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For the descendents of Richard Dearie and his son John Russell


Letter to the Geological Survey Department 17th February 1949 from ?

 

17th February 1949

The Geologist

Geological Survey Department,

Selangor,

Kuala Lumpur.

 

Dear Sir,

Batu Arang

            With reference to our conversation with Mr. Roe, the following information will, we hope be of use.

 

1.  Production from Underground.  We have no records prior to 1927.  From that year onwards the position was as follows: -

 

Year                % coal from                 Year                % coal from

                        Underground                                       Underground

 

1927                            48                    1938                            63

1928                            52                    1939                            43

1929                            51                    1940                            19

1930                            64                    1941                            34 (approx.)

1931                            50                    1942)

1932                            45                    1943) unknown but very small

1933                            46                    1944)

1934                            53                    1945)

1935                            61                    1946                            14

1936                            58                    1947                            17

1937                            46                    1948                            33

 

N.B.

It was the general policy pre-war to maintain underground production at well above 50% of the total except when economic conditions would not permit this i.e. 1931/34.  The loss of East Mine, then capable of producing 25,000 tons a month, towards the end of 1939 brought the underground output down severely for 1940 and this had only partially been recovered in 1941 although the percentage then was on a total tonnage much higher than the previous average.

During the occupation there was little coal won from underground and the mine had to be reopened and redeveloped from 1946 onwards.

2.  Opencast Production and Economic Limits. The ratio of overburden to coal, up to which stripping for opencast coal production has proved economical, has increased over the life of the Colliery.  If 20’ is taken as the nett thickness of the lower and 30’ as that of the upper seam then under the old methods of hand stripping about 50’ and 70’ respectively, each including nearly 20’ tanah, was economical which approximates to a ratio of 2 ½ to 1.

Small excavators were used in 1933 and from 1937 onwards the stripping was completely mechanised and over the upper seam was taken to a depth of 105’ or 3 ½ to 1 although the real economy was more than this increase as the extra thickness was of course all shale.  Further due to the increasing cost of underground coal production and the larger and more efficient opencast operations it was decided in 1940/41 that O.C. 9 and O.C. 10 stripping limits should be extended to 200’ either total or 200’ of shale plus the tanah, depending upon the circumstances.  This would bring the ratio up to 7 to 1 and is the position today with the possibility of further increase when this depth is reached and the cost proved.

BATU ARANG COAL-FIELD

THE PROPERTY OF MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED

I.  GENERAL.

            The words “batu arang” mean “charcoal stone” in Malay and the small town of Batu Arang, which lies in the centre of Malaya’s only known coal-field of importance, is in the District of Ulu Selangor and is distant about 28 miles by road from Kuala Lumpur in a North-Westerly direction.

2.         The area held under Mining Leases by Malayan Collieries Ltd., is about 13 square miles and it is somewhat isolated but on it, in addition to the mines, is the village with shops, a Police Station, clubs, schools and a hospital as well as a residential area for the European staff.  The Railway Station is only a short distance from the village, which has a bus –service to Rawang about 10 miles away.

3.         Production of coal started in 1915, and up to the end of 1948 about 11 ½ million tons, with a maximum in 1940 of 780,000 tons, had been won from this field which is more noteable for the thickness of its two seams than for their horizontal extent.  The only other field worked in Malaya produced 28,500 tons in 4 years and then proved to be unpayable; so the importance of Batu Arang to Malaya’s industry can not be exaggerated.

II.  OCCURRENCE OF THE COAL

4.         The coal was formed in the late Tertiary period and the seams are inter-bedded with shale and sandstone.  Over a large part of the surface of field there are boulder-beds and underlying the coal measures is quartzite and schist believed to be of Triassic age.

5.         The two seams outcrop, the upper one with a maximum thickness of about 45 feet, of which about 30 feet is good coal, having been worked on the surface for a length of about 3 ½ miles.  The upper outcrop strikes from West to East and then curves round until it runs North to South.  The lower seam occurs in the vicinity of the curve of the upper and outcrops over a length of about 1 ½ miles with a maximum thickness of about 25 feet.  The dip of both seams at their outcrops is about 1 in 4, but this flattens out in depth and at the lowest point ever worked in the lower seam it was horizontal.

        The seams as far as they are known may therefore be approximately likened to a quarter of a saucer, but though the edge, or outcrop, is known the extent underground can only be approximately estimated.

6.         The coal may be called sub-bituminous and it is non-coking.  Largely owing to its high moisture content of about 20% its calorific value is low, being only about 9000 B.T.U. as received.  It is liable to spontaneous combustion, particularly in underground workings.

III.  MINING

7.  Opencast

            Where the coal outcrops it is quarried in Opencast mines, the overlying shale being first blasted and then moved by drag-line excavators either into various vehicles for disposal or else dumped direct where it will not interfere with future operations.  The maximum thickness of shale stripped so far is about 120 feet, but it is hoped that it will prove economical to take up to 200/250 feet.  The coal in the Opencast is mined partly by hand and partly by excavators and is now all transported by belt-conveyers.  Opencast mines have been worked round the perimeters of both seams.  The size of these workings increased with the introduction of large excavating equipment and prior to the war the main opencast unit was producing some 40,000 tons a month.  Since the liberation the opencast workings have provided the bulk of the output whilst underground units are again being developed and it is expected that as these come into large scale production the need for opencast mining will correspondingly decrease except as standby to meet emergencies or peak demands.  Over the life of the Colliery about equal quantities of coal have been won from Opencast and Underground workings.

8.  Underground

            The coal has been won underground in eleven mines at various times, of which six were operating at the time of the Japanese invasion.  Subsequently all were flooded but two have been reopened for development as the main production units.  The upper seam has been followed down the dip at one place for about 3000 feet from the outcrop and the lower seam for about 3700 feet.  The seams tend to become thinner in depth, though not at a consistent rate.  Details are not available as the deeper underground workings are flooded and many records were lost as a result of the war but at the furthest point the lower seam had been reduced to a thickness of some 10/12 feet.

9.         In the early days of the mine most of the coal was won by hand, by miners using picks with handles about 5 feet long although coal cutters and conveyers were used in the years before the war.  The method of mining was longwall in three “lifts” or layers with hydraulic stowing to give the maximum recovery.  It is now intended to mechanise all underground operations as far as possible and coal-cutters, loaders and conveyors are in operation with the object of evolving a method which will enable a high percentage of coal to be extracted with the minimum risk from spontaneous combustion and other hazards.

IV.   CONSUMPTION.

10.       The principal consumers are railways, electric power-stations and tin-dredges, and any interruption to their fuel-supply has a very serious effect on Malaya’s economy.  This has happened since the war, but in 1948 all demands by consumers were met by a production on 375,460 tons.

V.   OTHER INDUSTRIES.

11.       Timber is brought onto the property by the Company’s railway 15 miles long running to a timber concession lying to the North-west at Ulu Tinggi.  At present all the timber is used in connection with mining, but before the war it was also used in distillation and plywood works which are now derelict.

12        Near the village is a large works capable of producing 6,000,000 and 1,000,000 “Marseilles” type roofing tiles per year, using clay obtained mainly on the property.

13.       The erection of a cement works with a capacity sufficient to supply Malaya’s total requirements, using Batu Arang coal, is under consideration.  Malayan Collieries Ltd., is actively interested in the investigations, and a suitable site has been selected alongside a large source of limestone and few miles from the Colliery.

