Dearie:Russell Family History

The Straits Times, 5 January 1950, Page 10 MR. N. M. WARMINGTON, manager of Malayan Collieries, Ltd., who received the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service. —Straits Times picture.

The Straits Times, 12 January 1950, Page 5 GOVT.’S HOTEL BILL- $1.700, 000 A YEAR From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Wednesday The Government’s bill for the accommodation of Government Officers in non-Government houses and hotels during 1950 was estimated to be $1,700,000, said the Deputy Chief Secretary, Mr. M. V. del Tufo, today. He could not give the number of Government officers involved, but said it included all classes of employees in all States and Settlements. Other points in Mr. del Tufo’s statement were: CEMENT: The possibility of increasing the local production of cement was being considered by Malayan Collieries in consultation with a British cement company, said Mr. del Tufo in answer to another question. A consulting engineer, Mr. H. M. Pooley, had been engaged in 1946 by Government and had made a favourable report. INCOME TAX: He denied that any officer of the Income Tax Department had been dismissed for aiding evasion of taxation. TIN MINING: There had been no suggestion either in London or in Malaya to the Malayan Government that the tin mining industry should be nationalised, he said. POLICE: Last year 21 Malayan police officers had retired. No police officer who had gone on normal long leave last year had decided to retire instead of returning.

The Straits Times, 27 January 1950, Page 12 WANTED ANGLE DOZER Le Torneau Model C K 8, suitable for Caterpillar D.8 Tractor. Urgently required. Reply Malayan Collieries, Batu Arang, Selangor.

The Straits Times, 20 February 1950, Page 4 SITUATIONS VACANT STOREKEEPER—European. Malayan Collieries Limited invite applications for appointment as Storekeeper at Batu Arang. Single man with storekeeping experience essential. 3 year contract with paid leave and passage on completion. Applications to and further details obtainable from General manager, Malayan Collieries Ltd., Batu Arang, Selangor.

• Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 14 March 1950, Page 2  &Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 15 March 1950, Page 2    Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 16 March 1950, Page 2  TENDER NOTICE Tenders are invited for the construction of 8 Blocks of Married Type brick labour lines of 4 units each with 3 detached W.C. & Bath rooms at Batu Arang. Intending contractors can obtain the Plans and specifications from the Chief Engineer, Malayan Collieries Ltd., Batu Arang on request by post. No contractors are allowed to visit the Mine for obtaining plans etc. Sealed tenders for the construction of one block of the labour line and one block of W.C. & Bath should be submitted to the Chief Engineer by 12 noon on the 22nd March, 1950. The Company does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender.

The Straits Times, 9 April 1950, Page 9 BRIDE-TO-BE Mrs. Amy Martin of Wakefield, Yorkshire, has no fears about banditry at her future home at Batu Arang. She is seen with her fiancé, Mr. Amos Doley, of Malayan Collieries. Asked by the Sunday Times on her arrival yesterday whether she had any fears about banditry, Mrs. Martin replied firmly: “No.” Her fiancé intervened with: “Batu Arang is one of the safest areas in Selangor.” (Photo)

 The Straits Times, 20 April 1950, Page 14 Malayan Collieries. From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. Coal production figures of Malayan Collieries for the first quarter of 1950 were: January, 38,099 tons; February, 31,773 tons; March 39,479 tons.

The Straits Times, 2 May 1950, Page 5 Bill-Sticking Day For Bandits From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Monday. COMMUNISTS put up flags and posters in towns and villages throughout the Federation during the week-end, in celebration of May Day. Until late this afternoon no May Day incidents had been reported in Selangor, though in other parts of the country bandits continued their campaign of robbing villagers and estate labourers. Police were alert last night and today ready for trouble. Except for a thwarted pamphlet “raid” in the heart of the town in the early hours of Sunday and the putting up of a Communist flag in Petaling Street early on Saturday, Kuala Lumpur’s underground Communists did nothing. Permission Refused At Batu Arang, in Selangor, the Malayan Collieries Workers’ Union planned a meeting, sports day and tea party to celebrate May Day, but the police refused permission. The collieries workers were given a day off. In Penang, police arrested two Chinese who had anti-British posters and pots of glue early today. Leaflets written in Jawi and romanised Malay were found on trees in the Grib area of Perak. In Pahang bandits posted pamphlets behind the railway station at Kuala Krau and near Mengkuang police station in the Mentakab area. More posters were put up along the Raub to Benta Road. On the Raub to Lipis road police captured a Chinese who had a supply of posters and a pot of glue.

