Dearie:Russell Family History

1915 The Malay Mail, Friday January 15 1915 and MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. [Articles] The Straits Times, 13 January 1915, Page 8 Malayan Collieries Position at the End of 1914. Mine Manager’s Report Messrs. J. A. Russell and Co., Kuala Lumpur, Managing Agents and Secretaries of the Malayan Collieries, Ltd. have issued to shareholders, under date Dec 31st the following statement of the position of the property as at Dec 31st last:- We are desired by your board of directors to inform you that they take the opportunity afforded by the conclusion of the Company’s financial half year to give shareholders a brief description of the present position in the development of their property. The initial system of opening adopted has already been explained to be one which, by means of two diverging “slants” or inclined tunnels following the coal downward from its outcrop, avoids the unremunerative outlay of shaft- sinking through great thicknesses of barren measures together with the extra expense attendant upon the necessarily more costly winding and other equipment of vertical- shafts. Such shafts moreover, in the process of sinking would have occupied, according to the depth sunk and the difficulties encountered, anything in time from between 18 months and 2 years or more. The North and South Mines. The two haulage inclines, constructed in accordance with the above plan, and known as the south and north mine respectively, are both in the main seam, and are connected by a drift communicating with a shallow vertical ventilating shaft. The north, or underlying, seam, will be worked later on through separate connecting shafts. Mining was begun with a temporary pumping and haulage plant, the installation of the permanent machinery from home proceeding pari-passu. The erection of the two Babcock and Wilcox boilers and the steel work in connection therewith has now been practically completed, while the 100 foot smokestack has been finished. The work of installing the permanent hauling engines is also nearly completed. Connection has been made between the mine fan and the ventilating shaft, and the fan and engine are running continuously. The fan engine house has been completed. Foundations for the gangways from the mines have been begun and the woodwork put in hand so that these gangways and the heapstead should be ready for use as soon as the railway is through. The south mine is now down over 500 feet on the slope from the surface, work in the companion or return aircourse having kept pace with it, and the mine mouths have been completed in accordance with the plans prepared and sent by our home engineers, Messrs. Forster Brown and Rees. The mine shows clean hard coal in all directions and the dip is uniformly maintained. The north mine is down 400 feet on the slope from the surface, and the larger temporary pumping and haulage plant has been installed. The coal found is similar in all respects to that in the south mine. The temporary plant in both mines is everywhere working smoothly. The dip of the seam as shown by these two mines is approximately 1 in 4 and a half. The arrival of the electrical plant has been delayed, part of it having been commandeered by the War Office, but it is not immediately required and its non-appearance has not seriously interfered with or deferred the production of coal. The new bungalow, office, store and lines are all practically completed. The mines are now turning out a quantity of coal per day, but unfortunately the delay in the completion of the railway line to the pithead has prevented this coal being placed on the market. Vigorous representations on the matter, however, have been made to Government which has had had no doubt to contend of late with exceptional difficulties; but is now trying to expedite matters. The acting General Manager of Railways has kindly promised to put through a soon as possible a temporary connection to pit-mouth. Mine managers Report. In his report for November the Mine Manager Mr. T.S. McCall, says: “ If you will remember, in my report for September, I drew your attention to the fact that possibly our present temporary boiler would not be of sufficient capacity to keep up steam once we had installed our heavy pumps, etc. I am now glad to be able to report that we are able to keep up steam although the boiler is hard pressed and stoking is heavy. In my opinion this boiler is now working up to its maximum and it is supplying steam for the following: Ventilating Fan Engine, size 9ins by 12ins, two Worthington duplex pumps, 9ins by 5 and a quarter ins by 10, two Worthington duplex pumps, size 6ins by 4 ins by 6 ins. The above are all running continuously day and night and also there is running intermittently an 8ins by 12ins double cylindered winch. It must of course, be remembered that the pumps are not working against their full head and that the fan engine and winch are not on full load, but when the length of steam mains and the heavy condensation entailed thereby is considered I think it must be admitted that the performance is not a bad one and argues well for the steaming capabilities of Rawang coal. I would remind you that our boiler is only 25 H.P. nominal rating. Numerous enquiries have been received for the coal from miners, shippers. Smelters, and others, and consignments are being sent home to Messrs. the British Westinghouse Electrical and Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Kynoch, Arklow, Ltd., Richard Hornsby and Sons Ltd., and others who have asked parcels of our coal to be sent to England at their expense for the purpose of testing the same upon the gas and other plants now being constructed by these firms with a view more especially to burning Rawang fuel.