Dearie:Russell Family History

NB Malayan Collieries in hands of military till April 1st 1946.

A. W. Delamore resigned from the board of J.A. Russell and Co. Ltd. in a letter dated 31 January 1946. William Gemmell appointed as chairman as from January 1946. Clarkson returned to Malaya on 21st January 1946 and Drysdale on 6th May 1946. Source “J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Friday the 5th July, 1946 at 10.00A.M.”

The Straits Times, 10 March 1946, Page 2 MALAYA DIGS FOR COAL AGAIN The Story of rehabilitation. By J.W.Elliot Coal is the foundation of the industrial structure in any country and there is a general shortage of it throughout the world. But Batu Arang coal mines, the only coal producing mine in the peninsula, can supply the needs of the country for some 70 years, according to Mr. Elliot, the General Manager of Malayan Collieries, in a recent talk from K.L. Radio. Though neglected by the Japanese, these collieries are being rapidly put into shape. Coal is the source of power most widely used for the production of electricity and for driving railway locomotives, and can be regarded as the foundation of the industrial structure in any country. While the wealth of tin resources in Malaya has been known for hundreds of years, it was not until 1914 that deposits of valuable coal were discovered in the thick jungles of Batu Arang. This is the only workable coal-field that has been found in Malaya. A concession of 9,000 acres was obtained and machinery was transported to the site to enable the seam to be exploited. The coal-field consists of seams of coal, each varying in thickness from 20 feet to 40 feet and the two seams are separated by 100 feet of shale. They are both inclined at a dip at one in four from the surface. Underground Working The original scheme was to extract coal by underground working, on a system normally employed in the United Kingdom. As the jungle was cleared, the extent of the outcrop of the coal seams at the surface became apparent. It was then decided to strip off the surface growth, subsoil and shale, to expose the coal so that it could be easily obtained by quarrying. Later on, mechanical excavators were obtained, and a greater depth of soil and shale were economically removed. In many places a thickness of 120 feet of overburden has been dug, and the coal below won by opencast methods. At the same time, extensive underground workings have been in progress to win the coal that runs deeper into the strata at a gradient of one in four. The gradient quickly limits the amount of coal that can be economically won by opencast methods. Production Increases Production of coal gradually increased, and was enough to ensure the supply of power stations, steam-operated tin mines and the railways. In 1940 the production of coal from the mine was 870,000 tons per annum. The Collieries were well equipped and had large reserves of stripped coal in the opencasts and the mine was in excellent condition. At the time of the Japanese invasion, in accordance with the defence policy, much of the plant, and particularly the power producing plant, was destroyed by the company officials on instructions of the military authorities. On the destruction of the power plant the pumps ceased to work and as a result many of the mines were quickly flooded. The Occupation The Japanese appreciated the necessity of producing coal and in February, 1942, they produced 467 tons. But they failed to upkeep the machinery and the scarcity of lubricating oils and spare parts made it impossible to dispose of the shale which had to be stripped to exploit the coal seam. The result was that the shale was dumped all round the opencast pits, on top of the coal. The output of coal was diminishing quickly, and it is doubtful whether more that 400 or 500 tons of coal per day could have been produced by them by the end of 1945. In 1942 the planning authorities in the United Kingdom realized that a supply of coal would be necessary for the support of the forces to liberate Malaya. The Company was asked by the War Office to prepare a scheme to produce coal as soon as possible. A small team of technical men was recruited, and plant was ordered on the assumption that the mine and its machinery would be totally destroyed. The new equipment was of a design that could be easily handled in beach landings. The Surrender The surrender of the Japanese forces in Malaya occurred before much of this machinery was ready for dispatch from England. But intelligence reports which reached us, indicated that the mine was being worked by the Japanese. In view of this information one of the first duties of the B.M.A. on landing was to send a representative to take control of all operations at the mine. Conditions at the mine were deplorable but about 500 tons of coal per day was obtained. On Oct. 12 the labourers at the mine struck work, including the safety men and artisans, who maintain the pumps, the functioning of which is essential in working opencast pits. When all the pumps ceased operation, rapid flooding occurred. A platoon of electrical and mechanical Royal Indian Engineers were rushed to the mine and they made valiant attempts to re-start the pumps. Their efforts failed due to constant breakdowns in the electrical supply system. It soon became obvious that our only hope was to recover as many pumps as possible before they were lost under the rapidly rising water. At the same time 874 M.E. Company, R.E., took over the mine to produce some coal by mechanical means, and so maintain essential services while the strike continued. Staff Flown Out In early October, in response to a cable from SEAC, four members of the European colliery staff were flown from England and arrived at the mine on Oct. 16. As there was no labour available, other than military personnel, the technical staff were used to advise the Royal Engineers. Fortunately, a small amount of coal at a higher level than the rest of the mine, had been stripped by the Japanese. A plan to dig this coal by Diesel-driven mechanical excavators loading into skips and operated by R.E. labour, was quickly devised. On Oct. 24, 100 tons of coal was produced. Through hard work and improvisation the output obtained by the Royal Engineers steadily increased and reached a total of 400 tons per day by the middle of November. The strike terminated on Nov. 20 and labour was engaged as quickly as useful work could be found. The general policy was to employ as many labourers as possible. All work with the exception of the operation of the R.E. machines was undertaken by the normal labour force. New Castings The Chinese and Indian artisans, many of whom had worked for the Company since its inception, made wonderful efforts under the direction of the Chief Engineer. It was necessary to make new castings, which had to be machined and fitted. The pumps were also rapidly repaired. The essential parts of the electrical supply system were quickly overhauled. Thus a continuous production of coal was assured by using machines of the Royal Engineers. The result is that the output by the joint efforts of the Royal Engineers and Company labour has risen to 800 tons per day. But it is difficult for the railway to transport this amount of coal to the consumers. It is hoped that problem will soon be overcome and the Malayan coal will be used in Singapore, making it unnecessary to import coal for use in power stations. This will also relieve the acute shortage of coal in East Asia. De-Watering Mines In addition to producing coal from the two opencast pits, the repair of the pumps has proceeded so well that a start has been made to de-water the underground mines. It is the policy of the Company to produce as much coal as possible by underground working, and already a small quantity is being loaded from underground. With the continued co-operation of the military authorities and the local labour there is no doubt that within a short time 1000 tons of coal per day can be produced and this output can steadily be increased according to demand. As coal is of such vital importance to the rehabilitation of industry generally throughout the peninsula, it is indeed fortunate that we have a proved and developed coalfield which could supply the normal needs of the country for some 70 years. And this is especially valuable as there is a worldwide shortage of coal which will continue for some years. (Photograph of two underground workers captioned: "A typical scene in an under ground working at the Batu Arang coal-fields.)