Illegible fragment of title date possibly 1948

Perhaps the most serious strike which occurred in Selangor was that (of) the workers of Malayan Collieries Ltd., at Batu Arang.  Dissatisfaction had originally been caused by the dismissal of 300 men who had been found surplus to requirements and who, moreover, claimed that they had not been paid their wages for the last ten days on which they had worked.  Settlement of this matter had been rendered difficult by their insisting on payment not only of their wages but of damages, in addition, for delay in payment.  Further ill-feeling had been created as the result of the Company’s request to the Colliery Workers’ Union to vacate premises which they had been occupying without permission.  Alternative premises were offered together with the transport necessary to carry out the move to these premises.  During the move, however, one of the dismissed men struck a police sergeant and was arrested.  The union demanded that this man should be released immediately and when the Company replied that the matter was not one which they could decide the Union on the 17th January presented the Company with the following twelve demands to be conceded within 48 hours failing which a strike would be called.

1.  That the existing system of giving 24 hours’ notice of termination of services by either side be changed to one whereby one month’s notice would be given by either side.

2.  That a rehabilitation grant and back pay be paid as was done by Government to its employees.

3.  That the Company be responsible for repairing the workers’ quarters including water supply and lighting arrangements.

4.  That the Company provide more medical attention for sick workers and make full payment to them during illness.

5.  That the Company immediately pay back the eight days’ wages due to the workers before it withdrew from Batu Arang on the 5th January, 1942.

6.  That the Company pay compensation for the loss incurred by the 300 workers who were paid off in November, 1946.

7.  That the Company pay allowances for “changkols”, buckets and other implements similar to those paid to the workers up to 1941.

8.  That the Company provide the Union with suitable premises in the town area.

9.  That the Company guarantee not to reduce wages in future or to pay off workers without adequate reasons.

10.  That the Company take an interest in the education of the children at Batu Arang.

11.  That the Company adopt a 48 hour week, all work done beyond the 48 hours being regarded as overtime and paid for at double rates.  Annual leave and public holidays to be granted with full pay.

12.  That the man arrested by the police be released immediately and unconditionally.

       The Company replied that it was willing to discuss all demands with the view to negotiating a settlement but it could not agree to any demands made under threat of a strike.  On the 18th January the strike was called.

       During the next two weeks unsuccessful attempts were made to bring about a settlement and finally arbitration was suggested.  This was accepted by the Company but the Union insisted on the immediate granting of some of their demands and the submission of only the remainder to arbitration.  On the 9th February, however, they agreed to arbitration on all points in dispute but they made their agreement conditional on their not being bound by the award.  Thereupon the Company made their acceptance subject to the same condition.  The Board of Arbitration consisted of a Supreme Court Judge as Chairman, two nominees of the Company and the Chairman and Secretary of the Pan-Malayan Trade Union Congress, nominees of the Union.  The final demands were those set out earlier except that the last was withdrawn and a demand for strike pay was added.

            The Board held its first meeting on the 13th February and made its award on the 27th.  Briefly stated, the award gave the workers better conditions with regard to sick pay, an eight hour day, over-time and paid holidays.  On the questions of notice, repairs to quarters, the provision of water supplies and lighting, allowances for the provision of working implements and the education of workers’ children, the Board considered that the Company’s attitude had been reasonable and the measures it had taken adequate.  All that remained to be done was the securing of the services of a resident medical officer, which the Company had been endeavouring to do for some time.  When it succeeded, the Board stated “the Residents at Batu Arang would at no expense to themselves, enjoy medical facilities equal to those provided in large towns.”  No award was made on the demand for payment of wages in respect of work alleged to have been done during the eight days prior to the 5th January, 1942.  With regard to the demand for compensation to the 300 workmen paid off in November. 1946, the Board awarded 195 men 10 days’ wages each.  The demands for a rehabilitation grant, back pay, a guarantee that wages would not be reduced in the future and for strike pay during the period of strike we rejected.  On the question of accommodation for the Union, the Board considered that the premises then being occupied should be evacuated forthwith and that the Union would be well advised to accept the alternative accommodation offered by the Company.

            The Board took the Union to task for its attitude on a number of matters concerned in the dispute.  It pointed out that the Company had, before the strike, been willing to submit all points to arbitration but the Union had declined to do so.  It reminded the Union that the way in which it had called the strike, on a show of hands, offended against the provisions of the Trade Unions Enactment which provides that all decisions shall be taken by secret ballot.  This rule, the Board pointed out, must be included in the rules of every registered Trade Union but in the case of the Colliery Workers’ Union it appeared to be only applicable to the election of officials of the Union.  It was remarked that the Union’s representatives had referred to the squatters at Batu Arang as “members” and as “workers for the Company” and had made their living conditions a major matter in their case.  The attention of the Union leaders was drawn to their folly in calling the sanitary gangs out on strike thereby endangering their own and their families’ health and securing no advantage.  With regard to 1942 wages, the Board pointed out that although the Union had demanded their immediate payment it had never provided the Company with a list of the labourers concerned and even after the Board itself had asked for the list it was only produced at the conclusion of the hearing when the Company had no opportunity to cross-examine any witnesses to test its accuracy or to call rebutting evidence.  Recalling that the Company had provided the Union with a building for its headquarters and likewise electric current and water free of charge, the Board expressed surprise at finding that this generous and unusual gesture on the part of the Company had been made the basis of a demand to be complied with within 24 hours failing which the Union would call a strike.  The demand for a guarantee that wages would not be reduced in the future was described as “utterly unreasonable” and the demand for strike pay as an astonishing one which the Company was advised to ignore.

            The Company was commended for its patience in usually waiting until a labourer had been guilty of misconduct on two or three occasions, and even then giving him 10 days’ notice, before dismissing him; for the $72,000 it spent on repairs to quarters during the latter half of 1946; for the medical and other services it provided and for the practical interest it took in the education of the workers’ children.

            On the 2nd and 4th March prolonged discussions took place between representatives of the Company and of the Union on matters arising out of the Arbitration Board’s award.  Final agreement between the two parties was reached on the 7th March.  The men started returning to work on the morning of the 10th and the great bulk of the

(Ed. Rest of text missing)

From National Archives of Malaysia.  Divisional Office of Selangor (102/1948). Transcribed by P.C

The Straits Times, 12 January 1949, Page 4 AN ITINERARY FOR MR. EDEN IT has been reported that Mr. Anthony Eden is to visit Malaya and that his stay in the country will extend over one week. Doubtless Mr. Eden will come here, as many others have done, in an endeavour to arrive at an independent view of the general situation in this country as it exists today. Mr. Eden is a man of experience and insight; he has a wide and varied knowledge of men and affairs, and this being so he will wish to make the best use of the limited time at his disposal. If he is to do so there are pitfalls to be avoided, and he will best be able to realise his ambition if he refuses resolutely to spend his precious time as the guest of Governors, Advisers or other high ranking officials, be they civil or military. At the most, these gentlemen can only talk or possibly accompany him on some pre-arranged expeditions. Men On The Job Mr. Eden should seek his information from the men on the job. Perhaps the following itinerary might help him to get a fairly correct impression of conditions in Malaya today. He should spend twenty-four hours at each of the following places: A rubber estate in Central Johore. An estate in the Bahau area of Negri Sembilan. Sungei Lembing Mine, Pahang. Malayan Collieries, Batu Arang. An estate at Sungei Siput, Perak. Cameron Highlands Hotel. An estate in Kedah. A journey in one of the express night mail trains might prove instructive. After a week spent thus Mr. Eden should be armed with a knowledge of the difficulties with which we are faced, wider and more detailed than he will ever gain in Government or the Residences where they talk so much and achieve so little. RAMAR Port Dickson

The Straits Times, 17 January 1949, Page 5
 Malaya Coal Production Up From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Sun.— Malayan Collieries produced 98,867 tons of coal during the last three months of 1948. The monthly figures were: October, 34,905; November, 31,098, and December, 32,864. In 1947 the average monthly production was 25,000 tons.