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 29 January 1915, Page 4 and Malayan Collieries. [Articles] 0. The Straits Times, 28 January 1915, Page 8 MALAYAN COLLIERIES. An Official Visit 0. We hear that the acting Chief Secretary, the Hon. Mr. R.G. Watson, the acting General Manager of the Railways, Mr. G. H. Fox, the Senior Warden of Mines, Mr. W. Eyre Kenny, the acting Chief Resident Engineer for Construction, Mr. F. D. R. Openshaw, the Locomotive Superintendent, Mr. G. C. Forbes, and the Chairman of Malayan Collieries, Ltd. Mr. J. A. Russell, visited the Company’s coalfields last Saturday, traveling there by a special train which passed over the new line linking the coalfields with the main F.M.S. railway system. 0. The party were met at the coalfields station by the mine manager Mr. T. L. McCall. 0. The cuttings on the new line are said to be extremely heavy and in bad ground. There are several bridges in the course of its length, which is some nine miles in all, and for the most part lies through difficult country. The work is rapidly being pushed ahead. 0. (132 words)

Document: Legal document signed before Kuala Lumpur Magistrate in which Adolf Alois Henggeler appoints John Archibald Russell to be his lawful attorney for him and on his behalf. Dated 5 day of March 1915. (Summary: 21 point document in which lists Archie’s role to collect rents, manage all businesses, property, repair buildings, appoint workforce, pay salaries, pay solicitors, deal with claims, apply for prospecting licences on land, buy and sell shares, convert businesses into limited companies, sign cheques, pay debts, attend meetings and vote by proxy, appear in Courts of law on his behalf, any other acts, etc.) Attached to Mining Application for A.A. Henggeler by his attorney J. Russell, Kuala Lumpur Dated 12.5.15 with notes: prior applications were refused. Document in the National Archives of Malaysia 612/15

The Straits Times, 31 March 1915, Page 9 0. SELANGOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Kuala Lumpur, March 30. 0. The annual meeting of the Selangor Chamber of Commerce was held today. Mr. H. P. Clodd was elected chairman, Mr. A. K. E. Hampshire deputy chairman, and Messrs. W. F. Nutt, J. A. Russell, P. de Morriss, H.C.E. Zacharias and T.D. Betteridge committee. 0. The commissioner of Trade and Customs gave details of the trade during 1914. The aggregate volume was $197,224,000 or $175 per head of the population. Referring to the effect of the war he said exports had recovered the normal at the end of the year but imports showed no recovery. 0. A proposal by Mr. Betteridge that the Government be asked to allow the chamber of Commerce to nominate its own representative’s on the Federal Council, was referred to the committee. (143 words)

The Straits Times, 4 May 1915, Page 7 0. Malaya's Help. SCHEME FOR A CONVALESCENT HOME. 0. Influential Committee Appointed. 0. The Malay Mail of Saturday reports at length the proceedings at a meeting held at Kuala Lumpur on Friday at which steps were taken to further the scheme for a F.M.S. Convalescent Home, originally proposed by the Hon. W. F. Nutt. There were present Sir Edward Brockman (in the chair). The Hon. R.G. Watson, the Hon. E.G. Broadrick, the Hon E. Payne-Galtway, the Hon. Eu Tong Sen, The Hon W. F. Nutt, Towkay Loke Yew, C.M.G., Mr. H.P. Clodd and Mr. J A Russell. Letters and telegrams of regret were read from the Hon. A. H. Lemon, The Hon. E. Macfadyen, the Hon A. N. Kenion, Mr. J. McClymont and Mr. E.T.C. Garland. 0. (Summary: the meeting was addressed by the Chief Secretary about Mr. Nutt’s proposal to invite subscriptions for a convalescent home for 0. “ men engaged in the war” he said it was a time for sacrifice and men must do their duty, to provide relief for those fighting for freedom. He suggested a central committee to raise money with sub committees in each district, so that everyone can contribute. Mr. Nutt, described the running costs of a convalescent home, and agreed with the idea of monthly subscriptions, which would appeal to average Europeans. He suggested that the committee should include two more local Chinese and a Tamil representative. There is discussion on an initial lump sum to be raised. Mr. Nutt is appointed secretary. The Resident of Selangor agreed to write to the Sultan asking him to nominate a Malay for the committee. The Chief Secretary offered the services of the Government printing department. “ Mr. J. A. Russell suggested that the Chinese would probably prefer to give donations down instead of monthly subscriptions. He also referred to Mr. Alma Baker’s proposals to the Chinese Miner’s Association to start a fund for the purpose of presenting areoplanes to the Imperial Government, and he hoped that this would not clash with the suggestion under consideration.” 0. Discussion on writing Home to discover the costs of running a home. Chief Secretary said he would cable Sir W. Taylor to negotiate. Decision to give home directly to war office not Red Cross. List of 20 committee members, including J. A. Russell.) 0. (2163 words)