The Straits Times, 11 March 1946, Page 3 Rubber Estate Conditions Make 'A Sorry Tale'. Some of the bright spots of the week were the arrival of more food ships. Cost of living index in Singapore already shows a sharp fall. The prolonged strike at the Eastern Smelting works in Penang ended. The British Government has announced the setting up of a Claims Commission for Malaya. Summary “ (Rubber estates, suffering from shortage of acid, tapping tools, machinery, labour and transport. Production costs high, crops looted. More Malay labour then before the war. Complaints over prices fixed for tin and rubber) “An interesting talk, which also constituted a report, was made by the general manager of the Malayan Collieries during the week under review. Current production appears to be around 800 tons per day and this is expected to be increased shortly to 1,000. The pre-war production was about double this amount. The difficulties which this company has had to surmount were and are tremendous but have been most energetically tackled and this output is a striking tribute to its success.”

Note: The Collieries were in hands of military till 1 April 1946 then passed over to Union Government until July 1st

John Drysdale returned to Malaya on 6th May 1946. Source: J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Friday the 5th July, 1946 at 10.00A.M.”

18th May 1946 Bob Russell writes letter to JAR & Co. Ltd. claiming $3,750. J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Friday the 5th July 1946 at 10.00A.M.

• Malayan Coal Output Above Consumption The Straits Times, 1 June 1946, Page 5  • Malayan Coal Output Above Consumption • Malayan Collieries are today producing more coal than can be absorbed by the total local consumption and so far as can be seen this state of affairs will continue through 1947.' • This statement was made by Mr. R.C. Russell, the managing director of the Collieries, commenting on the statement by Mr. A. D. Storke, advisor to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, portions of whose report were recently quoted in the Straits Times. • Mr. Storke stated: “ The present output of coal in Malaya is small, and although plans have been formulated for increased production, it will be necessary to import coal in 1946 and 1947 to meet Malayan requirements’ • Mr. Russell points out that though this may have been a correct assumption at the time of Mr. Storke’s visit last November, the position has since changed.

The Straits Times, 22 June 1946, Page 7  MALAYAN COLLIERIES LTD. Notice to Shareholders. 1. Messrs. J. A. Russell and Co., Ltd. have resumed their duties as Secretaries. All communications in connection with shares, transfers, etc. should be addressed to them. 2. Will shareholders who have not already done so and who are able to do so, please inform the Secretaries of their holdings in the Company and give the distinctive numbers of their shares. 3. The Board will issue shortly a circular to all shareholders giving a brief report on the present condition of the Property. Notice to Consumers and Traders The Main Office of the Company is at Batu Arang, Selangor, all other communications should be addressed there. MALAYAN COLLIERIES LTD. J. A. RUSSELL AND CO., LTD., Secretaries. Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Bldgs., Kuala Lumpur.

