiles used to
abound in these rivers, and there are still many, especially
in the streams on the north of the island; but they are
very sliv, and are seldom seen.
0"?^l/-^(-^i%/i^\^
N
CHAPTER lY.
Favourite Walks and Drives.
?^^HE walks and drives about Singa])ore have a
charm peculiarly their own. To those who
in a few short weeks have passed through
many varieties of scenery — in particular the sandy wastes
that skirt the Suez Canal and Red Sea, and the ** barren
rocks of Aden" — the soft beauty of the Singapore landscapes
is at once refreshing and delightful : and, as there are many
visitors who have only a few liours at their disposal in
passing through, this chapter is intended to help them to
make the best use of their time. When the steamer stays
in port for four or five hours, the following drives are
recommended, as shewing not only the general appearance
of the town but also the beauties of the country roads.*
1. — From the Wharves to Singapore Town and thence to
the Botanical Gardens, y'vX the Esplanade
and Orchard Road.
Passengers land at the P. & O. S. N, Co.'s Wharf
(Teluk Blangaht), at the Borneo Wharf, or at the Tanjoug
Pagar Wharf J, and to get to the Gardens must drive
• The Malay names of the places are added in brackets, for the
syces do not understand the English names. The word Perffi
(pronounce ** piggy'*) means "drive to": e.g. ''^ perfji Singapura**
or *' pergi ka Singapura** means " drive to Singapore."
Passengers staying a few days in the island will find the
** Malay Pronouncing Hand-Book ** (published at the Singapore and
Straits'Printing Office) a ver>' useful vade mecum. It may be had
from booksellers in Singapore and Penang ; its price is $1.50.
t Pronounce Tulloh Blang-ah.
X The syces understand Borneo Wharf and Tanjong Pagar Wharf
Favourite Walks and Drives, 35
through the town. There is more than one road to town
from all the wharves, but the best is that skirting the
shore, because of the cool breeze from the sea, and also
because the road leads straight to the business part of the
town. The syce must be instructed, if this route be
chosen, to Jalan tepi laul* (i.e., to drive by the sea-
shore). It is a well-kept road, laid with tramway lines,
and the sea is kept in sight most of the way, a distance of
three miles, from the P. & O. Wharf. It skirts a number
of small latente hills which are being fast quarried away
for road-making purposes. Then Fort Palmer is passed
on the right and the Chinese Quarter on the left ; and the
business part of the town is entered when Robinson Quay is
reached. CoUyerQuay is then entered, — an imposing terrace
of offices with the convexity of the curve fronting the sea.
At one end is the Teluk Ayer Fish Market, and at the other
Johnston's Pier, whence communication is made by boat
with the shipping in the Roadstead. The office of the
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation is almost
opposite the Pier. From CoUyer Quay the passenger
enters a triangular space at the junction of CoUyer Quay,
Battery Road and Flint Street, hav'n^ on his right the
Singapore Club and the Exchange (in one building),
the General Post Office and the Shipping Office, behind
which is the new Volunteer Drill Hall, and the remains
of Fort Fullerton, the oldest of the town's defences. In
the centre of this space is a large fountain presented to
the Municipality by the late Mr. Tan Kim Seng, a wealthy
Chinese citizen. To the left opens Battery Road leading
to Raffles Square, in which are the offices of the other
Banks — the New Oriental, the Chartered Bank of India,
Australia and China, and the Chartered Mercantile Bank
• Pronounce Jahlan tippy loivt.
36 Handbook to Singapore,
of India, London and China. (The Telegraph Office
is in Prince Street, which runs from Baffles Square to
Collyer Quay).
Passing on, the visitor crosses the Singapore River by
the Cavenagh Bridge to the Esplanade. To the left are
the Government offices and Legislative Chamber, the
Town Hall and Municipal offices (distinguished by a
monument in front on the top of which is a bronze
elephant, erected to commemorate the first visit of the
King of Siam to Singapore), and the Supreme Court.
Beyond these lies the Esplanade (Padang Besar*) a large
plain, encircled by a well-laid-out carriage drive. The
Singapore Cricket Club, and the Singapore Recreation
Club divide the plain between them for the purpose of
cricket, tennis, bowls, and other athletic sports, and in the
centre stands a fine statue of Sir T. Stamford Raffles,
erected in 1887. A large part of the Esplanade occupies
ground recently reclaimed from the sea ; and it is now a
favourite afternoon resort of the residents. On the land-
ward side are the Hotel de T Europe (Punch aus Besar)f
and St. Andrew's Cathedral (Greja BesarX). Beach
Road goes eastward by the sea shore to the district of
Kampong Glam, ending at the Rochore River, but the road
now to be taken (Stamford Road) turns inland, and runs
straight towards Fort Canning (Bukit Bandera^), passing
on the right, first the Raffles Institution, a school for boys,
founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in the year 1823, and
then the Church of the Good Shepherd (French Catholic) ;
after which it turns northwards, and from this point is
called Orchard Road. The Raffles Library and Museum
* Pronounce Padang BUsar (i.e. The Large Plain),
t Pronounce Punch-house BUanr (i.e. The Great Hotel).
X Pronounce Graifja Bissar (i.e. The Large Church). ^
J Pronounce Bookit Bandayra (\\t. The Hill of the Plags).
Favourite Walks and Drives. 37
{Tem^ai Kitah*) on the left, is first passed. It is well
worth a visit, for the Library is one of the larj^^est and most
comprehensive iu the East, and the Museum, which is
being daily enriched by zoological, mineralogical, ethno-
logical and archaeological collections from the Peninsula
and the Archipelago, promises to be, in time, one of the
finest exhibitions of its kind in Asia. The Reading Boom
and Museum are open to the public daily (Sundays excepted)
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a valuable collection of
Oriental literature, called the Logan Library, access to
which may be obtained by special permission from the
Secretary.
Almost opposite the Museiun is the Ladies Lawn
Tennis Club, (Padany K€chil)f a prettily laid out garden
where tennis is played from 4.30 p.m. till dusk. On the
other side of the road is the Presbyterian Church (Greja
Kechil) built in 1878; and a little farther on the same
side, is a small Hindoo temple, used chiefly by the Dhobies
(or washermen) who live in the neighbourhood, and who
may be seen at work at any time of the day. Two himdred
yards further on the Jewish Cemetery is to be seen, on the
left, opposite Lambert Bros.* Carriage Works and Livery
Stables. The gate of the approach to Government House
is then passed on the right, beyond which is Koek*s
Bazaar, a row of native shops on both sides of the road.
Between the hours of six and eight in the morning, this
market presents a lively scene ; hundreds of Chinese cooks
and Asiatic women of many various nationalities come at
that hour to make their purchases for the day.
Beyond the Bazaar, Orchard Eoad becomes a straight,
well-shaded drive, leading to the European residences iu the
* Froiiouuce T^mpat Kilab (i.e. The Place of Books),
t Pronounce Padang Kitchy (i.e. The Little Pl&iV\i\.
38 Handbook to Singapore,
Tanglin district. On the left, almost hidden by the
trees is a very large Chinese Burial Ground used by the
Tec Chews, i.e., Chinese hailing from Swatow; the visitor
may perhaps overtake a funeral on its way thither, with
the customary accompaniments of gongs to startle, and
the scattering of gold and silver paper to appease, the
demons which are supposed to be on the watch for the
spirit of the deceased. Orchard Road ends at the entrance
to the Military Barracks in Tanglin : and turning to the
right into Napier Road, the visitor soon finds himself at
the gate of the Botanical Gardens (Kehun Bungah)*
These gardens were opened in the year 1873; and
they are kept up by the Straits Government. Many varities of
tropical trees and flowers are to be seen there. In one of the
ponds, a magnificent specimen of the Victm'ia Begia spreads
its broad leaves over the water. There is a large variety of
orchids and tropical f ei*n8 in the orchid houses ; and close to
these is the nucleus of a zoological collection of birds, snakes,
and a few wild animals.
On a hill to the north-west of the Gardens stands
Tyersall, the Siugapore residence of His Highness the
Sultan of Johor.
2. — From the Wharves to the Impounding Reservoir via
Singapore Town,
The Reservoir (Kolam Ayerf) from which is drawn
the water-supply of the town, is rather more than
four miles to the north of the city. The route from
the Wharves is the same as described above as far as
the Ladies' Lawn Tennis Club, leaving which on the left,
the passenger drives along Selegie Road, where there is a
dense population of Eurasians and natives, till the Rochore
* Pronounce K'boon Boong^ah (i.e. Garden of FlowcrsJ.
fFronouace Kolam Ire (i,e. Pond of Water^.
Favourite Walks and Drives, 39
River is reached, along the left bank of which for some
distance runs the Bukit Timah Eoad. Turning into this
road the visitor passes along the foot of Sophia Hill, and
Government Hill (on the left) between the summits of
which is the High Level Reservoir. The Pumping Station
and the Filter Beds lie about 60 feet below. On the right
tbo road passes, at some distance, the Race Course, where
half-yearly Race Meetings and occasional Gymkhanas are
held. It is used also as a Golf Course by the Singapore
Golf Club, which was founded in 1891. A hundred yards
further on, the Christian Cemetery (Kuhoran Orang
Puteh*) is passed. The burying space is divided between
the Roman Catholics and the Protestants, and two Mor-
tuary Chapels stand at either side of the entrance.
Thompson Road tuims to the right at the farther end of
the Cemetery, and after a drive of nearly two miles along
this well-shaded road, the visitor arrives at the Impound-
ing Reservoir. It is a small lake, about a mile- and-a- half
long in the heart of the jungle. The end from which the
water is drawn out is prettily terraced and laid out as a
garden, and there is a jungle path, several miles in length
circling the reservoir. A small bungalowf the property
of the Municipality, stands on rising ground on the
South side. The reservoir is one of the prettiest spots
on the island ; at sunset or by moonlight it is perhaps
seen at its best. Tiger-tracks are occasionally to
be seen in the neighbourhood, this being the nearest
* Prououuoe Kooboran Orang Pooty (t.«., The Burial place of
the Whitemen.)
t The bungalow may be rented for a few days or weeks from the
Municipality. Occupiers have the privilege of boating on the lake.
Application must be made to the Municipal Secretary. Preference is
given to Municipal servants, and after them to private individuals in
the order of application.
40 Handbook to Singapore.
place to the towu where tigers have been traced or killed
in recent years.
B, — If the passenger has a very limited time at his
disposal, he may get a fair impression of the general
appearance of the town and its surroundings, and also of
the islands in the Strait, by ascending to the signal
station on Moimt Faber, which rises immediately behind
the P. & O. Co.'s Wharf. The ascent has to be made on
foot, but the view obtained amply compensates the labour
expended.
4. — From ihe Wharves to Kranji via Singapore Town, and
thence to Johore Bahru.
If, however, the traveller has ten or twelve
hours to spare, be cannot do better than cross the
island to Kranji, and thence pass over to the kingdom
"of Johore on the mainland ; for he passes through
the town of Singapore en route, aud also has the
opportunity of seeing the general appearance of the
coifee, gambier and pepper plantations, and of the jungle
in the interior of the island. A carriage and horses for
this excursion can be hired from one of the Livery Stables
(see Chap. IX.). The route to be followed is that
described on p. 39 as far as the Christian Cemetery ;
whence instead of turning into Thompson Road, the
traveller keeps his course along the Bukit Timah Road,
on which, seven miles^ out, he passes the hill that gives
its name to the road, — Bukit Timah or **Hill of Tin,** the
highest point in the island. (Height 519 ft.)
The ascent of this hill is made by carriage or on foot.
There is a Government Bungalow on the summit, to which
residents go occasionally for a change of air. There arc two
Mission Chapels in the Bukit Timah district, for Chinese
converta. One belongs to the English Presbyterian Mission ;
Favourite Walks and Drives. 41
the other, the Chapel of St. Joseph, to the French Catholic
Mission. (Missiotis Etrangercs,)
From Bukit Tiiuah to Kranji the road winds through
plantations and jungle for seven miles. At the village of
Kranji there is a small pier whence Chinese and Malay
sampans transport passengers across the Strait to Johore.
The Johore Strait (Silal Terhau), varying from three-
quarters of a mile to two miles in breadth, thickly
wooded on both sides to the water's edge, charms the
visitor with beauties that are peculiar to land and water
scenery ; the ever changing light and shade throw the
landscape into combinations of colour that are as
pleasing as they are varied. Travellers have compared it
favourably with the Rhine scenery, with Loch Lomond,
and with the best views on the estuaries of the Forth
and the Tay.
Johore Bahru (**New Johore") the capital of the
dominions of the Sultan of Johor and Muar, is a town
with a population of 20,000. The chief place of interest is
the Istana, or palace, which faces the Strait. It has been
tastefully furnished in the European style by the present
Sultan (H. H. Aboo Bakar I.), who is a staunch ally of
the British Goverument.
* *
*
There are a few bungalows at various places in the
island, at which residents and others may enjoy a short
period of country life ; some are the property of the
Government, one belongs to the Municipality, and others
are let by private individuals.
The bungalows let by the Government are : —
L Changi Bungalow, at the eastern extremity of
the island, 14 miles from town. There is good sea bathing
to be had here.
2. Bukit Timah Bun ficalow on tke li\.llQlVViaX»\saja3&.
4i Handbook to Singapore.
3. Selitar Bungalow, nine miles from town, on the
Thompson Koad. Here there is an excellent fresh-water
swimming-bath.
These bungalows are rented (furnished) to the general
public, preference being given to Government servants and
military officers, at a monthly rate of $25 for the first two,
and %VLh^ for the third. If taken for less than a month,
the lutes are — $10 per week or $2 per day forChaugi and
Bukit Timah, and S5 per week or Si per day for Selitar.
The Municipal Bungalow is at the Impounding
Eeservoir, and may be rented for S35 per month.
Other bungalows, belonging to private individuals, are to
be had on the sea-shore at Passir Panjang to the West,
Tanjong Katong to the East of the town at much the
same rent. At both places there is good sea-bathing.
:
i
-^ I
[f
\
CHAPTEE V.
Public Buildings and Places or Inteeest,
Botanical Gardens.
(Malay Name. — Kehiln Btingah.)
'NE of the chief favourite resorts of residents
and visitors are these gardens, situated about
three miles from town. They are managed
by the Government Director of Gardens and Forests
(H. N. Eidley, Esq., f.l.s.), assisted by a committee of
local gentlemen. Before they were taken up by Govern-
ment, the Gardens were maintained by local subscrip-
tions ; and when the idea of having public Gardens was
first conceived, part of the slope of Fort Canning Hill was
utilized for the purpose, until the ground where the
Gardens now are was obtained. Gov^emment took over
the Gardens in December, 1874. They occupy a large
extent of ground on and around a hill between the In-
fantry Barracks at Tanglin and Tyersall, the Singapore
residence of H. H. the Sultan of Johore. A great variety
of tropical plants and trees may be seen in the grounds;
there are several ferneries and orchid houses ; and also, on
the shoulder of the hill, a small aviary and monkey-
house where specimens of some of the rarer birds, beasts
and reptiles of the Straits and ne^hbourhood are on
exhibition. (See also p. 38.)
The grounds are well-laid out, and the beauty of the
landscape, as well as the intereBt oit\i^\>Qi^TLV^^<:^<^^N^^^
M*a
44 Handbook to Singapore.
make this one of the most attractive spots iu Singapore to
both residents and visitors. Close by are the Experimental
Forest Nurseries, opened in 1884, between Clunj and
Dalvey Roads.
BousTEAD Institute.
A handsome building, now in process of erection at
the comer of Anson Road and Tanjong Pagar Road. It is
intended for the benefit of Seamen. It is three storeys
high ; and it will be fitted with bedrooms, refreshment
rooms, recreation rooms of various kinds and a hall for
meetings. The Institute has been founded by the executors
of the late Edward Boustead, Esq., who left a large sum
of money for charitable purposes.
BUKIT TiMAU.
This hill, the highest point in Singapore Island,
stands at an elevation of 519 feet above the sea-level.
There is a Government Bungalow* on the summit, from
which a magnificent view of Singapore, the islands in the
Singapore Strait, and the southern part of the Malay
Peninsula, can be obtained on a clear day. There is a
good carriage road all the way to the bungalow; while
there are short cuts which may be taken by pedestrians.
Formerly, the jungle on the hill was infested by tigers ;
traces of them are occasionally found even now, but rarely.
One or two disused pits dug by the natives to entrap these
animals may be seen here and there upon the hill. Visi-
tors to Singapore, who have about six hours to spare, will
find themselves amply repaid by an excursion to the top
of Bukit Tiniah ; there are few finer views to be had any
^8ee p. 42.
Public Buildings and Places of Interest, 45
where in the world. The distance from the town to the
foot of the hill is seven miles, and the length of the
carriage road to the summit about a mile-and-a-half.
BuKiT TiMAH Cemetery.
(Malay Name. — Kuh(>ran Orang Puteh),
Two miles from town, on the Bukit Timah Boad, is
the Christian Cemetery, opened nearly thirty years ago,
when the old hurial-ground on Fort Canning Hill was
disused. The Cemeterv is divided between the Roman
Catholics and Christians of other denominations; the Catho-
lic portion with its mortuary chapel is on the left as one
enters the gate, the Protestant section and mortuary
chapel are on the right,
Chinese Protectoeate.
As the name implies, this is the office of the Protec-
tor of Chinese, whoso duties are to attend to the interests
of Chinese residents and immigrants, especially the latter.
The building is a plain and unpretentious one, and stands
in Havelock Road not far from its junction with New
Bridge Road.*
Churches (See Chapter VI.)
Clubs (See Chapter VIII.)
The Convent op the Holy Infant Jesus, stands
between Victoria Street and North Bridge Road, opposite
the Cathedral Clnirch of the Good Shepherd (French
• The estiiblishment of a Chinese Protectoratie was first advised
in the 1875 Report of the Inspector-General of Police, to be under
" a European conversant with some dialect of Chinese, &c," Ordin-
ance III. of 1877, the (?nnipini( OnlLnance, allows the appointment
of Protector of Immigrants. Mr. W. A, Pickering, c.M.o., was the
first who held the appointment. lie resigned o^Sic^^ va.\S»i^.
