Dearie:Russell Family History

The Straits Times, 8 March 1927, Page 9  Chinese Family Litigation Nine members of the family of the late Tan Tai Tock, a former director of the Eastern Mining Company, resident up to his death at Cheribon, Java, were concerned in litigation which came before the Chief Justice (Sir William Murison) this morning. Mr. J. G. Campbell appeared for the seven plaintiffs, and Mr. R. Page for the two defendants. There was an echo of the sale by the Eastern Mining Company to Malayan Collieries of the Goenoeng Batu Besar coal mine in the case, a full report of which will be given tomorrow. (96 words)

The Straits Times, 9 March 1927, Page 11 EASTERN MINING SHARES. Members of Chinese Family In Court. Interesting Case Before Chief Justice. (Dispute over a will and 14 children of deceased.) Extract: “Defendants said that the facts regarding the shares in the Eastern Mining and Rubber Company were that prior to October 1920, Tan Tai Hock owned 875 shares. The company at that date were anxious to acquire a coal mine in Borneo from the Telok Pamoekan Company with a view to re-sale to Malayan Collieries, but had not sufficient funds, and Tan Tai Hock agreed to subscribe $150,000 for 1,500 additional shares and did so with money borrowed from the second defendant. The company was thereby enabled to purchase the coal mine and re-sell it to Malayan Collieries for a large profit. Part of this profit, 850 shares in the company, were to be allotted to Tan Tai Hock, or as he should direct.” Case is proceeding.

MINES OFFICE RAWANG 10/1927 LETTER FROM W.J.K. STARK, ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER, ULU SELANGOR TO SECRETARY TO RESIDENT, SELANGOR. 17/3/1927 No (1) in Sel: 1640/27 10 in U. S. L. 1103/26. District Office Rasa, 17th March, 1927. Sir, I have the honour to report the receipt of an application by The Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited, through Messrs. J. A. Russell and Co., for a Mining Lease over the whole area comprised in Prospecting Licence 2/26 which was approved to them in S. R. 833/1926. 2. Messrs. J. A. Russell & Company ask whether the Mining Lease may be issued in the name of Serendah Tin Limited, a Company floated to acquire the properties owned by The Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited, and also the rights under this Prospecting Licence. 3. Copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Serendah Tin Limited, and of the Memorandum of Transfer signed by The Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited and by Serendah Tin Limited are forwarded herewith. The Memorandum of Transfer relates to Mining Leases only, not to the Prospecting Licence, as such licence is not transferrable. 4. The application has been referred to the Inspector of Mines, Rawang, a copy of whose report is attached. It was received through the Warden of Mines. 5. I have been informed by the Secretaries of The Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited (Messrs. Boustead and Co. Ltd. Kuala Lumpur) that it is proposed to work the land in conjunction with adjacent areas by dredging. 6. The average depth of the bores up to 4 chains from the road was 40.2 feet. The two deepest bores were 80 feet each. It is not likely that deeper dredging than that will be done. 7. The Executive Engineer, Ulu Selangor, has seen the application. He states that dredging operations should not be allowed closer than 100 feet from the centre line of the road. He adds that the Company should efficiently maintain all existing bonds for the proper safeguarding of the road and that they should therefore sign a bond and an agreement to guarantee that all necessary precautions will be taken by them to safeguard the road and rivers to the satisfaction of the State engineer. He suggests $20,000/- as the amount to be stated in the bond. 8. Before the Prospecting Licence was issued the Company signified in writing that it was prepared to agree to accept the licence on the terms recommended in this office letter No. 6 in U. S. L. 789/25 dated the 8th February 1926, (S. R. 833/26) subject to the following proviso:- “That any lease which may subsequently be issued in respect of any of “the land comprised in the prospecting licence shall be subject to the “execution of a bond of a substantial amount and an agreement to carry “out such works as may be considered necessary by the State Engineer “for the protection of the Government road.” 9. I am of opinion that the Mining Lease should be issued to The Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited who can later arrange the transfer to Serendah Tin Limited, the Western Boundary being fixed at 300 feet from the centre of the road. 10. I attach herewith copies of a bond and agreement for approval by the Resident. 11. In the event of these documents being approved, and should the Company agree to sign them, the terms on which a Mining Lease might issue are: - (a) Premium - $25/- per acre; (b) Quit Rent - $1/- per acre per annum; (c) Term of Lease – 21 years; (d) It will be a condition of any Mining Lease issued for an area selected under this Prospecting Licence that, except with the permission of the Resident in writing, at least 75 per cent of the total value of all the materials comprising any dredge used on the land hereby leased shall be of British manufacture. This condition shall not apply to any dredge composed of materials which the lessee is able to show to the satisfaction of the Resident were already in one of the Federated Malay States on the date of issue of the Prospecting Licence. Breach of this condition shall render the lease liable to forfeiture, in addition to any other penalty provided by the Mining Enactment. I have etc. Sd. W.J.K. Stark Ag: District Officer Ulu Selangor