• The Straits Times, 17 May 1950, Page 1  • NEW MALAYAN CEMENT WORKS • From Our Own Correspondent LONDON, Tuesday. • Mr. George Earle, chairman of Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers, today announced the formation of a company in Malaya. • “While we realise there are definite risks in investing money in Malaya." he said, "we feel justified in doing this and that the investment should be remunerative. • “It is for this reason the investment is being made, but our stockholders may also feel that a Briton should show his confidence in the future of our empire, especially in a country which earns as many dollars as the whole of the exports from Britain to America.” • The associated Portland Cement Manufacturers will have a majority interest in the Malaya Company, but Mr. Earle said an opportunity for local subscriptions will be provided. • The works will be built as soon as possible.

The Straits Times, 25 May 1950, Page 8 BOOK-KEEPER, experienced, required. Commencing Salary approx. $200.00 p.m. Free Quarters etc. Provident Fund, Annual Increments. Apply in own handwriting to Malayan Collieries Ltd., Batu Arang, Selangor, with copies of testimonials.

The Straits Times, 9 June 1950, Page 2 FOR SALE PLANT FOR DISPOSAL NEW PLANT Two Double Drum Haulage Gears with 2’6” dia. X 10” wide x 8” deep drums and 8” dia, x 12” stroke steam engines. Makers: John Mills & Co., Ltd. One Mechanical Cooler suitable for cooling circulating water of an internal combustion engine complete with pumps motor starter etc. Capacity 1,100 g.p. hours. Makers: Premier Cooler & Engineering Co, One Lot of Foundry Equipment comprising:- One No. 3 Rapid Melting Cupolette with Bedplate, Charging Platform, Tools, Moulding Boxes, Ladles, Core Machine, Core Oven and Firebrick Lining. Also Fan with 6 H.P AC. 400 V. 3 ph. 50 cycle motor. USED PLANT IN GOOD CONDITION One Stothert & Pitt Super 10 MX Concrete Mixer with 8 H.P. Diesel Engine, stock of new spares and 3 steel wheel-barrows Two Winget Plate Brick machines for manufacture of 4 bricks 9” x 4-5/16” x 2-3/4” per operation. Six Siskol heading machines each with 3 H.P. 440 volt 50 cycle electric motor. SECOND HAND PLANT INCOMPLETE OR IN NEED OF REPAIR One Alex Wilson Air Compressor One Holman T 25 Air Compressor One Holman Compressed Air Winch 5 H.P One 21 W Bucyrus Armstrong Drilling Machine (without motor or drills). Three Bagnall locos of 30” gauge with quantity of spares and 24-30” crossings, 36- 1 ¼ cu. yd. sidetipping wagons (Koppel) 65-Large skip frames 30” (Hudsons), 75-Large skip bodies, 75 Small skip frames and 70 small skip bodies. One Ferguson Paulin Switch CA 600 amps. 3,300 V. 50 period. One Steam Hammer (dismantled). One Veneer Hog with Live Roll Feed Table 30” wide x 48” long, also 2 sets of knives and Texrope Drive. SECOND HAND BUT IN USEABLE CONDITION Five D.C. Motors complete with starts as follows:- 1- 24 HP Mather & Platt 460V, R.P.M. 900 1- 20 HP -do- 460V, R.P.M. 750 1- 24 HP B. T. H. 490V, R.PM. 350 1- 6 HP Mather & Platt 460V, R.P.M. 600/800 1- 5 HP -do- 460/500V R.P.M. 1250/1400 For further particulars, apply to: Malayan Collieries Ltd., Batu Arang, Selangor.