The Straits Times, 19 May 1915, Page 9 FEDERAL ENGINEERING CO. Effects of Unfavourable Trade And War. 0. The following is contributed by the Company's Secretary The seventh annual general meeting of the Federated Engineering Company, Limited, was held at 9, Damar Road, Singapore, at noon on Tuesday, May 18. Mr. V. V. Leniberger took the chair. 0. (Summary: Report and accounts and personnel discussed. Losses due to war and unfavourable conditions. Board for ensuing year to include J. A. Russell.) 0. (718 words)

The Straits Times, 21 May 1915, Page 3 SELANGOR MINERS. Chinese and the F.M.S. Convalescent Home. 0. An extraordinary general meeting of the Selangor Miners' Association, in conjunction with the Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce, was held in the association's building on Saturday, with Mr. J. A. Russell in the chair, supported by Mr. Yap Loong Hin (President of the Chinese Chamber of commerce) 0. Mr. J. A. Russell, speaking in Chinese, explained the objects of the Convalescent Home Fund, as outlined in Sir Edward Brockmans’s circular and Mr. Nutt’s letter. 0. Mr. Mr. Yap Loong Hin followed, and in the course of his speech (reported in the Malay Mail) said that everyone in this country was grateful to the British Government for what it had done, and was doing, and the Chinese were anxious to do what they could to help. They could not man the firing line, but they could give their money, and he thought that no better way could be found of showing their appreciation of those who were fighting their battles for them, than providing them with a Convalescent Home when they were wounded. 0. Messrs. Chou Kia Peng, San Ah Wing and other leading Towkays spoke enthusiastically of the scheme, and a Chinese Central Committee was formed of the following a gentleman:- Messrs:- Loke Yew CMG………… ( this is followed by about 50 Chinese names and those of J. A. Russell and John Hands being the only European names)…….with Messrs J A Russell and Yap Loong Hin as chairmen and Messrs San An Wing, Choo Kia Peng and John hands as honorary secretaries. 0. The central committee is to form sub committees, which Mr. San Ah Wing pointed out could be easily done as each of the various kongsis ( Hooi Kuan ) had committees to deal with their own affairs and these committees could form the sub committees for the purposes of the Convalescent Home fund, also to write to prominent Chinese in out stations such as Petaling, Ampang, Kepong, Sungei Besi, Serdang etc., asking them to form subcommittees in their districts. It was explained that in those districts where there were District officers, there was no necessity to approach influential Chinese, as the D Os had been requested to form districts sub committees. 0. In order to facilitate the collection of Chinese subscriptions it was decided to ask the directors of the Kwong Yik Bank to accept subscriptions to the fund, and to remit the money collected to the Chartered Bank once a week. 0. 0. (535 words)

F.M.S. in 1914. [Articles] The Straits Times, 14 June 1915, Page 12  F.M.S. in 1914. THE CHIEF SECRETARY'S ANNUAL SURVEY. Effects of the War. The report of the Chief Secretary, F.M.S. Sir. E. L. Brockman K.C.M.G. is printed as a supplement to the F.M.S. Government Gazette bearing date June 11. The Chief Secretary General remarks are found at the end of the report. (Summary: war, profits from tin, finances, trade, opium, tin, ) “ The Senior Warden of Mines reports that the Malayan Collieries, Limited, who are opening up the Rawang coal area, had their opening up works well in hand by the end of the year and that the colliery will be in a position to place coal on the market as soon as the railway connection is completed. Good progress in the railway construction was made”(agriculture, police, medical, schools, railways, (3125 words)

The Straits Times, 12 August 1915, Page 10 Kuala Lumpur Comments. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Kuala Lumpur, August 11. A large number of prospectors, representing syndicates in Perak and Selangor, is now at Mersing Johore, where there is quite a rush for tin land: so much so that the Johore Government following the precedent of the F.M.S. refuses to grant applications for land indiscriminately and calls for tenders. Among those who have been commissioned to prospect for Kuala Lumpur Syndicates, is Mr. Mungo Park, formerly of the Mines Department and now of Malayan Collieries, Limited.