Copy AGREEMENT AN AGREEMENT made the day of 1927, between Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited (hereinafter called the miners) of the one part and the British resident for and on behalf of the Government of the State of Selangor (hereinafter called the Government) of the other part. IN CONSIDERATION of the Grant by the Government to the miners of mining rights over Portions Mukin of Serendah, having an area of 163 acres (hereinafter called the Mining Land): NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED by and between the parties hereto as follows: - 1. The Miners shall safeguard all roads, railways and bridges within the mining land or bounding or abutting on the same, and it shall provide for and maintain the flow of all rivers and the channels and waterways into through and out of the mining land. 2. All works under this Agreement shall be carried out by the Miners at their own cost and entirely free of any charges whatsoever to the Government, and the Miners shall be responsible for all or any damage that may occur to the said roads, railway and bridges or to the public using the same, whether such damage is directly or indirectly in consequence of their not carrying out the stipulations contained in Clause 1 hereof. 3. It shall be lawful for the Government to call upon the Miners to do any work which in the opinion of the British resident it is proper should be done in order to carry out the stipulations contained in Clause 1 hereof, and if the Miners refuse or neglect to do the said work, or do not within the time specified commence the said work or if in the opinion of the British Resident the said work is not being efficiently carried out or if there is undue delay, the Government may cause the said work to be performed and the Miners shall thereupon pay on demand the cost of the said work as certified by the British Resident. IN WITNEES WHEREOF the common seal of the Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited, has been affixed hereto the day and year first above written in the presence of: - SIGNED by the said British Resident on behalf of the Government of the State of Selangor this day of 1927 in the presence of: -

Copy. BOND. KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that We, Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited, do hereby bind ourselves to the British Resident on behalf of the Government of Selangor in the sum of Dollars for which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators and assigns firmly by these presents. Dated at this day of 1927 WHEREAS under the provisions of the Mining Enactment, 1911, We, Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited have been granted mining rights over Portions in the Mukim of Serendah. AND WHEREAS the said Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited did on the day of 1927 enter into an agreement with the British Resident of Selanagor on behalf of the Government of Selangor with regard to the exercise of the said mining rights. NOW THE CONDITION OF THE ABOVE WRITTEN Bond or obligation is such that if the said Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited, during the term of the said mining rights duly perform all the obligations imposed by the said Mining Enactment, 1911, and by the said agreement between Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited, and the British Resident on behalf of the Government of Selangor dated day of 1927 then the above written bond or obligation shall be void, otherwise the same shall remain in full force and virtue. SEALED by the said Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Company, Limited in the presence of:

No. (3) in M.O.R. 10/27 MEMORANDUM 1. The area in question has I understand been check bored by Tanah Biji Ltd. who are forming a new Company, called Serendah Tin Limited with the object of acquiring the present holdings of Serendah Hydraulic Tin Mining Co. Ltd. and any area granted on selection under Prospecting Licence No.2/1926. The new Company are also acquiring other land in the vicinity (M.O.Sel.415/26), including possibly the large area recently bored by Mr. Mungo Park (M.O.Sel.763/26, U.S.L.770/24). 2. I would refer to Gazette Notification No. 4919 of 3.9.1926 and rule 64 of the Mining Enactment 1904, and also the Special Condition agreed to when Prospecting Licence No. 2/1926 was issued (M.O.Se.816/25, U.S.L.789/25). 3. In view of the above it would seem desirable for Serendah Tin Limited to indicate what scheme of work they propose to adopt. There seems to be no object in alienating land which Government will not allow to be mined. It would also appear to be more satisfactory for the new Company to have some idea in advance what will be required by the State Engineer in the way bonds and the protection of the Government Road. Inspector of Mines RAWANG 13.1.1927 To, The Collector of Land Revenue, Ulu Selangor, Rasa. Through the Warden of Mines, Selangor.

From National Archives of Malaysia. Miners Office Rawang (10/1927). Transcribed by P.C

The Straits Times, 19 March 1927, Page 7, The Straits Times, 21 March 1927, Page 14 , The Straits Times, 23 March 1927, Page 13   LATEST ADVERTISEMENTS MALAYAN COLLIIERIES, LTD. NOTICE OF THIRTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CLOSURE OF SHARE REGISTERS. Etc. to be held on March 30, 1927 at 12 o’clock noon.

The Straits Times, 21 March 1927, Page 7  and The Straits Times, 25 March 1927, Page 16  LATEST ADVERTISEMENTS WANTED QUALIFIED CHINESE DRESSER, Grade 2 or 3, for company’s hospital at Batu Arang. Applications stating experience, qualification and salary required, to be addressed with copies of testimonials to the Secretary, Malayan Collieries, Limited Kuala Lumpur.

MALAYAN COLLIERIES,
LIMITED.
(INCORPORATED IN F.M.S.)
DIRECTORS' REPORT
AND
ACCOUNTS
For Year Ended 31st December, 1926.
13
TO BE PRESENTED AT THE
THIRTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AT THE
Registered Office of the Company, Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur,
ON
Wednesday the 30th March 1927.
At 12 o'clock, Noon.
J. W. FULLER.
Secretary.

Charles Grenier & Son, Ltd., K. L,
MALAYAN COLLIERIES,
LIMITED.
(INCORPORATED IN F.M.S.)
DIRECTORS' REPORT
AND
ACCOUNTS
For Year Ended 31st. December, 1926.
TO BE PRESENTED AT THE
THIRTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AT THE
Registered Office of the Company, Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur,
ON
Wednesday the 30th March 1927. At 12 o'clock, Noon.
J. W. FULLER,
Secretary.

