Dearie:Russell Family History

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser , 17 January 1928, Page 12 . PASSENGERS EXPECTED. The following passengers left London on December 30th by the Macedonia and are expected here on Jan. 27th: —..Mr. A. Russell…

The Malay Mail, Tuesday, January 31, 1928, and ,The Straits Times, 1 February 1928, Page 10 and The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser ,2 February 1928, Page 9 TOWN AND COUNTRY. Mr. J. A. Russell, who practically owns the New Town, Ipoh, is back from his holiday at Home. Report has it, states the Times of Malaya, that Mr. Russell intends building 52 shop houses on the Yau Tet Shin Padang, Ipoh, which Padang the late Towkay Yau Tet Shin intended should remain forever a public playground, though he forgot to make it over to the town. Thus it passed into Mr. Russell’s hands when Mr. Russell purchased the Yau Tet Shin property in the New Town.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 25 February 1928, Page 10  DEATH OF MR. E. MUDISPACHER. (From Our Own Correspondent Kuala Lumpur. Feb. 24. The funeral took place at Cheras yesterday evening of Mr. F. Mudispacher, a Swiss subject, manager of Malayan Plywood Veneers Limited at Batu Arang. He was 51 years of age and leaves a young widow. Deceased had been for twenty years in Malaya and was formerly manager of Malayan Matches and assumed management of the Plywood Company on its inception in March last.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 13 February 1928, Page 8 Mr. H. N. Ferrers, director of Malayan Collieries, Ltd., has returned to Kuala Lumpur looking very fit and well.

The Straits Times, 7 March 1928, Page 9 RETIREMENT OF MR. G. S. CARVER. TWENTY-THREE YEARS IN THE COLONY. The Singapore Bar will lose another of its senior members when Mr. G. S. Carver leaves on retirement by the Macedonia on Friday, after 23 years in the Colony. Mr. Carver qualified as a solicitor in 1903 with …….His ability as a advocate was well known, and it will be recalled that he was one of the counsel engaged in the famous Malayan Collieries litigation heard at Kuala Lumpur a few years ago……

The Straits Times, 17 March 1928, Page 7, & The Straits Times, 19 March 1928, Page 3  Notice Fourteenth annual meeting of Malayan Collieries….. J. W. Fuller Secretary.

LETTER FROM J. A. Russell & Co. TO: -The Assistant District Officer, Ipoh. 24th March, 1928 Kuala Lumpur, 24th March 1928, Sir, Ipoh Certificate of Title, 79-0-9, 7912, 7913, 7916 and 7917 We have the honour to inform you that our Ipoh House Agent, Towkay Chan Nin, has forwarded to us your memo No. 22 in K.L.O. 542/25 of 14th instant. We understand that Mr. Chan Nin has paid the balance of $4/- being rent due, and would now ask you to be good enough to send the titles to the Collector of Land revenue, Kuala Lumpur, for delivery. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants, per pro J. A. Russell and Co. H.H. Robbins.

From National Archives of Malaysia. Kinta Land Office. 542/25 Transcribed by P.C.

MALAYAN COLLIERIES,
LIMITED.
(INCORPORATED IN F.M.S.)
DIRECTORS' REPORT
AND
ACCOUNTS
For Year Ended 31st December, 1927.
TO BE PRESENTED AT THE
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AT THE
Registered Office of the Company, Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur,
ON
Friday, the 30th March, 1928, At 11 a.m.
J. W. FULLER,
Secretary.
Printed by Kyle Palmer and Co. Ltd. Kuala Lumpur

MALAYAN COLLIERIES,
LIMITED.
(INCORPORATED IN F.M.S.)
DIRECTORS' REPORT
AND
ACCOUNTS
For Year Ended 31st December, 1927.
TO BE PRESENTED AT THE
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AT THE
Registered Office of the Company,
Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur,
ON
Friday, the 30th March, 1928, At 11 a.m.
J. W. FULLER,
Secretary.