1 July Malayan Collieries passed back to company

J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Friday the 5th July 1946 at 10.00A.M. Summary: Present Mr. W. Gemmell (Chairman), Mr. J. H. Clarkson, Mr. J. Drysdale, and Mr. R.C. Russell. The Russell trustees had appointed William Gemmell and Bob as directors. Bob tries to raise issues about the trustees but William Gemmell rules them out of order. Bob then leaves the meeting and Don in his role as a Russell trustee joins it. William starts the meeting speaking about the death of H.H. Robbins and his great loss as chairman and managing director. Clarkson appointed secretary to be relieved by Mr. M. H. Carr when he returns to Malaya. Chairman reported loss of minute book, seal and all office records of company during Japanese occupation. Arrangements made with bank for cash advances to rehabilitate properties including at Boh. J. A. Russell owns all the shares in Boh. The policy started in 1941 to dispose of assets to bring down the overdraft is to be continued. A payment of $3,750 is made to Bob Russell. The Board of Malayan Collieries had repudiated an agreement between the Company and J.A.R. & Co. Ltd. as General Managers and Secretaries. J.A.R. and Co. Ltd. will take steps to remedy the position. Don tabled a letter requesting a meeting of shareholders to vote an alteration to the articles of association. The request was to clarify who the Russell trustees were and the roles and rules concerning directors.

9th July letter from Bob to J.A.R. & Co. Ltd objecting to minute 1A of previous meeting and that any information about the Russell trustees must be obtained by Bob from them. 16 July 1946 Bob sends a telegram to J.A.R. & Co. Ltd. resigning from board. J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Friday the 18 July 1946 at 10.00A.M.

J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Thursday the 18 July 1946 at 10.00A.M. Summary Present Mr. W. Gemmell (Chairman), Mr. J. H. Clarkson, and Mr. J. Drysdale. In a telegram dated 16.7. 46 Bob had resigned his seat on the board. Disposal of assets continued with the sale of 21,000 shares in Malayan Collieries, 2,400 shares in Kamunting Tin Dredging Ltd and 4,000 shares in Klang River Tin Dredging Ltd. The current financial position was discussed. Boh and Sungei Tua properties could be rehabilitated by the end of the year. The interest on the old overdraft could not be paid. The company still retained a large number of shares in Malayan Collieries, valued at $3,582,000. Income for 1947 would cover expenditure, but until the Colliery dividends arrived there were unlikely to be any profits available for dividends. The Company’s overdrafts including Boh amounted to $101,562.62. Clarkson and Drysdale were authorised to operate the bank accounts. Compassionate allowances to staff employed on 7 January 1942 including widows and dependants were agreed. Additional assistance to Mrs Mackenzie and Mrs Maggs was agreed. Item 22A “S” Settlement. £540 one year’s remittance agreed. An annuity to Miss Godwin of $2,000 was agreed, and allowances to Archie’s old servants. Quarterly fee to W.R. Loxley & Co (London) of £300 for looking after affairs of Company in London. Don Russell’s loan was now worth less than his shareholding in J.A.R. & Co. Ltd. and it was agreed to release his security on the China Businesses. A general meeting of the company was to be arranged. Financial statements and reports would be available soon but not in as much detail as previously. Transmission of information to Russell trustees would follow existing procedures but trustees were advised that all information was private and confidential and not to divulged to any other party without the consent of the Company.

J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Extraordinary meeting held on 30th July 1946. (No minutes of this in minute book.)