Malayan Collieries, Limited.
(Incorporated in Federated Malay States.)
Directors.
JAMES BARR, Esq.,
FREDERICK CUNNINGHAM, Esq.,
HUGH NORMAN FERRERS, Esq., WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN, Esq.,
JOHN ARCHIBALD RUSSELL, Esq.,
Managing Agents.
J. A. RUSSELL & Co., Kuala Lumpur.
Secretary.
J W. FULLER.
Registered Offices.
HONGKONG & SHANGHAI BANK BUILDINGS, KUALA LUMPUR.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the Thirteenth Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Company will be held at the Registered Offices of the Company, Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday 30th March 1927, at 12 o'clock noon for the following purposes: —
To receive and consider the Balance Sheet and Accounts to 31st. December, 1926, and the Report of the Directors and Auditors.
To Declare a Final Dividend for the year 1926.
To Declare Directors' remuneration for the year 1926.
To Elect Directors in place of those retiring.
To Elect Auditors for the ensuing year.
The Share Registers will be closed from Wednesday 23rd March 1927, to Thursday 31st March 1927, both days inclusive.
By Order of the Board,
J. W. FULLER,
Secretary Dated 17th March, 1927.
Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, F. M. S.

Malayan Collieries, Limited.
(Incorporated in Federated Malay States.)
Directors' Report for the Year ended 31st December, 1926.
The Directors have pleasure in submitting their Thirteenth Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st December, 1926.
SHARE CAPITAL. The Share Capital remains unaltered. Dividends are calculated and paid in respect of $2,575,050.00 (257,505 shares).
LEASEHOLD PROPERTY. A title covering the 122 acres of extra land for sand at Pengkalen Kundang has now been issued to the Company, the Premium upon alienation amounting to $4,270.00.
KUNDANG SAND PITS. As in the past, these pits supplied the sand required for the hydraulic stowage of the underground workings at Batu Arang. The demand for sand increased in sympathy with the enlarged output of coal. The Company continued to win tin ore from this property, the proceeds of which off-set, to some extent, the heavy cost of the Hydraulic Stowage.
MINES, PLANT AND BUILDINGS. The General Manager's Reports on these are subjoined.
BATU ARANG. Operations functioned normally throughout the year, except for the increased costs of labour occasioned by the rise in the cost of living. The Colliery met without difficulty the additional demand experienced during the twelve months, and, should the need for it arise, is capable of a considerably increased output. Underground fires due to spontaneous combustion continued from time to time to occur, but were quickly dealt with by means of hydraulic sand stowage. The general health at the Mine was good.
PAMOEKAN BAY. A steady and increasing demand for Pamoekan Bay coal was experienced during the year; but, unfortunately, the underground fire which occurred in the last days of 1925, and the shortage of suitable labour which existed on the Mine throughout the year, again prevented the Mine from obtaining a sufficiently large enough production to satisfy all demands. The fire, although not serious in causing any permanent damage to the workings themselves, created for three weeks practically a cessation of production, while its resultant minor disarrangements lasted well on into the year. There appears to be no need to fear a recurrence of the fire. Pamoekan Bay coal is not subject to spontaneous combustion. The labour situation improved during the closing months.
The Steam Launch "Lin Hin," one of the two launches maintaining communication between the Mine and Kota Baroe, struck a reef on the 30th September, during a voyage from Kota Baroe to the Mine, and became a total loss. Fortunately no lives were lost. The launch was insured with Lloyds Underwriters for £2,500 and the claim has since been collected.
The general health and absence of accidents continued to be good.
It is hoped that the output will now materially increase, and that the Mine will experience no further set backs from flood, fire or shortage of skilled labour as it has done in the past.

INVESTMENTS. The Investments remain as reported last year.
LOCAL COAL MARKETS. The demand for the Company's Batu Arang coal continues gradually to increase, especially so for "smalls". The demand for the Company's Pamoekan Bay coal is far in excess of present production; but it is trusted that by the end of the coming year the output will more nearly equal the demand.
PROFITS. The profit for the year under review subject to Directors'
and Auditors' fees amount to ... ... ... $1,039,917.95
Less General Manager's Commission 1926 ... ... ... 7,799.38
$1,032,118.57
To which is added the unappropriated balance from
the previous account of ... ... $184,516.60
Less Staff Bonus 1925 ... ... 7,950.00 176,566.60
$1,208,685.17
Three Interim Dividends of 7 ½ % each on 257,505 shares
were declared during the year absorbing ... 579,386.25
629.298.92
You will be asked to sanction fees to Directors in respect
of the year 1926 of ... ... 12,000.00
and Auditors fees of ... ... 3,000.00 15,000.00
Leaving available 614,298.92
which your Directors recommend should be dealt with as follows: —
Payment of final Dividend of 12 ½ per cent (on
257,505 shares) making 35 per cent for the year 321,881.25
Write off Leasehold Property account 4,270.00
Write off Mine Development account 112,045.76 438,197.01
Balance to carry forward to next year's account 176,101.91
(Subject to an appropriation for staff Bonus to be left as formerly to the discretion of the Board)
DIRECTORS. Mr. H. N. Ferrers and Mr. J. A. Russell being the Directors longest in office retire under the provision of the Articles of Association and being eligible offer themselves for re-election.
AUDITORS. Messrs. Evatt & Company, retire but being eligible offer themselves for re-election.
On behalf of the Board,
J. A. RUSSELL & Co., Kuala Lumpur,
17th March 1927.
Malayan Collieries, Limited.