46 Handbook to Singapore,
Catholic). The Convent was founded in 1854, it has in
connection with it an orphanage and girls' school, and a
refuge for distressed women, irrespective of race. Both
school and orphanage are large and prosperous ; it is
supported by contributions willingly given by all classes in
the community, and draws a monthly grant of 1100 from
Government for the orphanage, in addition to the educa-
tional grant given yearly according to the report of the
Inspector of Schools. A number of the Sisters are em-
ployed in sick-nursing at the General Hospital.
Docks.
1. The Tanjong Pagar Dock Company have wharves a
mile-and-a-quarter in length, lying to the south-west of the
city, with which they are connected by steam tramways.
The following are the particulars of these wharves : —
Length. Depth at low water.
West Wharf ... Over a mile ... 25 to 35 feet.
Sheers do. ... 340 feet ... 26' „
East do. ... 500,. {Out^ff,^ ;;
There are two large Graving Docks : the Victoria Dock,
with a length on the block of 450 feet, breadth of entrance
65 feet, and depth of water on sill at ordinary spring
tides 20 feet ; and the Albert Dock, with a length on the
block of 475 feet, breadth of entrance 60 feet, and depth of
water on sill at ordinary spring tides 21 feet. There are
lai'ge and well-fitted machine shops, &c., on the Wharf, with
all the materials for the rapid refitting of ships ; there are
extensive godowns for the reception and storage of cargo ;
and coal sheds, roofed with corrugated iron, capable of
holding 100,000 tons of coal stand immediately behind
the Wharf. Ships are coaled by Chinese coolies with an
astonishing rapidity. The Company was incorporated in
Public Buildings and Places of Interest. 47
1864, and since then has largely increased the wharf ac-
commodation at the port. An extension of the Wharf is
being made at the east end.
2. Ths New Hm-hour Dock Compa7iy originally started
in 1858, as the Patent Slip and Dock Co., has two graving
docks, a large wharf, a machine shop, foundries and
godowns for cargo and coal. No. 1 Dock has a length of
375 feet, breadth of entrance 42 feet, and depth of water
on sill at ordinary spring tides 14 to 15| feet : the corres-
ponding measurements of No. 2 Dock are 459 feet, 62 feet
and 19 to 20 feet respectively. Steam tramways also
connect this Dock with the town.
3. The Singapore Slipway and Emjineei'ing Company
have two slipways at Tanjong Rhu, on the N.E. side of the
town. No. 1, 429 feet long, takes up vessels of 500 tons ;
No. 2, with a length of 200 feet, can accommodate vessels
up to 50 tons.
The Docks and Wharves employ a large amount of
skilled European labour.
ESPLANADB.
(Malay Name. — Padang Besdr),
This is a large plain skirting the sea, in the heart of
the city. About fifteen acres of lawn, round which runs
a broad and well-made carriage drive, are railed off for
purposes of recreation, and are divided between the Singa-
pore Cricket Club and the Singapore Eecreation Club.
The Singapore Cricket Club, which occupies the part
nearest to the Singapore Eiver, has a large and well-
appointed pavilion at one end of the Esplanade, while the
Singapore Eecreation Club has a smaller, octagonal pavi-
lion at the other. In the middle of the plain is a statue
of Sir Stamford Eaffles. Cricket, tennis, football aA.4
48 Handbook to Stngapote.
bowls are played daily on the plain ; and on New Year's
Day, the Singapore Cricket Club has a great festival of
European and Native sports by sea and land. On the
landward side of the Esplanade stand the Hotel de
TEurope and St. Andrew's Cathedral ; and beyond the
carriage drive on the other side, is a strip of green along
the sea-wall, with a foot-path, which affords a cool and
pleasant walk in the eai'ly morning and afternoon.
Bound the plain and along the sea-wall young trees
have been planted recently, which, in the course of a few
years, will add greatly to the beauty of the scene.
Drill Hall.
This large and spacious building designed by
Hon. Major McCallum, r.e., c.m.o., the Color.ial Engineer,
and built by Govemnieut for the Singaf)ore Volunteer
Artillery in 1891, stands on the site of the original fort
o\\ the island — Fort Fullerton — behind the General Post
Office and the Shipping Office. This hall is the largest in
Singapore (length 150 feet, breadth 52 feet clear space).
It is fitted with a gymnasium for the use of members of
the corps. Outside stands a seven-inch muzzle-loading
gun, used for heavy gun drill.
The Exchanob and Chamber of Commerce.
The Exchange is a handsome laiilding close by John-
ston's Pier. It was erected in 1879. The lower floor is
occupied by the (Chamber of Commerce, the Exchange,
and the Offices of the Singapore Insurance Co. In the
hall is a fine bronze bust of General Sir Andrew
Clarke, r.e., k.c.m.g., who was Governor of the Straits
Settlements from 1873 to 1875. The upper story is used
bjr the Singapore Club, and has large tiffin, billiard and
Public Buildings and Places of Interests 49
reading rooms. At the back of the building, overlooking
the sea, there are spacious and cool yerandahs.
FoET Canniho.
(Malay Name. — Bukit Bandera).
Fort Canning Hill stands behind the town, the main
approach to it being from Orchard Eoad. It was origin-
ally called Government Hill, because Sir Stamford
Raffles fixed his residence there, on his arrival in the
island. For more than forty years his house continued
the Government residence. The Fort is now used as the
Artillery Barracks, and on the southern summit of the hill,
at a height of 156 feet above the sea level, stands a signal
station, flag staff and light, facing the town and strait.
Shipping and fire signals are shewn on the staff, time
guns and fire alarms are fired from the Fort (see p. 21).
On the slope of the hill, below the Fort towards the south-
east are the Old Cemetery and the shrine of Iskander
Khan. {Vide infra), A very fine view of the town and
strait is to be had from the battlements of the Fort,
Gaol.
The Civil and Criminal Prisons are at Sepoy Lines
about two miles from town, and are enclosed within one
boundary wall. The old gaol used to stand on the vacant
piece of ground which lies opposite to the Raffles Library
and Museum. The criminal prison has 954 cells, and
prisoners are kept on the separate system. The civil
prison has 9 solitary cells, 3 condemned cells, 6 associated
wards, 6 debtors* associated sleeping wards, 1 female ward,
and 4 female separate cells.
The prisoners are under the supervision of European
warders, assisted by native officers and Sikh constables.
The prison hospital contains 58 beda.
50 Handbook to Singapore,
GOVBBNMENT HOUSB.
(Malay Name — Tuan Oehenor pnnya Bdmah,)
On the top of what is now called Government Hill
and in the midst of a spacious and beautifully laid-out
park stands Government House, which both for situation
and architecture is perhaps the finest building of its kind
in the Far East. The site and grounds cost more than
$40,000, and the cost of the building itself was $180,000.
Before its erection and occupation, the residence of the
Governor was on Fort Canning and afterwards on Leoni
Hill in Grange Road. Singapore owes the present Govern-
ment House to Gen. Sir Harry St. George Ord, the first
Governor of the Colony after its transference from the
Indian Government to the Crown. His proposals were at
first received with disfavour, the popular impression being
that a building of that size and expense was unnecessary and
extravagant. More recently, however, it has been found
that Government House, large as it is, is scarcely large
enough to meet local requirements. The plans for the
building were drawn up by Major McNair, b.a., and the
house was ready for occupation in 1869. The architec-
ture is of a composite order; Doric and Ionic elements
being, however, most prominent. The length of frontage
is 235 feet, and the width of the main building is 73 feet.
In the centre, above the entrance-hall rises a tower crowned
with a Mansard roof. A wing at the back runs at right
angles to the main building, over 100 feet in length. The
wide verandahs, on both storeys, give one the impression
that the internal accommodation of the edifice is larger
than it really is. Entering at the main door, through the
porch, the visitor finds himself in a large marble-paved hall,
opening on the left into a long dining-room, with a small
billi&rd'TOGm screened off at the far end ; and on the left
Public Buildings and Places of Interest, 51
into the ball-room, at the far end of which is a line statue
of H.M. the Queen, unveiled in the Jubilee Year (1887).
In front of him, there is a wide staircase leading to the re-
ception room on the upper floor. The interior is tastefully
furnished, and the whole building was fitted with the elec-
tric light in 1890. The main approach to Government
House is from Orchard Road, where, passing through
massive iron gates, a carriage drive (formerly called
Edinburgh Road) winds up the hill through the domain to
the house. From the top of the hill there is an extensive
view of the town and strait, and a lai^e part of the island.
Government Offices.
(Malay Name — /S^econci Gehenor pu7iya Ofis.)
These stand on the north bank of the Singapore
river, near Cavenagh Bridge, all included in one large
building. In this building are included the Secretariat,
the Audit Office, the Registration of Deeds Office, the
Land Office, the Public Works and Medical Departments,
the Treasury and Stamp Office, and the Offices of the
Colonial Engineer, the Official Assignee, and the Inspec-
tor-General of Police. Under the same roof is the Legis-
lative Chamber. The original building was much smaller
than the present one, but considerable additions were
made in 1879 and 1888, the whole of the wing at the rear
being erected in the last-named year.
The Legislative Chamber, in the centre of the build-
ing on the upper floor, is a spacious room, in the middle of
which, enclosed in an iron railing, is the Council table, at
which the Hon. Legislators sit during their deliberations.
On the wall, at one end of the hall, hangs a portrait
of Her Majesty the Queen in her royal robes ; and at the
further end of the room is a handsomely carved teak
screen.
52 Handbook to Singapore.
Hospitals (See Chapter VI.).
HoTKLS (See Chapter VII.).
Ladies' Lawn ob Dhoby Ghaut.
(Malay Name. — Padang Kechil).
A small but prettily kept garden, occupying part of
what was originally the Dhoby Ghaut, opposite the Scotch
Church, in Orchard Eoad. The stream that skirts its west
side was used by the dhobies (washermen) in former times.
The garden is now used by the Ladies' Lawn Tennis Club.
There are nine or ten tennis courts on the Lawn ; a small
pavilion in the centre, and the rest of the plain is occupied
by variegated trees and shrubs.
Mabine Department and Shipping Office.
(Malay Name. — Shahhunder punya Ofis or Ofis Khldn),
The old Shipping Office used to stand on the ground
now occupied by the rear wing of the Government Offices ;
but some years ago it was removed to more commodious
premises on the south bank of the Singapore river, dividing
with the Drill Hall and the General Post Office, the site of
Fort FuDerton. The basement is occupied by the Import
aud Export Office, and the upper storey by the Master
Attendant.
Markets.
There are five large Markets in Singapore : —
1. The Town Market, at the western end of
CoUyer Quay ;
2. The Clyde Terrace Market in Beach Road ;
3. The Ellenborough Market, near New Bridge
Boad;
Public Buildings and Places of Interest. 53
4. The Bochore Market, iu the district of that
name; and,
5. The Orchard Eoad Market (Koek's Bazaar), in
the road whose name it bears.
The first four are farmed by the Municipality, that is
to say the exclusive right of letting the stalls in these
markets is farmed out at an annual rental. Fish, fresh
meat, poultry, eggs, fruit, vegetables, and other produce
are sold by native vendors at these markets ; in the early
morning and in the afternoon when the supplies of fresh
fish are for sale, the scene at the markets is lively and
interesting.
MONUMBNTS.
The Dalhousie Obelisk commemorating the first visit
of a Governor-Oeneral of India to Singapore, stands near
the Cricket Pavilion at the S. W. end of the Esplanade.
Lord Dalhousie was Oovernor-Oeneral of India from 1848
to 1856, and it was during his administration that he
visited Singapore. The monument was removed from its
original site — only a few yards from where it now stands —
in 1891, because, owing to recent improvements in the
Esplanade, its remaining where it was would have impeded
the traffic.
In front of the Town Hall stands a monument, com-
memorating the first visit of the King of Siam to Singa-
pore — a bronze Elephant on a high pedestal, H. M. Som-
dech Phra Paramundr Maha Chulalonkom, King of Siam
(father of the present king), visited Singapore iu 1871.
Inscriptions on the pedestal in English, Chinese, Siamese,
and Malay record this fact.
In the middle of the Esplanade there is a fine statue
of Sir Thomas Stamford Eaffles, the founder ot \»\>L<^^^\^i^^-
54 Handbook to Singapore,
ment, erected in 1887. Sir Stamford is represented in a
standing posture, with folded arms, head slightly bent
and looking seawards. The pedestal is of grey granite,
and bears his coat of aims.
A monument to the late Colonel Ronald Macpher-
son, R.A., at one time Lieutenant-Governor and Colonial
Secretary in the Straits Settlements (06. 1867), stands in
the Cathedral Compound, facing the sea. It consists of a
pedestal and decorated shaft of grey and red granite, sur-
mounted by a Maltese cross.
Among the monuments there should be included the
handsome fountain presented to the town by the late Mr.
Tan Kim Seng, a Chinese gentleman, who in other ways
proved himself a public benefactor. The occasion of its
erection was the completion of the works by which a good
water-supply was brought to the town. The fountain
stands in Battery Road, opposite the General Post Office
and the Exchange.
Old Cemeteby.
The original burial-ground of the first residents in
Singapore is on the slope of Fort Canning Hill. It was
opened in 1822, and consecrated by the Bishop of Calcutta
in 1834 ; but was disused on the opening of the new
Cemetery in Bukit Timah Road in 1867. Here sleep some
of the fathers of the Colony, and many old residents. Two
Gothic gate-ways, at the north and south ends, afford an
entrance to the burial-ground ** where heaves the turf in
many a mouldeiing heap." In spite of care, many of the
old tomb stones and monuments are falling to pieces.
The southern half was allotted to members of the
Anglican communion, the northern to other Christian de-
BominaLtiona.
Public Buildings and Places of Interest, 55
POLICB COUET AND COXJET OF EeQUESTS.
The New Police Courts — a large and imposing
structure — are built at the south end of the Hong Lim
Green,* and face South Bridge Eoad. The building is T
shaped ; its architecture is mainly Corinthian ; a Mansard
roof crowns the centre. It was erected in 1884. Here sit
the Police Courts and the Court of Eequests (for sums
not exceeding §50).
Centeal Police Station.
(Malay Name — Bumah Faaong Besdr.)
Opposite the New Police Courts in South Bridge
Eoad. Erected in 1887. A disastrous explosion occurred
in the Court yard in 1891, when a detachment of police were
engaged in emptying old cartridges. Several constables
were killed, and more severely injured. The Central
Station is connected by telephone with all the town stations
and with some in the country districts.
Geneeal Post Office.
The General Post Office, originally a one-storey
pavilion, built in 1874, is now a handsome two-storey build-
ing, the addition being made in 1883. It stands between
the Exchange and the Master Attendant's Office, on the
site of Fort FuUertoD. The four corners are surmounted
by Mansard roofs ; and the general style of the building
and its ornamentation is of the Corinthian order.
• Called after Mr. Hong Lim, a Chinese gentleman, who contri-
buted $4,000 towards its upkeep. The green was originally offered by .
the Government to the Chinese population as a recreation-ground, on
condition that it should be properly kept. Had it not been for the
liberality of Mr. Hong Lim, this scheme would have faUftn ti\uc^>&!^.
56 Handbook to Singapore,
The interior consists of a largo hall, lighted froni
the roof, and round the hall, below, are the business
counters and oflSces, and above, on the second storey, a
gallery into which open other offices.
Eace Coubse.
(Malay Name — Pddang Lomba Kuda,)
The race-course is on a plain to the east of Govern-
ment Hill, and is approached by the Bukit Timah and
Kampong Java Eoads. The length of the course is nearly
a mile. The Singapore Sporting Club hold two race
meetings annually, in May and October. The Paddock
and Grand Stands are on the N. W. side of the course, off
Kampong Java Eoad. The course is also used as a golfing
links by the Singapore Golf Club. There used to bo a
rifle range on the course, but it was removed a few years
ago to Balestier. (See below),
Eaffles Institution.
(Malay Name — Skola Beedr.)
This, the largest educational establishment in the
Colony, is in Beach Eoad, facing the sea. It was founded
in 1823, by Sir Stamford Eaffles, whose name it bears, and
endowed by the Indian Government with large grants of
land. The land, however, was given back to the Govern-
ment in consideration of an annual grant in money.
Eaffles intended the Institution for the higher education
of Asiatics, but his plan was departed f i*om : it is now an
elementary English School, with special higher classes for
the benefit of intending competitors for the Queen's
Scholarships. (These Scholarships are open annually to
boys from any school in the Colony ; they arc intended to
help promising students to complete their education at one
or other of the British Universities.)
Public Buildings and Places of Interest. 57
The school is under the management of a Board
of Trustees. The Colonial Secretary, the Colonial Chap-
lain and the Principal Civil Medical Officer are ez-ojicio
trustees ; the rest are gentlemen appointed by the Board
with the sanction of His Excellency the Governor.
The Principal is R. W. HuUett, Esq., m.a. (Cantab.).
Included in the building are the temporary labora-
tories of the Government Analyst.
A Girls' School (Malay Name — Skola Miisy) was
added to the Institution in 1845. The building is in
Brass Bassa Eoad, adjoining the premises of the Boys'
School. It is a boarding school as well as a day school ;
and it is managed by a Ladies' Committee, acting under
the Board of Trustees.
Ratflbs Libbabt and Musbum.
(Malay Name — Rumah Kiidb or Tempat Buk.)
This building was opened in the Jubilee year of
Her Majesty the Queen (1887). It stands in Orchard
Road, at the foot of Fort Canning Hill. It is a long,
narrow edifice, of composite architecture, surmounted by
a dome. The original plans, designed by Hon. Major
McCallum, k.b., c.m.o., were drawn for a building double
the size of the present one, but the expenditure was dis-
allowed by the Colonial Office, so half of the proposed
building had to be sacrificed. The basement is occupied
by the Library, Reading Room, and Offices ; and the
upper floor is devoted to the Museum. Part of the build-
ing was reserved for the Curator's quarters, but owing
to the rapid extension of the Museum, this part is about
to be added to the public rooms and offices.