Malayan Collieries, Limited.
(Incorporated in Federated Malay States.)
Directors,
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 Fourteenth Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Company will he held at the Registered Offices of the Company, Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, on Friday 30th March 1928, at 11 o'clock a.m. for the following purposes: —
To receive and consider the Balance Sheet and Accounts to 31st December, 1927, and the Report of the Directors and Auditors.
To Declare a Final Dividend for the year 1927.
To Declare Directors’ remuneration for the year 1927.
To Elect Directors in place of those retiring.
To Elect Auditors for the ensuing year.
The Share Registers will be closed from Friday 23rd March 1928 to Saturday 31st March 1928, both days inclusive.
By Order of the Board,
J. W. FULLER,
Secretary.
Dated 15th March, 1928.
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, 1927.
The Directors have pleasure in submitting their Fourteenth Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st December, 1927.
The working of the Collieries during the year is reviewed in the appended reports of the Managing Agents, who were solely responsible for the management of both properties from the date of the departure of Mr. J. Barr, early in the year. The output from the Batu Arang Colliery was a little down during the twelve months; but the increase in the Pamoekan Bay output more than balanced this, the combined result being a record tonnage, with, we are also pleased to say, a record net profit.
BATU ARANG. The output was affected somewhat during the last nine months owing to the loss of one of the F.M.S. Railways' contracts. This contract, however, has since been re-secured. The private demand for coal increased as the completion of new plants progressed. The increase in demand was principally for the lower-priced "smalls".
The mines are being equipped to produce considerably increased tonnages, and, upon the completion in the course of the next few months of the work now in hand, this Colliery should be in a position without any difficulty to double, if necessary its output.
PAMOEKAN BAY. The output of this Colliery shewed an increase during the year. As stated in the Managing Agents' report, development was interrupted by the occurrence of irregularities in the top seam. While these irregularities may or may not occur again, the steps which are being taken to prove them will enable development to be planned accordingly.
The newly appointed Acting Chief Mine Superintendent is now engaged on the opening up of the lower seam. With the two seams working simultaneously, the danger of short supplies would be reduced.
STAFF. As you have already been advised, Mr. J. Barr left Malaya in the early days of January in a very bad state of health, and in May it was found necessary to make other arrangements for the general management of the Company.
Your Directors decided to abolish the position of General Manager, and to appoint instead one, or if necessary two, highly qualified Colliery Engineers to advise upon and be responsible purely for technical matters in connection with both Collieries. Accordingly, Mr. R. Rutherford, formerly of the Ebbw Vale Company, South Wales, was engaged towards the end of the year as Mines Superintendent, Batu Arang, with the acting appointment of Chief Superintendent of Mines. Mr. Rutherford arrived in Malaya on the 16th December, 1927, and in his capacity of Chief Superintendent of Mines he is for the present engaged at Pamoekan Bay, more particularly in connection with the development of the lower seam.

INVESTMENTS. During the year the Company's Investments have been increased by the purchase of £31,000 4% Funding Loan 1960/1990 and H.K. $20,000 6% Hongkong Public Works Loan 1927.
PROFITS. The profit for the year under review subject to Directors’
and Auditors' fees amount to ... $1,173,660.20
Less commission to the late General Manager to October 1927 under the
terms of his agreement with the Company ... 7,335.37
$1,166,324.83 Io which is to be added the unappropriated balance from
the previous account ... $176,101.01
Less staff bonus 1926 ... 9,741.00
166,360.91
$1,332,685.74 Three Interim Dividends of 7 ½ % each on 257,505 shares were declared
during the year absorbing ... 579,386.25
$753,299.49 You will be asked to sanction fees to Directors in respect
of the year 1927 of ... $15,000.00
and Auditors fees of ... 3,000,00
18,000.00
Leaving available ... $735,299 49
Which your Directors recommend should be dealt with as follows: —
Final Dividend 12 ½ % ... $321,881.25
Write off Mine Development ... 176.128.44
Add to General Reserve ... 100,000.00
598,009.69
Balance to carry forward to next year's account. $137,289.80
(Subject to an appropriation for Staff Bonus to be left to the discretion of the Board.)
DIRECTORS. Messrs. Cunningham and Martin being the Directors longest in office, retire under the provision of the Articles of Association, and, being eligible offer themselves for re-election. Mr. J. Barr, under Article 90 of the Articles of Association ceased to be a Director in October.
AUDITORS. Messrs. Evatt & Co. retire but being eligible offer themselves for re-election.
By Order of the Board
J. W. FULLER,
Secretary.
Kuala Lumpur,
15th March, 1928.