J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Thursday the 1st August 1946 at 10.00A.M Summary Present Mr. W. Gemmell (Chairman), Mr. J. H. Clarkson, and Mr. J. Drysdale. Don Russell appointed a director. Mr. Tosswill appointed alternate for William Gemmell. Mr .M. H. Carr appointed alternate for Don Russell. Mr Clarkson acting chairman until return of Mr Gemmell and Don Russell early in 1947. S settlement and Annuity to Miss Godwin legal opinion had confirmed that these liabilities were not affected by war, they were originally liabilities of the trust they would be continued to be paid by company as in the past. Arrears to be paid over period starting in 1947. Don Russell’s loan. Ipoh amusement park, two cinemas and adjoining shop houses to be sold to Mr Rumne Shaw for $450,000. $8,000 to be paid to Mr Chong Fatt the Company’s agent in Ipoh, commission for negotiating sale and other sales and past services. Other property. Ampang Road bungalow rented to military for $150 a month to be renovated and sold or rented unfurnished. Kampong Malacca Lots need to be sub-divided under Government scheme not yet finalised. Rumne Shaw made offer for 11 lots. Possibility of floating a land development company to build offices or flats. Negotiations re opened to sell property in Batu road area. Property in Seremban to be disposed of. Lands in Serendah to be re rented to New Serendah Rubber Co. Ledbury Rubber Estates Ltd: Sione Estate to be tapped by Sungei Tua Estate. Crop and sales at Sungei Tua. 35 acres cut out by Japanese to be replanted. Superintendent Mr. A.H. Frugtniet is replaced during his holiday by his brother Mr. A. L. Frugtniet. Boh Tea crop and sales. Mr. Fairlie and Mr Robertson resumed duties at estate. Mr. McKay would return to Malaya in a few months time. Financial Position. Improvement in overdraft position. Sale of investments. Shares in M.C. and Klang River Tin Dredging Co. Provident Fund set up. Colliery Position. William Gemmell reported his letter to MC with final offer sent 31st July. M.C. board to meet on 8th August to consider offer. Drysdale recalled that three months fee had been agreed to be paid to J.A.R. & Co. Ltd., by M.C. in January 1942. Agreement to lease office from H.S.B.C. for 3 years, shared with Evatt and Co. Evatt and Co. are reappointed auditors. Directors’ report approved. Next meeting date.

The Straits Times, 2 August 1946, Page 4 MALAYAN COLLIERIES LTD. Notice to Shareholders. NOTICE is hereby given that the Share Register is now open and that Share transfers can be effected. MALAYAN COLLIERIES LTD. J. A. RUSSELL AND CO., LTD., Secretaries. Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Bldgs., Kuala Lumpur.

J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Saturday the 3rd August 1946 at 10.00A.M Summary Present Mr. W. Gemmell (Chairman), Mr. J. H. Clarkson, and Mr. J. Drysdale. Chairman leaving Malaya on 6th. Minutes previous meeting approved. Closed at 10.05.Lot 291 sold to Jagat Singh Havela Singh for $78,000. On 21st August 1946. (Batu Road area)

J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Thursday the 29th August 1946 at 10.30A.M Summary Present Mr. J. H. Clarkson, (in the chair) and Mr. J. Drysdale and Mr. J. T. Tosswill. (As alternate for William Gemmell) Matters arising. “S” settlement not allowed, due to controller of foreign exchange. Beneficiary advised. Godwin acknowledged receipt of remittance. Bank still holding Don Russell’s shares (25,000) in Company as security on loan. Ipoh sale held up by Government moratorium on sales. Drysdale reported on trying to get compensation for damage to Ampang Road bungalow from army. Army claims main damage was by looters. Clarkson reported that company has raised squatter’s rents in Kampong Malacca with approval of town board authorities. Money raised to improve sanitary conditions. Government anxious to develop area. Enquiry received re sale of whole area. Batu Road area, two blocks to be sold for $78,000. Details of rest of area. Sungei Tua. Crop and sales report. Unsettled staff conditions. Labour rates increased. Cut in rice ration. Mr. A. H. Frugtniet claiming pay for occupation period, saying he had been asked to remain behind in 1942. Clarkson reported on estate, costs high, thefts of latex responsible, trying to obtain lorry for tapping contractor to transport Chinese labour. Labour conditions throughout country difficult. Boh: costs, crop, sales, demand exceeded supply, decision not to rise prices unsatisfied demand for packeted tea, no supplies of packetting had arrived. New Austin lorry bought in March badly damaged. Malayan railways would shortly reinstate road/ rail facilities. Clarkson had visited, rehabilitation works satisfactory, renewal parts for drier and had arrived at Singapore. Mining: progress with properties except for Selayang. Appeal to Government to waive rent of Sintok. Financial report. Sale of assets, 500 more MC Shares sold in August. Mr. Carr would arrive in next few days. War gratuities to staff. Colliery Position. Drysdale reported that terms in recent letter had been accepted by MC Board, which included John Drysdale to be chairman of Board of Directors, and JAR and Co Ltd to be secretaries under a 5 year agreement, to be in charge of accounts, share register, & share holder meetings. For fee of $3,500 per month. Evatts had agreed to share of office space. Don given power of attorney to cancel debentures over China Businesses. Some Batu Road land sold to Jagat Singh and Havela Singh for $78,000. Clarkson appointed to as trustee to M.C. Ltd. Provident Fund.