Report: Malayan Collieries, Limited. Printed in MALAYAN COLLIERIES, Ltd. [Articles] The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 27 September 1915, Page 3 ( Edited version in MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. [Articles] The Straits Times, 25 September 1915, Page 10 Directors Report and Statement of Accounts. For the Year Ended 30th June, 1915 To be presented at the second annual meeting of shareholders, to be held at the Registered offices of the Company, 8, 9 and 10 Loke Yew Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday, the 30th day of September, 1915, ay 11.30 am. Malayan Collieries, Limited. (List of directors, bankers etc. and agenda) Report of the Directors for the Year ended 30th June, 1915. The directors have pleasure in submitting their second annual report and Statement of Accounts for the Year ended 30th June, 1915. Titles. - During the year application was made for the conversion of a further 265 acres to Mining Lease (making a total area under lease of 1,547 acres), whilst the Prospecting License was renewed over the balance of the Concession. Prospecting. - Prospecting was carried out throughout the year, but owing to the shortness in length of the Company’s diamond drill such prospecting had to be confined to the near vicinity of the outcrop. As soon as the rail connection is through, it is intended to make an application to the Government to hire the Mine’s Department drill set. Mines. - The two diversing haulage inclines known as the North and South Mines, were steadily developed throughout the year. Faulting, a fissure and water troubles somewhat retarded the anticipated rate of progress. Plant. - With the exception of the electric lighting set and some of the work-shop machines, the whole of the plant on order has arrived during the year and is almost completely installed. Railway. - Instead of the branch line from Kuang to the Collieries being, as was at one time hoped, ready by the beginning of 1915, it will not open to traffic until the 1st of September. After considerable negotiations on the point, H. E. the High Commissioner decided that the Company should pay for the cost of constructing the sidings from Batu Arang Station to pit- head. No provision having been made for an expense that the Directors had not believed was chargeable to the Company, the Directors had then to negotiate further with Government to be allowed to pay in installments; a concession which the Government was kind enough to grant taking as security for the due payment thereof a charge over the property of the Company. Marshalling yard. - The Railway Department has consented to sell to the Company at a fair valuation a locomotive for shunting purposes, which locomotive is now being slightly altered, until it be ready, the Railway Department has kindly agreed to do the Company’s shunting at fixed rates per wagon. Coal trials.- Several coal trials were made during the year, all of which went to confirm the original estimate of the coal’s value as fuel. At the request of one or two Home makers of bituminous-coal suction- gas- plants some parcels of coal were shipped to England. Unfortunately no tests could be carried out, by the time the coal arrived Home the makers’ works having in each case been taken over by the Home Government for war purposes. Coal Sales.- The line not being opened until the 1st September, it was not possible to produce and sell coal. Coal might have been raised and stacked until rail communication was through, but not only would this have meant tying up a larger amount of capital than could be afforded in a time of unparalleled financial stringency, but the stored coal would have been deteriorating in quality. During the last month of the Company’s year, however, the Construction Department of the Railway was good enough to haul us a limited amount of coal over its partially completed line. Brick-Kiln.-The brick- kiln was steadily employed throughout the year in supplying the company’s private needs. These are now practically satisfied, and the Company have therefore entered into a contract to manufacture bricks for the Construction Department of the Railway. Telephone. - It is greatly to be regretted that the Posts & Telegraphs department is not proceeding with the promised telephone connection between Rawang and Kuala Lumpur. Mine management. - Mr. McCall has continued in charge of the mine, with Messrs. Foster Brown & Rees of Cardiff as Consulting Engineers, throughout the year; it was however, owing to the war found impossible to engage from Home an assistant manager. Mr. F. J. Porteous joined the Company as mechanical-electrical engineer, whilst Mr. N. O. Gay was engaged as Underground Superintendent. Directorate.- Mr. Foo Choo Choon finding it difficult to attend meetings of the Board resigned his seat, and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Grant McKie whose election shareholders are now asked to confirm. The other retiring director is Mr. A. D. Allen, who being eligible offers himself for re election. Auditors. - The auditors, Messrs. F. W. Barker and Co. retire and offer themselves for re election for the ensuing year. By Order of the Board, J. A. Russell and Co., Managing Agents and Secretaries Kuala Lumpur 1st July 1915. Malayan Collieries Limited. Mine- Manager’s Report to Directors for the Half-Year Ended 30th June 1915 Sirs, I have the honour to report as follows:- During the financial year steady progress was made in driving the two haulage mines or inclines known as the North and South Mines respectively. These mines have been confined to the upper leaf of the Main Seam, which here runs about 16 to 17 feet thick, and have not touched any of the lower portions of the Main Seam. The dip in the seam has continued uniformly, being approximately 1 in 4 and a quarter to 1 in 4 and half. Unforeseen circumstances militated against a speedy advance in the drivage of the mines. In the South Mine a fault was encountered in the Main Drive, which delayed the advance until the fault had been proved in a branch road, whilst at the same time in the North Mine a “want” was struck, the coal being replaced by shale. The North Mine main road is still cutting this “want” which as shown by bores put down to test the extent