General Manager's Report for the year ending 31st December, 1926.
BATU ARANG COLLIERY.
I have the honour to submit herewith my report on the work done at Batu Arang Colliery during the year ended 31st December, 1926.
UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT. This has kept pace with extraction and is well in step with any possible increase in production.
UNDERGROUND FIRES. We have had our usual quota of these but none of them caused serious anxiety. They all occurred in the old workings where pillaring was attempted years ago and only gave rise to inconvenience until their exact locations could be determined.
HYDRAULIC STOWAGE.
This department of our mining operations functioned without trouble during the year.

OPENCASTS. Work proceeded here quite smoothly during the period under review. No. 5 and No. 6 are approaching the end of their usefulness but two new opencasts have been stripped and are in readiness to replace them.
SURFACE OPERATIONS. The slight hampering of surface operations due to shortage of labour in 1925 was not felt so much during 1926 as the number of arrivals of surface coolies from China was considerably above the average.
BUILDINGS AND PLANT. A Hospital built of brick and Dresser's quarters were on the point of completion at the end of the year and arrangements have been made for a Medical Officer to pay regular visits to the mine in future. A 60 kilowatt lighting set has been installed and electric light is now supplied to all the Kongsis, Shops and Houses in the village. The innovation appears to be much appreciated by our employees.
KUNDANG SAND PITS. Two steam boilers of larger capacity than those formerly in use were installed and put into operation during the year. As a result ample supplies of sand have been available for Hydraulic Stowage operations at Batu Arang.
FLOODS IN F. M. S. During the period of unprecedented flood in F. M. S. the Colliery workings and plant remained unaffected, but output was restricted for the few days during which the Government Railways were being so severely taxed by the flood waters.
LABOUR EMPLOYED. Owing to the increased output the number of coolies employed had necessarily to be increased to roughly 2500 an increase of 250 above the previous year.
HEALTH AND ACCIDENTS. While the health of our employees remained good I  regret to have to state that six fatal accidents occurred, two underground and four in the open casts. In each case the resultant enquiry showed that the deaths were due to almost unavoidable  accidents. ,
GENERAL. The mine and plant connected therewith have been kept in a state of efficiency throughout the period and for this condition and for the smooth working of the whole concern, I take the opportunity of extending my thanks and appreciation to all the members of the staff.
Katoomba,
New South Wales.
19 th February 1927.
Signed JAMES BARR,
General Manager,
Malayan Collieries, Limited.

General Manager's Report for the year ended 31st December 1926. PAMOEKAN BAY COLLIERY.
I have the honour to submit herewith my report on the work done at the Pamoekan Bay Colliery during the year ended 31st December, 1926.
MINE DEVELOPMENT. Development underground has kept pace with production and the mine is capable of increased output at any time should the labour shortage referred to elsewhere in this report be relieved.
UNDERGROUND FIRE. The fire which occurred during the last days of 1925 was not of very serious import when compared with the damage usually wrought by mine fires. Our output suffered for some weeks and some trucks, rails and other equipment were rendered valueless for a time, but very little permanent damage has resulted. The fire area has been sealed off from the rest of the workings and will not be reopened for some considerable time.
COAL CUTTING MACHINE. An additional coal cutting machine, making 6 in all has been put into use and works satisfactorily.
GENERAL CONDITIONS UNDERGOUND. Ventilation is good, the pumping units are efficient and the endless rope haulage system works satisfactorily. Roof conditions, however, call for watchfulness every now and then.
MECHANICAL LOADER. This gave some trouble in the early part of the year but by shifting the driving gear from the wharf end to the shore end the trouble appears to have been removed and loader break-downs have not occurred for some time.
LABOUR SHORTAGE. There has been an acute shortage of labour throughout the whole of the year with the result that the mine output did not reach anything like the figure hoped for. Every endeavour was made to secure coolies but little success attended our efforts. It is not generally known, but is nevertheless a fact, that the Hakka is the only Chinese coolie who will work underground as a miner. The Hakka comes from Kwang Tung Province which has been in a state of turmoil for a long time and people from there could emigrate only under extreme difficulty. The net result has been that very few Hakkas arrived in Singapore during 1926 and we were not able to increase the number of coolie miners at Pamoekan Bay.
LABOUR EMPLOYED-
The total labour force employed at the end of the year was slightly under 600.

HEALTH AND ACCIDENTS.
The health of the community has been good; there were no serious or fatal accidents.
STEAM LAUNCHES, It is with regret that I have to report the loss of one of our Steam Launches—the "Lin Hin "—which blown somewhat out of her course by adverse winds struck a rock and sank No lives were lost and the launch was fully covered by insurance.
GENERAL. The mine is in good order and capable of improving its previous showing as soon as the right class of labour is available- For this state of things the staff is mainly responsible, and I take this opportunity of rendering my thanks for their ready co-operation and assistance.
KATOOMBA,
New South Wales.
19th February 1927.
Signed JAMES BARR,
General Manager.