Malayan Collieries, Limited.
Managing Agents' Report for the year ended 31st Dec. 1927 BATU ARANG COLLIERY.
We have the pleasure of submitting herewith our report upon the working of the Batu Arang Colliery during the year ended 31st December 1927. We acted for Mr. J. Barr, the late General Manager, from the 4th January until May, from which latter date the work formerly performed by him was definitely handed over to us.
UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT. This was systematically carried out during the year and is well in advance of production.
The North Mine was maintained in a condition of efficiency. Large reorganisations were effected during the year with the result that production was considerably increased, the resultant output represent ting a record in the history of the mine. In this mine, as a result of 15 years working, distances are becoming considerable. There are some 12 miles of permanent roads and ways to be kept open and maintained. The electric locomotives in hauling the year's output from face to main haulage incline covered 14,000 miles.
In the East Mine, now in course of development, there are some three quarters of a million tons of coal blocked out and ready for the hewers. Sand stowage-shaft, bunkers, and flushing chamber were completed during the year, and the main pumping plant is being duplicated. The steel pit top for this mine is now in hand, auxiliary haulage underground is installed, and, upon the arrival of the main electric haulage equipment, the mine will be capable of an output of up to 150 tons per hour. In layout and system of working this East Mine will benefit by the experience gained in the old established North and South Mines, which should result in practical immunity from underground fires, and in much more economical working generally.
HYDRAULIC STOWAGE AND UNDERGROUND FIRES An offensive, as distinct from a defensive, policy was inaugurated during the year. A number of fire areas in coal pillars of the old workings were dug out and sand stowed, and it is hoped by this means to eliminate the annoyance of fires in the vicinity of main roads and airways, which fire areas are a legacy of the days when hydraulic stowage was still being experimented with as a possible solution of the then very grave problem of spontaneous combustion. To-day, the efficacy of the system for our own seams is beyond doubt, and while it practically doubles the cost of production, it makes possible a good 95% extraction as against a problematical 20% by our employing any other method. Every yard of coal extracted is now replaced by a, yard of sand, and this branch of the Company's activities is probably on the largest scale of any Colliery outside of Germany.
OPEN CASTS. The output of coal from this source is subsidiary to that from the underground mines. During the year the reserve of stripped coal was brought up to the satisfactory figure of some 300,000 tons. This is readily available in the event of any unlikely temporary "shut-down" of the underground mines, so that the position of the Company and of its consumers is rendered as safe as it is reasonably possible to provide.
BUILDINGS AND PLANT. A start was made during the year to replace the remaining temporary buildings with those of a permanent nature. Standard types are being adopted for village shop-houses, artisans' quarters, coolie lines, etc., and when this programme is completed in the course of the next two years or so, the cost of maintenance will be reduced to a minimum and the efficiency, and incidentally the appearance of the surface, will be greatly improved.
The installation of more central station power and the electrification of all surface operations was gone into during the year, and we hope to be able to place our Consul ling Engineers in a position to make definite recommendations at an early date.
WATER SUPPLY. The demand of the resident labour force and of the power station boilers during the dry spells of the year having outgrown the present supply, a survey was made and plans prepared for a new gravity supply. It is hoped to put this work in hand during the coming year.
KUNDANG SAND PIT. Though production has been greatly speeded up, practically no further expenditure has been incurred on additional prime movers, as the pits will come within the electrification scheme previously mentioned
LABOUR EMPLOYED. The position throughout the year was satisfactory, the labour available at times being considerably in excess of our immediate requirements. The mean average employed was 2500, the dependents bringing the total resident population up to about 3500.
GENERAL HEALTH. The general health of our labour force remained excellent. Notwithstanding the fact that we have a well equipped hospital under a visiting European Medical Officer, the number of in-patients treated during the year represented a very small percentage of the total resident population.
GENERAL. The underground mines were maintained in good condition during the year. Close attention was given to the matter of costs and the more economical working of the mines generally, and in this connection, though the reorganisation was still in progress as at the end of the year we are pleased to be able to report a very fair measure of success.
Of the 365 days of the year, 100% production was achieved during 360 days, the five days lost being as a result of Chinese New Year, during which time it is the custom of the Company to shut down entirely. For the result achieved and the smooth and safe running of the Colliery we are considerably indebted to the loyal assistance of the Mine Manager, Mr. McEwan, and his reconstituted staff.
J. A. RUSSELL & CO.,
Managing Agents. Kuala Lumpur,
15th March, 1928.
Malayan Collieries, Limited.