The Straits Times, 20 January 1949, Page 7 “NAME OF GUARDS IN MUD” From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. “BY THEIR escapades, the four accused have put the name of the Scots Guards in the mud,” said the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court Prosecuting Officer (Mr. R. J. P. Ryecroft) when he asked for a deterrent sentence on four men of the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards, who pleaded guilty today to a charge of house-breaking. The four were Privates A. Smith, J. Martin. T. McLauchlin and A. G. Duncan. Mr. Ryecroft said he had been informed by Scotland Yard that Duncan had a previous conviction and asked for a postponement until the arrival of details. The Sessions Court Judge (Mr. C. H. Whitton), sentenced Smith, McLauchlin and Martin to two years rigorous imprisonment each and postponed the sentence of Duncan. Housebreaking All four were originally charged with robbery, but on instructions of the Federal Counsel, the charge was amended to housebreaking. Mr. Ryecroft said that on Jan. 1, the Scots Guards stationed at Batu Arang celebrated the New Year and drank beer. At 10.30 the same night, the four accused, all dressed in uniform, went unarmed to a nearby squatter area and forcibly entered three huts occupied by employees of the Malayan Collieries and “caused a nuisance” to the occupants. A report was made by the occupants to the military authorities on Jan. 3, and two days later the four accused were arrested and handed over to the civil police. All accused admitted the facts.

The Straits Times, 27 January 1949, Page 7 BANDITS DERAIL COLLIERY TRAIN & TERRORISTS ATTACK COLLIERy RAILWAY [Articles] The Singapore Free Press, 27 January 1949, Page 6,
 TERRORISTS ATTACK COLLIERY RAILWAY Train derailed Passengers Told To Go: Lines Damaged From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Wednesday BETWEEN 30 and 30 armed terrorists stopped a train on Malayan Collieries’ private railway near Batu Arang yesterday evening, drove away the crew and passengers, damaged the lines and then derailed the train. The train was carrying timber. The engine was manned by a crew of two and there were about 50 passengers-wood cutters who were coming into Batu Arang for the Chinese New Year holidays. The incident occurred three miles from the main colliery offices. The engine and a number of wagons are now lying at the bottom of an embankment. Troops and police were sent to the areas but made no contact with the bandits. A Malayan Collieries official told the Straits Times: “The derailment will not affect coal production in any way. The train was used solely for carrying timber. “The permanent way will be repaired quickly enough, but it will be a bigger job to lift the engine and the overturned wagons. “We have sent out breakdown trains to the area and hope to obtain mechanical assistance from Malayan Railways.” Killer Chief Dies A British police sergeant who had been trailing a killer squad leader for the past month in the Bidor area of Perak had his reward today. With a party of special constables, the sergeant approached a house into which the killer leader was seen to enter. The bandit ran out of the house into the jungle. The sergeant called on him to halt but the challenge was ignored. The sergeant then brought him down with a shot. The bandit leader, Lian Chiang, later died in hospital. He was believed to have come down from his hideout to collect food and Chinese New Year Fare for his men. The deaths of three other bandits were reported today—two in the Segamat area and one near Tampin. Lying in ambush for bandits yesterday, the manager of Kelan Estate, in Johore, and 16 special constables saw 20 armed Chinese. The bandit scout spotted them, however, and the gang fled. During the chase, there was a battle lasting about 20 minutes. This morning, the manager, went back with a police party, a British sergeant and special constables. They patrolled the area in open formation and saw six armed Chinese, who opened fire first. In the exchange, one Malay special constable was seriously wounded. Kuala Lumpur Police revealed today that Communists entered the town on Sunday night and stuck poster “all over town.” Several posters, the Straits Times learned, were found on Monday morning, posted to buildings in High Street and Petaling Street, in front of and behind the Central Police Station. A police spokesman said the posters were of the “usual kind—Down With The British and so on.”

The Straits Times, 28 January 1949, Page 7 MINER KILLED IN “ARMED CAMP” Gang Ambush 500 Yards From Guards Post From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Thursday. MR. Kenneth Clarke, 28-year-old open-cast superintendent at Malayan Collieries’ coal-mine at Batu Arang, was shot dead by bandits this morning as he travelled by jeep to a mine. He was unescorted. More than 300 Scots Guards are on duty at Batu Arang, with posts at strategic points around the coalfields. Mr. Clarke was the seventh European to be killed in Selangor since the beginning of the Emergency. Both police and mine officials believe that the murder was committed by the same gang which two days ago derailed a timber-carrying train in the mine. Mr. Clarke, who arrived in Batu Arang only a month ago, had been physical training instructor for Derbyshire county cricket eleven, and served throughout the war in the Army Physical Training Corps. He used to travel as twelfth man with the Derbyshire eleven. His fiancée was due to come to Malaya for her wedding. Mr. Clarke had two mines under his supervision, one two miles south of the main office and the other half-a-mile north of the office. He left the office at 8.15 a.m. to go to the south mine. He was armed with a .38 revolver and travelled alone. Ten minutes later he was killed 300 yards from the mine. It is presumed that he was ambushed. Three hundred yards away, Chinese men and women were working in a mine and 500 yards away there was a Scots Guards post which, however, was not in view. At 8.30, the office was told of shooting in the area of the mine. Workers Detained Mr. J. W. Elliot, general manager of the mine, told the Straits Times this evening: “We took a doctor and an ambulance along the road and found Clarke lying outside the jeep, face downwards in the mud. “He was still alive but unconscious. He was severely wounded in the head and chest. “Mr. Clarke’s jeep had about ten bullet holes in it. His own revolver was missing. “The men in the mine 300 yards away were working harder than we have ever seen them work before. Some would have been in full view of the shooting. “The police took into detention all those whom it was thought had been in the vicinity of the mine at the time of the murder.” “Not Necessary” Mr Clarke died in the collieries’ hospital two hours after admission without regaining consciousness. Asked whether it had been customary for European members of the staff to move round the coalfields unescorted, Mr. Elliot said: “Yes. The area, which is regularly patrolled by soldiers, may be regarded as an armed camp. “It was not considered necessary to have escorts while travelling within the mine area, but there is a hard ruling that escorts must be taken when moving out of the coalfields.” The funeral will take place at Cheras Road at 3 p.m. tomorrow. A Scots Guard patrol fired on a small bandit gang at the 28th mile Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kubu road late last night. They were near the scene of Tuesday’s bandit attack on a tin dredge at Serendah, when two European miners were killed.

The Straits Times, 30 January 1949, Page 3
 Share turnover only moderate Sunday Times Financial Correspondent ONLY a moderate turnover was experienced in Malayan share markets last week and except for a few industrials prices were generally easier in all sections. .. 

 Rawang Tin and Malayan Collieries eased because of terrorist outrages and dollar tin shares generally reflected the view that the terrorist situation is still serious. Buyers showed less interest even at slightly lower prices. .. (extract)

The Straits Times, 11 February 1949, Page 4 1. European Opencast Superintendent required. Bachelor preferred. Some experience in operation of earthmoving equipment essential. Salary according to experience and qualifications. Not less than $400. monthly. Free quarters, light, furniture. Provident. 2. Asian or Eurasian Property Inspector required. Duties house registration and inspection and supervision of antimalarial and sanitation work. Salary $150 to $350, according to qualifications, experience. Free quarters, light, Provident Fund. 3. Young English speaking Chinese—18/19 years old required for training as responsible mining overseer. Must be prepared take mining up as a career. Free quarters, light, provident Fund. 4. First class Milling Machine Operator and two first class fitters required. Good conditions and pay. Free quarters. For all the above apply in writing to Malayan Collieries Ltd., Batu Arang, Selangor, with copies of references and certificates.