From: MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED REPORTS & BALANCE SHEETS AND PROCEEDINGS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS 1926- 1935 (For balance sheets see MC page for 1927)

Malayan Collieries, Ltd (incorporated in f.m.s.) PROCEEDINGS AT THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS HELD AT THE Registered Office of the Company, Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Building, Kuala Lumpur, ON 30th March, 1927 MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED. (Incorporated in Federated Malay States) The Speech of the Chairman of Malayan Collieries, Limited, on the occasion of the 13th Annual General Meeting held at the Office of the Company, Kuala Lumpur, on the 30th March, 1927. Gentlemen, The Report and Accounts having been in your hands for the required period, I propose, with your consent, that they be taken as read. I again have the pleasure of being able to report another record year both in regard to gross revenue and to profits. It is true that the increase in the latter item, profits, over the figure for last year is not very great; but it indicates continued progress in the right direction. The increase in gross revenue, however, amounts to the more substantial sum of $600,000/-, the total for the year being now just over the $5 million mark. These larger receipts are mainly due to bigger coal sales, and not to any increase in our selling prices. During the year, as you are aware, wages rose considerably, involving the Company in a large increase in costs, and but for this the profits would have been greater. In view, therefore of the general rise in all costs, it is very satisfactory to be able to record any increase at all in the amount of our annual net profits. I am happy also to be able to report to you that while costs per ton would now appear to have reached their limit, the Company's sales still continue gradually to expand. Despite a largely increased turnover, you will perhaps notice that the total amount paid by the Company during the year under review in coal royalties is actually lower than it was for the previous one. This is due to two reasons: firstly, that we pay a minimum total royalty upon our Borneo coal, which minimum total has in previous years never been reached, and, secondly, that a reserve which we created for the payment of Dutch Government royalties was in excess of what was actually required for this purpose during 1926. I would point out that Depreciation, amounting to $104,000/-, has been increased over the sum which was written off for 1925 by $9,000/-, and I think you will agree that this shows a conservative policy. 1 believe that if there is anything in the Balance Sheet which requires explanation that explanation will be found referred to in the Reports which precede it. Compared with the position at our last Annual General Meeting, the Company is, as a whole, in a still sounder position, because the Company owes less to sundry creditors, has a considerably smaller sum owing to it by its sundry debtors, has hardly any stocks of unsold coal on dumps, and, while its investments remain the same, with $538,952/- of liquid cash in hand has over $100,000/- more than it had at the end of the previous accounting period. You will see that after paying three interim dividends during the year amounting to 22 ½ %, and after allowing for directors' and auditors' fees at the same rate as those paid for 1925, there is a balance of $614,298.92 remaining to be dealt with at this meeting. Your Directors recommend a final dividend of 12 ½ % which will absorb $321,881.25 and will give shareholders a total return for the year of 35% upon their shares. Your Directors also recommend that the premium paid to the Government upon the extra area of 122 acres of State land acquired by the Company at Kundang for the purpose of procuring sand for hydraulic stowage be written off. This sand land is probably of no value except to the Company itself, and is a doubtfully realisable asset, and should therefore, your Board consider, be entirely written off. During the year the cost of driving a new tunnel, amounting to $12,045.76, has been added to Mine Development Account bringing this total to $287,045.76. Your Board recommend not only that this $12,000/- odd should be written off, but that the Development Account should be still further reduced to $175,000/- by writing off it a total sum of $112,045.76. Your Directors desire gradually to extinguish this Development Account altogether. These writings off will leave us a sum of $176,101.91 which we recommend be carried forward to the 1927 Balance Sheet. It is approximately the same balance that was carried forward at the end of 1925 to the accounts that are under review to-day. Out of this balance, your Board would ask you kindly to sanction its paying the usual staff bonuses to the staff upon the mines, the actual amount of the bonus to be left, as before, to the discretion of the Board, who in this matter act upon the advice of the Company's General Manager, Mr. Barr. I perhaps need not inform you that Mr. Barr himself, who draws a commission on profits, does not receive any bonus, nor does the Secretary to the Company, nor anyone not actually employed and resident on the mines themselves. I very much regret to have to tell you that Mr. Barr was in exceedingly bad health during practically the whole of last year, and carried on under the greatest of physical difficulties; but he refused to take leave until certain mining schemes, which he had in hand, were further advanced. However, he steadfastly declined to give in until the close of the financial year, and did not leave here for Australia until early in last January. We have since heard that he is considerably better, although, you will be sorry to hear, still far from being quite recovered. 1 am sure that you will join with me in wishing him a speedy return to full health. Mr. J. W. Fuller, A.C.A., during the year took over the duties of secretary from Mr. H. D. Brown on the latters leaving the country. I hardly think that there is much for me to add to what I have said, except perhaps to mention that in the closing days of last year and the commencing ones of this, the F.M.S. suffered from the worst of floods it has experienced within living memory, so that traffic by road and rail was for a time completely dislocated. Despite the difficulties encountered, both at the mine and with transport, the Collieries at Batu Arang functioned practically without a break, and continued to supply the Railway and its other customers with their coal requirements. For this happy achievement the thanks of the Company are greatly due to the then acting mine manager, Mr. Muir, and his staff. The greatest difficulty encountered was in getting sufficient coal supplies to the Company's mining customers, because of the interruption to the Railway line and the grave deficiency of railway waggons. At one time the position was becoming most serious, but with the whole-hearted assistance of the Railway Traffic Manager and his entire staff, I am glad to be able to say that, so far as I am aware, no single customer of ours had to cease or to curtail operations owing to a shortage of fuel. I shall now be glad to answer, if I can, any questions bearing upon the Report and Accounts which shareholders present may care to ask.