Managing Agents' Report for the year ended 31st Dec. 1927 PAMOEKAN BAY COLLIERY.
We have the pleasure of submitting herewith our Report upon the working of the Pamoekan Bay Colliery during the year ended 31st December 1927. We acted for Mr. J. Barr, the late General Manager, from the 4th January until May, from which latter date the work formerly performed by him was definitely handed over to us.
MINE DEVELOPMENT. Production was, as in previous years, confined to the-top seam of the measures. Owing to several faults encountered, mine development as at the end of the year was not so far advanced as had been planned. During the year a new power driven boring drill capable of boring to a depth of 800 feet was acquired, and is now engaged in boring in advance of the workings. The results of the bores will enable development to be planned to result in much less dead work than has been the case in the past. During 1928 it is hoped to arrange for simultaneous production from both seams, so that should the top seam continue to encounter trouble, the output from the lower seam will, it is hoped, make good the deficiency.
COAL CUTTING MACHINES. The six machines worked satisfactorily throughout the year. The coal with depth becomes harder, a condition calling for machines with a different cutting device to ensure maximum capacity. This change of practice entails the scrapping of the cutting element of the existing machines and a gradual change over will be effected during the coming year.
GENERAL CONDITIONS UNDERGROUND. Owing to extensive development to the dip, ventilation very early in the year caused a good deal of trouble and a second fan of a capacity similar to that of No. 1 was installed. It is planned to install a fan of a capacity sufficient for the requirements of both seam workings, and this will probably be in operation towards the end of 1928.
New pumps were ordered 1o handle the water drawn by the lower levels. The underground haulage systems were considerably extended. Roof conditions throughout the mine, although always such as to call for continual vigilance, shewed no change during the year.
SURFACE. The Central Station Power Plant was augmented by the acquisition of two 300 K. W. Sets, the erection of which was still in progress at the end of the year. An Ice Plant of a daily capacity of 10 cwt. was installed, and is greatly appreciated by the staff and resident population generally. A number of major alterations were made to the general surface layout with a view to more speedy and economical handling of the product.
A new bungalow was erected for an additional member of the staff and all plant and buildings were maintained in good order.
LABOUR EMPLOYED. The total labour employed at the end of the year was 761 made up of 408 natives of the Netherland East Indies and 353 Chinese. Our output was rendered possible with this comparatively small labour force owing to the general employment of machines underground.
GENERAL HEALTH. The general health was, as usual, exceedingly good Dr. Bertels and later Dr. Kotter of Pasir, paid regular visits.
STEAM LAUNCHES. The S. L. Pamoekan was disposed of during the year. The purchase of another launch was negotiated in 1926 and was taken delivery of in the year under review and is now maintaining the essential services between the Mine and Kota Baroe and Pegatan.
SHIPPING. 59 ships were loaded and dispatched. Special attention was paid to the speeding up of the loading of ships, and in this connection we are pleased to be able to record a considerable saving. However, we are not yet satisfied and further improvements are planned during 1928.
GENERAL. We have pleasure in reporting that, as in former years, we have continued to receive the greatest courtesy and assistance from officials of all grades of the Netherlands East Indies Government Service. The mine was visited by a number of high officials including Mr. de Haan, Resident of South and East Borneo Mr. Swaab, Assistant Resident, Bandjermasin; Mr. Elenbaas Assistant  Resident, Kota Baroe; Mr. Hekking, Controleur, Pegatan; Captain Reeman controleur Pasir, and Major Habbema, Bandjermasin. Messrs. Bruinsme and Tusset Inspectors of Mines; Mr. H. Palm, Labour Inspector and the Inspector of Machinery made the customary visits. J
While the output shews a distinct progress on previous years, but for the faults encountered, the figures would have been more satisfactory Our appreciation is due to the present staff for their good services.
J. A. RUSSELL & Co. Kuala Lumpur, Managing Agents.
15th March, 1928.

(For balance sheet see Collieries sources for 1928)

Above from: MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED REPORTS & BALANCE SHEETS AND PROCEEDINGS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS 1926- 1935, and printed in The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser , 24 March 1928, Page 19 and The Malay Mail 22 March 1928, p.9, and in edited form in The Straits Times, 22 March 1928, Page 10.