The Library contains about 20,000 volumes ; and the
Museum is rich in zoological and ethnological specimens
connected with Malaysia. The Reading room \& <^'^<^CL\i^
5^ HAmdho^k t9 Simifap^re^
ih0t pablk from 10 xjl to $ pjk. Hie Tniiunan n cnjoja
an annnaJ gnnt from Gorcmesii, and is managed by »
Cammittee, af^wmted bj the G^rvmMir, of vhich the CqId-
nial SeeretaiT is er afbio dainaan. (See also pw 37.)
The High Serrice Besezroir is on an eleration between
GoTemment and Sophia Hills. There are two cisterns,
holding together aboot 3.000,000 gallons, into which
water is forced bj a steam-pomp at the foot of the hiD.
Before being pumped up to the dstera, the water, brooght
in pipes from the Impounding Besenroir (viiis m/m),
passes through the large new filter beds in Buldt !nmah
Boad (opened in 1891). The grounds round the High
Serrice Beserroir are laid out as a garden, with flowers,
shrubs and trees. A number of garden seats are placed
along the foot-paths, and a Terr fine view, towards the
east and north, is to be had on a clear daj.
The Impounding Besenroir (Malaj Name — Kolam
Ayer) is on the left of Thomson Boad four miles from town.
(See page 39.) The Mimicipalitj arc at present enlarg-
ing it to nearly double its original size.
BiFLE Bangs, Balestieb.
(Malay Name — Tempat Tembak.*)
On the Balestier plain, behind the Tan Tock Seng
Hospital and opposite the Leper Hospital. There are two
butts — range 900 yards. The range is used by the
Singapore Biflo Association; the Swiss Bifle-Shootinc:
Olub have a smaller range of their own, further along
Ualesticr Boad.
^ Final k not lounded.
Public Buildings and Places of Interest. 59
Sailors' Home.
(Malay Name — Bumah KhlasL)
This institution, which is intended to supply board
and lodging to seamen on shore, stands at the corner of
Stamford Eoad and North Bridge Eoad, opposite St.
Andrew's Cathedral. It was established in 1851. The
charges are : —
For Officers $1.15 per diem
„ Seamen 75 „
Sailoes' Eest.
A Coffee-House and Reading-Room for seamen at
the western end of South Bridge Road. Evangelistic
services are_ held in the upper room on Sundays, and occa-
sionally during the week.
St. Andrew's House.
A Boarding-House for boys in connection with the
Church of England. The present building was erected in
1891 : it stands at the foot of Fort Canning Hill, in
Armenian Street, off Stamford Road.
St. Joseph's Institution,
Commonly called the Brothers' School, was founded
in 1852, by the French Missionary Society at the instiga-
tion of Father Beurel. It is now in a flourishing state,
though for five years (1880-1885) it was suspended owing
to the want of men to carry on the work. The building
with a small chapel attached, stands in Brass Bassa
Road, almost opposite the Church of the Good Shepherd.
The system of education in the seliool i^qtl y^^^V^ ^^»(s^:iSs^
6o Handbook to Singapore.
lines, religious instruction being gi^en, however, to the
pupils belonging to the Roman Catholic faith. A num-
per of boys are received as boarders.
Shbinb of Iskandss Khan.
(Malay Name — Krdmat Iskander Khan.)
This shrine is on the southern slope of Fort Canning
Hill, near the old Cemetery. Crossing part of the old
moat by a wooden bridge, the visitor enters the sacred
place, and finds himself in a grove of very old and lofty
trees, in the centre of which is a stucco-covered tomb,
closely railed in. A pan of incense is kept burning at the
foot of it day and night ; the railing and the trees are
covered with the memorials and offerings of the devout.
After sunset on Friday and Sunday evenings, crowds of
worshippers flock to this place. The shrine is believea to be
the resting-place of the Sultan Iskander, one of the heroes
of the Sejdrat Malayu^* on what authority it is hard to say.
The tomb was discovered by accident after the British
settlement in the island, when the jungle on Fort Canning
was being cut away. It is a very holy spot for Mahom-
medans, and visits to it are supposed to cure diseases. The
shrine must be visited on foot, since there is no carriage-
way to the spot. The best route is by a path that starts
from the foot of the hill behind the Eaffles Library and
Museum ; and this path may be struck either from Orchard
Boad or Coleman Street.
* The only English translation of the Sejdrat Maldyu known
to the writer is Leyden's Malay Annals, now out of print. Iskander
Khan or Iskander Shah is the Eastern name of Alexander the Great,
and seems to have been used as a title for various Mahommedan
aovereignB, The Sultans of Singapore always adopted it.
Public Buildings and Places of Interest. 6i
Shbinb of Habib Noob.
(Malay Name — Krdmai Hdbib Noor.)
This is a small mausoleum of oriental architecture,
which stands on a small knoll at Cursetjee's Corner
(Parsee Lodge), near the foot of Mount Palmer. Here
was buried a Mahommedan Saint, Habib Noor, who died
twenty or thirty years ago, after a life which gained a
great reputation for sanctity uot only in Singapore where
he lived, but throughout a large part of Malaysia. A
small Malay cemetery lies round the shrine. The
approach to it is from Anson Road.
SXJPBXME COUBT,
The Supreme Court is at the south ond of High
Street, facing the Esplanade. It is a large and airy build-
ing, two storeys in height. The architecture is mainly of
the Doric order, and the whole structure has a massive
appearance. It is surmounted by a small dome and flag-
staff. The building as it now stands is an improvement
(completed in 1873) of an older building erected in 1832.
Opening off the entrance hall are the Sheriff's and Regis-
trar's Departments : and on ascending the stair-case, the
Supreme Court is entered, behind which is the Puisne
Judges* Court.
Tanolin Babbacks.
The Infantry Barracks are in the Tanglin district,
about 3 miles to the N. W. of the town, and stand on an
elevation between Mount Echo and the Botanical Gardens.
The situation is airy and healthy ; the ground enclosed is
nearly one square mile iu extent, and within the enclosure
are the Officers* and Men s Quarters, Shops, Mngazine,
the Parade ground, rifle range (800 yards), and a large
amount of open space for recreation and exercise.
62 Handbook to Singapore.
Town Hall.
Between the Government Offices and the Esplanade
stands the Town Hall, a highly ornamental building of
composite architecture. It is two storeys high, and on each
storey there is a large hall. The lower hall, which can be
seated to hold over 300 people, is fitted with a small stage,
and is used for theatrical and other entertainments. The
upper hall, with a small galleiy at the far end, is a good
concert aod ball-room. Bound the walls are himg por-
traits of some well-known gentlemen connected with Singa*
pore and the Straits Settlements. The following is a list
of the pictures : —
Col. W. J. Batterworth, Governor of Singapore from
1843 to 1855.
Major-General William Orfeur Cavenagh, Governor
from 1861 to 1867, ]>ainted by public subscription, 1868.
Thomas Scott, Esq. (of Messrs. Guthrie & Co.), pre-
sented by Mr. Gan Eng Seng.
W. H. Eead, Esq., c.m.o.
General Sir Harry St. George Ord, first Governor of
the Straits Settlements, after their transfer to the Crown
(1867-1873).
Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, q.c.m.q., presented by
Mr. Cheang Hong Lim, in 1891.
The side rooms on both floors are used as Municipal
Offices during the day. There are spacious front and side
verandahs on the upper floor, and a side verandah or
corridor on the lower.
Tyersall.
(Malay Name — Bilmah Maharaja,)
This large and palatial building is the Singapore rcsi-
dence of H. H. the Sultan of JohoTe. OT\^na.Uy a small
Public Buildings and Places of Interest. 63
country house, it has been added to, or rather rebuilt on
a much larger scale, in the present year. It stands on the
top of a hill near the gardens, in the middle of a well-laid
out demesne.
Whampoa's Gabdens.
(Malay Name — Whampoa piinya Kehun Bungah.)
For many years the private gardens of Mr. Whampoa,
a Chinese gentleman, have been considered one of the chief
sights of Singapore.
By the courtesy of the proprietor the public are freely
admitted to the gardens, which are very beautifully laid
out, and are well worth a visit. They are in Serangoon
Boad (right hand side) two miles from town.
Note : — The Malay names of places arc not given in cases
where the English names arc usually understood
by the syces.
For a list of Malay names of places in common use,
and some Malay phrases, sec Chap. IX.
CHAPTER VI.
Places op Wobship and Hospitals.
HE diversity of races in Singapore is made
evident to the eye by the many buildings
throughout the town and island devoted to
the purposes of religion. A list of these follows, with
brief descriptions of the principal ones.
1. The Chubch op England.
St. Andrew's Cathedral stands near the Esplanade.
The present building, erected by convict labour, on a site
consecrated in 1838, where old St. Andrew's Church stood
from 1837 to 1856, was opened in 1862, and constituted
the Cathedral Church of the diocese in 1870. The diocese
under the present Bishop, the Right Rev. G-eorge F. Hose,
D.D.— includes Singapore, Sarawak and Labuan. The
Cathedral is an imposing G-othic building sunnounted by
a fine spire ; its length, including itie chancel is 250 feet,
the height of the nave is 79 feet and of the spire 204 feet.
The main-door is under the spire at the western end of
the Church, and over it is a stained glass window repre-
senting the four evangelists. Close to the main-door
stands a marble font of simple and chaste design. A few
mural tablets and memorial brasses adorn the walls of
the Church. The chancel is lighted by four stained-glass
windows covered with floral designs. A fine peal of bells
was presented by the heirs of the late Captain I. S. M.
Eraser, h.e.i.c.s., in 1889. In the Cathedral compound,
which is tastefully laid out as a garden and adorned with
trees and shrubs, stands a monument to Colonel Ronald
Macpberaon, b.a. (seep. 54), who designed the building.
Places of Worship and Hospitals. 65
Hours of SeiTicc on Sundays: — 7.15 a.m., 9.30 a.m.
and 5.30 p.m. Daily Service at 5 p.m.
Sittings in the Cathedral are free at the early
morning service, and at all other services after the entrance
of the Clergy. The Cathedral is open daily from 10 a.m.
to 6.30 p.m.
St. Andrew's Mission Chapel, on the slope of
Fort Canning Hill, near the junction of Stamford Road
and Orchard Road. Services are conducted here in
English, Malay, Tamil and Chinese. Morning Prayer
is read daily at 8.30 a.m. There is a small Mission
Chapel also at Jurong.
The Church of England is the Established Church of
the Colony ; a sum of more than $10,000 per annum is
paid out of the Colonial revenues towards its support.*
2. The Presbyterian Church of England.
The Presbyterian Church* (commonly called **the
Scotch Church") is in Orchard Road, opposite the Ladies'
Lawn Tennis Club. The congregation was organised in
1859, and the present Church, a plain building with a
decorated porch and belfry, was opened in 1878. It is
under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Presbytery of
London (North). Hours of Service on Sunday : — 7.30
a.m. and 4.45 p.m. Weekly Service: — Wednesdays at
8.15 p.m.
Services after the Presbyterian form are conducted
also in the Reading Rooms of Tanjong Pagar and New
Harbour Docks at 9 am. and 10 a.m. respectively.
Baba Mission Chapel, Prinsep Street. This is the
head-quarters of the English Presbyterian Mission to the
* This sum includes the grants for Penang and Malacca, as well
as for Singapore.
66 Handbook to Singapore,
Chinese, which has stations at Bukit Timah, Serangoon,
<fec., on the island, and also at Johor Bahru and Muar
in the Peninsula.
3. The Methodist Episcopal Church.
This is a small Church, in connection with the
Methodist Episcopal Mission (American), built about five
years ago. The Mission has a large and flourishing school
attached— the Anglo-Chinese School. Both Church and
School are in Coleman Street, at t*lie foot of Fort Canning
Hill. Hours of Service on Sunday, in the Church, 7 a.m.
and 5 P.M. Week-night services on Tuesday, Thursday
and Friday at 7.30 p.m.
4. Roman Catholic.
The majority of the Christian population of Singa-
pore profess the Eoman Catholic faith. The Bishopric
of the Diocese of Malacca, which dates from the mission-
ary journey of St. Francis Xavier in the 16th century, is at
present held by the Right Rev. Edward Gasnier, d.d. The
Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd is in Brass Bassa
Road. The foundation-stone was laid in 1843, and the
Church opened for Divine Service in 1847. The building is
cruciform, surmounted by a spire 161 feet high. Over the
high altar stands an image of the Good Shepherd, with a
lamb on his shoulder, and on either side, in separate niches,
images of SS. Peter and Paul. In the eastern transept
is an altar to the B. V. Mary, on the left of which is a
piece of statuary representing Our Lady of Sorrows, hold-
ing the dead Christ in her arms. A statue of St. Francis
Xavier in his pontifical robes is on the other side. An
altar to St. Joseph, with the statue of the Sacred Heart on
the left, is in the western transept. The walls of the
Places of Worship and Hospitals, 67
Church are adorned by fourteen paintings representing
scenes from Our Lord's Passion. Over the door in the
eastern transept is a large painting of the martyrdom of
St. Sebastian. The Church is seated for 1,400 persons.
There are also the Church of SS. Peter and Paul,
Queen Street, and the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes,
Ophir Road, the latter being used by the Tamil Mission.
There are two Mission Chapels — St. Joseph's Church
at Bukit Timah, and St. Mary's Church at Serangoon.
All the foregoing are supported by the French Mission,
the Society for the Propagation of the Faith (Paris).
The Procure des Missions Etrangeres is at the
junction of River Valley Road and Oxley Road.
The Portuguese Catholics own the jurisdiction of the
Bishop of Macao, and worship in the Church of St. Joseph,
Victoria Street, which is seated for about 600 persons.
5. Armenian.
The Church of St. G-regory, Hill Street, is similar in
general external appearance to the Church of the Good
Shepherd, and is the oldest ecclesiastical building in
Singapore. It was erected in 1835. Hours of Service on
Sunday — 8 to 10 a.m. Daily Services at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
6. Miscellaneous.
The Chinese Gospel House, North Bridge Road,
Bethesda Free Meeting House, Brass Bassa Road.
The Christian Institute, Waterloo Street.
The Sailors' Rest, South Bridge Road.
The Military Chapel at Tanglin is used by different
denomiuations at different hours.
Jewish.
There is a Jewish Synagogue in Waterloo Street.
68 Handbook to Singapore.
Mahommedan.
There are in all twenty-three mosques in the island
of Singapore. The two best known in town are those in
North Bridge Road (Kampong Grlam district) and in South
Bridge Eoad, between Tanjong Pagar and the centre of
the town. The Malays are all Mahommedan ; they were
converted to Islam by Arab influences about the 12th
or 13th century of the Christian era. Most of the Indians
in Singapore profess the Mussulman faith.
Indian and Chinese Temples.
These are very numerous, and scattered about the
town and island everywhere ; the most numerous being,
of course, the Chinese. They are easily distinguished by
their architecture from the mosques, which are severely
plain in structure, and from one another ; the peculiarities
of Indian and Chinese architecture need no description
to enable the visitor to distinguish them. The best known
of the Indian temples are the so called " Chitty temple"*
in Tank Road, and the large temple in South Bridge
Road, near the mosque alluded to in the above paragraph.
* *
«
HOSPITALS.
1. The General Hospitalf is a large and airy building
at Sepoy Lines, two miles from the centre of the town.
Here originally stood the Sepoy Barracks, where troops
* So called, because the Indian Chitties (i.e., money lenders,)
worship there. Each caste of Indians has a temple of its own ; and
it seems that there is a temple for every trade or occupation in the
town.
f Mala^ Name — Rumah Orang Sakit.
Places of Worship and Hospitals, 69
were stationed in the days of the East India Company.
Till about ten years ago, the General Hospital was in the
Bukit Timah Road — the building now called the Lock
Hospital (^.v.) — but owing to an epidemic scare, the
patients were transferred to the Sepoy BaiTacks, and these
soon being found inadequate for local requirements, the
present roomy building was erected in 1882.
Two large barrack- wards, 169 ft, by 51 ft., containing
40 beds each, with other smaller wards, occupy the upper
storey. A cool verandah runs round the building, and by
this and other means the Hospital is kept well ventilated.
There are two small female wards in an attap-roofed
bungalow, detached from the main building. The dis-
eases treated in the Hospital are general. The number
of patients treated during 1890 was 2,455 ; of these 2103
were discharged and 73 died.
The nurses at the General Hospital are Sisters from
the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus ; and there is but
one opinion in Singapore about the way in which they dis-
charge their duties.
2. The Lunatic Asylum* is also at Sepoy Lines, on a
hill near the Criminal Prison. After the transference of
the General Hospital from Bukit Timah Road to Sepoy
Lines, the old building was used for some years as a
Lunatic Asylum, until the present asylum was ready for
occupation. The number of patients received during 1890
was 254.
3. The Lock Hospital in Bukit Timah Road, was
originally [vid^ supraj the General Hospital and afterwards
the Lunatic Asylum. It is now used as a Hospital for
contagious diseases. It is a low one-storey building, con-
taining two wards, each containing about twelve beds.
• Malay Name — liumah Orang Oila,
70 Handbook to Singapore,
4. The Tan Tock Seng or Pauper Hospital, the
largest Hospital in the Colony, is situated iu Serangoon
Boad, three miles from town. Founded by the late Mr.
Tan Tock Seng, a wealthy Chinese gentleman, in 1844, it
was added to in 1854, by his son Mr. Tan Kim Ching, the
late Siamese Consul in Singapore, who died in the present
year, and in 1887 by subscriptions from the Chinese com-
munity. The Hospital has room for more than 600
patients at oue time. There are 17 wards in all; twelve
of a large and five of moderate size. The building, which
has a very pleasing appearance externally, stands in
grounds of about 18 acres in extent. 5,891 patients were
treated in 1890, of whom 4,319 were discharged, cured or
relieved, and 948 died.