• Page 12 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 30 June 1950, Page 12 CLASSIFIED ADS. & Page 12 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 1 July 1950, Page 12  &Page 12 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 4 July 1950, Page 12  CLASSIFIED ADS The Straits Times, 30 June 1950, Page 12 et al CLASSIFIED ADS SCRAP RUBBER and Canvas Conveyer Belting approximately 1.000 yds x 30” wide in short lengths also Twenty Four Tyres 2.100 x 24 in damaged condition. Enquiries and offers to Malayan Collieries Ltd., Batu Arang, Selangor.

Page 6 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 8 July 1950, Page 6  & Page 6 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 11 July 1950, Page 6 Malayan Collieries invite application for the position of Security Officer at Batu Arang. European ex Officer of Police or Army with experience of Malaya. Knowledge Malay language essential, Chinese and/or Tamil an advantage. Successful applicant would be offered a three year contract with usual leave terms and free passages. Salary according to experience and qualification. Apply General Manager, Batu Arang.

The Straits Times, 14 July 1950, Page 11 PRODUCTION OF COAL DROPS From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Thurs. Malayan Collieries coal production fell sharply in the second quarter of this year compared with the first quarter. The company said today that production in April was 33,475, in May 32,359 and in June 31,614 tons, giving a total output for the quarter of 97,448 tons. The comparative total for the first quarter was 109,351 tons.

The Straits Times, 29 September 1950, Page 6 ASSISTANT ENGINEER FOR Coal Mine. Workshops experience essential. Diesel an advantage. State whether married or single. Applications to Malayan Collieries Ltd., Batu Arang, Selangor.

Page 12 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 10 October 1950, Page 12 CLASSIFIED ADS & • Page 12 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 11 October 1950, Page 12 CLASSIFIED ADS. & • Page 12 Advertisements Column 1 [Advertisements] The Straits Times, 12 October 1950, Page 12  WANTED TO PURCHASE WANTED. 2,000 yards New or Second hand 25 lb. Section light rail, in 24 ft. lengths. Price and particulars to Malayan Collieries Ltd., Batu Arang.

Straits Times, 2 November 1950, Page 6 CLASSIFIED ADS SITUATION VACANT WANTED Storekeeper, European, to take charge of large Colliery engineering stores. Salary according to experience between $425 and $650. Free accommodation, light, etc. Provident fund. Six months full pay leave on completion of 3 years service. Applications in own handwriting to Malayan Collieries, Ltd., Batu Arang. •

The Straits Times, 13 November 1950, Page 2 Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. (Incorporated in the Federation of Malaya) NOTICE OF MEETING. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Thirty-Second General Meeting of the Members of the Company will be held at the Registered Office of the Company, Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Building, Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, 29th November 1950, at 12.00 noon for the following purposes:- To Receive and Consider the Balance Sheet and Accounts to 30th June, 1950, and the Reports of the Directors and Auditors. To Declare a Dividend for the year ended 30th June, 1950, which, if approved, will be paid shortly after the Annual General Meeting. To Determine Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 30th June, 1950. To Elect Directors in place of those retiring. To appoint Auditors for the ensuing year. The Share Register will be closed from Monday, 27th November 1950 to Monday, 4th December 1950, both days inclusive. By Order of the Board J. A. RUSSELL AND CO. LTD. Secretaries Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Building, Kuala Lumpur, Federation of Malaya.

The Straits Times, 21 November 1950, Page 8 WORKERS AMENITIES FAIL TO PUT UP COAL OUTPUT KUALA LUMPUR. Mon. ALTHOUGH Malayan Collieries have spent large sums for modern coal mining equipment, (they) are spending $500,000 over three years as the first stage of the workers’ housing programme and improving conditions and amenities, the output per worker remains at an unsatisfactorily low level. So says Mr J. Drysdale, the chairman, in his annual statement to be presented at the general meeting on Nov. 29. While coal sales increased by 10,000 tons to 377,638 tons, this was less than expected and less than could have been sold, he says. Due partly to the natural improvement in conditions and amenities which the worker was taught to expect, and partly to the emergency, the overall price to maintain a worker was increasing greater than was represented by wages alone. “This might be quite acceptable were the results to improve in accordance with the outlay demanded, but the fact is that, despite all that has been done, the output remains at an unsatisfactorily low level.” The company had had considerable difficulty in getting sufficient labour and if production was to be properly safeguarded assistance of Government in obtaining further labour was essential. Mr Drysdale said that in the very near future all the children of workers at Batu Arang would be able to attend schools provided by the company. Adult education had also been started on a small scale. The profit for the year at $1,088,903 was about $12,000 below the previous year, increased revenue of about $170,000 being more than absorbed by higher cost of production. After transferring amounts to the reserve, providing for directors’ remuneration and the payment of a ten per cent dividend in addition to bonus to the staff of one month’s salary, there remained $41,540 to be carried forward.