Malayan Collieries, Ltd

(Incorporated in F.M.S.)

PROCEEDINGS

AT THE

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

HELD AT THE

Registered Office of the Company, Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Building, Kuala Lumpur,

30th March, 1928

MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED.

(Incorporated in Federated Malay States)

HIGHER PROFITS DUE TO LOWER COSTS.

The fourteenth annual general meeting of Malayan Collieries, Ltd., was held at the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, this morning, with Mr. J. A. Russell in the chair. Others present were Messrs. A. B. Slee, J. S. M. Rennie, W. D. Fraser, Yong Shook Lin, P. W. Gleeson, F. Cunningham, H N. Ferrers, W. H. Martin and J. W. Fuller (secretary).

After the notice convening the meeting had been read, the adoption of the balance sheet and accounts to Dec. 31, 1927, and the reports of the directors and auditors, was proposed by the Chairman, and being seconded by Mr. Ferrers was unanimously carried.

The Chairman, in his speech, said: The report and accounts having been in your hands for the required period, I suppose, with your consent, that they be taken as read. I again have the pleasure of being able to report a record year, both as regards tonnage and net profits. While the tonnage shows an increase, the gross revenue figure is actually lower, the enhanced profits being entirely derived from reductions made during the year in the cost of production. That is to say, although we have sold more coal, we have received less total money for it, yet still made a bigger profit. This is, I think you will agree, a very remarkable achievement, and shows that the company's increased prosperity is not being made at the expense of its customers. It is indeed the policy of your board to effect even greater improvement in the efficiency of producing, transporting and marketing its coal, and, while not reducing the rate of its shareholders' dividends, to lower still further the price of its product to its clients.

Financial Matters.

Marine transport costs during the year show a considerable saving. The accounts before you do not, as in previous years, show the F.M.S.R. coal freights prepaid by us on pit head sales, and eventually recovered; but only the unrecovered ones. These F.M.S.R. coal freights paid but recovered by the company amounted approximately to $471,000.

Royalties on coal were up by $21,956.18, this increase being due in part to the low allocation for Dutch Government royalty made for 1926, as was explained at this meeting last year, and in part to the natural increment incidental to a larger output.

Depreciation has been increased by $4,243.64 over the previous year, and amounts to the very respectable total figure of $108,203.55.

Mine amortisation is calculated to amortise the Batu Arang leasehold property account in about another 15 years from date. Considering the long life of the Batu Arang property, this allowance has hitherto been considered ample to cover both properties; but next year the amount may be revised in order more specifically to include the Pamoekan Bay leaseholds. The amount of our amortization fund is more than covered by investments in gilt-edged securities.

Taking the balance sheet as a whole, it is, I think you will agree, very evident that the company is in a better position than ever before. Sundry creditors are a little down, while sundry debtors and bills receivable are up by just about the amount to be expected as a result of the increased turnover. Coal on dumps is a little higher, but this difference really represents coal that was actually loaded but had not left the mine at the close of the year. With an increased turnover, quite naturally increased stocks become necessary. Cash in banks and in hand at $431,810.69 is down by $107,142.05, but as against this investments in gilt-edged securities are up by some $248,554.77.

The Final Dividend.

You will see that after paying three interim dividends during the year, amounting to 22 ½ per cent., and after allowing for directors' and auditors' fees, the former at a slightly increased rate, there is a balance of $735,299.49 remaining to be dealt with at this meeting. Your directors recommend a final dividend of 12 ½ per cent, which will absorb $321,881.25, and will give shareholders a total return of 35 per cent., upon their shares, which is at the same rate as that for 1926. Your directors further recommend that the balance of development account standing at $176,128.44 be written off, thus extinguishing this account altogether. This will leave a sum of $237,289.80, and for the disposal of this amount we recommend that $100,000 be transferred to general reserve bringing the same up to $1,200,000, and the balance of $137,289.80 be carried forward, subject to staff bonus, to the 1928 accounts. The carry forward is a little lower than that brought forward in the previous year; but in the sound financial circumstances of the company it is considered ample. Out of the balance to be carried forward, your board would ask you kindly to sanction its paying the customary bonuses to the staff upon the mines, the actual amount of the bonus to be left as usual to the discretion of the board. The bonus, as in previous years, will be paid only to members of the staff actually employed at the mines.