6. The Prison Hospital. See p. 49.
6. The Leper Hospital is on Balestier Plain, behind
the Tan Tock Seng Hospital,
7. The Maternity Hospital and Out Door Dispensary
is in Victoria Street, near Stamford Road, about a quarter
of a mile from the Cathedral.
8. The Quarantine Hospital is in St. John's Island
in the Singapore Strait, at the Quarantine Station.
The Government Grants to hospitals in Singapore,
amounted in 1890 to $51,959.10, exclusive of Medical
Officers' salaries.
CHAPTER VII.
The Population op Sinoapoee.
^f^N 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles landed, the
4ll|) population of the island was estimated as under
^^^^ 200. The foundation of a British trading
settlement attracted many immigrants both from
China and the Archipelago, so that by 1822, the number
of inhabitants was reckoned at 10,000. From that time
the population has steadily risen till, according to the
last census (1891), the grand total of 184,554 has been
reached.* The population is very mixed ; few nations and
languages are unrepresented. The details of the last
census are as follows : — European and American residents
5,254; Eurasians, 3,589 ; Chinese, 121,908; Malays and
other natives of the Archipelago,t 35,992 ; Natives of
India and Burmah, 16,035 ; other nationalities (Arabs,
Armenians, Persians, Egyptians, Singhalese, Siamese,
Anamese, Japanese, Jews and Negroes), 1,776. It will
thus be seen that the Chinese number 66 per cent, of the
whole population ; but of the 122,000 over 12,000 are
Straits bom (Bahas). About a third of the Chinese are
Hok-kiens (45,000).
The lingua franca of the Straits Settlements is Malay
(see Chap. XV.) ; which is the language generally used
in commerce, and between Asiatics of different races. It
• In 1826, the population was estimated at 13,732 ; in 1831, at
20,000 ; and 1840, at 39,681 ; and in 1881 at 139,208.
t These include Achinese, Boyancse, Bu^^s, Dyaks, Javanese,
JawiPekkans, and Manilamen. {See p. 74.)
72 Handbook to Singapore.
is not uncommon to hear two Chinamen, who speak
different dialects of Chinese, conversing in Malay.
The Malays, though not the aborigines of the Penin-
sula, were the dominant race when the Europeans first
came on the scene. Mr, Alfred Russel Wallace thus
describes the physical, mental and moral characteristics
of this interesting people. "The colour is alight
reddish brown, with more or less of an olive tinge, not
varying in any important degree over an extent of country
as large as all Southern Europe. The hair is equally
constant, being invariably black and straight, and of a
rather coarse texture, so that any lighter tint, or any
wave or curl in it, is almost certain proof of the admixture
of some foreign blood. The face is nearly destitute of
beard, and the breast and limbs are free from hair. The
stature is tolerably equal, and is always considerably
below that of the average European ; the body is robust,
the breast well-developed, the feet small, thick and
short, the hands small and rather delicate, the face
is a little broad, and inclined to be flat ; the forehead is
rather rounded, the brows low, the eyes black and very
slightly oblique ; the nose is rather small, not prominent,
but straight and well-shaped, the apex a little rounded,
the nostrils broad and slightly exposed ; the cheek-bones
are rather prominent, the mouth large, the lips broad and
well-cut, but not protruding, the chin round and well-
formed.
" In this description there seems little to object to
on the score of beauty, and yet, on the whole, the Malays
are certainly not handsome. In youth, however, they are
often very good-looking, and many of the boys and girls
up to twelve or fifteen years of age are very pleasing, and
some have countenances which are in their wav almost
perfect'' "In character the Malay is impas-
The Population of Singapore. 73
sive. He exhibits a reserve, diffidence and even bashf ill-
ness, which is in some degree attractive, and leads the
observer to think that the ferocious and blood-thirsty
character imputed to the race must be grossly exaggerated.
He is not demonstrative. His feelings of surprise, admir-
ation, or fear are never openly manifested, and are probably
not strongly felt. He is slow and deliberate in speech,
and circuitous in 'introducing the subject he has come
expressly to discuss.* These are the main features of his
moral nature, and exhibit themselves in every action of
his life.
" The higher classes of the Malays are exceedingly
l^olite, and have all the quiet ease and dignity of the
best-bred Europeans. Yet this is compatible with a
reckless cruelty and contempt of human life, which is the
dark side of their character.f It is not to be wondered
at, therefore, that different persons give totally opposite
accounts of them — one praising them for their soberness,
civility, and good nature ; another abusing them for their
deceit, treachery and cruelty." " The intel-
lect of the Malay race seems rather deficient. They are
incapable of anything beyond the simplest combinations
of ideas, and have little taste or energy for the acquire-
ment of knowledge. J Their civilization, such as it is, does
not seem to be indigenous, as it is entirely confined to
those nations who have been converted to the Mahomme-
dan or Brahminical religions."
Nothing need be added to this description by Mr.
Wallace, except that of all the Asiatics in the Straits the
* This last is a characteristic of most Asiatics.
t It need hardly be said that where British influence is supreme
these qualities are repressed, and will probably die out from want of
exercise.
X This is probably one reason why the Malay literature is
imitative rather than original. (See Ch^-^. X\ >,
74 Handbook to Singapore,
Malays are the laziest. The religion of the Malays in the
Straits Settlements and in the Peninsula is Mahommedan.
The Brahminical Malays, referred to above, are found in
the islands of Bali and Lombok to the south-east of Java,
and also in the hill-countrv of Java.
In Singapore there are representatives of at least
seven Malay tribes — Achinese, from the north-weat of
Sumatra, Boyanese, from Bawean, a small island north of
Java ; Bugis from the Celebes ; Dyaks, the savage tribe of
BorDeo; Javanese, Jawi Pekkans, or Jawi Peranakkans, a
mixed native race, belonging to the Settlement,* and
Manilamen from the Philippines. The Malays in Singapore
are largely employed in fishiog : many take service as
coachmen, grooms, gardeners and police. The fishing
population live in attap houses built on piles on the sea
shore between the high and low water mark ; and those
for whom dwellings are not provided in connection with
their work, live in similar houses built inland.
Chinese characteristics are too well-known to need
description here. In Singapore they form by far the
largest part of the industrial population, they supply the
labour on the plantations, at the docks and wharves; they
are bricklayers, carpenters, boatmen, ricksha coolies,
market-gardeners, tailors, shoe-makers, bakers, <fec., &c.
There are thousands of Chinese shops throughout the town,
large and small, stored with goods from all parts of the
world. Almost all the domestic servants are Chinese; so
are many of the clerks employed in the banks, offices, and
stores: and there is a considerable number of prosperous
and wealthy Chinese merchants who can hold their own
with the European firms. Of the different Chinese races
* Born in Singapore, not necessarily Malays. Mothers frequently
Malay,
The Population of Singapore. 75
there are representatives of at least five in Singapore —
Hok-kiens (the most numerous) ; Hykims, Cantonese or
Macaos (these two, especially the former, are mostly
domestic servants); Teo Chews and Kehs.* The peculi-
arities of Chinese architecture and house decoration may
be seen in all parts of the town.
The various Indian races are very variously employed
from the Chitty, or money-lender, to the hack-gharry syce,
the dhobi (or washerman) and the coolie. Many Indians
are employed as messengers in the offices and shops;
some enter domestic service; while others pursue various
industries. The Armenians, Parsees, Arabs and Jews
are mainly traders.
The diversity of races, pursuits, languages, customs
and dress in Singapore is a source of never failing interest
to the observer. The variety of the world is compressed
into a few streets before his eyes.
* The Hok-kiens come from Amoy, the Teo Chews from the
Swatow district, and the Kehs from the Hakka country ; ivhile the
Hylams come from the island of Hainan*
CHAPTER VIII,
Clubs, Societies, Banks, Consulates, Hotels,
Shops, &c.
Clubs : —
Marine Club ... ... Battery Road.
Masonic Club ... ... Coleman Street.
Tanglin Club ... ... Steven's Road — [contain-
ing a Ball-room, Theatre,
Billiard-room and Bowl-
ing Alleys].
Teutonia Club (or Ger-
man Club) ... ... Scott's Road.
Singapore Club (see under Exchange, p. 48.)
Literary and Scientific Societies : —
Anglo-Chinese Literary
Association ... ... Coleman Street (M. E.
Chapel).
German Reading Club.
Royal Asiatic Society (Straits Branch) .
Singapore Debating Society.
Straits Medical Association.
Political : —
Imperial Federation League.
Straits Association (Singapore Branch).
Clubs, Societies, &c. 77
Musical : —
Philharmonic Society of St. Cecilia.
Singapore Philharmonic Society.
RELiaious : —
British and Foreign Bible
Society ... ... 46, Raffles Place.
Chinese Christian Associa-
tion ... ... Prinsep Street Cha]^)ol.
Confraternity of the Bless-
ed Lady of Rosary and
St. Francis Xavier ... St, Joseph's Church, Vic-
toria Street,
Society of St. Anthony of Padua.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
SpoRTiNa AND Athletic ; —
Cycling Club.
Ladies* Lawn Tennis Club,* Orchard Road (see p. 52)
St. Andrew's Cycling Club,t
Singapore Cricket Club,J Esplanade (see p. 47)
Do. Golf Club ... Race Course, Kampong
Java Road (see p. 56)
Do. Recreation
Club ... Esplanade {see -p, 47).
Do. Rifle Associa-
tion ... Balestier Plain {seep. 58)
Do. Rowing Club,§
Do. Sporting Club, Race Course, Kampong
Java Road {see p. 66)
Swiss Rifle Shooting Club, Balestier Plain {see p. 58)
* Colours, light blue .and chocolate.
t Coloivrs, St. Andrew's Cross on white ground.
X Colours, black and yellow.
§ Colours^ light and dark blue.
7 8 Handbook to Singapore*
Sporting and Athletic — conid.
Straits Chinese Eecrea-
tionClub ... ...Hong Lim Green, New
Bridge Road {see p. 55 Note)
Tanjong Pagar Football Association (Chinese),
Masonic ; —
District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago.
Lodge Zetland in the East, No. 508.
Lodge St. George, No. 1152.
Dalhousie Royal Arch Chapter, No. 508.
Rose Croix Chapter, 188 (IVlount Calvary in the East,
No. 47).
Dunlop Masonic Benevolent Society.
Adullam Conclave, No. 1 7 (Order of the Secret Monitor).
Singapore Emulation Lodge of Instruction, No. 608
(E.C.).
Star of the East Preceptory and Priory, No. 85.
Eduljee Jamsetjee Mark Master's Lodge.
Between 1875 and 1879, Masonic Meetings wore held
in a house in Beach Road. In the latter year, the
Masonic Hall (Coleman Street, at the Foot of Fort
Canning) was erected. It was then a builling of one
storey ; but in 1887, another storey was atbled, which
contains a fine hall.
Miscellaneous : —
Association of Engineers.
Masters* and Mates' Association, S.S*
Pilot Club, Tanjong Pagar.
St. John's Ambulance Association.
Singapore Amateur Photographic Society, 53, Hill St.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
* *
*
t
Banks and Consulates. 79
The following is a list of the principal shops and
offices which visitors to Singapore may find it necessary
to visit.
Banks : —
Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China,*
Ilaffles Place.
Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London and
China, 27, Eaffles Pla(;e.
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, f
CoUyer Quay.
New Oriental Bank Corporation, Eaffles Place.
Consulates : —
Austro-Hungary ... Battery Road.
Belgium ... ... 1, Boat Quay.
Brazil ... ... 28, Malacca Street.
China ... ... Hill Street.
Denmark ... ... 4, Cecil Street.
France ... ... 124, River Valley Eoad.
Germany ... ... Battery Road-
Japan ... ... 21, Sophia Road.
Italy ... ... River Valley Road.
Netherlands ... ... Battery Road.
Portugal ... ... River Valley Road.
Russia ... ... 1, Cecil Street.
Siam
Spain ... ... 93, Neil Road.
Sweden and Norway ... CoUyer Quay,
United States ... ... Battery Road.
[N,B, — The Consulates have the flags of the nations
they represeut flying above their Offices].
* •* Chartered Bank," " Mercantile Bank," " Hongkong Bank,"
and '* Oriental Bank" (or Bank Lamah) are the names to be used in
directing native syces.
f The H. and S. B. Corporation are building new offices at the
corner of Battery Hoad and Collyer Quay, opposite the Exchi3.\i<^<^,
8o
Handbook to Singapore.
Hotels : —
Adelphi Hotel...
Albion Hotel ...
Beach Hotel ...
Central Hotel...
Hotel de TEurope
Hotel de la Paix
Raffles Hotel ...
Straits Hotel ...
Tanjong Katong Hotel ...
Union Hotel ...
Victoria Hotel
Livery Stables : — See p. 82.
Post Office \—See p. 55.
Teleoraph Office, Prince Street, between Eaffles Place
and Colly er Quay.
Tiffin and Billiard Rooms : —
Emmerson's Tiffin and Bil-
liard Rooms ... Near Cavenagh Bridge.
Raffles Tiffin and Billiard
Rooms ... ... Raffles Place.
1, Coleman Street.
59, Hill Street.
4, Beach Road.
1, Stamford Road.
Esplanade.
Coleman Street.
2, Beach Road.
2, Stamford Road.
Tanjong Katong.
North Bridge Road.
135, Victoria Street.
General Stores : —
Ann Lock & Co.*
Joseph Bastiani
Geok Teat & Co.
Katz Brothers
John Little & Co.
... 13, Battery Road.
... 5, High Street.
. . 11, Battery Road.
... Klin g Street.
... Raffles Place.
* In directing the syce, it is generally enough to say — Fergi
ka (here insert name of the firm) punya podown.
Booksellers and Stationers, &€. 8i
Booksellers and Stationers : —
Singapore and Straits
Printing Office ... Robinson Street.
Kellj and Walsh. ... 5, Battery Road.
John Little and Co. ... Raffles Place.
Printers and Booc-binders : —
Singapore and -Straits
Printing Office . . . Robinson Street-
Newspaper Offices : —
"Singapore Free Press'* . . 20a, Colly or Quay.
"Straits Times" ... Chaui^e Alley. Raffles Place.
Tailors AND Outfitters:—
Chong Fee, Gee Chong
&Co. ... 65-67. High Street.
Johu Little & Co. . . . Raffles Place.
Robinson & Co. ... 23, Coliyer Quay.
Dispensaries : —
The Dispensary ... 43, Raffles Place.
Singapore Dispensary . . . 40, Raffles Place.
Maynard&Co. ... 14-17, Battery Road.
Mineral and Aerated Water Manufacturers : —
Singapore and Straits
Aerated Water Co. ... Robinson Street.
•* The Dispensary ** Aera-
ted Water Works . . . Brass Bassa Road.
Singapore Aerated Water
% Factory ... High Street.
Furniture Warehouses : —
Katz Brothers. ... Kling Street.
Knight & Co. . . Battery Road and Hill St.
John Little & Co, . Raffles Place.
Powell & Co. ... 16-18, d'Almeida Street
and Tank Road.
CHAPTER IX.
Bates of Hibe fob Pbivate and Hackney Cabbiaoes,
WITH Tables of Distances.
IRIVATE Carriages may be hired from the
following Livery Stables: —
F. Clarke & Co., Hill Street.
A. Holley (Lambert Brothers), Orchard Road.
The Straits Horse Repository and Livery Stables —
(H. Abrams), comer of North Bridge and Brass Bassa
Roads.
The charge for a carriage and pair is $5 per day ; for a
can'iage with one horse ?3 per day ; there being an extra
charge, in both cases, if the carriage is used after 7 p.m.
For more than one day the charges are as follows : —
Carriage and Carriage and
pair. one horse.
One month or more, per day 33.00 . . . $2.50
Half month, per day ... 3.50 ... 2.00
One week (7 days), per day 4.00 ... 3.00
Saddle horses can be hired at $2 per day.
[N.B. — These charges are approximate.]
Hackney Carriages may be hired at the following
rates (2nd class carriages) : —
$ c.
For any distance not exceeding half-a-mile 15*
For any distance, exceeding half-a-mile but
not exceeding a mile ... ... 20
For every additional mile or part of a mile 10
* For 3rd class carriages, the rate is 5 cents less. Every
gharry baa its chsa clearly marked on the doors.
Rates of Hire for Carriages. 83
Additional Fares : — $ c.
If the carriage is discharged at a distance
from the Central Police Station exceed-
ing 2 miles, but not exceeding 3, there
must be paid an additional fare of ... 10
If it is discharged at a distance exceeding
3 miles, but not exceeding 4, the addi-
tional fare is ... ... ... 20
If the carriage is used between the hours
of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., half the above fares
are charged in addition.
Time Fabes : —
Any hirer shall be at liberty to engage a
carriage for a whole day, and to require
the driver to drive any distance not ex-
ceeding 10 miles to any place or places
within a radius of 4 miles from the
Central Police Station, paying for the
same ... ... ... ... 1 25*
No driver shall be required to drive a
greater distance than 10 miles in any
one day, or to remain engaged for more
than 8 hours at a time; and no driver
shall be entitled to claim as payment for
any distance driven or any time during
which he may be detained in one day
more than ... ... ... ... 1 50*
For every hour or part of an hour during
which any carriage may be detained
beyond the first half hour of detention,
an additional charge is made of ... 10
* For 3rd elass carriages, 25 cents les3.
84 • Handbook to Singapore,
The fare for jinrickshas is 3 cents per half-mile for
one passenger for a distance not exceeding 5 miles. At
night (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) an extra cent per half-mile may
be charged . A j inricksha may be hired for one day (i.e. , not
more than 8 hours, and covering a distance of not more
than 10 miles) for the maximum charge of 80 cents,
including charges for detention. An extra charge of
half the fare is made when there are two passengers.