The Straits Times, 14 February 1949, Page 7
 Share Prices. Malayan Markets Suffered last week,… they were affected more particularly by a drop in the rubber price and the ever-lengthening list of civilians murdered by bandits in the Federation of Malaya. Nor were operators impressed by the official statistics offered as proof of improvement that, whereas 48 civilians a month were killed in the second half of 1948, only 31 were murdered in January. Whatever the cause the week saw another bout of selling. With buyers reluctant to commit themselves further, the volume of dealings was the smallest for the year to date. Prices throughout show a decline. (Extract)

• Page 8 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 21 February 1949, Page 8
I \SSIHKD ADS Page 12 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 22 February 1949, Page 12
 & Page 12 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 23 February 1949, Page 12
 • CLASSIFIED ADS
 83314. DISPOSAL Three 30” Gauge Ragnal Locos. Large number of skips various sizes for 24” and 30” gauge. Lathes 6” and 10”. Kinta Cars 1 ½ ton capacity. 21W Ruston Drill—no rods. Sundry Pneumatic drill spares. The above are open to inspection and offers at Malayan Collieries Ltd., Batu Arang.

The Straits Times, 25 February 1949, Page 6 Cave Bandits Allowed Only 'Friends' As Squatters. From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Thursday. ONLY bandit sympathisers were permitted to remain in a squatter area six miles north of Kuala Lumpur, known as Batu Caves North, which the Selangor Police began clearing this morning under the Emergency Regulations. Bandits either forced the others to leave “ or disposed of them in some other way,” says the official statement giving reasons for the action. The area covers three square miles, and, according to the statement, “is important to the bandits because it is only six miles from Kuala Lumpur, while the caves give excellent concealment for arms stores and men.” Squatters are known to have supplied the bandits with cooked food and to have kept them informed of the movements of the military and the police. Since the beginning of the Emergency, bandits murdered persons in the area who were unwilling to support them, kidnapped others and maintained a threat of terror over labourers in nearby rubber estates. Eight Arrested. Since Oct. 26, eight persons in the area have been arrested for aiding the bandits. The first three arrested were all from the 8th mile Selayang Road, which is a mile from the Batu Caves squatter area. Two days later, police arrested a Chinese mining laborer at Batu Selangor tin fields. He lived in Selayang and supplied food to bandits. On Oct. 30, another Chinese from Selayang tin fields was arrested in Selayang town. A bandit who had surrendered to the police pointed him out as a supplier of food and clothing to the bandits and as a bandit spy. On Dec. 8, a Chinese woman rubber tapper from Sungei Tua Estate was arrested at a bus stop in Kuala Lumpur. She was known to be a labour agitator and bandit spy in the Selayang area, and was being suspected of being implicated in attempted murder. Two more Chinese were arrested on Dec. 16 at Bukit Bintang Park, Kuala Lumpur. Bandit activity in the area was reported soon after the Emergency began. On July 5, bandits were seen in nearby Selayang. On Aug. 10 two Chinese labourers on Sungei Tua Estate, adjoining the area cleared today, were shot at and one was wounded. Half an hour later, five Indian tappers on the estate were told by a band of 10 bandits to stop work. For five days after that there was a stoppage of work on the Estate. Area Swept. On Aug 18, a company of Seaforth Highlanders swept the area, and found a number of empty houses in the north. One house was that of a known Communist. It was set in fire and hidden ammunition exploded. On Sept. 9 two bandits shot dead a tapper. The motive was that he had disobeyed an order to stop work. On the same day two Chinese were shot on the estate and a third kidnapped. About the same time, 150 armed men were reported in Selayang. They murdered four people in four days, and the relatives of the murdered persons refused to make any report to the police. Kidnap Bid. Later in the month, 10 bandits entered Selayang village and attempted to kidnap a Chinese. That same day anti–registration posters were stuck up in the area. On several occasions during November, specials on Sungei Tua Estate were fired at by Bandits and, on Nov. 24, the head kepala on Amherst Estate, close to the area, was shot dead by bandits.

The Straits Times, 7 March 1949, Page 2 Erection of 40Ft. Poles And Crossarms For Electricity Supply To Malayan Collieries Tenders will be received at the office of the Director of Electricity, Federation of Malaya, Batu Road, Kuala Lumpur up to 12 noon on 28th March, 1949 for the erection of 40ft poles and crossarms for electricity supply to the Malayan Collieries. Drawings and specifications may be seen and all particulars obtained at the office of the Director of Electricity, Federation of Malaya, Batu Road, Kuala Lumpur, on any working day between the hours of 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. (Saturdays 8.30 a.m. and 12 noon). Tenders must be enclosed in a sealed envelope and endorsed “ERECTION OF 40FT POLES AND CROSSARMS FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO MALAYAN COLLIERIES”. The Government does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICITY, FEDERATION OF MALAYA

Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 8 March 1949, Page 8
 MALAYAN COLLIERIES LTD. MalAcol BRICKS AND TILES Well Burnt Bricks and Tiles Available from Stock APPLY J. A. RUSSELL CO, LTD. Agents and Secretaries, P.0. .Box 245 - KUALA LUMPUR

• The Straits Times, 26 March 1949, Page 12
, The Straits Times, 28 March 1949, Page 8
 and The Straits Times, 29 March 1949, Page 12
. CLASSIFIED ADS. WANTED STEEL JOISTS: 5,000 feet 6” x 5” section Steel Joists in lengths of 12 feet or over. Quote free on rail price to Malayan Collieries Ltd., Bat Arang, Selangor.

The Straits Times, 8 April 1949, Page 2 MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED Lost Share Certificates Application having been made to the Directors of the Company to issue to the following shareholders 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: Name of Shareholder Cert. No. of Distinctive Nos. No. Shares Singapore & General 1456 1,000 1855091/1856090 Investment Co., Ltd. 1457 1,000 1856091/1857090 1458 1,000 1857091/1858090 1459 500 1858091/1858990 2411 1,000 1545091/1546090 2412 1,000 1546091/1547090 Kuala Lumpur By Order of the Board 2nd April, 1949 J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD., Secretaries.

The Straits Times, 10 April 1949, Page 1
 ESTATE ATTACKED, Sunday Times Staff Reporter KUALA LUMPUR. Sat.- Bandits attacked Sungei Tua Estate, near Kuala Lumpur, last night for the second night in succession. After a brief engagement with the Estate's special constables the bandits made off.

The Singapore Free Press, 19 April 1949, Page 5 & The Straits Times, 19 April 1949, Page 2
 COAL OUTPUT KUALA LUMPUR, Mon.- The coal production figures for the first quarter of 1949 by Malayan Collieries Ltd., were as follows: January, 30,611 tons: February, 26,061 tons; March, 32,804 tons.