From: MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED REPORTS & BALANCE SHEETS AND PROCEEDINGS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS 1926- 1935

The Straits Times, 31 March 1927, Page 8 On Other Pages. Malayan Collieries Meeting Page 12.

The Straits Times, 31 March 1927, Page 12 and The Malay Mail, Thursday March 31, 1927, p.16. Under heading: MALAYAN COLLIERIES, Pamoekan Bay Squall. The Surrendered Shares. Malayan Collieries. Annual Report Shows Record Year. (From Our Own Correspondent). Kuala Lumpur, March 30.. The thirteenth annual general meeting of the shareholders of Malayan Collieries, Ltd., was held at the registered offices of the company yesterday morning, when there were present Messrs. H. N. Ferrers, in the chair, F.Cunningham, J. A. Russell, W. H. Martin, P. W. Gleeson, H. Hopson Walker, Yap Tai Chi, (Note:Yap Pow Ching in M.M.) and J. W. Fuller, the secretary. 0. The directors’ report stated, inter alia, that as in the past the Kundang Sand pits supplied the sand required for the hydraulic stowage of the underground workings of Batu Arang, while the proceeds of the tin ore won from this property off- set to some extent the heavy cost of the hydraulic stowage. 0. A suggestion at the meeting that the property should be disposed of was voted by the chairman who said that the land was of low value except to the company. The operations at Batu Arang had functioned normally throughout the year except for the increased costs of labour. The Chairman, referring to these increases in wages, said that great costs had been incurred but, in spite of these the profits of the company was good. Health at the Mine. He added that the health of this mine was good, despite the great floods which had inundated the country during the last few days of the last year and the first few days of the present one. A steady and increasing demand for Pamoekan Bay coal was experienced, but the underground fire of 1925 and the shortage of suitable labour had prevented a production large enough to satisfy all demands. The Chairman was pleased to report another record year, both as regards gross revenue and profits. There was continued progress in the right direction. The profits for the year amounted to $1,032,118.57 to which was added the unappropriated balance from the previous account of $176,566,60, making $1,208,685,17. Dividends. Three interim dividends of 7 ½%. each had been paid absorbing $579,386,25 and directors fees and auditors fees amounted to $15,000, leaving a balance of $614,298,92. This the directors recommended should be spent as follows:- Payment of final dividend of 12 ½ cent, (on 257,505 shares) making 35 per cent for the year $321,881,25; to write off leasehold property account $4,270; write off mine developments account $112,045.76. This left a balance to carry forward to next year’s account of $176,101,91, which was approximately the same as that carried forward from 1925. The chairman said that the larger gross revenue was due to bigger coal sales and not to increase in prices charged. The company was in a stronger position than ever, owing less to sundry creditors and having fewer outstanding debts. He paid a warm tribute to the general manager, Mr. Barr, whose health, he was glad to report, had much improved since his return to Australia. Pamoekan Bay. “As reported in our issue yesterday”( M.M. Copy not seen) Mr. Hopson asked whether the Pamoekan Bay Colliery had made a profit or loss. The chairman replied that as they were a trading concern subject to keen competition it was not in the best interests of the company to disclose more facts than were given in the statement of accounts. After several exchanges of repartee, Mr. Hopson Walker still remained unanswered and unsatisfied. Mr. Yap Tai Chi (Yap Pow Ching) asked what steps the directors proposed to take with regard to the distribution of the 61,162 shares of $10 each surrendered. The chairman replied that they did not consider it advisable to distribute or deal with these shares. Mr. Gleesan said that they were an extremely valuable asset, and should company desire fresh capital at any time here was an easy form of getting it. The Chairman then moved the adoption of the report and accounts, which was seconded by Mr. Russell. Mr. Walker abstained from voting and the motion was carried nem.con. Elections. The Chairman proposed that the directors receive $12,000. Mr. Gleesan seconded, saying that he wished that the amount could have been larger. This was carried unanimously. Mr. Cunningham proposed and Mr. Gleeson seconded that Mr. Russell should be re- elected to the board of directors, Mr. Martin and Mr. Cunningham proposed and seconded that Mr. Ferrers should be re elected. Both these proposal were carried. Mr. Hopson Walker, seconded by Mr. Yap, Tai Chi, proposed that Messrs. Evatt and Co., should be re-elected auditors. Carried. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 31 March 1927, Page 1 . THE DAY'S NEWS. There was a passage at arms between Mr. Hopson Walker and Mr. Ferrers at the Malayan Collieries meeting yesterday. Page 8.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 31 March 1927, Page 8 MALAYAN COLLIERIES. A DISSATISFIED SHAREHOLDER. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Kuala Lumpur, Mar. 30. At the Malayan Collieries meeting to-day Mr. Hopson Walker asked the Chairman, Mr. Ferrers, whether the nominally Dutch Company of Pamoekan Bay was being run at a profit or a loss, as a good deal of the shareholders money was tied up in it. The chairman said that owing to the existence of so many competitors it was not in the interests of the company to disclose more than was in the report and accounts. Mr. Walker was not satisfied and accused the Chairman of avoiding the question. A final dividend of 12 ½% was approved and Messrs. Ferrers and Russell were re-elected directors.

The Straits Times, 12 May 1927, Page 8 SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. Mr. J. A. Russell has left Kuala Lumpur on the Hector en route to England. He expects to be back in September.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 12 May 1927, Page 12 . SHIPPING NOTES. Passengers left….J. A. Russell…

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 17 May 1927, Page 14 Mr. J. A. Russell has left Kula Lumpur en route to England. He expects to be back in September….