J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Friday the 11th October 1946 at 10.30A.M Summary Present Mr. J. H. Clarkson, (in the chair) and Mr. J. Drysdale and Mr. J. T. Tosswill. Mr. M.H. Carr Secretary. (As alternate for Don Russell) “S” settlement had been forwarded despite considerable difficulty with exchange control. Sale of property in Ipoh held up by moratorium. Ampang Road Bungalow derequisitioned on 11. 9 46. Claim to cover damage submitted. Amount due to earlier period of occupation by military, compensation of $1,114.50 agreed. Rents revised at Kampong Malacca. Batu Road revision of rents and sales of blocks A and B. Seremban: inquiry over sale of better properties Sungei Tua: disappointing crop, difficult labour position, lorry needed to transport additional tappers, hoping to arrange purchase of Dodge lorry. Sione: Proprietors, who had inquired if J.A.R. & Co. Ltd. interested in buying estate, may terminate present arrangement. Clarkson working out a basis of purchase that would exchange part of company’s shareholding in Utan Simpan. Sales, costs, low crop. Clarkson visiting estate every week, it needed stricter supervision to lower costs. Boh: receipts and payments, crop highest since re occupation, sales, satisfactory demand, costs, finance, labour position easy, a number of labourers wanted to go to India but were unable to obtain passages. Drier renewal parts received. Hoped to have both driers operating at pre war standard by end of October. Mining: Sintok, Company claim for waiver of quit rent for 1946 being reconsidered by Government. Harper Gilfillan engineer reporting on remaining plant and machinery with view to selling it. Company’s London agents reported on British Gov possibly buying Wolfram at 70/- a unit. Clarkson said mine could not be worked profitably on that sum, due to heavy increase in costs of labour let alone rehabilitation to get production going again. Finance: over draft increased. Detailed accounts. No further sale of shares due to market being depressed. Staff war gratuities and pre war provident fund and arrears proposed to be settled this month. Colliery position, agreement signed on 29. 9.46.

The Straits Times, 19 October 1946, Page 1 BATU ARANG COAL STRIKE AVERTED From Our Own Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Friday. Malayan Collieries have managed to avert a strike at the Batu Arang coal mines which threatened to have serious repercussions throughout Malaya. The Malayan Railways, the Electrical Department and numerous tin dredges throughout the Malayan Union are dependent upon Malayan Collieries for their coal supplies. Already it is reported—even with conditions at Batu Arang progressing as smoothly as can be expected under the present situation—several dredges are idle on account of the shortage of coal. It is understood that the threatened strike was the outcome of a notice given by the company to a few men who worked for a contractor. They were told their services were no longer required, as there was insufficient work. The local Labour Union intervened and asked the company to withdraw the notice dismissing the men and to reinstate them. Union Not Satisfied On Tuesday company officials, the Assistant Controller of Labour and the Labour Union delegates held a conference. Apparently the Labour Union delegates were not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and the following day held a massed meeting, at which it was decided to give notice of their intention to strike as from yesterday if the company failed to give a satisfactory reply by four o’clock The latest information received in Kuala Lumpur, however, is that the strike has been averted and that the coal mines are still operating.

The Straits Times, 4 November 1946, Page 2 MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LIMITED. Lost Share Certificates Applications have been made to the Director of the Company to issue to the following shareholders (and) duplicate certificates to replace original certificates stated to have been lost or destroyed. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that if within 30 days from the date hereof, no claim or representation is made to the Directors, they will proceed with these applications for duplicate certificates and the lost certificates will be regarded as having been cancelled, viz:- Cert. No. of Distinctive Name of Shareholder No. Shares Nos. Estate of A. A. Craigen. Decd. And Mrs. M. H. Craigen .. .. .. .. .. .. 310/320 20,000 370641 - 390640 Middle East Investments Ltd. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2856/9 3,500 664351 - 667850 2860 1,000 1712651 - 1713650 2861 1,000 1977171 - 1978170 2881 1,000 2327261 - 2328260 3019/20 4,000 30622281- 3066280 John Drysdale .. .. .. .. 628/638 5,330 887871 - 893200 E. W. Slight .. .. .. .. .. 836/838 2,660 1144131 - 1146790 Frank Ziegele .. .. .. .. 2524 500 2293621 - 2294120 2933 500 1749421 - 1749920 G. M. Notley .. .. .. .. 2360/61 1,000 1913381 - 1914380 E. C. Watson .. .. .. .. 3089 1,000 3301211 - 3307210 W. A. Fell .. .. .. .. .. 1350 1,000 1747661 - 1748660 By Order of the Board J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD., Secretaries. Kuala Lumpur, 1st November, 1946