Everything " Running Smoothly."

There is little left for me to tell you. The year marked changes in the general management, which have already been described. Everything at the moment is running smoothly, and when the time comes to report to you on the current year we hope to be able to say that it has been a year of even greater progress.

During the year at present under review, except for a little shortage during the first half, the Railways made ample provision for the transport of our output, and, with the wagons now under construction or contemplated, we anticipate no difficulty in distributing the increased demand which we expect to be called upon to meet as the year progresses.

Marine transport costs showed a considerable saving, and we were able to keep our chartered ships running to a very satisfactory schedule. The matter of the benefits to be derived from the ownership of our own ships was considered during the year, and the expert opinion obtained by me in London is to the effect that worthwhile savings would result. However, still further information both as to shipping and the mine is required before a definite policy can be arrived at.

Technical Investigations.

The matter of the improved combustion of our coal, especially Rawang coal, had our attention during the year. Developments in low temperature carbonisation and also in pulverised fuel firing practice were studied. The former has been closely followed by this company ever since the inception of the company, as a study of our early reports will show. I myself have attended trials made upon our coal in England as long ago as 1916. Low temperature carbonisation however, is still in the experimental stage the world over, and while one reads a lot about progress with plants on a commercial scale, we have yet to see a satisfactory balance sheet of the various companies' operations.

With regard to the current year, all that I feel that I can or need say is that your board sees no reason at all why it should not be fully as prosperous as the one which is past.

I shall be glad to answer, if I can, any questions bearing on the report and accounts which shareholders may care to ask.

The payment of a final dividend of 12 ½ per cent, for the year 1927 was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Ferrers and carried.

The Chairman next proposed the re-election of the retiring directors, Messrs. F. Cunningham and W. H. Martin. The former having been seconded by Mr. P. W. Gleeson and the latter by Mr. W. D. Fraser, both were reelected.

Messrs. Evatt and Co. were re-elected auditors.

After the presentation of the report, Mr. Rennie asked in what way any dividends from the Dutch Company (Pamoekan Bay Colliery) had been shown in the accounts. The Chairman replied that the board had come to the conclusion that in the interests of the shareholders further particulars should not be made public, but if any shareholder genuinely wished, for his private information, for any further particulars, he would be glad to supply him with them afterwards.

Mr. Slee asked where the reserve for sundry debtors came from, and the chairman explained that the reserve had been brought forward from last year, but had been increased this year by $3,000.

It was notified that the share registers would be closed from March 23, 1928, to March 31, 1928, both days inclusive.

After the business of the meeting had been concluded, Mr. Ferrers proposed a vote of thanks to the chair (Mr. Russell), and also to the managing agents, Messrs. J. A. Russell and Co., (particularly mentioning Mr. H. H. Robbins, of the managing agents' staff) for the way in which the business of the company and its mining operations had been conducted during the year.

Above from: MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED REPORTS & BALANCE SHEETS AND PROCEEDINGS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS 1926- 1935,and printed in The Straits Times, 31 March 1928, Page 9 and The Malay Mail, Friday March 30, 1928, ps.9 and 16 under heading MALAYAN COLLIERIES To-day’s Annual Meeting, Higher Profits Due to Lower Costs, and in The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 31 March 1928, Page 19, and edited version in The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 2 April 1928, Page 15.

The Straits Times, 16 June 1928, Page 7 , The Straits Times, 18 June 1928, Page 12 , The Straits Times, 20 June 1928, Page 3 MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. Notice of Declaration of Dividend No 30 and Closure of Share Registers. 7 ½% ….. J W Fuller Secretary…..

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser , 28 June 1928, Page 12 PASSENGERS LEAVING. Per Ranpura for Home to-day:- …Mrs. R. F. R. Swettenham and infant..Mr. J. A. Russell…. The Straits Times, 28 June 1928, Page 8 . SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. Among passengers leaving for Home by the P and O Ranpura to-day are Mr. J. A. Russell of Kuala Lumpur… The Straits Times, 28 June 1928, Page 7. Passengers by the Ranpura. The following passengers are proceeding to Europe by the P. and 0. Ranpura sailing at 4 p.m. today. Mr. J. A. Russell.