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 25 May 1927, Page 3  SIR HUGH CLIFFORD'S VISIT TO INDIA. Inspects the Emigration Camps. LABOURER’S QUESTIONED. Sir Hugh Clifford, continuing his inspection of the Ceylon and Malayan emigration depots etc. (Summary: Inspecting depots in connection with assisted emigration from India. History.. regular weekly steamer.. deck passengers, clerks..export trade..camps can’t accommodate any more.. plans for sewage system.. electric light, his Excellency used his knowledge of Malay to ask what they thought of conditions in Malaya. “ He also learned of some of the changes which had taken place in Malaya since he left a quarter of a century ago. One bright young woman explained to him that she earned 50 cents (12 ½ annas) a day working at batu (stone) or at api (fire) on the coalfield of the Malayan Collieries, Ltd.” Sir Hugh has hood of his car down and no topee. Inspection of steamers, new ventilation as on P and O ships the animal decks.. hospital on ship, visit to museum.. lunch.)

The Straits Times, 16 June 1927, Page 7  MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. NOTICE OF DECLARATION OF DIVIDEND No. 26 and CLOSIRE OF SHARE REGISTERS First Interim Dividend of 7 ½ per cent (seven and a half per cent) in respect of the year ending December 31, 1927, Etc.

The Straits Times, 13 July 1927, Page 8  SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. The wedding was solemnized on July 6 at St. Mary’s Church Kuala Lumpur, the Rev. O.B. Parsons officiating, between Mr. J. W. Fuller of Malayan Collieries, Ltd., and Miss. M. I. Teale. The bride was given away by Mr. Stanley Smith of Tanjong Malim. The bridesmaids were Miss. T. D. Howard and Miss. M. T. O’Sullivan. Mrs. Stanley Smith was matron of honour. The duties of best man were carried out by Mr. G.G. Lewis. The honeymoon is being spent on Bukit Kutu.

REQUISITION FROM: -The Collector of Land Revenue, Kinta, TO: -The registrar of Titles, Perak. 20th July 1927 K.L.O. 542/25 Svy.K. 571-3 25 Requisition no; 63/27 Kinta DISRICT LAND OFFICE Batu Gajah 20th July 1927. REGISTRAR OF TITLES, Perak. Please supply Certificates of Titles according to requisition overleaf, the sum of $45/-, being the amount of fees for Preparation and Registration at the rate of $5/- for each title have been paid and credited to revenue vide receipt 52-82 of 5.7.27. $16/- redraft fees have been paid and credited to revenue vide Rt: 52-32 5.7.27 Collector of Land Revenue Kinta

From National Archives of Malaysia. RT 178/27. Transcribed by P.C.

DISTRICT OF KINTA REQUISITION FOR GRANT

Survey Fees Paid

Former Title or Claim if any.

Name of Grantee in Full

Township

Lot No.

Amount

Dist.
Receipt
No

Annual Quit Rent

Nature

In English

Authority for Alienation

Remarks
Special Conditions Etc.

Ipoh √

√

29172
a.r.p.
0.1.21.05

29173
a.r.p.
0.0.08.04

29174
a.r.p.
1.3.37.5.

29175
a.r.p.
0.0.05.05

29295
a.r.p.
0.0.01.61

29296
a.r.p.
0.0.00.71

29176
a.r.p.
0.0.14.69

N
1029

2000 sq.ft.

N
1030

2000 sq.ft

$ c

162.33

4-149
_____
6.7.27
&
52-82
_____
5.7.27.

$ c

50c

1 00

- 50

1 30

2 -

C.T.

“

596

“

597

“

6761

“

(596/7
( &
( 6761

“

John Archibald Russell

K.L.O. 542/25.

In Duplicate

In single copy for surrender.

In Duplicate

In single copy for surrender

In duplicate

In single copy for surrender

In duplicate

(Issue copies of C.T. 596/7 and 6761 are attached.) Note; All titles are subject to Charge Pres: No: 68785 date October, 1925.