of the “want” is of some length but narrow. It is unfortunate that the “want” and the North Mine main road are crossing each other at such a slow angle, as otherwise the cutting of the “want” would have occupied but a very short space of time. However, although the fault and the “want” have delayed progression, they are neither of them serious, and their occurrence in a coal mine is only to be expected. Although the amount of water encountered in driving mines is of no great quantity, yet it will be readily understood that even a very small quantity can be of very great inconvenience when driving downhill, and where no standage room for water can be obtained. The electric pumps are not yet in use, but will shortly be so, as the cables for the motors are being installed at the time of writing. Temporarily to deal with the water, pumps were installed at both mines, which will be replaced by the electric pumps mentioned above. A ventilating fan and provisional steam winch have been in use for the past nine months and are still at work. All the above plant is now taking steam from permanent boilers instead of from a temporary portable boiler as was formerly the case. As it would not have been a wise policy to start opening out the coal until the Railway was through, or at least some means obtained of transporting the coal, work was steadily confined to developing the main roads. Now, however the Construction Department of the F.M.S. Railways have recently so kindly extended to us the facilities of their construction line from Kuang to near the mine, opening- out work has been begun; this as yet is only on a small scale, for the loading conveniences being merely of a temporary nature are not capable of dealing with any great amount, nor can the construction department haul more than a small quantity of coal per day. Practically all the machinery ordered for the initial layout of the colliery has arrived and been duly erected The boiler unit consists of 2 Babcock and Wilson boilers, together with a forced draft fan and steel chimney. One or other of these boilers has been in constant use since January, and has given every satisfaction. The boiler plant is housed in a brick and steel building, which is so constructed that additional boilers can be readily laid down at a future date without interfering with the present plan in any way. In passing I might here mention that this policy to providing for future extensions has been adopted wherever possible. At the back of the boiler house and adjoining it comes the main engine house. This is another brick and steel building, and also constructed out of bricks manufactured at the mine; it houses the two haulage engines, one for each incline, and two D.C. generating sets of 100 K.W. each. In the building as erected space has been provided for a winding- engine set which will draw coal from the North Seam when the opening of the seam is deemed to be necessary. The heapstead and tumbler and temporary screens for dealing with the coal on the surface before it is loaded into wagons are all ready, and will be put into use as soon as the rails of the Colliery Yard are laid, which latter work is expected to be completed sometime in September. All machinery, I might mention, was transported through the jungle to our mine over our private road, and a great part of it at a time of heavy rains: the road thus became badly cut up. Boring operations were continually in progress. The labour employed continued to be Chinese throughout. The health of the force was on the whole not bad, but was distinctly not as good as last year, the opening of the Railway line having introduced a certain amount of malaria into the mine. I am, Sirs, Your obedient servant, T. L. Mc Call. Rawang, 30th June 1915. ( Followed by balance sheet, accounts and development account) Document in the National Archives of Malaysia

The Straits Times, 15 September 1915, Page 12 0. Utan Simpan Rubber. 0. THE SUCCESS OF KUALA LUMPUR COMPANIES. 0. Twenty Per Cent. Dividend. 0. The fifth annual general meeting of the Utan Simpan Rubber Co. Ltd., was held at its registered office on Saturday. There were present Messrs.. Solbe' (in the chair), J. A. Russell, Kelso, Freeman, Ferrers, Nutt, Kindersley and A.K.E. Hampshire. 0. The director’s report and the balance sheet having been passed, a dividend of 20 per cent. For the year was declared. 0. Messrs. A. K.E. Hampshire and J.A. Russell were re elected directors and Messrs. Neill and Bell auditors. 0. Mr. Nutt moved a vote of thanks to the directors and staff for the extremely satisfactory way in which the affairs of the company had been conducted. 0. Mr. Ferrers, in seconding, says the Malay Mail, remarked that it spoke well for the business men of Kuala Lumpur, and so far as he was aware not only this company but also other local rubber companies had proved thoroughly successful. This was the more encouraging when one reflected how many companies had been floated during the rubber boom and had subsequently been shipwrecked. He believed that the records of the Supreme Court might be searched without discovering a single case of a local company which had proved unsuccessful. The public in Kuala Lumpur might congratulate themselves on obtaining a better return for their money than was the case in other places in the East. 0. After sanctioning a payment of a bonus to the staff the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair. 0. Director’s Report. The directors report was as follows:- 0. (Summary: The nett profit was…$37,161.57…output for year 88,137lbs. All the rubber has been shipped to London,..cost of upkeep of estate… total expenditure…Government Loan paid off… company now free of debt. The 100 acre block planted in 1913…. further 500 acres being cleared..extensions to factory. Smoked sheet is manufactured by hand and the lower grades continue to be machined on a neighbouring estate, but the resultant crepe is dried in our own factory. A new set of coolie lines will be erected at an early date. “The following are the present acreages;- In bearing , 300 acres; planted 1913, 100 acres; felled, 50 acres; jungle, line sites etc. 190 acres; total 640 acres. The estate generally is in good order and condition, and pests give no cause for anxiety.”)