Visitors to Singapore are warned against the extor-
tionate charges made by the gharry-syces. The above
tables give the legal fares. When a dispute arises, the
order to drive to the Police Station (Pergi ka rumah
pasong*) will bring the syce to reason, if his charges are
exorbitant. Another trick of gharry-syces is to drive to
their destination by a circuitous route, so as to be able to
demand legally more than their proper fare. The follow-
ing tables of distances are appended to enable strangers
in Singapore to estimate the legal fare payable. f
Tables of Distances,
N.B. — The distances in these tables are reckoned
from the General Post Office, in the heart of the town,
near which are Johnston's Pier, the Exchange, the
Singapore Club, the Volunteer Drill Hall and the Master
Attendant's Office. The mile-stones on the roads mark the
distance from St. Andre w^s Cathedral.
I. — Not exceeding half a mile.
Banks: —
Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China,
Raffles Place.
Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London and
China, Eaffles Place.
* Pronounce Piggy ka roomah pah^ong.
t When asked the amount of their fare Syces generally answer
Tuan for Mem) puny a suka, i.e., " what Master (or Madam) pleases."
^"^a wore than the lecfal fare should be given.
Tables of Distances.
85
Hongkong and Shaughai Banking Corporation,
Collyer Quay.
New Oriental Banking Corporation, Raffles Place.
Consulates : —
Austro-Hungarian
Battery Road.
Belgian
1, Boat Quay.
Brazilian
Raffles Place.
Chinese
Hill Street.
Danish
4, Cecil Street.
Dutch
Battery Road.
German
Battery Road.
Russian
D* Almeida Street.
Siamese
Swedish and Norwegian . . .
Collyer Quay.
United States of America
Battery Road.
Esplanade and Cricket Pavilion.
Groverument Offices.
Hotels : —
Adelphi Hotel
Coleman Street.
Hotel de la Paix
Coleman Street.
Hotel de rEuroi»e
Esplanade.
Magistrates' Courts
South Bridge Road.
Police Station (Central)
South Bridge Road.
Sailors' Home
North Bridge Road.
" Singapore Free Press " Office 20a, Collyer Quay.
Singapore and Straits Printing
Office ... ... Robinson Street.
Singapore and Straits Aerated
Water Co. ... ... Robinson Street.
St. Andrew's Cathedral . . . Esplanade.
*' Straits Times " Office . . . Change Alley, Raffles Place.
Supreme Court ... ... Corner of High Street and
86 Handbook to Singapore.
Distances. — Not exceeding Half-a-mile. — Continued.
Telegraph Office ... ... Prince Street.
Town Hall ... ... South end of Esplanade.
Town Market ... ... CoUyer Quay.
n. — Exceeding half-a-mile, but not exceeding
ONE MILE.
Chinese Protectorate ... South Bridge Road.
Chubches : —
Cathedral Church of the
Good Shepherd (B.C.) Brass Bassa Boad.
Metho d i s t-E piscopal
Church ... ... Coleman Street.
Presbyterian Church . . . Orchard Boad.
St. Andrew's Mission
Chapel ... ... Stamford Boad.
St. Gregoiy's Church
(Armenian) ... ... Hill Street.
Convent of the Holy Infant
Jesus ... ... ... North Bridge Boad.
Ellenborough Market ... Near New Bridge Boad.
Hotels : —
Beach Hotel ... ... Beach Boad,
Central „ ... ... Stamford Boad.
Baffles M ... ... Beach Boad.
Straits „ ... ... Stamford Boad.
Ladies Lawn Tennis Club ... Orchard Boad.
LivEBY Stables : —
H. Abram's Stables ... Brass Bassa Boad.
F. Clarke & Co. ... Hill Street.
Maternity Hospital . . . Victoria Street.
Baffles Library and Museum... Orchard Boad.
Baffles Institution ... Beach Boad.
Baffles Girls' School ... Brass Bassa Boad.
St. Joseph's Institution
C Brothers* School") ... Bra^a Bassa Boad.
Table of Distances, 87
in.— -OvBE One Mile.
N,B. — To find the distance between any of the
wharves and any of the following places, add to the
figures opposite the name of the place the distance between
the Post Ofl&ce and the particular wharf ; except where
the name is marked with an asterisk (*), which signifies
that the place lies either between the wharves and the
town, or in a different direction.
Barracks, Fort Canning (Artillery) ...
Do. Tanglin (Infantry)
•Borneo Wharf (French and German
Mail Steamers)
Botanical Gardens
Bukit Timah (Police Station)
Do. (Summit and Bungalow)
Cemetery (Christian), Bukit Timah
ixoacL ... ... ... , , .
Changhi Bungalow
Clyde Terrace Market
♦Criminal Prison ...
Filter Beds, Bukit Timah Road
Fort Canning — Barracks ...
French Consulate, River Valley Road
Gardens (Botanical)
Do. (Whampoa's)
Gas Works, Rochore
General Hospital, Sepoy Lines
German (Teutonia) Club, Scott's Road
Golf Links (Race Course) ...
Government House
Impounding Reservoir, Thomson Road
Italian Consulate, River Valley Road
Mis.
Fur.
1
1
3
6
2
2
3
6
7
8
4
2
14
1
2
1
5
2
1
1
1
3
3
6
2
3
1
7
1
4
2
4
2
2
4
7
1
4
88 Handbook to Singapore.
Table of Distances — Over One Mile— Cowhnwerf.
Mis. Fur.
Japanese Consulate, 21, Sophia Koad 1 5
Kranji Police Station and Pier (for
Johor)
Livery Stables — Lambert Brothers' ...
*Lunatic Asylum ...
*Moimt Faber
*New Harbour Dock
Orchard Road Market
Do. Police Station
Pauper Hospital (Tan Tock Seng's)
Serangoon Road
*P. & O. Wharf or Tduk Blangah ...
* Pearl's Hill (Army Head Quarters
Office)
*Portuguese Consulate, 93, Neil Road
*Prison (Criminal) Sepoy Lines
Race Course, Kampong Java Road . . .
Rifle Range, Balestier, Serangoon
Road
Rochore Market ...
Selitar, Police Station and Bungalow
Sepoy Lines
Spanish Consulate, 93, Neil Road . . .
Tanglin Barracks (Infantry)
Do. Club, Steven's Road
TanjongKatong — Hotel and Bungalow
*Tanjong Pagar Docks and Wharves...
Tan Tock Seng (Pauper) Hospital . . .
Teutonia (Q-erman) Club, Scott's Road
Tyersall (H.H. Sultan of Johor), Napier
Road
Water-works — Impounding Reservoir,
Thomson Road
14
U
1
3
2
2
5
3
3
1
5
2
2
7
2
5
1
5
1
4
1
5
2
3
2
I
6
9
I
1
o
1
4
3
6
2
4
5
4
1
3
2
7
2
4
4
4
7
Mai ay Names of Places 89
Mis. Fur.
Water-works — High Level Reservoir,
Sophia Hill ... ... 1 6
* Wharf — Borneo Co.'s (far end of Tau-
jong Pagar) ... ... 2 2
* Do. R & O. S. N. Co.'s., Teluk
Blangah ... ... 2 5
* Do. Tanjong Pagar .... ... 1 3
A few of the native sjces know the English names
of places, but the majority do not. A list of the names
of the principal buildings and places of interest, in Malay,
is therefore appended, to aid visitors in finding their way
about the town and island.
Adelphi Hotel ... (English Name.)
Beach Hotel . . . Hotel Tepi Laut.
Borneo Wharf . . . (English Name.)
Botanical Gardens ... Kehun Bungah.
Bukit Timah ... Bukit Tiviah.
Cathedral Church of the
Good Shepherd ... Greja Franchis.
Cemetery (Christian) ... Kuboran Orancj Futeh.
Central Hotel .. (English Name.)
Changhi Bungalow .. Kompani punya Bungalow,
Changhi.
Chartered Bank of India ,
Australia and China . . . Chartered Bank.
Chartered Mercantile Bank
of India, London and
China ... Mercantile Bank.
Chinese Protectorate . . . Fikring punya Ofia.
Convent ... Skola Franchia Ferampttan
Criminal Prison ... Gaol.
Esplanade ... Fadanq fieeax.
90 Handbook to Singapore.
Fort Canning ... Bukit Bandera or Bukit
Ttian Bonham,
Gras Works ... BumahApL Tempai Min-
yah Oas.
Q-eneral Hospital ... Hospital or Bumah Orang
Sakity Sepoy Lines,
German Club ... Kongsee Orang Jerman.
Government House . . . Oebenor puny a Bumah*
Government Offices ... Second Gehenor punya
Ofis,
Hongkong and Shanghai
Banking Corporation . . . Hongkong Bank.
Hotel de la Paix ... (English Name.)
Hotel de PEurope ... Punchaua Besar,
Impounding Reservoir ... Kolam Ayer Besar.
Kranji ... KranjL
Ladies Lawn Tennis Club Parang Kechil.
Livery Stables ... Tuan * punya
Tempat Kuda.
Lunatic Asylum ... Bumah Orang Oila,
Magistrates' and Police
Courts ... Palis.
Market ... Pasar,
Master Attendant's Office, Shahbander punya Ofis or
Ofis Khlasi.
Masonic Hall . . . Bumah Hantu,
Maternity Hospital ... Kompani punya Tempat
OhaL
Methodist Episcopal
Church . . . Greja dekat Bumah Haniu.
Mount Faber ... Bukit Bandera, Teluk
Blangah,
Municipal Offices ... Ofis Chukei Pintu or
Town Hall.
* Here insert the name of the proprietor.
Malay Names of Places, 9 1
New Harbour Dock ... (English Name) or Pulau
Hantu,
New Oriental Banking
Corporation ... Oriental Bank or Bank
Lamah'
Orchard Road . . . Jalan Besar,
Pauper Hospital ... Bumah MisJcin.
PearPs Hill (Head Quar-
ters' Office) ... Bukit Komshariat,
P. & O. Wharf ... (English Name) or Teluk
Blangah.
Police Station ... Bumah Pasong,
Police Station (Central) Bumah Pasong Besar ^
Polls Lama,
Post Office ... (English Name.)
Presbyterian Church ... Greja Kechil.
Race Course ... Tempat Lomhak Kuda,
Raffles Girls' School ... 8kola Missy,
Raffles Hotel ... Punchaus Bahru.
Raffles Institution (Boys'
School) ... 8kola Besar.
Raffles Library and
Museum . . . Tempat (or Bumah) Kitab
(or Buk) or Tengoh
Oamher.
Reservoirs (High Level) Kolam Ayer.
Rifle Range (Balestier) Temhak Baser.
St. Andrew's Cathedral Ghreja Besar-
St. Andrew's Mission
Chapel . . . Greja Besar puny a Miss ion
St. Gregory's Church
(Armenian) ... OrangArmenispunya Greja
St. Joseph's Institution
("Brothers' School")... 8kola Franchis Jautaw..
92
Handbook to Singapore,
Sailors' Home
Sailors' Rest
Selitar Bungalow
Sepoy Lines
Singapore Club
Straits Hotel
Supreme Court
Tanglin
Tanjong Pagar
Telegraph Office
Town Hall
... Riunah KhlasL
... (at) Kreta Ayer.
. . . Kompani puny a Bungalow ^
Selitar,
... (English Name).
Do.
Do.
... Court Besar.
. . . Tayujlin,
... Tanjong Pagar,
... Telegraph.
... (English Name).
Note : — The Malay vowels are pronounced as iu Italian (a = ah
e =^ ay \ i =^ ee \ -^ oh \ u z= oo ; an =^ ow.) With regard to con-
sonants (/ is always hard ; J and ch arc pronounced as in
English. Final n(/ has a slightly nasal sound; s is pronounced
strongly ; but never like the English z. Final k is not sounded.
The word kechil ( = " little") is pronounced kitcht/ in Singapore.
The following words and phrases may be found
useful : —
Drive to ... Fergi * ka
Go on. Drive on ... Jalan,
Stop ... Berhenti. f
Turn (Turn the Carriage) P using (Fusing kreta).
Harness the Horse
Unharness the Horse . .
Get ready the Carriage
Light the lamps
What is your fare y
Too much
Drive to A. B. & Co. . .
Pakei Kuda.
Buka Kuda,
Pasang Kreta, %
PasangPelita (or Lampo) ,
Berapa 8ewa 1
Banyak chukup,
Pergi ka A. B, & Co.
punya Gedong (or Godown)
* Pronounce Piggy.
t Pronounce Brent i.
X The Portuguese word Carreta.
^
Useful Words and Phrases.
93
Come back here in an lionr
Wait a little
Balih ka-sini lor/i satu jam
Nanti sd* huniar (or
nanti dahnln.^)
Go fast
... Jalan lekas.
Go slow
... Jalan perlahan'perlaha7i.-^
How many miles is
it to
Selitar ?
... Seliiar berapa haUi ?
Off with you !
... Pulang I
Return to the ship
... Balih ka kapaJ.
Policeman
... Mata-mata.
Hack-Gharrv
... Kreta Sen-a.
Dollar
... lUn<f(jit.
Cent
... Sen,
Jinricksha
... Kreia Hongkomj.
Numerals.
One
... Saf)(
Two
... Bva
Three
... Tifja
Four
... Am pat
Five
... Lima
Six
... Anani
Seven
... Tvjoh
Eight
. . . Lapan (Bilapan)
Nine
... Semhilan
Ten
... Sa'puloh
Eleven
... Sa'blas
Twelve, thirteen. Sic.
... Dua bias, tiya bias, &c.
Twenty
... Dua pvloh
Twenty- one, &c.
... Dua pidoh mixi, dc.
Thirty
. . . Tiija puloh
• Pronounce Dooioo.
t Pronounce Flan-plan.
94 Handbook to Singapore.
Forty, fifty, &c. ... Ampat puloh, lima
puloK (&c.
Hundred ... Ratus,
100, 200, 300, &c. ... SaWatus, dua raius, tiga
ratus, (&c.
795 ... ... Tvjohratua sembilanpuloh
lima.
Visitors will do well to buy the " Malay Pronouncing
Hand-book,'** which contains most of the phrases in
common use ; they will find it extremely useful during
their stay in port.
» Published at " The Singapore and Straits Printing Office,"
Bobinson Street.
CHAPTER X.
Steam Communication between Singapore and
OTHER Ports.
^^^HE position of Singapore, on the Great Mail
Route from Europe to the Far East, is a
favourable one for rapid and direct commu-
nication with all parts of the world. Its situation amongst
the hundreds of islands in the Malay Archipelago makes
it an important centre from which a large fleet of local
steamers sails in every direction.
The mail steamers of the Peninsular and Oriental
Steam Navigation Co., going east and west, touch at
Singapore fortnightly, as also do the mail steamers of
the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes ; and the arri-
vals of the steamers are so arranged that mails from
Europe, and mails from America, Japan and China, reach
Singapore weekly. In addition to these, mails are broughtt
once a month each way, by steamers of the Norddeutscher
Lloyd Co.
Three tables are given below as a guide to steamship
communication between Singapore and other ports : —
Table I. is a list of the principal steamship lines, with
the names of the local agents ; and a letter of the alphabet
attached for use in Table III.
Table II. is a list of agents for various local steamers.
A small letter is attached to these, also for use in
Table III.
Table III. is a list of ix)rts, following each of which
are letters referring to Tables I. and II.
g6 Handbook to Singapore.
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98
Handbook to Singapore.
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List of Ports, &*c, 99
Table III.
List op Ports, with Eeferences to Steamship Lines
AND Agents.
The capital letters following the names of ports refer
to Table I. the small letters to Table II.
1. Australia — (via Colombo) — Q.
Other routes— C. F. R. X. Y.
2. China— ilojiflf/fowflf— A. B. H. I. K. M. N. O. Q. T. Z.
Shanghai^B.. K. N. Q. Z.
Amoy* — L. O.
3. Japan— G. K. Q. T. Z.
4. India — Calcutta — A. C. F. K. Q.
Bombay — B. M. Q.
Madras^C. K. Q.
5. Burmah — Rangoon vLnd Moulmein — C.
G. Ceylon— CoZo7w6o—B. H. K. N. O. Q.
7. Aden— K. N. Q.
8. Netherlands India —
Java — Batavia — G. J. K. n.
Sourabaya — G. p.
Samai*ang — G. J. p.
Cheiibon — J. n.
Sumatra — Acbeen — J.
Deli — J. O. c.
Bencoolen — J.
Palembang — J. g. h.
Padang — J.
Dutch Borneo — Bandjermassin — J. ni. p.
Pontianak — U. b.
Celebes — Macassar — J. O. p.
Moluccas — J. O. p.
Smaller islands and porta : — Billiton — U. b.
Bawean-^J. m. p.
Rhio— J.t
• The usual route to Amoy and Swatow is first Honjs'konvjr, and
thence by local steamers,
t Daily service of small Chinese steamers.
loo Handbook to Singapore.
Table III. — List op Ports, &c. — continued.
9. Philippines — Manila — O. V.
Ilo Ilo—O.
10. Malay Peninsula (West Coast)—
Malacca ... n
Siingei Ujong (Poi*t Dickson) / ^ ^^
Selangor (Klang) > C. U.
Lower PeraJc (Teluk Anson) J
Perah* (Port Weld)— C.
Penang — A. B. C. I. M. O. Q.
Minor Ports — Linggi — U. o.
Muar — p.
11. Malay Peninsula (East Coast) —
Pahang — a. f. p.
Kuala Pahang ") -
Kuantan ... >
Pekan — a.
Tringganu — 1.
12. SlAM — Bangkok — O. c. j
13. French Cochin China — Saigon — K. O.
14. North Borneo
Sandakan — O. p.
Sarawak (Kncliing)— g.
Kudat *)
Brunei > O.
Labuan )
15. North America —
Vancouver {British Columbia) — D.
San Francisco— P,
New York — W.
16. Suez Canal —
Suez — K. Q.
Ismailia — Q.
Pm^t fifaii— H. K. Q. T.