MINUTES OF THE ELEVENTH MEETING OF CAMERON’S HIGHLANDS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD AT THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, KUALA LUMPUR, ON TUESDAY, 17TH JULY, 1928,

AT 10 A.M.

PRESENT

The Hon’ble Director of Public Works, Federated Malay States (Chairman).

The Conservator of Forests, Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States.

The Acting Surveyor-General, Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States.

The Acting Secretary for Agriculture, Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States.

The Government Town Planner, Federated Malay States.

DR. A. R. WELLINGTON.

MR. E. N. T. CUMMINS.

MR. D. H. HAMPSHIRE.

ABSENT

The State Engineer, Perak.

IN ATTENDANCE

Mr. B. O. Bush (Honorary Secretary).

The Chairman stated that at this meeting he proposed to depart from the usual order of proceedings in that he would first of all read a memorandum from the Hon’ble the Chief Secretary, dated 14th July, 1928, before dealing with the minutes of the last meeting.

The memorandum, dated 14th July, 1928, by the Hon’ble the Chief Secretary was then communicated to the Committee.

A compilation of official ratings and minutes in connection with Cameron’s Highlands together with a digest of the interpretation by an unofficial of similar powers on the Fraser’s Hill Development Committee was laid on the table for each member.

Mr. D. H. Hampshire stated that paragraphs 4 and 5 of the powers of the Fraser’s Hill Development Committee in the document referred to above seemed to him to be contradictory. The Chairman pointed out that what was meant by these paragraphs was that the Committee had powers to allocate the Block Vote but the Director of Public Works was responsible, in that capacity, for the spending.

THE AGENDA WAS THEN TAKEN.

1. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

Section 1, para. 12.—Discussion took place as to whether the words “with the following addition” should be added after the words “the report was adopted”.

It was agreed that the minutes as circulated would stand.

Section 3, Felling and Clearing.—It was finally agreed after discussion that the words “and 20 acres” should be added after the words “Altogether about 100 acres were felled”.

Section 5, Felling and Clearing on the Highlands.—The wording of the whole of this section was discussed at some length and finally it was decided to add after “Mr. Cummins” in the fourth sub-paragraph, the following words: “pointed out that the policy decided upon seemed to him perfectly clear and”.

The minutes as amended above were then confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

2. MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.

Item 2, section 8.—This report had since been received and circulated to the members.

Item 3.—The report called for in the last paragraph of this item relating to the high cost of the work done by the Burma Rifles had been received by the Chairman who stated that the decision to send the Burma Rifles to Cameron’s Highlands had been made by the Committee. The Public Works Department Officer at the Highlands had not been consulted, his only instructions were to give every assistance to the detachment. The work was carried out under the supervision of the officer of the Burma Rifles.

In the discussion which followed as to the responsibility for the expensive and bad work, the Chairman stated that he did not feel that he could justifiably hold the he Public Works Department Officer responsible for the work of the Military and that he therefore accepted it in virtue of his office as Director of Public Works in charge of the expenditure of the Development funds.

Item 5.—Under the last paragraph of this item the Chairman informed the Committee that he had received telegraphic advice that up to the present undergrowth above Tanah Rata had been cleared over 130 acres and at Lubok Tamang 45 acres. These figures must, of course, be regarded as approximate. At Ringlet the work had not yet been started.

3. PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDING 31ST MAY, 1928.—The Chairman stated this had been received and a copy would be sent to each member.

He invited the attention of the members to an interesting paragraph in the Reconnaissance Officer’s Report related to a visit to a reported exceptionally fine topped ridge encountered in exploration across the Sungei Rotan.

4. APPLICATION BY LAND FOR MR. A. B. MILNE.—It was stated that application for 5,000 acres of land outside the Highlands Proper had been received by the Hon’ble British Resident, Pahang, from Mr. A. B. Milne. The application had been referred to the Committee for their opinion on:

(a) The desirability of alienating so large an area to one individual;

(b) The desirability of alienating this particular block.

The discussion indicated that the members were of opinion that as the land applied for lay outside the Cameron Highland’s area, consideration of this application did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee, though if this land or any part of it were ever alienated access to such an area would have to be over the Highlands Roads via Lubok Tamang.