The Straits Times, 27 November 1950, Page 10 Company reports From A Market Correspondent Malayan Collieries have presented comprehensive details of the company's activities for the year for the year to June 30, 1950, in the well-set-up directors’ report and accounts, chairman's statement and illustrated booklet giving a description of the property, operations and social organisation. Profit, after increased depreciation at $1,063,903 (31 per cent.) is slightly less than the previous year owing to higher cost of production and a similar dividend (10per cent.) is recommended. Net liquid assets on balancing date show an improvement at $1,728,703, or 50.3 cents per share, before providing for Government rehabilitation loan $3,297,000. Outturn of saleable coal, some 10,000 tons greater than in the previous year, was insufficient to meet demand. Mine fire Production from opencast workings was increased, but output from underground workings was rather less than previously owing to various difficulties, the main one of which was a fire in the West mine. It is hoped to issue shortly the prospectus for Malayan Cement, a substantial block of fully-paid shares in which company are to be allotted to Malayan Collieries for work done, and preference is to be given to members of the latter company when the time comes to offer subscription shares in the new company

The Straits Times, 30 November 1950, Page 5 $10 Mil. Cement Company Formed From Our Staff Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. A CEMENT company, known as Malayan Cement, with an authorised capital of $10,000,000, has been formed in Selangor. The directors' report of Malayan Collieries, presented at the company's annual meeting in Kuala Lumpur today, says the company will establish a cement works at Rawang. It is expected, says the report, that a prospectus of its capital requirements will be issued shortly. The new company was formed on the basis of an agreement between Malayan Collieries and the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers. Under this agreement, Malayan Collieries will be allotted, in return for its pioneering work, a substantial block of fully paid shares in Malayan Cement. Preference In addition members of Malayan Collieries will be given preference when the time comes to offer shares in the new company for subscription. The report and accounts of Malayan Collieries were approved at the general meeting of shareholders today. Profits for the year at $1,088,903 was about $12,000 below last year. Increased revenue of about $170,000 was more than absorbed by higher cost of production. After transferring amounts to the reserve, providing directors’ remuneration and paying a dividend of 10 per cent, in addition to bonus to the staff of one month’s salary, there remained $41,540 to be carried forward.

The Straits Times, 2 December 1950, Page 1 (Also reported in Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 2 December 1950 p 3)• DIRECTOR DIES IN AMBUSH NEAR K.L. • From Our Staff Correspondent • KUALA LUMPUR, Friday. • Mr. J. H. Clarkson, executive director and manager of J. A. Russell and Co., Kuala Lumpur, a director of Malayan Collieries and a director of Boh Plantations, was killed and an Indian special constable fatally wounded on a rubber estate ten miles from Kuala Lumpur yesterday in what an eye witness calls a perfect ambush. • Mr. Clarkson, aged 50, had gone out to Sungei Tua Estate, behind Batu village on a routine visit. He is the first company director to be murdered since the Emergency started. • Afterwards Police Lieut. H. Burnell, who was in the ambush along with Mr. H. F. de C. Lucy, the Visiting Agent, and two special constables- told the Straits Times: “ It’s a miracle that we are not all dead”. • “The bandits, about ten of them, had us practically surrounded and some of them were looking down on us from hilltops,” he said. • Mr. Clarkson had motored out to the estate and was joined there by Mr. Lucy and his escort. • Fire Returned. • The party were walking down a path along a ravine on the estate, having almost reached the spot where the new replanted rubber joins the mature rubber, and were prepared to return when the first shot rang out. • “We all started firing back”, said Lieut. Burnell, “ and Mr. Clarkson fired all chambers of his revolver before he was killed”. • Some of the bandits were ahead of them and some on hilltops on each side of the ravine, looking down on the five ambushed men. • “One of the bandits was using a Sten gun, but after two short bursts there was a groaning from the direction where the Sten gun had been fired,” he said. • Lieut. Burnell said he felt sure the man with the Stem gun had been wounded, as it was not fired any more. • During the battle the men on the hilltops were so confident that they allowed themselves to be seen. • “ It was easy for them. Every time we moved to try to get better cover we were in full view fro the hilltops,” said the lieutenant. • “ Why they did not come at us, I just cannot think”, he went on. “ Maybe, after the wounding of the Sten gunner, they lost some of their confidence”. • The shooting was heard by the clerk on the estate, who called the police for reinforcements. • Lieut. Burnell said that the two special constables “ really did a grand job, firing away without any thought to themselves”. • Mr. Clarkson, who leaves a widow in Kuala Lumpur and two children in England, came to Malaya in 1931. He was a Scotsman. • Before coming to Malaya, he was a tea planter for some years in Ceylon. • During the occupation Mr. Clarkson was a prisoner of war in Siam. • A member of almost every club in Kuala Lumpur, he was also steward of the Selangor Turf Club. • The funeral will take place tomorrow at Cheras Road.