J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD. Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Registered Office of the Company on Wednesday the 20 November 1946 at 2.30PM Summary Present Mr. J. H. Clarkson, (in the chair), Mr. J. Drysdale and Mr. J. T. Tosswill. Mr. M.H. Carr Secretary. “S” Settlement resumed payments on 1st Jan 1947. Mr Shearn’s bill for $50/- “ had been paid and would be deducted from the next remittance” Ipoh: As from 1st Dec 1946 possible to register transfers of land in which there no dealings during the Japanese occupation. Jubilee park titles ruling awaited. Chong Wah Cinema, Steel trusses scheduled for 1940 but delayed due to lack steel Co proceeding with work. Ampang Rd bungalow military rent and compensation now paid. Essential items of reconditioning dealt with. Batu Road area, land transfers now allowed, few inquiries received. In Seremban sold, 41 Locke Street, 60 A Murray Street, and 19 Singapore Street. Valuation of remaining Carew St houses. Serendah lands still being discussed with New Serendah Rubber co. Sungei Tua: crop disappointing. Dodge lorry secured for contractor in October, labour still difficult. Heavy rains interfered with tapping. Sales, costs, staff. Mr Clarkson reported on cleaning and planting. Small profit for first time. Boh: accounts, sales local demand good and enquiries for export not being considered as local demand exceeded supply. Road /Rail facilities now resumed. Mr McKay the first assistant returned 16. 11.46, European staff on estate now back to pre war strength. Drop in labour force due to labourers returning to India. Drier reconditioning completed and converted to oil burning. Mining: Tribute from Kanching sublease resumed. Rehabilitation very slow, and would continue so until rice and therefore labour position improved. Mr Clarkson would visit Sintok to inspect recovered electrical machinery and plant. Accounts: Loss on Sungei Tua included liability to BMA and otherwise would show a profit. Bank overdraft reduced. War gratuities etc payments to 34 out of 37 accounts had been settled. Transfer of property based on old agreement made by J.A. on 3 August 1929 between himself and Mr Foo Nyit Tse, exchanging part of plots of land. Held up until Oct 1940 when Mr Foo Nyit Tse signed his part and company’s part held up by occupation. Company had received forms for claims for War damage. Registration of J.A. R. and Co. Ltd. and Boh Plantations Ltd in Malayan Union completed.

The Straits Times, 22 November 1946, Page 2  MUNICIPALITY OF SINGAPORE. Application has been made to the Municipal Commissioners of the Town of Singapore to issue to the persons or bodies named in column (1) below, a duplicate certificate or certificates in respect of the holdings in Singapore Municipal Debenture Stocks stated in column (2), in lieu of the original certificate (s) numbered and dated as in columns (3) and (4) respectively which are stated to have been lost or destroyed. Notice is hereby given that if within thirty days from the date hereof no claim or representation in respect of such original certificate (s) is made to the Commissioners, they will proceed to deal with such applications for duplicates. Dated this twentieth day of November, 1946. J. R. HILL MUNICIPAL TREASURER AND REGISTRAR OF LOANS. Municipal Office, Singapore. NAME HOLDING ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES $ No. Dated (1) (2) (3) (4) 4% Loan 1939/59 Malayan Collieries Limited 100,000 470 24.11.1939

The Straits Times, 5 December 1946, Page 1 MALAYAN RAIL SERVICES CUT NEXT WEEK From Our Staff Correspondent, KUALA LUMPUR, Wednesday. Owing to the serious lack of coal in the country, the Malayan Railway is drastically curtailing its passenger service from Monday. In addition, on the settlement of the Malayan Collieries coal-mine strike at Batu Arang tomorrow depend plans by the Electrical Department to cut its supply to all mines, dredges, rubber factories and other industries in Selangor served from Bungsar Power Station, as well as the reduction of street lighting in Kuala Lumpur and Seremban. Should the strike at Batu Arang continue, a reduction in electrical services in Selangor and Seremban will begin from Friday and continue until coal production has been restored and the supply of coal to the power station assured. The latest strike situation is that the miners were meeting at Batu Arang this afternoon to make the final decision as to whether they would adhere to their original proclamation that they were merely holding a “two-day token strike” as a protest against the dismissal of 300 men, or whether they would continue until a settlement had been effected with Malayan Collieries. The decision to cut the passenger service of the Malayan Railway was made about a week ago, but the strike at the collieries has aggravated the situation and Monday will see a skeleton railway service operating in Malaya. All efforts are being made to ensure that a full good’s train service is maintained in order to clear the ports of their heavy tonnages of food and other imports. Postal Services. Passenger traffic from Singapore northwards will have one night mail less weekly, and only three day services a week instead of daily. Consultations are being carried on with the Postal Department in order to arrange the maintenance of postal services throughout the country without undue delay in deliveries. A skeleton schedule will continue until Malaya’s only coal mine is able to increase its output to allow the Malayan Railway to operate on a greater supply than in the last few weeks. Malayan Collieries’ output before the strike was insufficient to meet the Railway’s daily requirements which amount approximately to 500 tons, but less than half of this was forthcoming from Batu Arang owing to various reasons, including flooding. Meanwhile, the new “coal shortage” rail schedules for Malayan services are being worked out, and an announcement giving the fullest details is expected either tomorrow or on Friday.