The Straits Times, 21 May 1949, Page 1 3 Die In Batu Arang Ambush From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Friday. HEAVY casualties are believed to have been suffered by the bandit gang which ambushed a combined military and police party five miles from the Malayan Collieries at Batu Arang yesterday afternoon. The bandits killed a British military officer, a British sergeant and a Malay police corporal and seriously wounded four other British soldiers. A big hunt is being made for them. The security force, after having crossed a river, was making its way up a steep hill at Bukit Mayong in the Kuala Selangor district. Numbering two to one against the police and troops, the bandits were lying in wait for them at the top and opened up from 20 yards range, with Brens, Stens and carbines. The leading patrol of the security force suffered immediate casualties. Covering fire was at once given by the rest of the troops and police and a number of bandits were believed to have been hit. Withdrew The gang then withdrew into the jungle. Reinforcements were ordered and R.A.F. fighters warned to stand by on Kuala Lumpur airfield, 20 miles away. The security force has been pursuing the gang all today but military and police authorities would not give any further information tonight. The bandits captured one Bren gun, one sub-machine gun and ammunition from the security forces during the ambush. Names of the army casualties will be released tomorrow. Three bandits were killed yesterday evening by No. 4 platoon of the 1/10 Gurkha Rifles operating between Yong Peng and Paloh, in the Klang region of Johore. Since the hold up of a food lorry on May 11 in this area, the Gurkha Rifles have been continually combing the district. The platoon had pitched camp in the jungle three miles from the road. A Gurkha guard posted outside the camp saw 20 bandits coming towards him. He opened fire and killed one. The bandits made an unsuccessful attempt to remove the dead man’s body under heavy covering fire. Meanwhile troops from the camp formed two flanks with the idea of encircling the remaining bandits. One of the flanks made contact and shot two more bandits. The survivors ran to a nearby hill and in growing darkness escaped. Gurkhas found three dead bodies, three rifles and 120 rounds of rifle ammunition. Two Chinese bandits—a woman and a man—were killed and ammunition, fuses, detonators, a large quantity of food stuffs, blankets and Communist documents were recovered in the Tapah area of Perak. The police jungle squad at Tapah found fresh foot prints of 10 persons and following this they came upon a house at the foot of the hills. As they were surrounding the house they were fired on by a bandit sentry with a Sten gun from the hill nearby. Eight armed bandits ran out of the house. The police squad opened fire and the bandits replied with revolver fire and hand grenades and managed to make good their escape. Searching the house, the police squad found the dead body of a woman bandit. Followed Blood Following blood trails the police squad once again contacted the enemy and shot dead a bandit who had a hand grenade strapped to his waist. A bandit was shot dead by a police jungle squad at Jerokoh, three miles north of Benta in the Kuala Lipis area of Pahang yesterday. Four men and two women, suspected to be bandits were arrested at the same time. The dead bandit had attempted to throw a hand grenade at the police. On Rasa Estate, in the Rawang area of Selangor yesterday afternoon 15 bandits ambushed a latex lorry belonging to the estate. The driver was killed and the five “specials” who were escorting the lorry were wounded but they fired back at the bandits and claimed to have caused casualties. The lorry was set on fire.

The Straits Times, 21 May 1949, Page 12 
CLASSIFIED ADS The Straits Times, 23 May 1949, Page 8
 CLASSIFIED ADS. 12 CU. SCRAPER. Available for disposal, one Le Tourneau 12 Cu. Yds. (L.P.) Carryall Scraper. Little used. Condition as New. For full details or inspection of machine, apply Malayan Collieries, Batu Arang, Selangor.

The Straits Times, 24 May 1949, Page 1 KILLER GANG AREA POUINDED RAF’s Biggest Offensive Of Emergency From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Monday. In the biggest air onslaught against any single concentration of bandits since the emergency began R.A.F. Beaufighters and Spitfires have since Saturday been pounding an area 18 miles west of Kuala Lumpur with rockets and bombs. By this afternoon 17 strikes had been made in the area and this evening three more sorties were airborne and waiting to go into the attack. On the ground Scots Guards and police are moving on the positions of the big gang which on Thursday ambushed a combined patrol of Scots Guards and police, killing a Guards officer, a Guards sergeant and a police corporal and wounding four Guardsmen and a policeman, It is believed that the gang, which is now on the run, is the one which organised the big attack on Malayan Collieries in the early days of the emergency, and which has been responsible for the many murders and other incidents in the area. Throughout the week end the Beaufighters and Spitfires loaded with rockets and bombs were roaring over Kuala Lumpur as they went out to attack the bandits. Today the planes have again been on the offensive returning to Kuala Lumpur airfield for re-loading with bombs, rockets and bullets. The planes are methodically plastering six square miles of jungle at Bukit Cherakah eight miles south-south-west of Batu Arang, and another area of jungle at Bukit Mayong where the ambush occurred. Ground Forces While the R.A.F. was blitzing the jungle, strong forces of police and troops were carrying out what a military spokesman described as “very extensive patrolling.” Results of the bombing are expected to be known after the ground forces have moved in. Yesterday a patrol recovered from a river the bren gun which was lost during Thursday’s ambush. After bandit positions had been mortared on Saturday, patrols discovered the gang’s big and well-fortified camp at Bukit Mayong four miles south west of Malaya’s only coalfield, At Batu Arang. Casualties Army authorities tonight released the names of Scots guards casualties in the ambush. They were: Second Lieut. P. W. B. Graham-Waton of London and Sgt. L. Lea of Hampshire who were killed, and Guardsmen K. W. Smith of London, T. Smith of Lancaster, B. J. Williams of Devon and B. Anderson of ? all of whom were severely wounded.

• Page 9 Advertisements Column 2 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 15 June 1949, Page 9
 Advertisements Column 2 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 22 June 1949, Page 9
 Malayan Collieries Ltd. BRICKS TILES, USE MALACOL BRICKS AND BUILD BETTER BRICKWORK ,Fewer Bricks and Less Mortar Per Square Yard of Wall, USE MALATILES AND GET A GOOD ROOF for LESS MONEY, Bricks and Tiles Available Immediately from Stock, Enquiries to: J. A.RUSSELL & CO.,LTD. Agents and Secretaries: Malayan Collieries Ltd., HONGKONG & SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, KUALA LUMPUR

The Straits Times, 17 June 1949, Page 6 Big Cement Works Plan From Our Own Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Thurs. Plans have been completed for the erection in Selangor of the $7,500,000 cement works for Malayan Collieries and Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers of the United Kingdom. The chairman of Malayan Collieries, Mr. J. Drysdale, told the Straits Times that the factory would cover about 200 acres and employ about 200 people, mostly specialists. The site was selected by two experts from Britain.

The Straits Times, 20 June 1949, Page 5 Union Says Don’t Aid Bandits From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Sun. Strong denunciation of those elements in Batu Arang who are still assisting the bandits with food and information is contained in the annual report of the Colliery Asian Staff Union, issued tonight. Speaking of conditions in Batu Arang, where the mines of Malayan Collieries were severely attacked by bandits in the early days of the emergency, the report says: “The bandits come back to Batu Arang because they can get food and assistance. But none have identity cards and so they have to depend on their kinfolk or the good will of agents and sympathisers. “It is therefore logical to assume that, if the local inhabitants are prepared to refuse aid it would be well-night impossible for them to prolong the emergency. “You must have faith in your government which is strong enough to protect you.”

• Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 29 June 1949, Page 3 Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 6 July 1949, Page 4
 Malayan Collieries Ltd. BRICKS TILES, USE MALACOL BRICKS AND BUILD BETTER BRICKWORK ,Fewer Bricks and Less Mortar Per Square Yard of Wall, USE MALATILES AND GET A GOOD ROOF for LESS MONEY, Bricks and Tiles Available Immediately from Stock, Enquiries to: J. A.RUSSELL & CO.,LTD. Agents and Secretaries: Malayan Collieries Ltd., HONGKONG & SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, KUALA LUMPUR

The Straits Times, 10 July 1949, Page 7 Photos wait for the King family Sunday Times Staff Reporter The city was hushed and cowed. It was late February 1942, after the Fall of Singapore, and the Japs were enjoying the first flush of their triumph. They were counting their plunder, checking the contents of godowns and shops. One of the Singaporeans who were employed on this work under Jap supervisors was sent to the premises of Jackson & Co. in Robinson Road. There he found an album of family snapshots which last week came into the office of the Sunday Times. The 52 snapshots (they were taken out of the album by the finder because of its bulk, and hidden away during the occupation) are the property of the King family—the parents of James King, who was born at the Bungsar Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, on Aug. 8, 1939. They are a pictorial record of the first two years of baby King’s life. That is all the information they contain. The finder, sending the snaps to the Sunday Times, wrote: “I don’t know if the family are back in Malaya. I send the snaps with the hope that they will be returned to the Kings, who I’m sure will be delighted to have them back.” If the Kings, or anyone who knows their present whereabouts, will communicate with the Sunday Times the Editor will be happy to return the snapshots.