The Straits Times, 1 October 1915, Page 7 and MALAYAN COLLIERIES ANNUAL MEETING. [Articles] 0. The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 1 October 1915, Page 4 0. MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Kuala Lumpur, September 30. 0. At the meeting of Malayan Collieries, Ltd. Mr. J. A. Russell, who presided, said all sales till the output was 200 tons a day were credited to development account. They were now turning out sixty tons a day and expected to pass the stage of purely developmental work in March next and to reach a daily production of 500 a tons a year from now. They already had far more orders on their books than they could cope with for some time. Two of the largest mines in the country were now exclusively run on Rawang coal which was also satisfactory for bunkering local steamers. 0. Mr. A.D. Allan and Mr. Grant Mackie were re-elected directors and F.W. Barker and Company auditors. The director’s remuneration was fixed at $3,000. 0. (143 words)

Malay Mail of Saturday, 2nd October, 1915 and 0. Malayan Collieries. [Articles] The Straits Times, 6 October 1915, Page 12  0. Malayan Coal The Collieries Meeting. Probable Outputs The second annual general meeting of shareholders in Malayan Collieries Ltd., was held at the registered offices of the Company, 8,9 and 10 Loke Yew Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday, Sept 30th at 11.30 a.m. Mr. J. A. Russell (chairman of directors) presided, the only other directors present being Towkay Loke Yew, C.M.G. by his attorney, Mr. C. Kam Chuan, and Mr. Grant Mackie. Others present were Mr. I.J. Weir, Mr. F. J. Porteous, Mr. Loke Chow Thye, Mr. Yap Heng and Mr. J. L. McCall. Mr. P.P. Spradbery for the secretaries read the notice convening the meeting, and also the minutes of the last meeting which were confirmed. The annual statement of accounts and balance sheet, and the report of the directors and auditors were submitted to the meeting and The Chairman, in moving their adoption said: - Gentlemen,- I presume that as usual, you will take the report and accounts as read. Following the customary practice I shall before moving their adoption first make a few comments on the more important items in the accounts, and the general position of the Company. On the debit side of the balance sheet you will see the issued and subscribed capital now stands at $1,341,480, as against $1,144,240 of the last balance sheet. The difference is due to calls of $2.25 a share having been made during the year on the partly paid capital. The calls in areas are almost entirely due from shareholders absent in Europe, many of whom are fighting with the Allies. Since these accounts were made up, the amount outstanding has been reduced. In view of the third call due on or before to-morrow, I must take this opportunity of remarking with regard to locally resident shareholders it would be unfair on those who do pay promptly for the Board to give any great extension of time to shareholders who are late in paying. However, so far it has not been necessary to forfeit any shares for non payment of calls with the exception of 50 shares belonging to a German subject who the Board understand hurriedly left the Colony shortly before the outbreak of the war, and has not since been heard of. The item “sundry creditors” consists of fees due to the auditors and consulting engineers. The Railway Sidings. Turning to the credit side of the balance sheet, you will notice that the Company has given a charge over its property for $77,000 in favour of the Government of the Federated Malay States as security for the due performance of a contract to pay for the sidings on their completion by the Railway Construction Department. The matter regarding these sidings was explained in a circular letter issued to shareholders on 10th November, 1914. In view of the fact that the Company had not anticipated having to pay for the same, the Government agreed not to charge for the cost of constructing them until they had been fully completed and handed over; taking as their security the charge referred to above. I may mention that the sidings will be completed in a few days time, when a first installment of $20,000 will be due, to be succeeded by the whole sum to be paid off, by further installments of like amounts at three- monthly intervals. It was at first thought it might be possible to pay for our sidings out of the capital received from the last call; but, as explained in the letter to shareholders dated the 28th August last, the unavoidable delay in obtaining rail connection deferred the date at which it was hoped the mine would commence to obtain a substantial return from its coal sales. Expenditure. The expenditure during the year on development is set out in detail overleaf on the balance sheet. The depreciation allowed for is at varying rates per annum, and, except in a few instances, the majority of the plant and buildings having only been erected during the latter part of the financial year, it is not for a full twelvemonth. The item “sundry debtors,” covers amounts owing from those few consumers to whom we had, by the end of the financial year, been able to supply trial consignments of coal. The amount has since been practically all settled. Government quit rent, like insurance premia, is payable in advance, which accounts for the item under this head in the balance sheet. You will see that we have credited Development Account with our shop rents, and with the money we had collected to the 30th June from the sale of trial coal consignments. Our shop rents are comparatively