The Straits Times, 10 December 1946, Page 1 Coal Imports Wanted For Railway From Our Staff Correspondent KUAKA LUMPUR, Monday. The Malayan Railway has asked the Special Commissioner’s Office for facilities to import coal from outside sources in order to build up a reserve, but hopes of obtaining the coal are small in view of the strikes in coal-producing countries as well as problems of shipping. If coal is obtainable it is expected that the price will be extremely high. The Malayan Railway, however, intends to make strenuous efforts to get a reserve. It is hoped that, if consumption is kept to a minimum and Malayan Collieries at the same time are able to increase production, the railway will have sufficient reserve to enable it to restore full services soon. Meanwhile preparations are in hand to add extra coaches to the night mail from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore to take passengers who would have travelled southwards by the day service. The railway can add up to three third-class coaches to the night mail, thus catering for about 240 people.

The Straits Times, 10 December 1946, Page 2  NOTICES MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. NOTICE OF EXTRA ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING & ORDINARY MEETING. NOTICE is hereby given that in accordance with Section 13 of the Companies Ordinance 1947 an Extra Ordinary General meeting will be held at the Registered Office of the Company, Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Building, Kuala Lumpur on Thursday 17th December. 1946, at Noon for the following purpose: - To Validate the acts of the de facto Directors. NOTICE is also hereby given that an Ordinary General Meeting will be held at 12.05 p.m. immediately following the above meeting for the following purposes: - To Receive and consider the Balance Sheet and Accounts to the 30th June, 1946, and the reports of the Directors and Auditors. To Declare Director’ remuneration for the year 1941 and for the period June, 1944 to June 1946 inclusive. To Confirm the appointment of Directors and the Managing Director and to elect Directors in place of those retiring. To Elect Auditors for the ensuing year. To Approve a scheme of War Compassionate Allowance to members of the Staff who were interned by the Japanese. By Order of the Board J. A. RUSSELL and CO., LTD. Secretaries Dated 9th December, 1946

The Straits Times, 11 December 1946, Page 7 COLLIERIES TO PAY WAR ALLOWANCE Malayan Collieries report and accounts covering the period to June 30, 1946 was issued yesterday. Revenue for the period under review is $20,739.03 from which sanction will be asked for payment of $11,270 for directors fees from June 1944 to June 1946. Balance of $9,019 has been carried forward. Approval for the payment of $90,000 as compassionate war allowances to interned members and ex-members of the staff will also be asked at the extraordinary general meeting next Thursday. Investments remain as they were in 1941 with the exception of an amount of $275,000 F.M.S. War Loan which was sold to meet the cash position at that time. Balance sheet as at June 30 this year shows cash in hand and at bank at $251,129.17. There has been no actual trading by the company for the period under review, operations from the liberation being carried out by the British Military Administration and the Government of the Malayan Union.

The Straits Times, 18 December 1946, Page 5 GOVT.’S COAL POLICY CRITICISED Malayan Collieries And Price Dispute From Our Own Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Tuesday. THAT it was the earnest desire of the directors to co-operate with the Government in every reasonable way, but that they had to resist any action by the Government to “compress a fair price to an uneconomic one” was the view expressed by Mr. J. Drysdale, the Chairman, at the annual meeting of Malayan Collieries Ltd., held in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon. Mr. Drysdale said that when the company took over financial control of the property from the civil administration on June 30, the price of coal which had been fixed arbitrarily was $12.50 per ton and at the request of Government the price continued until Sept. 30 on the understanding that the subsidy would be considered in respect of any resulting loss. That consideration still continued and “it must be finalised to the satisfaction of the company, otherwise the Government would be obtaining coal for its railways and the Electricity Department at a price less than the cost of production.” The application of the recommendations of the Pyke report and other causes resulted in a sharp increase in the cost of production and the directors had to increase the price to $16.50 per ton as from Oct. 1, although the Government attempted to prevail upon them to continue selling at the previous uneconomic price. The price, Mr. Drysdale declared, was only about one-third the price of imported coal, even after allowing for the difference in the calorific value. Also In 1941. The directors had a similar experience in 1941 when the Government used its influence even to the extent of threatening to use its powers under the Emergency Regulations to try to obtain the continuation of the uneconomic price at the expense of the company and non-Government consumers. To consumers in general, Mr. Drysdale regretted the present high, but not unnecessarily high, price of the company’s coal, but he could not say that the peak had been yet reached. Demand was ahead of supply, he said, and the directors sympathised most sincerely with those consumers whose operations had been restricted. Lack Of Funds Continuing, Mr. Drysdale said that the purchase of equipment for mine developments had been delayed owing to lack of funds but the Government had now agreed to make available the company’s financial requirements on reasonable terms and had arranged to assist in the matter of speedy delivery of equipment. He regretted, however, that the Government did not realise the urgency of the situation and agree months ago to make these provisions. The chairman said that a loan of approximately $500,000 was being arranged whereby the company’s financial requirements for essential equipment were to be made available through its bankers. With regard to the future, Mr. Drysdale said he would not indulge in prophesy, but with substantial coal reserves at their disposal, the good demand and financial assistance available, the company could look forward to the future confidently.