* rsual route via Penang.
Ltsi of Ports, &c. tol
17. European Ports —
Barcelona — V.
Br India i — Q.
Genoa — M.
Gibraltar — Q.
Hamburg — G. N.
Havre — G.
London— 'B.. O. Q. T. Z.
Malta — Q.
Marseilles — K. Q.
Naples— K. M. Q.
Trieste^B,
CHAPTEE XI.
CuEEENCT, Weights, Measures, Time, Ac.
Ctjrrenct.
^N Order by the Queen in Council, dated 21st
October, 1890, made the silver Mexican
dollar of the standard weight and millesi-
mal fineness the standard coin of the Straits Settlements.
The millesimal fineness of the Mexican dollar is 9027;
its standard weight 417*74 grains (or 27070 grammes) ;
and its minimum weight 413*563 grains (or 26*799
grammes).*
The coinage of the Colony consists of four silver and
three copper pieces; the silver coins being — the half-
dollar (50 cents), and pieces of 20, 10, and 5 cents re-
spectively in value. The three copper coins are one-cent,
half-cent, and quarter-cent pieces.
The Straits silver coinage is legal tender up to $2 ;
the copper coinage up to Jl. Until recently there was in
the Colony a large quantity of copper coin in circulation
imported from neighbouring States— e.^., from Sarawak,
British North Borneo, Ac, but by an Ordinance of the
Legislative Council the importation, possession, and circu-
lation of these coins were prohibited.
The Banks issue a paper currency of 6-, 10-, 20-, 25-,
50- and 100-dollar notes.
• The dollars circulating in the Straits consist chiefly of the
Mexicans (of 417*5 grains, roughly) and the Japanese Yen (of 416
grains) ; though quite r^ently the latter has become somewhat
soarce here, owing to an increased absorption of the coin by Japan.
The American trade dollar, the Hongkong dollar, and the old Carolus
or Pillar dollar, are also occasionally met with. The first of these
usiuJJ^oommanda a flight premium.
Weights and Measures.
103
Weights and Measures.
A\
voirdupois Weight.
16 Tahil
• • t
= ... 1 Kati (1 lb. 4 oz.)
100 Kati
• • •
= ... 1 Pikul
3 Pikul
•
t ff •
= ... 1 Bhara
40 Pikul
• • •
— ... 1 Koyan
Opium is weight b j fractions of the Tahil ; thus :-
10 Hoon ... = ... 1 Chee
10 Oboe ... = ... 1 Tahil
OoldsmitKi Weight
12 Saga ... = ... 1 Maiam
16 Maiam ... = ... 1 Bungkal (832 grs. Troy)
12 Bungkal ... = ... 1 Kati.
'' Eight maiam are equal to the weight of one Mexican
dollai*. Gold dust is sold bj the bungkal; gold thread by
the kati." — Swettenham,
4 Pau
4 Chupak
10 Gantang
2 Para...
40 Pikul
Measure of Capacity,
= ... 1 Chupak (1 quart)
I. = ... 1 Gantang
= ... 1 Para
= ... 1 Pikul
= ... 1 Koyan
4 Chupak
10 Gantang
10 Kaleh
5 Kuncha
Dry Measure.
= ... 1 Gantang
= ... I Naleh
= ... 1 Kuncha
= ... 1 Koyan
(160 oz. or
1 gallon)
104
Handbook to Singapore.
Measukes — continued.
Long Measure.
12 Inchi (inches) ... = ... 1 Kaki (foot)
6 Kaki ... = .. 1 Depa (fathom)
The English mile is called by the Malays Bata {i.e., Stone.)
Square Measure.
4 (Square) Depa ... = ... 1 Jemba (144sq. ft)
100 Jemba . . = ... 1 Penjuru
4 Penjuru = ... 1 Relong (about 1 J acre)
Cloth Measure.
2 Jengkal . . . = . 1 Hasta
2 Hasta . = . . 1 Ela (1 yard)
2 Ela .. = . 1 Depa
20 Kuyu (i.e., 20 pieces) are called 1 Kodi.
Time.
The English method of computing time is adopted in
Singapore, though the Mahommedaus reckon the day of
24 hours from sunset to sunset, and keep to their system
of lunar months.
The days of
English.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday . . .
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
the week are as follows
Colloquial Malay,*
Hari MinggoJ
Hari Satu
Hari Dua
Hari Tiga
Hari Ampat
Hari Lima
Hari Anam
Malay. f
Hari Ahad
Hari Ithnain
Hari Thalatha
Hari Rabu
Haii Khamis
Hari Jemaat§
Hari Sabtu
* Used in Singapore commonly.
t The Malays have borrowed the Arabic names for the days of the
week — Yaum-ul-ahad, YauM'Ul'ithnain, &c,
X Minffffo is a corruption of the Portuguese word Domingo.
§ The Mahommedan Sabbath — from 6 p.m. on Thursday to 6 p.m.
OD Priday.
Timet &*€.
105
The difference iu mean time between Singapore and
Greenwich is 6 hours 55 minutes, between Singapore and
New York, 11 hours 51 minutes. Therefore, at noon in
Singapore, it is 5*5 a.m. at G-reenwich and 12*9 a.m. in
New York. Two time balls are in course of erection — the
one on Fort Canning and the other on Pulau Brani, facing
Tanjong Pagar Wharf. The observatory is behind the
Drill Hall.
CHAPTER XII.
Impobts, Exports, Shipping, Sen., Singapore.
INGAPORE being not a terminus, but an
entrepot of trade, it is to be expected
that the imports will exceed the exports to
a considerable extent. In former years the receiving of
cargo for re-shipment to other ports was one of the chief
parts of local commerce ; but, though the business done in
this time is still very large, it is slowly but surely con-
tracting, owing to the rapid multiplication of through-
steamers, which touch, but do not break bulk at the port.
This fact leads some to believe that the town has seen its
best days ; but others, looking further ahead, see, in the
mineral and other resources of the Malay Peninsula,
reason to believe in a great future for the capital of
the Straits Settlements. As a coaling station, Singapore
must always hold a position of the first importance in the
Far East, and the rapid increase of steamships on the
Eastern seas will enhance its importance.
The imports for the year 1890, were valued at
$112,633,960, or nearly seventeen and a half millions
sterling; and the exports at ^94,131,804, or nearly
fourteen and a half millions sterling.
The Appendix to the Straits Settlements Blue Book
for 1890, gives the following particulars of Imports and
Exports ; —
Imports,
Fi-om the United Kingdom ... §18,676,506
the British Colonies ... 24,484,083
Foreign Countries... ... 61,860,800
„ Penang and Malacca ... 7,604,571
Total ... $112,633,960
it
Exports, Shipping, &c. 107
Exports.
To the United Kingdom
,, the British Colonies...
„ Foreign Countries
„ Penang and Malacca
Total
§ 18,271,876
15,444,702
57,934,596
2,480,630
$ 94,131,104
The largest imports come from the Dutch Indies,
Siam (and its dependencies), Japan and China; the
largest exports go to the United Kingdon, Siam (and its
dependencies), America, Hongkong, France and India.
The chief exports from Singapore of late years have been
gambier, tin, sago, pepper, gutta, rattans, tapioca and
copra.
From the Appendix to the Blue Book for 1890, are
also taken the following particulars as to Shipping at the
port of Singapore during that year.
Entrances,
British Ships 2,330 with a gi'oss tonnage of 1,055,583 tons.
Foreign Ships 1,316 „ „ 1,033,476 „
Native Craft 5,546 „ „ 208,689
Total Vessels 9,192 „ „ 3,197,784
>»
a
Clearances,
British Ships 2,231 with a gross tonnage of 1,994,635 tons.
Foreign Ships 1,390 „ „ 961,340 „
Native Craft 5,515 „ „ 212,636 „
Total Vessels 9,136 3,168,611
Exclusive of Native Craft, the figures are —
No. of Vessels. Gross Tonnage.
Entrances ... 3,646 ... 2,989,059
Clearances ... 3,621 ... 2,955,975
CHAPTER XIII.
The Fauna, Flora, and Geology of Singapore.
I.— The Fauna of Singapore Island.
(Abridged from notes kindly supplied by William
Davison, Esq., Curator of the Raffles Library and
Musewniy Singapore.)
'AMMALIA. — Singapore Island is not rich
in genera, species, or individuals of
5= Mammalia. The ruminants have
been almost exterminated within the last few vears; and it
may be safely asserted that some species of the smaller
Carnivora, noted as occurring by Dr. Cantor, are not now
found wild on the island. There are now in Singapore 23
genera of mammals, comprising 40 species : —
Quadrumana (monkeys) 2 genera, 3 species, 1. — Semno-
pithecus obscurus,* found in the jungle, but rare; 2. — Macacus
cynomolgus {M. carbonarius), the fishing monkey, common
on wooded banks of streams and in mangrove swamps ;
S.-^Macacus aureas, the rusty macaque, in the jungle and
plantations.f
The Bats have not yet been sufficiently worked out ; two
fruit-eating, and about 15 insectivorous species are recorded.
The best known of the former is the so-called " Flying if ox"
( Tteropus edulis)\ the average adult size being 12 inches long,
* The Lotong of the Malays.
t The Pig-tailed monkey {Macacut nemtttrinui — the Bruk
of the Malays) is often imported by the natives, and trained to olimb
cocoa'Uut piima to gather the nuts. It is common in the Peninsula.
Fauna of Singapore Island. 109
and 4 or 5 feet in expanse.* The other is much smaller
(Cynopterus marginatus). The Colugo or Flying Lemur
(Galeopith€cu8 volans) occurs, but rarely, in the jungle.
Two species of tree-shrews are found — Tupia ferruginea
and T. javanica ; and one musk-shrew — Sorex fCrociduraJ
mui'ina, which is distributed over the whole oriental region.
Carnivora. — ^The largest on the island is the tiger {Felis
tigris) ; the tigers, much less common than formerly ,t are
immigrants from the mainland, swimming over the Johor
Strait to the island. The dislike of leopards to water accounts
for these animals, common on the mainland, not being found
in Singapore.
Two ottersj occur — Lutra barang and Aonyx leptonyx —
and one civet {Viverricula malaccensls).^
Of squirrels there are two species, and possibly a third. ||
There are Sciurus notatus and S, griseimanus. A flying
squirrel, Sciuropterus, is not uncommon in the jungle.
The rats and mice of the island are not yet systematically
worked out. The following are known to occur : — Mas ban-
dicoota, the giant-rat or bandicoot (rare), M. decumanus, the
brown rat, M. musculus, the common mouse —all probably
introduced species.
The wild-pig {Sua indicus) was once very plentiful, and is
still common in the jungle and plantations.
Bumlnantia. — Two species survive — Eusa eqninus, which
has almost disappeared, and Tragidus Kanchih the lesser
moose-deer, also rare.
Agnatic Mammalia, — The dugong or sea-cow (Halicore
dugong) and a dolphin (probably Delphinvs plumbeus) are
found in the neighbouring waters ; the latter ascends the
larger streams for a considerable distance.
* This bat is often to be seen in the early morning in the
suburbs,
t It is said that between 1860 and 1870. more than 50 persons
were killed by tigers.
X Called by the Malays Anjing ayer — t.c, water dogs.
§ The Musang of the Malays : it llau^t^? the roofs and floors of
the houses.
It Perhaps Sciurus tenuis.
no Handbook to Singapore.
AvES. — The systematic working out of the birds of
Singapore will, doubtless, add considerably to the number
of species known to occur. At present 219 species are
recorded — permanent residents, regular migrants, or
mere stragglers.
Baptorea. — Neither diurnal nor nocturnal birds of prey
are extensively represented in the island. The commonest are
the white-bellied sea-eagle* {HalicetiiM leucogaater) and the
maroon-kite (Haliastur indtiM). Less common is the black-
legged falconet {Microhierax fringillariua). Inhabiting the
woods, the Besra sparrow-hawk {Accipiter virgatua)^ the
changeable hawk-eagle (Spizaetus limnaetus), the serpent-eagle
(Spilornis Butherfordi), the Osprey [Pandion JialicLettis).
Hume's honey-buzzard (Peniis tweeddalii) has so far been
found in Singapore only. Two specimens have been captured,
one of which is now in the British Museum. Of the owls the
commonest are 8cop8 leinpigi, 8. malayanus^ 8.^ rufescem, and
Ninox scutata, the Raffles hawk-owl.
Swallows, swifts and swiftlets (Collocaliaf) are common
on the island : the crested tree-swift (Maeropteryx lohgU
pennia) has been known to occur.
The Malay night-jar {Caprimulgua macrurua) is very
common, and its monotonous cry may be heard from dusk to
dawn, especially on moon-light nights. Other night-jars
occur, but rarely. There are 5 species of bee-eaters, the
commonest being Merops sumatranus, M. philippiMiM and
M. sioinhoei. King-fishers abound in all parts of the island ;
12 species are recorded — 4 of stork -billed king-fishers {Pelar'
gopsis), 4 of the family Halcyon, 2 of the three-toed king-
fishers iCeyx) and 2 small blue ones (Aleedo). Four varieties
of broad-bill have been collected on the island, but they seem
to have disappeared altogether in recent times.^
* See p. 26.
t These are the hirds that huild edible nests. The nest of one
species, C. linchi, is not sufficiently pure to be of any economic value.
{ Two species of hornbills (Bucero* rhinoceroides and Hydrovi*sa
convexa) are noted as occurring in the island, the former by Diard,
tbe latter bv Wallace, I have not met with them — W. D,
Fauna of Singapore Island, 1 1 1
The long tailed parroquet {Palceorms longicauda) occurs
occasionally in small flocks, probably as partial migi^ants from
the mainland. The Malayan pan*ot {Psittacus incerttis) is
occasionally seen, most probably a migi*ant. The Malayan
loriquet (Loriciilus galgulus) is not uncommon about planta-
tions and other suitable localities. "* 14 species of wood-
peckers are recorded, 6 species of barbets, and 6 species
of true cuckoos. To these must be added a few aberrant
members of the Cuculidce, not parasitical, but building their
own nests and rearing their own young. This family
includes the so-called crow-pheasants or coucols, of which
four species are known to occur in the island. The sun
birds are very numerous, both in species and individuals.
Some of them lival in the brilliancy of their plumage the
humming-birds of the New World. The flower-peckers are a
group of small birds, many of them brilliantly coloured, the
plumage having generally a metallic gloss ; two species are
found in Singapore. Four true shrikes occur ; they are all
migratoryf the most common being the brown shrike {Lanius
cn8tatu8)X and the thick billed- shrikes {L. viagnirostHs). Two
species of cuckoo- shrikes are recorded ; and four species of
rainivets, which though common on the Peninsula, are rare on
the island.
The crow-billed drongo [Dicnirus annectans) occurs,
and also the beautiful racket-tailed drougo {Disseinururus
paradiseus) is still not uncommon in the better wooded
portions of the island. It has a wonderful variety of notes,
and has the power of imitating the notes of other birds and
animals. The bronzed drongo {Chaptia cenea) is not numer-
ous, but a few occur in the jungle. The allied paradise
flycatcher (Terpsiphone affinis) is found on the island, but
rarely.
* A favourite cage bird with the Malays.
t The Eastern shrikes do not. like the European varieties, store
their prey by impaling it on thorns This may be due to the plenti-
ful supply of food.
J L. Supereiliosua is the adult of L. Crisfatvs.
112 Handbook to Singapore,
The above notes on the birds are necessarily very brief
and incomplete, a mere catalogue of the names of the great
variety of Singapore birds would occupy more space than is
here available.
Reptilia. — Snakes. — The following is a table of the
Snakes of Singapore.* The non- venomous snakes include
all the burrowing, fresh- water, and many of the ground
and tree snakes. Though a large number of venomous
snakes occur in the island there is no authentic record of
any one having been bitten with fatal results.
Non-Venomous Snakes,
Name. Average Length.
The Python (Python
reticulatu8)f ... ... 12 to 1-i feet. Not common.
Curtus' Python {Python
curtus) ... ... ... ♦> i. Rare.
Swamp Snake (Dipsaa den-
drophila)... ... t» ,» Common.
Rat Snake {Ptya^i korros) 7 ,. Not common. .
Green Grass Snakt*
[Tragops prasimts) ... 7 to f» „ Common.
Painted Tree Snake
(Dendrophis pida) ^J ., Not uncommon.
Bronzed Tree Snake {D.
caudolineata) ... ... t to .■> ,. Ran*.
Spotted Tree Snake {Chry-
soploea ornata) ... .. 3 ., Not uncommon.
Variable Ground Snake -
(Lycodonaulicu8)X .'5 to 4 ,, Very rare.
Pond Snake (Tropidonotus
quincunciatus)^ . . . ... 3 „ Not common.
* A full aud detailed account of these is to be found in the
Singapore and Straits Directory, also from the pen of Mr. Davison.
t Often, but erroneously, called the Boa-constrictor. The Malay
name is Ular Sawah. A specimen 22 feet long is in the Museum.
X This snake and the preceding are very variable species ; G
well-defined varieties of the former and 7 of the latter are known.
§ To thi.H list .'should be added the Simote« octolineatKt, a
specimen of which the writer kiWed ne^t \Vv% Giw\iifeTsa.
Fauna of Singapore Island.
"3
4 to 5 feet. Common.
9 to 10 ,, Rare.
3 to 4
Rare.
3
Not uncommon.
2
Rare.
2J
Very rare.
3
Fairly common.
2i
Rather rare.
Venomous Snakes.
The Black Cobra (Naja
sputatrix)* . . .
The Hamadryad (Ophi-
ophagua elapajf
Banded Bungarus {B.
fasciatus)
Red-headed Callophis (C.
hivirgatus)
Brown-headed Callophis (C,
intestinalis)
Slender Callophis (C gracilis)
Banded Pit Viper {Tri-
meresurus wagleri)
Green Pit Viper (T. Gra-
mineus)
Purple Pit Viper (T. Pur-
pureus) 2J „ Rare.