high as, in order to induce shop- keepers to open we have guaranteed them both a certain amount of business, and, under certain agreed conditions, against bad debts. The Output. Any coal at present sold being derived from development work, the proceeds of such sales have been credited to development account. The Board intends to credit all coal sales to development account until the mine has attained to an output of at least 200 tons a day, for until such turn out be reached, the mine can only be considered to be still in the development stage. The coal now produced being incidental to development work, it is impossible to calculate its true production- cost per ton. I will now turn to the general position, giving you the latest information on the development of your property. The Colliery line, which joins the main Railway system at Kuang, was opened to Batu Arang Station on the 1st of this month. From Batu Arang Station to pit -head is some half a mile in length of branch line leading to our own private sidings, which also form our marshalling yard, and which comprise approximately three miles of track. These sidings are, as I have mentioned, on the point of completion, and in fact they only await the finishing off of a culvert, and the concluding touches to the erection of a weighbridge before being handed over to us. The weighbridge, I should add, is being installed at the cost of, and will remain the property of, the Railway Department. Although these sidings are being built by the Construction Department of the Railway, as the Company will eventually have to pay for them, the Board has endeavored to get them constructed as cheaply as possible by ourselves, Malayan Collieries Ltd., taking up the contract, under the Railway Department, for building them. We anticipate finishing the whole of the sidings for a less sum than the $77,000 which is the Railway Department’s estimate. The train Service. At present there is a service of only one train per day to the mine, departing from Kuala Lumpur at 8.47 in the morning and arriving at Batu Arang Station at 10.48. It leaves Batu Arang on its return journey at 12.20 reaching Kuala Lumpur at 2.45. With the increase of our output the train service will be correspondingly augmented. The Railway are very kindly doing our shunting for us at so much per truck, our own shunting locomotive not yet being ready. Before leaving the subject of the Railway line, I should like first to mention that but for the Construction by the Government of this line from Kuang to Batu Arang it would have been impossible for us to have worked our mine on anything like our present capital; we should have had to install an aerial ropeway. I believe that the Railway Department have spent on the line from Kuang to Batu Arang over one million dollars. Output Prospects. We are now turning out some 60 tons of coal a day, all of which is obtained from the South Mine, the North Mine being still in the ‘want” referred to in the Director’s report. This want would seem to be a long narrow fissure or crack in the coal bed, caused by lateral strain, which has become filled up with hard shale. From bores put down we believe we shall shortly be through the “want`’ and into coal again, when our output should reach the 100 tons a day mark. We do not, however, expect to have passed the stage of purely development work until about March next year, so that probably not until then shall we be outputting 200 tons a day. To reach a daily production of 500 tons will take us about a year from now. To hark back to the “want”, I may say that a main road in hard shale has its advantages. Consumption. Our present output is naturally insufficient except to supply a very few consumers, and we are therefore not attempting to press the sale of coal, having already far more orders on our books than we can hope to cope with for some time to come. The coal requires rather different firing from that needed for imported coals, and trials made when no one from the Colliery has been present have often proved disappointing. So far, however, I know of no cases where on a fresh trial under the supervision of our engineer and with some slight adjustment to the fireboxes being made, the coal has not proved eminently suited to its purpose. Shareholders need, I think, have no fears as to the value of their coal as fuel. Two of the largest European owned mines in the country, one in Perak and one in Selangor, are now being run exclusively on Rawang coal. The coal has also been tried for bunkering local steamers with satisfactory results. Plant. With the exception of our electric lighting set and some of the workshop machinery, the pant ordered has all arrived, and but for one of the electrical pumps, has been duly installed. It is, I may add, all working smoothly. But we shall still have to order a screening plant from Home, our present screens being only temporary ones installed until we can get some idea of what sizes of Rawang coal are best suited to the local market. Prospecting. We hope shortly to commence prospecting with the Government deep diamond drill on those parts of your concession still held under prospecting license, where the coal measures are too deep for our own diamond drill to reach. We also wish to put some bores down through the seam outcropping to the north of the Main Seam and underlying it. This North Seam must not be confused with the North Mine; both the North and South mines being in the top leaf of the upper, or what the early prospectors of the property designated the main seam. It is our intention eventually to