The Straits Times, 20 December 1946, Page 3 MALAYAN COAL MINES HAVE 70 YEARS OF LIFE Malayan Collieries, with about 50 million tons of workable coal, have a life of 70 years at the rate of 2,500 tons a day, which is the normal full output of the mine, said the chairman, Mr. J. Drysdale, at the annual meeting in Kuala Lumpur this week. Mechanisation was a feature of the open-cast workings prior to the occupation, said Mr. Drysdale, and the policy of mechanisation underground was well started. It was the Board’s intention to continue that policy underground to the fullest extent that the special conditions of the seams would allow, and the equipment on order and projected had been selected accordingly. This was especially necessary as the ratio of open-cast coal to underground coal was decreasing, and the mine would ultimately be an underground one with coal available in the open cast as emergency reserves. The mine had a good life, and considerable expenditure on mechanical equipment was justified. Commenting on the accounts, Mr. Drysdale pointed out that the amount of the company’s war claims was not included in the balance sheet, although the matter was one that was receiving the very close attention of the Board. Claims had already been lodged with the military authorities in respect of plant denied to the enemy by the military, and for explosives and earth-moving equipment taken over by the military; the amount involved in these items alone was fully $1,000,000. Claims had also been initiated for use of the property by the Military and Civil Administrations for the period up to July 1, 1946, when the company resumed control of the mine. Other claims were being prepared, a large one being in respect of 1.3 million tons of coal removed during the Japanese occupation. A War risk (Goods) Insurance claim was being prepared for about $400,000, this claim comes within the category of seizure. Mr. Drysdale reminded share holders that the company’s issued capital at $3,433,400 was small compared with the actual capital that was employed in the undertakings in normal times. The reason for this was that much development and other expenditure of a capital nature had been done in the past on revenue account from accumulated profits. Had that expenditure been capitalised, the issued capital might well have been about three times what it was now. This had an important bearing on the real value of the company’s fixed assets and on the matter of losses sustained there-on during the war.

The Straits Times, 20 December 1946, Page 3 'SOAKING THE POOR RUBBER INDUSTRY' From Our Own Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Wednesday. “ WHEN one looks at the revenue which has accured to the Government by way of export duty on rubber- a matter of $20,000,000 in excess of the estimated revenue from this source in the 1946 budget- it would appear that it is not a matter of the soaking the rich but one of soaking the poor rubber industry,” declared Mr. J. H. Clarkson, chairman at the annual meeting of the Amalgamated Malay Rubber Estates held in Kuala Lumpur today. That some control of rubber prices was necessary when the Far Eastern rubber producing companies were first liberated must, he thought, be admitted but why it should have been limited as far as Malaya was concerned to a price that was little better that that in 1941 he still failed to understand “ Just why the cost of rehabilitation, to some extent at least, should not have been borne by consumers, just as we producers are mulcted to the fullest possible extent when we buy our much needed supplies, is far from clear to many of us. “Quite apart from the question of rehabilitation costs one has only to compare the local labour rates with those of 1941 to find ample justification for a much higher price for rubber than we have yet been allowed to obtain since re-occupation. “Should be Told” “I understand that it has been suggested that the price of rubber could not be fixed at a higher level when so many important international issues are at stake, and if that was in fact so then surely the industry is entitled to be told what part it had unwittingly played for the benefit of this and/or other countries so that it can look for reasonable recompense from the proper quarter to meet the heavy cost of rehabilitation and make good other war losses. “It is to be hoped that the rubber industry, united and with one voice, will continue to press upon the Government the urgent need for early action in the matter of these war losses” (353 words)