The Straits Times, 17 July 1949, Page 7
 THE KING FAMILY. THE Sunday Times has received several letters in response to last week's story headed "PHOTOS SEEK THE KING FAMILY." They reveal that Mr. James King was employed by the Malayan Collieries Ltd., Batu Arang, before the war, was interned in Changi and Sime Road and did not return to Malaya after being repatriated. He now lives at Newtongrange, Midlothian, Scotland. The photographs will be sent to him there.

The Straits Times, 19 July 1949, Page 6
 IN SELANGOR: A PLANTER'S WARNING THERE seems to be an idea amongst our "higher-ups" that we are on top of the terrorists and that things are getting better. In the last week in the State of Selangor we have had a kidnapping on Nigel Gardner Estate, eight police killed near Rawang, and 25 acres of rubber slashed on Sungei Tua Estate. Let this be clear, it is no fault of the military or the police. They are doing a great job, and the sole reason for this fresh outbreak is removal of troops from Selangor to other parts of Malaya. Hands Tied. When troops were sufficient to sweep areas, there was very little damage being done. Now they are not there, the terrorists are getting on top again. Any police officer will tell you- unofficially- the terrible shortage of men to fight the terrorists, and the way their hands are being tied by regulations when dealing with squatters. We all want better social services and a university in this country, but we must first concentrate every penny we have to clear out the terrorists. If some of our higher-ups could only get into the countryside of Malaya- the 90 per cent of countryside which keeps the 10 per cent of towns going, they would realize that, as far as we are concerned, things are just as bad as they were in June, 1948.

The Straits Times, 20 July 1949, Page 6 THE GREAT PURGE The story of what happened to trade unionism in Malaya in the eventful year 1948 is told by Mr. John Brazier, holder of the pan-Malayan post of Trade Union Adviser, in his annual report, which was issued last week-end. There is surely no more remarkable document in the annals of trade unionism since this form of organisation of the working classes first began to spread from the British Isles to the new countries of the British Empire. Probably no-one will be more surprised than Mr. Brazier to find his report thus described, for in its form and contents it makes no pretence of being anything but just another departmental annual report, with no attempt at dramatic embellishment. But consider the events which this orthodox British trade unionist records. At the beginning of 1948 there were five hundred unions, large and small, in the Federation. Then at the beginning of June a Communist revolt broke out. Officialdom called it banditry, but it was definitely a Communist revolt, aimed at overthrowing the Federal Government, and replacing it with a workers’ republic guided by the ideology of Marx as interpreted by Lenin and Stalin. The whole trade union movement in Malaya was thus put to a sudden test far more drastic and searching than anything its most hostile critics had ever dreamt of. The result proved what those with inside knowledge (including Mr. Brazier himself) had always said: that the central and State organisations which claimed to speak for the trade union movement were riddled with Communism, and that many of the unions were dominated by Communists or their stooges. When the leaders went into the jungle, the unions collapsed. The statistics in Mr. Brazier’s report tell the tale: 159 unions abandoned, 40 dissolved, 118 cancelled by the Registrar. But a minority of the unions carried on—and that is something that has never happened before in the history of trade unionism. In all other countries where unions have become involved in a Communist revolt they have either found themselves embodied in a totalitarian state, as in Czechoslovakia, or have been crushed by a Fascist dictatorship together with the Communists themselves, as in Spain. Only in Malaya have trade unions carried on during a Communist revolt and remained loyal to their methods and objectives as unions of the constitutional type evolved in the Western democracies. Granted that in Malaya the Communist revolt did not touch the larger towns, and that its terrorism was only sporadic in the countryside. Granted also that the Federal Government’s position was never shaken by that revolt, and that it itself was a strong supporter of non-Communist trade unionism. The fact remains that the Communist armed revolt created a situation which constitutional trade unionism had never had to face in any other country. The unions that survived were made up of Indian estate workers, employees of various grades in Government departments, employees of Malayan Collieries and Perak Hydro, Chinese engineering artisans, harbour workers, clerks and others. At the end of 1948 there were 156 registered unions in the Federation, with a membership of 70,000. That is only a very small proportion of the number of industrial workers in the Federation, but it is the yeast in the dough. Looking back, says Mr Brazier, one sees that the unions which survived were those that kept themselves independent of the Communist-controlled federations during all the unrest in the early months of 1948 and “in a quiet and sensible manner got down to joint meetings and direct negotiations with the employers.” And that independence, in those days, was not maintained without personal risk. These are the unions that have stood the test, and we cannot do better than repeat and underline the final paragraph of Mr. Brazier’s report:”If the lessons of 1948 are read rightly, it would not be too much to say that Malaya, the Government and the employers of labour owe the trade unions a great deal of gratitude for their conduct and their efforts during the latter half of 1948. They have ably demonstrated that they are not subversive or Communist organisations; they have repeatedly asserted their support of the Government in the campaign against terrorism and violence; they have played a great part in the industrial economy of the country without major disputes or disturbances, and in so doing, have given invaluable aid in maintaining the production of the rubber and tin so necessary to the economic recovery of Malaya.”

The Straits Times, 23 July 1949, Page 6 The Straits Times Singapore, Sat., July 23, 1949. MR. BRAZIER’S CAUSE Our leading article last Wednesday was on the trade unions in the Federation which had survived the Communist revolt of June, 1948, our comments being based on the annual report of the Trade Union Adviser, Mr. John Brazier, which showed that the year began with five hundred unions on the Federation register, and ended with 156, with a total membership of 70,000. But in another page of the Straits Times on the same day there was a prominent heading, “Union Membership Drops By 30,000 In Five Months.” The report under that heading stated that about 20,000 members had been removed from trade union books for being in arrears with subscriptions during the first five months of this year, and the remainder of the drop in total membership was accounted for by unions which had ceased to exist. That is not surprising when it is remembered that a police permit has to be obtained to hold a meeting of more than five persons, that it is not easy nowadays for Asian union officials to visit estates where they are strangers, and that in some planting districts nobody does any more travelling than he has to. Obviously trade unions which were only in their infancy when the emergency began, and which have a membership scattered all over the countryside or in branches in small towns far away from union headquarters, are very vulnerable to present conditions, and it need cause no surprise that more of them should have faded away during the first half of 1949. That Mr. Brazier himself saw danger ahead was plain enough from that section of his report in which he set down the main conclusions reached by him in reflecting upon the course of trade unionism in the Federation in 1948. He wrote: 1949 will be a testing time for the Malayan trade unions, who are still uncertain of their future status. So much has happened during 1948 that has directly or indirectly affected their work, activities and development that the unions will most probably start the new year in an atmosphere of doubt, and in many cases, with a feeling of frustration. Under present conditions trade unionism anywhere in Malaya can only hold its ground, much less advance, where there is a large body of workers already strongly convinced of the necessity for collective organisation in their own interests; and usually that conviction, together with the capacity to act upon it in an intelligent and effective way is found among the more skilled grades of workers rather than among the unskilled and the illiterate. But such conditions for sound and good trade unionism do exist at a number of places in the Federation today. One of these places is Batu Arang, the township of Malayan Collieries. The Chinese section of the Colliery Workers’ Union collapsed after the terrorism began, but the Indian workers carried on. Anyone who may have supposed that trade unionism could not function in the Federation during the emergency will be encouraged by the following comment made by Mr. Brazier on relations between the union and the management at Batu Arang during the latter half of 1948: Both parties were in constant touch with the Trade Union Adviser’s Department, and, because they were able to understand each other’s point of view, many important problems have been solved. This is a splendid example of what can be achieved, in spite of the emergency, when a progressive employer is in charge. We gather from Mr. Brazier’s report, however, that the main strength of constitutional trade unionism in the Federation lies not in industry but in the Government departments. The Federal Government is itself by far the largest employer in the country and has set the best possible example to all other employers: On the whole, unions of Government employees have made greater progress than other unions in Malaya because, in conformity with its desired policy, the Government (as an employer) gives every encouragement and does not hinder its employees in their trade union activities. When it is remembered that in bygone years in certain Government departments in the F. M. S. it was possible for some petty bully to dispose of a petition setting forth the genuine grievances of a body of workers by the simple act of tearing it up and throwing it into the wastepaper basket, without those workers knowing how to take their case to higher authority, the great step forward that is represented by these post-war unions of Government workers will be realised; and the system of “Whitley Councils” which is being built up for Government departments should make these unions still more useful. And so all who believe that democratic trade unionism in Malaya is the only alternative to the Communist doctrine of class war can take heart. In spite of the emergency there are still relatively good and sound unions in the Federation—we say “relatively” because the whole movement is less than four years old, and it still has a lot to learn. And we need have no fear that these unions will not survive the difficult and dangerous conditions now prevailing. Mr. Brazier’s article of faith in his report for 1948 still holds good for 1949: The desire of this solid core of organised workers to organise freely and along lines best suited to the Malayan conditions is one that must receive the support of all people who recognise the fundamental right of free association. No-one can study the report which we have been reviewing without seeing that the Trade Union Adviser’s Department is the most energetic, the most purposeful, the most effective agency for spreading the principles of conciliation and compromise that is at work among the wage-earning classes in the Federation today. It is strange that some people cannot see that—and see its supreme value at a time when violence and murder are stalking the land.