work this north seam also, by means of vertical shafts sunk near the present mines. By so doing we hope to increase our output up to the 1,000 tons per diem mark. Labour Our Chinese labour is practically all on piecework. To commence with it was very expensive and inefficient, this being due to its inexperience in coal mining; but Mr. McCall and his staff have been gradually training up selected gangs. There is already an improvement, while we have great hopes of in time obtaining quite good miners. In order not to be entirely in the hands of and dependant on one class of labour, your Board has also been considering the advisability and feasibility of recruiting Indian coal miners from the Bengal Province. I cannot sit down before I have first said how much the thanks of the shareholders are due to Mr. McCall, the mine- manager, for his devoted and unremitting work during the year. To a task of the most arduous nature, the conversion of a patch of jungle, miles from anywhere, into a modern colliery, he has brought to bear an intelligence, skill and keenness that has now successfully solved the task only those who now visit the coal mine can realise. In this he has been ably and loyally supported by Mr. Porteous. I will now move “That the report of the directors produced, together with the statement of the Company’s accounts as at June 30, 1915 duly audited, be now received, approved and adopted” and I shall ask Mr. Grant Mackie to second the motion; but before putting it to the meeting I shall be glad to answer to the best of my ability any questions that any share holder may like to put. Prices and Quality. Mr. Loke Chow Thye asked at what price the coal was being sold. The chairman replied that it was sold at $5 a ton free on rail at Batu Arang That he thought worked out considerably cheaper than any local produce. They were selling the small stuff as slacks at $3 a ton. Mr. Weir enquired as to the keeping qualities of the coal. The Chairman said it kept very well under cover, but perhaps decrepitation was slightly more than with most coals when it was exposed to sun and rain. Mr. McCall remarked that all coals ought to be kept under cover. The Admiralty, in fact, kept theirs under water. Mr. A. Grant Mackie seconded the resolution, which was carried. Directors. Mr. Weir proposed and Mr. Porteous seconded the re-election of Mr. A. Grant Mackie as a director. Carried. Mr. C. Kam Chuan proposed and Mr. Porteous seconded the re election of Mr. A. D. Allan as a director. Carried. Auditors Messrs. F. W.Barker and Company were re elected as auditors, at a fee of $750 for the year, on the proposition of Mr. Weir, seconded by Mr. Loke Chow Kit. The director’s remuneration, on the proposition of Mr. Weir, seconded by Mr. Loke Chow Thye was fixed at $3,000, as previously. Vote of Thanks Mr. Weir proposed a vote of thanks be passed to Mr. McCall and the staff for their good work during the year. Mr. Grant Mackie said he had the greatest pleasure in seconding, as he knew the good work Mr. McCall had done. The resolution was carried. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

The Straits Times, 17 November 1915, Page 8 0. It was stated at the Federal Council, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday, that the railway connection to the Malayan Collieries, Limited, is practically completed. The opening up and equipment of the mine is in an advanced stage, and before the end of the year a steady output of coal may be expected. Further trials of the coal from this colliery have demonstrated its suitability for a variety of uses, and it is understood that experiments in briquetting are being undertaken. (78 words)

F.M.S. Annual Department Report 1915, page 5 ( Also reproduced in The Straits Echo Mail Edition. No 29, Vol 14, July 19 1916, p. 1,225 under the heading F.M.S. Coal.) Coal. 19. (i) The railway connection was opened for traffic on 1st September, 1915, and a private siding has been put in for the service of Malayan Collieries. (ii) The opening up of the mine has been vigorously and capably carried out and its equipment is well forward, the Company having transported a considerable quantity of heavy plant by road (three miles of which was a jungle track) before the railway became available. (iii) The producing stage may be said to have been reached in September, and by the end of the year under review 11, 523 tons of coal had been raised exclusive of small quantities which were used for experimental purposes. (iv) Experiments in briquetting are in progress under the supervision of Professor Bone in England and it is hoped that a satisfactory result will be attained. (v) Among other consumers, two large mines have taken this coal into use, a considerable saving in working costs having resulted, and a contract has been entered into for part supply to the Federated States Railways. (vi) The power plant at the mine comprises two Babcock and Wilcox boilers fitted with stepped grates supplying steam to the steam-winding plant and to a steam electric power station. (vii) Two inclined shafts have been sunk to a distance (on the incline) of 846 feet and 800 feet, respectively, together with a ventilating shaft and airways, operated by an electrically driven fan. (viii) There can be little doubt that coal from this Colliery where used in suitable plant will exercise an important influence on mining and other costs and it is hoped will tend to reduce consumption of firewood. (ix) This mine would have been in a much more advanced stage but for delays that occurred in connection with the delivery of plant. .