Hydrophidce (Sea Snakes).
Banded Sea Snake {Hydro-
phis stohesii) ... ... 5 feet. Very common.
Many other snakes occur in the seas round Singapore,
but they are less common than Stohesii. They are all
venomous.
The common Indian Toad {Bufo melanostictus) is abund-
ant. Of Frogs, a considerable number both of terrestrial and
arboreal species occur ; but the only ones calling for special
attention are Bana imlchraX (a species said to have been in-
troduced from Malacca, and which has multiplied to such
an extent as to become a plague) and B. laticeps a very
large species, measuring, in length of body over 6 in.
and across the head nearly 4 in. The hind legs are 9 in.
long'
* Malay name Ular sendok^i.e., spoon snake.
t The most deadly of the Singapore snakes. It is very fierce
and aggressive. Specimens over 14 feet in length have been
obtained.
{ Popularly called the bull-frog in Singapore. Its booming
is heard all over the island after rain.
1 14 Handbook to Singapore.
The Crocodile* (Crocodilus pm-osus) is common in
the creeks and mangrove swamps. Many other lizards
occur, among which may be noted the large water-lizardf
(Hydrosaurus salvator) attaining a length of 6 or 7 feet,
the green lizard {Bronchocela cristatellaX the two flying
lizards, Draco volana and D. blanfordi. Skinks (Sdncidce)
are very numerous. Geckos are also numerous, and several
species occur ; those inhabiting buildings are of small
size, but some found in the forest (as G. stentor and 6r.
guttatus) attain a considerable size. The edible turtle
{Chelonia virgata) is abundant ; the great leathery turtle
(Dermatochelya coriacea) has been obtained : the hawk's-
bill turtle {Caretta squamata), which yields the best
tortoise-shell, is also found. River turtle and land tortoises
occur, but do not appear to be numerous.
Insects. — Insects of all kinds abound in Singapore.
About 200 species of Butterflies occur, the most con-
spicuous being the Ornithopteras. The Moths are more
numerous still.
Four species of tme silk worm moths occur ; the
most common is the large Attacns atlas, the expanse of
the wing in the female being 9J inches or more. "Wasps
and hornets are very numerous ; one of the most common
and conspicuous being Vespa cincta, which builds a huge
nest of mud, the walls being very thin, but bearing
without injury the violence of tropical showers. Flies are
abundant, and some, like Stilhum splendidunif very beautiful.
Beetles are numerous, and some species, like BhyncophortLa
and XylotrupeSy do great damage by attacking the cocoa-nut
palms. There are three species of honey-bees, and four
of carpenter-beesj (Xylocarpa). Ants are numerous in
* Commonly, but erroneously, called the Alligator.
t Usually called the I|?uana or, more properly, the Monitor.
Its flesh is tender and delicate, and much prized by the Malays.
X These do considerable damage by boring into the woodwork of
houses.
Fauna of Singapore Island. 115
varieties and individuals. The caringa or red ant gives a
painful sting when touched. Tennites* (so called white
ants) abound everywhere, and do a great deal of damage to
property.
Spiders abound everywhere in Singapore, the most
conspicuous being the large garden spiders. A huge
black nocturnal spider also occurs. Centipedes are not
uncommon, though they seldom invade dwellings ; the
large black and red Scolopendrce sometimes attain 9 in.
in length. The large black scorpion is fairly common,
and several smaller species occur, one of which, a small
pale green one, is not unfrequently found in houses, in damp
places, such as bath-rooms, &c.
Fish. — The seas around Singapore contain a great
variety of fish of many wonderful forms and colours.
Large quantities are daily brought into the markets.
Several species of sharks occur ; the spotted shark
{Stegostoma tigrina) and two others, Carcharias acutidena and
C. macloH, are perhaps the most common. The hammer-
headed shark (Zygcena malleus) is also found. Two, and pro-
bably three, species of sword-fish occur — Histiophorus gladituf
and H. immaculatu8. Two species of saw-fish J are found,
Pristis perotteti and P. zysron. The gai*fish§ found in these
waters are of two forms — Belone (5 species at least) and
Hemiramphus {%• species). In the skates there is a great
diversity of form and size. Some of the species, from the
spines with which the tail is armed, are able to inflict painful
and serious wounds. The ox- skate or sea devil {Bicerdbatia
* It is hardly necessary to mention that the Termites are not
ants proper ; they belong to the order Neuroptera while the ants
belonging to the order Hymenoptera.
t The Ikan todak of Malay legend.
X The saws of these fish are usually brought for sale by natives
to the steamers in port.
§ See p. 25. The force with which the garfish propel themselves
out of the water is very great. It is said that men have been killed
in open boats by a blow from garfish skipping over the sea,
Ii6 Handbook to Singapore.
eregoodoo) is 20 feet in expanse. The commonest of the skates
in the Singapore seas are Rhynocobatus anchylostomus and
Bhinohatus thounii. The Baracootu. {Sphyrcena catnmersoni)
deserves special mention here. The jaws of this fish are
armed with a double row of teeth with sharp cutting edges.
The natives greatly dread it, as it attacks people without
hesitation, inflicting serious wounds. Its length is about 4
feet. Of prawns and crayfish several species occui*; the
crayfish growing to a vary large size (often to more than a
foot in length). Both shore and sea crabs are abundant in
numbers and in varieties.
II. — The Flora op Singapore Island.
(By H. N. BiDLET, Esq., p.l.s., Director of Forests and
Gardens.)
One of the first things that strikes a visitor is the
richness and variety of the tints of the foliage. Each
tree seems to be different from the one next to it ; and.
indeed, the number of different kinds is very large in
comparison with that of a more temperate region.
As there are no seasons here, the heat and dampness
of the climate causes continual growth, so that the greater
part of the flora consists of evergreen trees and shiiibs.
Some few trees sheds all their leaves at one time, and after
remaining leafless for one or two days, are speedily
clothed again with young leaves — often of brilliant red or
pink tints — which very soon assume their green colour.
The larger number of trees, however, shed and renew their
leaves continuously throughout the year, and are therefore
evergreens.
The apparent scantiness of flowers here has often been
noticed. This is due to several causes — one of which is
that the greater proportion of the flowers are small, and
concealed in the wealth of foliage ; and even when they are
Flora of Singapore Island, 117
large and abundant they are often placed so high upon the
trees that they are invisible from below. Many plants,
again, though producing during the year large quantities
of blossoms, bear so few at a time that they are never
conspicuous. Lastly, owing to heat and moisture the
flowers are very short lived — many lasting only for a few
hours in the early morning.
At one time the whole island of Singapore was densely
wooded, but, through cultivation, much of the primaeval
jungle has been destroyed. The best accesible example
of primitive forest is to be found on the hiU, Bukit Timah,
seven miles from town :
Here may be seen many lofty trees of the order Diptero-
carpecBj with sti'aight smooth stems rising unbranched for
ninety feet or more. They supply the valuable timbers
known as Serayah and Mei*anti, and also exude a resin known
as Dammar which is expoi*ted from Singapore for making
varnish. Most kinds flower once in five or six years, the
flowers are often large and sweet-scented, and are followed by
the curious red two-winged fiiiit, from which the order takes
its name. Another remarkable tree of the same shape is the
Gumpas (Cumpassia malaccensis), the wood of which is too hard
to cut, so that it may often be seen standing alone in culti-
vated land having escaped through its hardness the axe of
the planter. Sometimes one may pick up in the woods the
lai'ge fruit of the Woody Durian-tree (Neeaia)^ a bluish gi*ey,
smooth or wai'ty pod, which splits half way down into four
or five lobes, disclosing a number of small red seeds suiTOund-
ed by irritating yellow hairs. Oaks, chestnuts, figs, tree-myrtles
(Eugenia), ebonies, and innumei*able other trees go to make
up the tree-flora of these jungles. Of the smaller shrubs,
veiy showy are the orange flowered Ixoras ; Randia inacro-
phylla, with great white trumpets spotted inside with black ;
Ardisiast with pink flowers and scarlet berries (callad by the
natives " Mouse-deer's eyes ") ; Wormia, a big shrub with
lai'ge yellow flowers, and very many less conspicuous plants.
ti8 Handbook to Singapore,
Innumerable climbing plants ascend to the top of the trees,
and most important among them are the climbing palms
known as I'attans (Calamus), The biggest is Plectocomia,
with a strong stem about four inches in diameter, covered
with sharp spines. It may be seen towering fai* above the
forest. The flowers are arranged in long brown hanging
tails about 10 feet in length, and when the fruit is ripe the
whole plant dies. Other climbers are the strychnine plant
(Strychnos Tieute), with deep green leaves, and cui'ious round
ball-like fruit of a greyish green colour. GavibirSf Bauhinias,
Menispei*macious plants, one of which, Fibraureay produces
from its stem a good yellow dye, a Stephanotis, many
climbing apocynaceous plants, with white or rosy flowers,
often scented, among which are the WillughheiaSf from which
is obtained the gutta-giip, a valuable kind of India-rubber,
jasmines, wax plants {Hoya) and many othera. The
pitcher plants {Nepenthes) of which there are five kinds in
Singapore are also climbers. All are common and generally
to be found in damp open places. It may be as well to
remind visitors that the cups are portions of the leaves
modified beautifully as insect traps, and are not the flowei's,
which are small purple or green blooms arranged in thick
spikes.
In damp and rocky spots a great many cui'ious and
beautiful herbaceous plants can be found — gingers {A mo mum),
with tall leafy stems and tufts of scarlet, pink or white
flowers almost hidden in the ground ; Globbas, with nodding
spikes of white or orange flowers in shape like some strange
insect; Avoids, with heart-shaped, or arrow-shaped leaves, small
ground-orchids, of which the Anoectochili, with their ovate,
deep pui'ple leaves, veined with gold ; and Plocoglottis, with
large lanceolate leaves looking when seen against the sun-
light like patches of purple stained-glass, are the most
attractive.
F£RNS are very plentiful in Singapore and range
from tall tree ferns (Alsophila), Angiopteris, the Elephant
Flora of Singapore Island, 119
fern, with its short round stem and huge twelve foot-
fronds, and the great birds* nest fern (Thamnopteris
nidus-avis) to tiny polypodies and filmy ferns :
Well worthy of notice, are the elks' hoi-ns {Platy cerium),
the water fern (Ceratopterls) growing in the ditches, the
climbing Lygodiums, Dipteris Horsfieldii growing in masses
on rocky banks near the sea; the bracken-like Gleichenias
and the elegant Davallias. Selaginellas too are very abundant
and varied; and there are sevei'al kinds of Club-moss
(Lycopodium)t some of which hang from the trees ; but the
commonest is L. c&rnuum, growing abundantly in the open
grassy spots, and often collected for house decoration.
Orchids are abundant in Singapore, but chiefly grow
in the mangrove* swamps. Many have inconspicuous
flowers, but there are some of the orchid lovers' greatest
favourites :
The commonest is the well-known Pigeon orchid
(Dendrohum crumenatum), clothing the trees even in the
town of Singapore. D. Dalhousieanum, with its great cream
and maroon flowers, finest of all Dendrobes, has been met
with in the jungles, but is very rai-e. Erias with spikes of
small white flowers ; the Leopard orchid, Grammatophyllum,
biggest of all orchids, with its gi*eat i*acemes, eight feet high,
of yellow and brown flowers; Saccolahium giganteum, with
thick spikes of pink-spotted white blossoms ; cmious Cirrho-
petala, with strangely moving lips ; Cymbidium aloifolium, with
long narrow leaves and pendulous racemes of brown and
purple flowers, are among the flnest of the tree orchids. Of
groimd-orchids, none are more likely to attiuct attention than
the beautiful pink Spathoglottis plicaia and Bromheadia
palustrisy with large white yellow and violet flowers, both of
which grow in grassy open places, and are constantly in
flower, while the lovely apricot-coloured Calanthe curculi^
yoides may reward the orchid hunter who dives into the dense
wet thickets in November.
120 Handbook to Singapore.
Besides orchids many other plants grow upon the
trees, being epiphytic :
Very i-ai-e is the splendid crimson Rhododendron, high
up out of reach on the highest trees. The ants' nest plant,
Hydnophytunif is a curious epiphyte, the base of the stem
is swollen into a fleshy mass often as big as a man's head,
which when cut open is seen to be a real vegetable ant*s nest
swarming with minute, but ferocious ants. Dischidia
Bafflesiana, the bladder plant, is remarkable for its leaves
modified into strange yellow conical bladders.
There are many kinds of Palms, of which may be
specially mentioned the ^ealing-wax palm (Cyrtostachys)
with its bright red stems; the Corintin (Drymophlceus
Singaporianus), with feathery leaves and slender black
stems from which elegant walking sticks can be made ; the
thorny-stemmed Nibong (Oncosperma tigillaria), much
used for house building, and the Penang Lawyers
(Licuala). Another useful group of plants is that of the
Screw pines or Pan dans, of which four or five kinds inhabit
damp spots, the biggest is the Mengkuang (Pandanus
furcatus), the long narrow leaves of which are much used
for making Kajanga,* baskets, hats and innumerable
other things.
The number of grasses and sedges is rather small, as
these are not plentiful in jungle-country, but one kind is
too conspicuous by its presence. The Lalang grass
(Imperata cylindrica) covers great tracts of country, rapidly
springing up wherever the forest has been cleared. It
is almost useless for any purpose and, when it has taken
hold of the ground, is with difficulty eradicated.
A large portion of the shores of the island are covered
with Mangrove swamps ; and the peculiarities of this class
*The Kajang is '*a most useful contrivance used for boat or
cart coverings. It folds up, and in the jungle answers the purpose
of a tent." — Swettenham,
Flora of Singapore Island, 121
of vegetation can well be studied here. The trees which
compose it though haying at first sight a great similarity
belong to several different groups. The true Mangrove
trees, Bhizophora and Bruguiera^ are remarkable for the
seed germinating while still on the tree, and sending
down a long green cigar-shaped root. Mangrove-wood is
much used for firewood, and the bark supplies tanning
material. In these swamps grow, also, the Nireh-tree
(Carapa), conspicuous from its large brown cannon-
ball like fruits. The bark of this tree is a valuable
medicine for dysentery.
Many and varied are the cultivated plants to be seen
in the gardens in Singapore, and among the most striking
are the scarlet-flowered Flame of the Forest (Poinciana)^
the AUamandas from Brazil with their large yellow blos-
soms, and the quaint Eavenala from Madagascar, the
Traveller*s-tree, often erroneously taken for a palm. It is
really an ally of the Banana, as the shape and texture of
its leaves show at once ; it has the appearance of a gigantic
fan, and derives its English name, from the fact that by
piercing the base of the leaf -stalk a supply of water can be
often obtained. The beverage, however, is hardly to be
recommended.
Of the numerous fruits of this region, two especially
are famous, the Durian and the Mangosteen. It is worth a
voyage to the East, says Wallace, to eat the Durian, and it
is certain that it is not worth eating anywhere else. In
appearance it suggests a large oval light brown horse
chestnut. The tough rind covered with thorns, splits
into several lobes, when ripe, and discloses a variable
number of large oblong seeds enclosed in a creamy pulp,
which is the eatable portion. Many persons are deterred
from trying the flavour on account of the disagreeable
odour of the rind, but no sooner is the mouth filled with
t2± Handbook to Singapore.
the deliciouBlj flavoured pulp than all sense of the smell
disappears. Wallace, in his well-known work on the
Malay Archipelago, has endeavoured to describe the
flavour of this fruit, but indeed it cannot be described,
it must be tasted to be appreciated. 6j a judge of fruit
the Durian will be allowed to take a position in the front
rank as one of the flrst-class fruits of the world.
The Mangoateen is, however, more generally popular
with Europeans, and is certainly a most beautiful and
refreshing fruit. It is about the size of a moderate-sized
apple, round, with a flat top on which is the star-shaped
stigma. In colour it is of a deep maroon or black crimson,
and when broken across is seen to consist of a variable
number of pulpy white pips, each enclosing a seed,
arranged in a circle and enveloped in the thick pink rind.
The pulp is very sweet and delicately flavoured, the
flavour being much improved by putting the fruit in ice
for a few hours before eating.
Both the Durian and Mangosteen have distinct
though somewhat irregular fruiting periods and as their
seasons differ in different parts of the Peninsula, it happens
often that the fruits can be obtained almost all through
the year.
These notes on the flora serve but to give an
indication of the wealth and variety of the vegetation.
Few regions contain so large a proportion of interesting
plants as that of the Malayan Peninsula ; and the
study of botany here will well repay its votary.
III. — Geolooical Fbatubes.
The Geology of Singapore is very disappointing to
the student. The island consists of a core of grey granite
cropping out in the bigger hills, as at Bukit Timah, but
the greater portion is covered with stiff yellow and red
Geological I^eatures, 1^3
clays, sands, gravels, and iron stone commonly, but
erroneously, called laterite. This formation is evidently
derived from destruction of loftier granitic hills, and
extends, also, over a large portion of the Peninsula. It is
almost entirely destitute of fossils (a few plant remains
alone having been met with), and it is impossible at
present to conjecture its age.
\
CHAPTER XIV.
Climate, Monsoons, <&c.
vENGAPORE is unusually favoured in the
matter of climate. Situated close to the
Equator, it nevertheless enjoys climatic
advantages not shared by other places in the same
latitude. The abundant rainfall (the average is over
90 inches annually) tempers the fierce heat of the Tropics;
and violent storms are unknown. There is no change of
seasons; the island boasts an eternal summer, and is
clothed with a perennial green. The thermometer (in the
shade) ranges between 80° and 90° (Fahr.) during the day,
and between 70° and 80° at night : it has never been known
to rise above 94° or to fall below 63°. .The mornings are
generally fresh and cool ; and after sunset light breezes
come from the sea to cool the air. The sheltered position
of Singapore secures for it these advantages, and others
alluded to in Chapter I. (See p. 1.)