The Singapore Free Press, 17 September 1949, Page 1 NEW SECURITY MEASURES IN MALAYA Free Press Staff Reporter KUALA LUMPUR, Sat. TIGHTENING of the security measures affecting plantations and mines in the Federation, to come into force on Nov. 1, were announced in Kuala Lumpur last night by the Federal Chief Secretary, Sir Alec Newboult. Sir Alec said that the registration of labour regulations, already enacted and shortly to be published, provide that certain industries shall not engage any workman unless he has an identity card. These industries also have to keep a register of all workmen complete with their photographs and their particulars and names of their dependents living with them. The industries affected are estates of not less than 100 acres for the cultivation of rubber, oil-palm, gutta-percha, tea, coconut and cocoa: tin mines at which at least 20 workmen are regularly employed, the Malayan Collieries at Batu Arang and the Raub Australian Gold Mine.

The Singapore Free Press, 1 October 1949, Page 1 Auxiliary Police demand Free Press Staff Reporter KUALA LUMPUR, Sat. DESPITE official promises, the Auxiliary police—except perhaps in Kuala Lumpur—were still not being made use of, declared the vice president of the Malayan Association, Mr. Y. C. Kang, at the annual meeting of the Association last night. “It may be that the police are hard pressed and cannot release men for the training of auxiliaries,” he said. If that was the case, then he felt sure that if police officers were to call meetings of the Auxiliaries in their districts, suitable voluntary instructors could be found. He pointed out that in the Kinta region of Perak the Government was encouraging the formation of Citizen’s Committees in towns and villages to provide liaison between the people and the Government. “As a natural consequence of the setting up of Citizen’s Committees, auxiliary police forces will be formed in each village, he said. If the auxiliaries in the main towns were trained and properly organised there would be no difficulty in getting the village units going. Mr. E. D. Shearn was re-elected president of the Association and Mr. Kang was re-elected vice-president. Council members are: Messrs W. G. C. Blunn, P. A. Rogers, P. J. Woodward, D. E. Forbes, W. M. MacLeod, K. Ramanathan, T. R. Marks, J. Drysdale, Gordon C. Wilson and Tuan Sheik Ahmed.

The Straits Times, 1 October 1949, Page 6
 CLASSIFIED ADS. The Straits Times, 3 October 1949, Page 4 & The Straits Times, 4 October 1949, Page 6
. • TURNER- 1st Grade required immediately. Good basic pay. Free accommodation, light, water, etc. Apply Malayan Collieries, Ltd., Batu Arang.

The Straits Times, 6 October 1949, Page 12 • MOTOR CYCLES- 1 BSA and 1 Royal Enfield 350 cc. Excellent condition – open to any inspection and offers. Malayan Collieries, Ltd., Batu Arang.

The Straits Times, 17 October 1949, Page 8
 &The Straits Times, 18 October 1949, Page 12
 &The Straits Times, 19 October 1949, Page 12 • ONE STOTHERT & PITT Super 10 MX Diesel Driven Concrete Mixer in new cond. with stock of spare parts, also three Steel Concrete Barrows 5 Cub. Ft. Capacity. Malayan Collieries, Ltd., Batu Arang.

The Straits Times, 17 October 1949, Page 6
 COAL FIGURES MALAYAN Collieries coal production figures for the third quarter of this year were: July 33,033 tons, August 33,558 tons and Sept. 31,053 tons

The Straits Times, 27 October 1949, Page 4
 Red Schools Replaced From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. • UNTIL the emergency Batu Arang had four Chinese schools, three of which were run-by the Communists. Now Malayan Collieries have built a school at a cost of $60,000. At the opening of the new school the chairman of directors Mr. J. Drysdale, advised 2,000 Chinese school children and their parents to “ keep communism out of your homes”.

The Straits Times, 15 November 1949, Page 2 NOTICE “Boh Tea Estates Limited” which was struck off the register of Companies from the 4th November, 1949, was a company which had not in fact commenced business and it in no way affects Boh Plantations Ltd. (Producers of ‘Boh’ and ‘Tiger’ Teas) which continues in operation as heretofore.

The Straits Times, 20 November 1949, Page 3 Ex-Red hotbed shows the way Sunday Times Staff Correspondent IN Baru Arang, once a Communist hot-bed, Malayan Collieries is bringing up the new generation on democratic lines. Every school-age child of the company’s employees has free education at one of its schools. Before the emergency, several small unauthorised Communist schools controlled Chinese education outside the company’s property, and their influence extended inside whenever it possibly could. Now the only schools are the Chap Khuan Chinese School, an Indian School and a private English school. The Chinese and Indian schools are subsidised by the company and are given Government grants-in-aid. Chap Khuan School was established 30 years ago. Recently, its new buildings and big playing field, with ample accommodation for its 1,200 pupils, were opened by the Senior Inspector of Schools, Selangor, Mr. F. C. Barraclough, and the chairman of the Directors of Malayan Collieries, Mr. J. Drysdale. The school is run by a committee, headed by two local Chinese leaders, Messrs Loh Tai and Chong Shiu. When they leave school, the children are encouraged to work for the company and are given training in whatever branch they choose under an apprenticeship scheme. The schools are not restricted to children of employees. Sons and daughters of shopkeepers and smallholders nearby are admitted for a small fee.

The Straits Times, 22 November 1949, Page 2 MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. (Incorporated in the Federation of Malaya) NOTICE OF MEETING. NOTICE is hereby given that the thirty-first general meeting of the members of the company will be held at the registered office of the company, Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Building, Kuala Lumpur on Monday 12th December. 1949, at 12.00 noon for the following purposes: - To receive and consider the balance sheet and accounts to 30th June, 1949, and the reports of the directors and auditors. To declare a dividend for the year ended 30th June, 1949. To determine director’ remuneration for the year ended 30th June, 1949. To elect directors in place of those retiring. To appoint auditors for the ensuing year. The share register will be closed from Friday, 2nd December 1949 to Monday, 12th December 1949, both days inclusive. By Order of the Board J. A. Russell and Co. Ltd. Secretaries Dated 21st November, 1949 Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Building, Kuala Lumpur, Malaya.