The Straits Times, 3 Dec 1950 Page 10 DEATHS JOHN HARRISON CLARKSON, of J. A. Russell & Co. Ltd., beloved husband of Joan Clarkson, by terrorist action, on 1st December 1950

Records in The National Archives at Kew (nationalarchives.gov.uk) x 5

• Rehabilitation of Industry: Malayan collieries  Colonial Office: Economic General Department and predecessors: Registered Files. Eastern. Rehabilitation of Industry: Malayan collieries. Collection: Records of the Colonial Office, Commonwealth and Foreign and Commonwealth Offices, Empire Marketing Board, and related bodies Date range: 01 January 1943 - 31 December 1944 Reference: CO 852/669/9 Subjects: Coal, International, Mining and quarrying • Rehabilitation of Malayan Collieries Ltd  Treasury: Imperial and Foreign Division: Registered Files (IF series). MALAYA. Rehabilitation of Malayan Collieries Ltd. Collection: Records created or inherited by HM Treasury Date range: 01 January 1944 - 31 December 1950 Reference: T 220/133 Subjects: Coal, Mining and quarrying • Petition: Messrs Malayan Collieries Ltd  Colonial Office: Federated Malay States: Original Correspondence. Petition: Messrs Malayan Collieries Ltd. Collection: Records of the Colonial Office, Commonwealth and Foreign and Commonwealth Offices, Empire Marketing Board, and related bodies Date range: 01 January 1949 - 31 December 1950 Reference: CO 717/152/4 Subjects: Coal, International, Mining and quarrying • Opinion: Claim by Malayan Collieries Ltd against Air Ministry  Law Officers' Department: Registered Files. Opinion: Claim by Malayan Collieries Ltd against Air Ministry. Collection: Records created or inherited by the Law Officers' Department Date range: 01 January 1951 - 31 December 1951 Reference: LO 2/852 Subjects: Armed Forces (General), Coal, Air Force, Mining and quarrying • Claims by Malayan Collieries Ltd against Air Ministry for value of certain earth-moving and other ...  Colonial Office: Eastern Original Correspondence. COMPENSATION. Claims by Malayan Collieries Ltd against Air Ministry for value of certain earth-moving and other equipment. Collection: Records of the Colonial Office, Commonwealth and Foreign and Commonwealth Offices, Empire Marketing Board, and related bodies Date range: 01 January 1951 - 31 December 1951 Reference: CO 825/79/3 Subjects: Armed Forces (General), Coal, Air Force, International, Mining and quarrying • Future of Malayan Collieries Ltd  Colonial Office: South East Asia Department: Original Correspondence. Future of Malayan Collieries Ltd. Collection: Records of the Colonial Office, Commonwealth and Foreign and Commonwealth Offices, Empire Marketing Board, and related bodies Date range: 01 January 1951 - 31 December 1953 Reference: CO 1022/243 Subjects: Coal, Asia, International, Mining and quarrying