Though there is no marked change of seasons, yet the
influence of the monsoons, or trade winds, is felt in
Singapore. The change of the monsoon is accompanied
by heavy and prolonged rains ; but since rain falls all the
year round, a slight increase in the fall at particular periods
is hardly noticeable. The North-east Monsoon blows
from November to April, during which time the Singapore
winds usually sit in that quarter ; but by no means in-
variably. The South-west Monsoon blows from May to
October, and with it come the winds known locally as
Sumatras and Java winds. The Sumatra is a rapid squall
from the south or south-west, accompanied by heavy rain
Climate, Monsoons ^ Grc. 125
and generally thunder. It sweeps swiftly across the Strait
and the island, and rarely lasts more than an hour or two.
On reaching the land, it hardly lasts so long. The Sumatras
spring up towards evening, or during the night ; they are
the most violent winds that visit Singapore ; but they are
mild compared with the gales that periodically sweep over
the British Isles from the Atlantic. Occasionally very
heavy rain-storms visit Singapore. On the 29th of May,
1892, in the short space of six hours, the rain-gauges
registered a fall of nearly nine inches. A great part of
the town and island was flooded ; in some of the public
thoroughfares the depth of water for some hours ranged
from 18 inches to 4 feet.
The Java winds blow from the south or south-east
from May to September. They are generally supposed to
be unhealthy ; but though fever is commoner from May to
September than during the rest of the year, it is not certain
that this is due to the prevalence of these winds. The
effect of the Java wind is first a pleasant sensation of cool-
ness, and then a hot, disagreeable feeling of ** stickiness '*
all over the body. Passing from a shady place to the open,
where the Java wind blows, people feel sometimes as if
they were approaching the blast of a furnace ; the air is
stifling. It may be doubted whether the ill-effects of these
winds go further than the unpleasant sensation above
described.
The day is practically of uniform length throughout
the year — twelve hours of day-light. The sun rises about
6 a.m., and sets about 6 p.m. ; with a few minutes* variation
during the year as it passes from the tropic of Cancer to
the tropic of Capriconi and back. Darkness falls rapidly
after the sun disappears below the horizon, with almost no
intermediate twilight. The heat is greatest during the
early afternoon ; but by 4.30 p.m., the sun is far down and
126 Handbook to Singapore.
the air cool enough to admit of out-door recreation. The
earlji morning, imtil an hour after sun rise (i.e. till 7 a.m.)
is fresh and cool, and is the best time of day for walking,
riding or shooting. The heavy dew that falls diuring the
night, howeyer, prevents out-door sports such as tennis or
cricket in the morning.
All things considered, Singapore is one of the healthiest
places in tropical latitudes. Cholera, the scourge of the
East, is almost unknown, owing to the abundant rainfall ;
and dysentery is rare. The annual death rate is estimated at
47*1 per thousand. The chief disadvantage of the climate
to Europeans and others accustomed to change of seasons
is the absence of any such change in Singapore ; the effect
of the eternal summer is somewhat relaxing and enervating
to those who have come from temperate regions.
Annual Abstract of Rainfall, &c.
■HJtioqtsnin^j
|Kp^f|'SS|2?-i
% -paja^siSaa lox Si
Si
■itiH -fpon
1
1
-araio eraiOH
laches.
19-33
8-49
7-58
8-71
2-94
7-42
21-88
10-62
7-49
914
■Euap
IlilililsiS^^
s
■piTBISI
jliSliilpip
■ntiSiTB.T,
|ipifipli!|
-dnicqi'jiOAraB
10-18
1403
10-90
1138
6-80
6-40
17-70
7-99
8-22
10-50
15 85
1212
s
•pBoa
Booaowag 'pi
-idsOH JBdnBJ
i
i
■JjojBAjasqo
midsoH Mq
-MX aaopmix
-sam-j
-idBOH Twanao
12-57
905
6-82
4-26
4-87
513
1768
8-05
7-02
8-46
7-35
6-28
3
-jnoqjBH
«3N 'loJsCT
a.'oo -0 V a.
|°SSi.ST3-'31«!33-' ION
S3
-BHiKOH -
January
February ...
April
May
June
July
August
September ...
Outober ...
November ..
December ...
3
e3
3
•.
.aaa ii
-IS-
aa*«N«t,-^t,«„U)
-ar
1
--a
ssilsHpilll
|i
1
IS
i
S-i-
SSS8SSSSSS3SS
S
l^i
s
Si
II
m
a
s
5
3
"0
fSSiSEESSEggS
s
■ang
fiiiiiiiisiii
--. A M> 5r«»ai> - « T» M -
i
i
■HTK
■HBK
fsssssssssssSs
1
^■^1
ttB3K+
fllEHiSEl.lKfc
E
r^
■HI!
fllfcOfeSfcgtSS
K
■H9t
filslisiiiiii
S
f.^
■H6
?4ssS3sssiiss
s
jr
5«
if.
S:So
i
^g
a
siiiiifiiiiii
^
1!
a
ssSgigSilsSli
i
-?i
«"
3
a
3|i5|iiiii|ii
s
1
,.x.
OH
llllllllllll
Ji
CHAPTER XV.
The Ma.lay Language and Literature.
HE Malay Language, often called the Italian of
the East, on account of its broad vowels and
soft consonants, is, in its many dialects, one of
the most widely spoken Asiatic tongues. Thronghoufc the
Malay Peninsula and Archipelago, in parts of Siam, and
even in such remote places as Formosa, Madagascar and
Cape Colony, varieties of the language are to be found. Its
origin is obscure, and will probably remain so, until the
origin of the Malay people is discovered. The Malays them-
selves consider Sumatra as the cradle of their race ; but this
means no more than that thev found themselves in
Sumatra when the self- cod sciousness of the race emerged
from the infancy of barbarism. Philologists have diffi-
culty in classifying the language. Attempts have
been made to affiliate it to the monosyllabic languages of
China, Annam, and Siam ; and no doubt there is a con-
siderable Mongolian element in Malay, though there is a
large admixture of other elements. The use of numeral
co-efficients to express the phi ral is unquestionably Mongo-
lian in origin. For example, the Malays say — Perampuan
iiga oratig (woman three person) for three women ; kuda
lima ehor (horse five tail) for five horses ; Telor sa* puloh
biji (egg ten fruit) for ten eggs; c/., the concession to
Chinese idiom in Pidgin Euglish " Three piecee man" for
three men. The question whether all languages were not
originally monosyllabic is one that divides philologists,
but at any rate Malay, notwithstanding the Mongolian
130 Handbook to Singapore.
element, is no^v dissyllalnc ; and in regard to accent,
trochaic. This, in connection with its broad vowels and
soft consonants, is the secret of its musical sound.
Not only is the ear charmed bv the music and
rhythm of the spoken tongue, but the mind is also
delighted by the simple and graceful forms of .speech, ex-
pressing highly poetical ideas, which are often on the lips of a
people not conspicuously romantic or imaginative. Many of
the common words and phrases of ordinary life are, from a
western point of view, highly poetical, owing to the child-
like, but artistic combination of ide:is that are not natu-
rally connected. The Malay, for example, calls the sun
Mata-hari, '' the eye of day :" he speaks of a brook as anaJc
snngei, "the son of a river;" when he is sorrowful or
angry he says he is sakit hati, '* sick at heart.** An
ecHpse of the sun or moon he regards as a tempoi'ary
illness of these bodies — mkit mata-hari, sakit bidan. Such
idiomatic and poetical expressions form one of the chief
characteristics of iho language.
Malay, as spolceu in the Straits Settlements, in the
Peninsula, and in many of the islands in the Archipelago,
has been greatly modified, and its vocabulary has been
largely enriched by the influence of foreign languages.
The Hindu conquest of Malaya, many centuries ago,
imported Sanskrit words and ideas into the language.
(The introduction to W. E. Maxwell's ** Manual of the
Malay Language" gives a careful and scholarly account of
the nature and extent of Sanscrit influence.) In the
thirteenth century r^ame the Mahommedan supremacy,
during which the most of the Malays embraced Islam ;
and consequently borrowed largely from the Arabic
language to supply deficiencies in their own. Later still,
European influence made itself appai^ent, — Portuguese,
Putch and English words being freely adopted to express
Malay Language and Lite ratine, 131
ideas iutroduced by the foreigners. In Singapore the
Malay colloquial is a hybrid language . few of the great
languages of the world are unrepreseuted in its v»Kabulary.
Tie purest Malay is spoken in Per.ilc. rhe most northern
of the Native States under British Protection.
Malay is free from inflections, am], like most primi-
tive languages, poor in connectives. The juxtaposition
of two words is generally enough to imply their connec-
tion. The verb is simple compared with the elaborate
conjugations of the perfect classical languages of the East
and West, Arabic and Greek ; it is not <leclined at all; its
tenses are expressed by means of auxiliaries, and its modes
by prefixes. Number is indicated by numerals, with or
without numeral co-efficients ; sometimes (indefinitely) by
re-duplication : gender, by the addition of the word
** male " or " female," and that only when distinction
of sex is required by the context ; and case is not indicated
at all, except, perhaps, by the position of the word in the
sentence.* The best Malay Grammar and Dictionary (by
the late Dr. Marsdenf) are now out of print. Copies may
be bought occasionally, but at a prohibitive price. Messrs.
W. E. Maxwell, the present Colonial Secretary of the
Straits Settlements, and F. A. Swettenham, British
Resident of Perak, have both published works
which give a fair introduction to the spoken language ;
* Malay has been called ** a most ungrammatical but most idio-
matic langiiage." This is true if inflections only constitute grammar.
An ungrammatical language is one without laws either of syntax or
of idiom ; and that Malay certainly is not.
tDr. Marsden was a contemporary of Sir Stamford Raffles; his
Grammar and Dictionary were published in 1812, and deal with the
language as he knew it in Sumatra. The Peninsular Malay differs
considerably from the Sumatran ; but Marsden's works might be
re-printed with such additions as are necessary for students of the
language as it is now spoken and written in Malaya.
1^2 ildtidbook to Singapore,
but there is still room for a historical aud scicutilio
grammar, and for a larger dictionary. Visitors to the
Straits Settlements will find the small hand-book pub-
lished by Messrs. Fraser and Neave, Singapore, a useful
guide to the colloquial.
The literature of the Malays is extensive and copious,
but not rich. It consists of heroic tales aud legends, works
on ethics and laws, and a large number of proverbs and
poems. Of the literature as a whole it may be said that
it is imitative rather than original ; and this may be
accounted for by the fact that the Malays have not for
many centuries enjoyed an independent national exis-
tence ; and, also perhaps, by the fact that the art of
writing was unknown to them till they came into contact
with nations more powerful and more civilised than
themselves; and contact of that kind means conquest.
It is probable that the acquisition of the art of writing
dates from the Mahommedan invasion in the thirteenth
century.* Malay is written in the Arabic character, with
a few modifications of some letters to rei)resent sounds
not found in the latter tongue. The vowel points are not
in general use; consequently there is consideiuble uncer-
tainty as to the correct orthography.
The chronicles and legends are said to be painfully
genealogical and as tedious and uninteresting to the
Western reader as a Chinese drama to a European spec-
tator. They have, however, an interest of their own, and
are not without literary grace. The best known to Euro-
peans is the Hikayatf of Abdullah bin Abdul Kader,
* This is disputed by some who claim to have fouDd traces of au
earlier Malay writing.
JThe word Hikayatf used by the Malays, is the Arabic word for
story. A translation of the greater part of Abdullah's Hikayaty by
J. T. Thomson, f.e.o.s., is published by Henry S. King & Co.
Malay Language and Literature. 133
written in the year 1840. The author was the Munshi
who taught Malay to the earliest British settlers in
Singapore. This is not his only work, but, owing to its
being used as a reading-book in the Colony, it is better
known than the others. Another chronicle worthy of
mention is the Sejarat Malayu (Malay Annals), a mixture
of history and legend.*
Besides the chronicles, legend;^, and other prose
writings, there is a large number of proverbs, poems
(«Atter)t and pantuns. The last-named, ihe paiituns, consist
of a verse, or verses, of four lines each, rhyming alter-
nately, and couched in highly metaphorical language,
to discover the meaning of which often baffles the
Western reader. Three specimens followj : —
The heron flies into the air,
And dashes down the fish it hud caught.
Forbear to grasp burning embers,
Or, feeling the heat, you will quickly let them pro.
A maiden draws water from the well ;
The bucket falls off, leaving only the curd.
Con?JCut, my life, to the departure of your friend.
And do not grieve at the separation.
A white horse whose hoofs are black
Is a horse for the Sultan Iskander.
My love is dark ; various are her blandishments ;
But she is incapable of speaking the truth.
A valuable collection of Malay manuscripts, made by
Sir Stamford Raffles, was lost to the world by a most
regrettable accident. The East Indiaman on which Raffles
* See note on p. 6 and p. 60.
t Shder is also from the Arabic.
{ Taken from the Appendix to Marsden's Malay Grammar.
134
Handbook to Singapore.
bad embarked for England with his toUection, took fire at
sea ; and though he escaped with the rest <»f the passengers
and the crew, the uianuscrii:>ts were destroyed.
TheMalavs luav often be heard readinj^ far into the
night. One man reads aloud to a company of listeners ;
and the method of reading is a kiud of chanting or
intoning.
D >'-,-
5v>'
^
\
^
Tramway Time Table. 135
SINGAPORE TRAMWAYS.
New Harbour and Johnston's Pier Section.
TIME TABLE.
Leaves New Harbour — 9 a.m.; 10.20 a.m.; n.40 a.m.;
1 p.m. ; 2.20 p.m. ; 3.40 p.m. ; 5 p.m.
Leaves New Harbour for Tanjong Pagar only. G.20p.m.
Leaves Johnston's Pier — 9.40 a.m.; 11 a.m.; 1*2.20 p.m.;
1.40 p.m. ; 3 p.m. ; 4.20 p.m. ; 5.40 p.m.
On Saturdays, after 3 jo.?u., the Car runs between New Harbour
and Tanjong Pagar only, as under.
Leaves New Harbour ... 3.40 p.m.; 5 p.m.; G.20 p.m.
Leaves Tanjong Pagar 4.20 p.m. ; 5.40 p.m.
[No Car on Sundays.)
RocHORE Section. ^
On week days Cars nin abottt ovevy 7 minutes, between
the hours of G.30 a.m. an<l 11.30 p.m.; on Sundays, from
12.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.
i
ACVEETISEMENTS.
W. h. S8SL1IRS ^ G®.
SINGAPORE.
V i
PENANG.
(BATTERY ROAD.)
_ i
^^Bjm
UNION STREET.:
Wine, Spirit, \
^^
Commission
Cigar and
l^osadaX
Tobacco
^I^^J
and
Merohants.
^^^^
Estate Agents.
Special agencies :
Continental Bodega Wine Company.
Company General Cigar Factory.
La Constancia Cigar Factory.
Hongkong Brick, Pipe and Cement
Company.
Johnson's Portland Cement.
Clubs and Messes supplied with all requisities
for Cricket, Tennis, Golf, Football, etc., etc.
ADTERTISEME^'TS.
^ LETTER-PRESS,
LITHOGRAPHIC AND
COPPER-PLATE PRINTERS;
>.PHOTO-ZINCOGRAPHERS,
^\
>> \ MANUFACTURERS,
PUBLISHERS.
STATIONERS,
&c.
ACCOUNT BOOK
Large
Assortment
of
Stationery for
Office and Privali
use kept in 8tocl<
PublUhi
"Singapore & Straits
Directory.'
"TheTraveller3 Malay
Pronouncing Hand-book."\
"Singapore & Straits Rough Diary ."\
"Housekeeper's Day Book."
"Hand-Book to Singapore."
Map of Singapore, &D., &o.
/UJnrnUSEB-FropiiBtorE-D. CHALHEES HEAVE,
ADTERTISEMENTS.
o
O
e*
^
Manufacturers of
SODA WATER,
SELTZER WATER
POTASS WATER,
LEMONADE,
TONIC,
GINGER ALE,/ ^ ^'
GINGER BEER, &c.,
of the first quality
only.
<^ §
Jo ^"
THE
PRINCIPAL
CLUBS,
HOTELS, and
RESIDENTS in
(O- V /SINGAPORE and at
^-O A /the Outports supplied.
o*
The producing powers
^
^
^ /^ /of tli's Company's Factory
i^ ^ /having recently been greatly
,^§^ ^ /augumented, special facilities
^^ /exist for supplying MAIL and
^ 4$^ /other steamers with Aerated
Waters on the shortest possible
notice.
JOHN FRASER ) „
DAVID 0. NEAVE, r''°P'''®*0''S-
ADVERTISEMENTS.
THE
Singapore and Straits Directory
OP
COMMERCE, TRADE AND PROFESSIONS,
With much useful Statistical and other Information,
Published Annually,
AND
Coittaiun over fPOO paf/eft.
PRESS OPINIONS.
The Singapore and Straits Directory for 1892 is
now ready. It is again enlarged, and practically contains
the name of every European in the whole Far East.
Instead of filling the volume with irrelevant matter a mass
of information relating to the products, trade, history, &c.,
of each place is given, and in its way the publication bids
fair to become a second "Whitaker's Almanac. It is cer-
tainly without a rival in the East, and is extremely cheap
at $5.- Bangkok Times.
The ** Singapore and Straits Directory " for 1892
is more than ever remarkable for the almost overwhelming
amount of really useful information it contains. The work
is got up with the careful accuracy characteristic of its
publishers. — Hongkong Telegraph.
Compiled, Printed and Published
AT THE
SINGAPORE and STRAITS PRINTING OFFICE,
ROBINSON STREET, SINGAPORE.
F&XCE $5 PE& COPT.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
£owell 6j Co., Singapore.
Please read the following lines and bear them in mind.
Our FURNITURE FACTORY is in Orchard Road and is
the largest and most complete. It is supplied with steam
power to drive our Wood-worhing Machines, Saws, Ac,
thei^efore Contracts and large orders can he put through
WITH SPEED.
Our NINGPO CA 