The Straits Times, 23 November 1949, Page 7 COLLIERIES SEEKING COMPENSATION Company’s Plea to Whitehall From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Tuesday Malayan Collieries, whose Batu Arang coalfield was attacked by bandits in July last year, have appealed to Mr. Arthur Creech Jones, Secretary of State for the Colonies, seeking compensation for the damage done. The chairman of directors of Malayan Collieries, Mr. J. Drysdale, revealed this today in his statement, which is to be presented at the annual general meeting of the company on Dec. 12. Among other things the bandits sabotaged excavators and tournatrailers, the seriously disorganising stripping operations. In his statement Mr. Drysdale said: “As responsibility for the failure to provide against the attack on the mine in July last year was admitted by Government your directors submitted a claim for compensation for the damage involved. “The claim was not accepted by the Federation government and the company has petitioned the Secretary of State for the Colonies.” “Vulnerable Point” Mr. Drysdale recalled that strong representations had been made to the Government before the attack for adequate protection for “such an important and vulnerable point as the colliery at Batu Arang.” He went on: “But unfortunately protection, although promised, was not provided and therefore no effective resistance to the terrorists could be offered when the attack took place.” The statement revealed that production of saleable coal during the 12 months ended in June this year was 388,416 tons, 63,454 tons more than in the previous year. Not Sufficient However, on several occasion production was not sufficient to meet consumers demands. Of the underground mines, one had been flooded and in the other development had been seriously delayed by faults and patches of barren ground. Of the labour situation, Mr. Drysdale said all the leaders of the Chinese section of the miners’ union fled into the jungle, and many of them were believed to have taken part in the attack of the mine.

The Straits Times, 28 November 1949, Page 6 Malayan Collieries Malayan Collieries Limited: Results for year ended 30.6.49 must be regarded as highly satisfactory to shareholders and the comprehensive presentation of information in the report might serve as a model to many Malayan companies. Profit, after depreciation, is shown at $1,101,841 (32%) compared with $809,391 last year. The depreciation provision is also much increased, $782,601 against $414, 814. It is recommended that $500,000 be appropriated to Reserve for repayment of rehabilitation loan, making that item $850,000. No further drawings were made against the loan facility despite the fact that $1,506,072 was expended on capital account. Net liquid assets on balancing date at $815,088 work out at 23 ¾ cents per share. The chairman states that “generally the restoration of the colliery has been completed although capacity has not yet reached the designed level.” The Malayan emergency has caused delay in the formation of the Cement project but shareholders will be informed immediately all details have been finalized.

The Straits Times, 29 November 1949, Page 4
 • . In a battle with a bandit gang near Sungei Tua Estate in the Batu Caves area of Kuala Lumpur this morning, it is believed one bandit was killed and another wounded.

The Straits Times, 3 December 1949, Page 2 MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED Application having been made to the Directors of the Company to issue to the following shareholder 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 this applications for duplicate certificates and the lost certificates will be regarded as having been cancelled, viz: Name of Shareholder Cert. No. of Distinctive Nos. No. Shares Estate of Walter Penrice Deceased 1360 500 1771921/1772420 --do— 2102 500 1948911/1949410 --do— 2101 500 2141031/2141530 --do— 2830 1,000 1552611/1553610 --do-- 2831 1,000 1554611/1555610 Kuala Lumpur By Order of the Board 30th November, 1949 J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD., (Secretaries.)

The Straits Times, 13 December 1949, Page 11 Malayan Collieries A DIVIDEND of 10 per cent, less income tax, was approved at the 31st general meeting of Malayan Collieries in Kuala Lumpur yesterday morning. Mr. J. Drysdale, chairman and Mr. H. W. Moxon, retiring directors, were re-elected. It was reported that the company made a profit of $1,101,841 for the year ended June 30. After deducting directors’ remuneration, reserve for repayment of rehabilitation loan, reserve for income tax and payment of dividend, a balance of $64, 638 was left for carrying forward to next year’s account. It was stated that the general manager, Mr. J. W. Elliot, had completed his term and had resigned for private reasons and that his position had been filled by Mr. N. M. Warmington, who was deputy general manager

The Straits Times, 14 December 1949, Page 2 MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. (Incorporated in the Federation of Malaya) Notice is hereby given that the Thirty-first General Meeting of the Members of the Company was held at the Registered Office of the Company, Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Building, Kuala Lumpur, on Monday the 12th December, 1949, at 12 noon. Also that payment of a dividend of 10 per cent, less 20 per cent income tax, in respect of the year ended 30th June, 1949, was approved. By Order of the Board. J. A. RUSSELL AND CO. LTD., Secretaries. Dated 13th December, 1949. Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Bldg., Kuala Lumpur. •

The Straits Times, 27 December 1949, Page 4 Pay Arrears On Many Mines From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Monday The November report of the Labour Department says that payment of wages in that month was found to be in arrears on many mines. “It is difficult to take any effective action short of closing the mine,” says the report. “If a mine is closed, the labourers are likely in the end to be paid nothing.” In Selangor many Chinese mines are now said to be running at a loss. “They keep going because they originally opened with the help of loans from the Mines Rehabilitation Board,” the report says. “The owners, knowing that if they close their mines they will still have to repay their loans, hope from month to month to strike lucky.” Expansion The Hong Fatt open cast mine at Sungei Besi, outside Kuala Lumpur, plans to expand the existing labour force of 500 to 1,000 over the next two years. Applications for work in this mine are in excess of present requirements. Malayan Collieries at Batu Arang are advertising for an additional 200 underground workers who are required in the next six months.

J. A. Russell and Co. Ltd. News and other Sources 1949

J. A. RUSSELL & CO., LTD.

(Incorporated in the Federation of Malaya)

Estate & Mine Proprietors, Agents & Secretaries

Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. Building, Kuala Lumpur.

Phones: 4264/5.  Tel. Add.-“Jar”

 

Board of Directors

Chairman                      W. Gemmill

Dy. Chairman                D. O. Russell

Exec. Directors            

& Joint managers          J. H. Clarkson           

                                    J. Drysdale             

Staff :

M. H. Carr  (Secretary)                  

A. E. Llewellyn      C. K. Stewart                         

 

Agents & Secretaries:  Malayan Collieries, Ltd.

Managing Agents & Secretaries:

Boh Plantations, Ltd.

(Producers of ‘Boh’ and ‘Tiger’ Teas)

Managing Proprietors :

Sungei Tua Estate.

Sintok Wolfram Mines.

Agents:

Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation.

BOH PLANTATIONS, LTD.

(Incorporated in the Federation in Malaya)

Boh Estate.

Produce:            Tea

Phone: 234 (Cameron Higlands)

Postal Address:

Ringlet P.O., Cameron Highlands.

Tel. Add.-"Boh "  Ringlet.

Nearest Railway Station and distance:

Tapah Road, 42  miles.

Nearest Telegraph Office:

Ringlet 7 miles.

Superintendent     G. Fairlie

Assists                 J. A. Hall & A. A. McKay

Mng. Agents, Secs & Reg. Office:

J. A. Russell & Co., Ltd.

Kuala Lumpur

Acreage: Total - 3,120 acres.

Cultivated (Tea) 1,527

 

 

SINTOK WOLFRAM MINES

Postal Address—Sintok, Alor Star, Kedah

Proprietors:

J. A. Russell & Co., Ltd.

Kuala Lumpur

 

 

SUNGEI TUA ESTATE

Phone 16 (Batu Caves)

Postal Address—Batu Caves, Selangor.

Tel. Add.—“Sungei Tua, Batu Caves.

Distance from Telegraph office:

2 miles.

Proprietors:                       

J. A. Russell & Co., Ltd.,

Kuala Lumpur.

Visiting Manager:            H. F. W. Grey

Clerk-in-Charge:            K. J. Pillai

Acreage—Total 1,029 acres.

     1,013 acres (Rubber)

All from the Singapore and Straits Directory, Fraser and Neave, 1949 SOAS archives