From National Archives of Malaysia. RT 178/27. Transcribed by P.C.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 29 July 1927, Page 9 THE ASSIZES. A Falsification Charge. ACCUSED DISCHARGED. At the Assizes yesterday before Mr. Justice Deane, the case was resumed in which Soh Kay Sai, late partner in Chop Keng Huat , Cross Street, appeared on three charges of falsification of accounts, or alternatively, criminal breach of trust. The second and third charges concerned monies payable by Chop Keng Huat to Locksley and Co. and when Locksley and Co. in evidence, admitted receiving these monies, the charges were dropped. The other charge was that on September 21st, 1925, the accused made a false entry in the rough cash book, representing $9.625 as the amount received from Messrs. Locksley and Co. whereas he had in fact received $13,000. Evidence was given by the manager of Messrs. Locksley and Co., who said that the cheque for $13,000 was for fifteen hundred tons of coal supplied by Keng Huat and Co. Witness's firm were agents for Malayan Collieries, but on this occasion were without stocks and obtained permission from their principal to obtain this coal as two ships needed bunkering. In the ordinary way they sold coal to Chop Keng Huat. They always looked upon Chop Keng Huat and Soh Kay Sai as one and the same. Locksley and Co. allowed them a credit of $17 000. Mr. Bligh, his sales manager, without his knowledge, allowed them to exceed their credit, entered the payment in the names of two other firms who had been debited with the deliveries. That was what he understood from Mr. Bligh. This was done with other transactions with Chop Keng Huat. Witness first found out about these false entries about July. 1925. Mr. Bligh admitted it when taxed with it. Mr. Bligh had been given notice but after expressing- his regret had been kept on and had done excellent work ever since. There was nothing dishonest about what he did. He did it to help Keng Huat and to get more business. He did not think he made any money out of it. Cross examined by Mr. C. Everitt, one of the counsel for the defence, the witness stated that the two firms to whose accounts these payments of Chop Keng Huat were credited were the Heap Eng Moh Co. and the Straits Steamship Co. His Lordship. The Straits Steamship Co. will object to this very strongly. Mr. Everitt. It is quite possible, my lord. As the witness, said, the less said about it the better. But I cannot help, it. It is not the first time by a long way that the wrong people had been debited. Mr. Bligh, in the witness box, gave the same explanation for showing deliveries and payments in the ledger accounts of other firms when they were actually with Chop Keng Huat A partner in Chop Keng Huat said he, his brother and the accused had been partners in the firm. The partnership had been dissolved in February this year, and his brother died in March. Cross-examined by Mr. Everitt, witness said in May he swore an information against the accused, charging him with four charges of embezzlement. When he found these charges could not be sustained, he substituted the present three charges, of which two had already failed. He denied going to the D.P.P. insisting on police court proceedings when a settlement was asked for. Looking at his cash book, he saw the difference between the $13,000 and the $ 9,625 had been entered by the accused, but he had no explanation to offer as to why it had been entered. After some further evidence, His Lordship advised the jury that it would be unwise for them to convict the accused, who was accordingly found not guilty and discharged.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 19 August 1927, Page 8 Mr. J. Barr, who was for several years the General Manager of Malayan Collieries Ltd., has resigned owing to ill-health and returned to Australia.

The Straits Times, 19 September 1927, Page 12 , The Straits Times, 20 September 1927, Page 3 ,The Straits Times, 17 September 1927, Page 7,The Straits Times, 21 September 1927, Page 3 . Malayan Collieries Ltd. Notice of declaration of Dividend No. 27 and closure of Share Registers. 7 ½ %

THE MALAY MAIL, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 1927 When the action in which Messrs. J. A. Russell and Co. of Kuala Lumpur, were suing Mr. O. P. Dakeyne, of Sedgeley estate, Kajang, was mentioned in the Supreme Court this morning, before Mr. Justice Farrer-Manby, counsel for the plaintiffs (Mr. C. C. J. Briscoe, of Messrs. Pooley and Co.) said that the case had been satisfactorily settled out of court. His Lordship accordingly struck it off the list.

The Straits Times, 12 October 1927, Page 2  Selangor Coconuts. Disappointing Year But Brighter Prospects. We are informed officially that the sixteenth annual general meeting of Selangor Coconuts, Ltd., was held at 1, Embankment, Kuala Lumpur, on October 4, the chairman of directors, Mr. H. L. Carter, presiding. The Chairman said: - The profit for the year after allowing for depreciation was $9,257.23 which, together with the amount brought forward, makes 419,765.23 available for distribution. Your directors recommend that this amount be carried forward. 0. The Year’s Working. (Summary: disappointing results due to climatic conditions which did not allow crop to set, Tumbak Estate, accounts, new buildings, costs, damage by bears, average price, costs of production, prospects for year, Mr. Stanton, future harvest, not in as good order, Mr. Douglas of Damansara Estate new visiting agent. “ During the year, the board was unfortunate in losing the services of Messrs. J. A. Russell and T. J. Cumming. Mr. Russell found that his business affairs kept him so much out of the country that he could not attend meetings and Mr. Cumming has retired to England. Messrs. R. C. Russell and W. A. Stanton were co-opted in their places, and their names will be put forward for election later on. Mr. Russell who has acted as alternate for his brother on many occasions, and Mr. W. A. Stanton, with his practical knowledge of coconuts, wiil be of great help to the board. The report and accounts were adopted, Messrs. R. C. Russell and W. A. Stanton were re-elected directors and Messrs. Neill and Bell were appointed auditors.” Votes of thanks. Meeting terminated. (644 words)  

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 31 October 1927, Page 8 SWETTENHAM.- At Kuala Lumpur on October, 27, 1927, to Mr. and Mrs. R.F.R. Swettenham, a son.

The Straits Times, 5 November 1927, Page 7 PASSENGERS. The following passengers were booked by the P. and O. steamer Mantua which left London for the Straits on October 7 and arrived here this morning: -…Mr. J. A. Russell..

The Straits Times, 18 November 1927, Page 13 The Sloan-Duployan Shorthand Co., Ramsgate, England, has awarded eight certificate of accuracy to pupils of the Shorthand Correspondence School, Singapore. The successful candidates are-: Chin Siew Onn, Malayan Collieries Ltd.

The Straits Times, 8 December 1927, Page 7, The Straits Times, 12 December 1927, Page 3 , The Straits Times, 10 December 1927, Page 3. MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. NOTICE OF DECLARATION OF DIVIDEND No. 28 AND CLOSURE OF SHARE REGISTERS. 7 ½%