It was finally agreed to reply to the Resident’s enquiry in the following terms:

“The application of Mr. Milne was referred to the Committee for consideration. It was considered that the question of the alienation of this land did not at present fall within their province, but they wished to point out that it was not possible at present to state what facilities for access it will be possible to give through the Highlands.”

5. HEALTH REPORTS FOR MARCH AND APRIL.—These had been received and circulated and members were advised that the reports for May and June had since come to hand and would also be circulated.

Dr. Wellington proceeded to speak of his observations during his recent visit. He stated that from previous reports he had formed the impression that the health might not be all that could be desired but during his visit he had found nothing to which exception could be taken. Beyond the 20th mile there was no evidence of malaria contracted on the hill. Between the 15th and 20th mile at Jor there was evidence of the danger of malaria infection—not much—but it was there and being attended to. Beyond Jor, of the 2,000 people there only a few were in hospital; in fact far less than one would expect of a similar labour force on the plains. He explained that there was a vast difference between relapses in malaria and re-infections and steps were being taken to distinguish between these two classes in the returns to avoid incorrect conclusions being drawn.

Asked if he was quite satisfied with the present position Dr. Wellington stated that he was entirely satisfied and that he was glad to say that the fears expressed previously in some quarters had not materialised.

This statement was received by the Committee with great satisfaction.

6. PRINTED MINUTES OF 8TH MEETING.—Attention was drawn to an unfortunate omission in the printed minutes, the words “including Lubok Tamang and Ringlet areas” had been omitted in section 7, sub-section v, which members had since been asked to rectify.

7. DELAY IN CIRCULATING THE MINUTES.—The Chairman stated that certain members had pressed for more prompt circulation of the draft minutes. He explained that frequently there were difficulties to overcome in this respect. The Reporter and he had many other matters to attend to, and in the case under criticism a meeting of both the Federal Council and Legislative Council had interposed before the notes could be transcribed. Efforts were always made to circulate the draft minutes as early as possible.

8. REPORT FROM THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT ON THE HIGHLANDS.—This has been received and would be circulated. It was a very full report dealing with the growing of grass, vegetables, etc. Being a document of considerable length with a plan attached, it would not be copied for each member but kept for reference after circulation.

9. ALLOCATION OF DEVELOPMENT VOTE.—It was stated that a further supplementary provision of £40,000 had been approved; this called for a re-allocation. A suggested allocation was discussed and it was finally decided to defer the matter until the next meeting, the $40,000 being added to the unallocated reserve for the time being. Under this heading the growing of vegetables was mentioned and it was decided not to replace Mr. Jones lately transferred. The vegetables now being grown could be looked after by the tindal under the general supervision of an Assistant Engineer.

10. ROADING.—A map and a communication from the Zoning Sub-Committee had been received and the Chairman advised the Board that these had been sent to the State Engineer, Perak, and read out his instructions which accompanied them.

11. ZONING SUB-COMMITTEE’S REPORT.—The Chairman stated he was of the opinion that the reports already received from the Zoning Sub-Committee should be considered as interim reports for the information of the Committee, but not as final. The final report, when submitted, could be gone into fully by the Committee and approved or disapproved.

The Government Town Planner pressed that the reports be submitted to the Committee regularly, as he wished them to form a series of stages by which the final report could be built up, and he could not do this unless the Zoning Sub-Committee carried the General Committee with it, by reason or the approval or otherwise of the interim reports.

A discussion ensued as a result of which it was decided that the Zoning Sub-Committee’s Reports should “be considered as interim reports for the information and advice of the General Committee and that no decision or action thereon should be settled unless the Zoning Sub-Committee had sent its full and considered report and recommendations for the preliminary zoning and lay-out of the Highlands generally.

12. REPORT OF A VISIT TO THE HIGHLANDS BY THE CONSERVATOR OF FORESTS, DR. WELLINGTON, MR. CUMMINS AND MR. HAMPSHIRE.—This report was discussed first in general terms and then item by item. It was agreed to leave the Rest House at Jor intact until it had been found to be no longer required and the provision of a Chinese Cook and Tukang Ayer at this rest House was agreed to. Certain improvements and repairs to the Rest Houses, etc., were also approved.

The question of felling and clearing a belt four chains wide round the area proposed froe recreation was discussed at length. The Conservator of Forests stating that, though he was as opposed as ever to wholesale felling and clearing, he withdrew his opposition to this particular felling as he understood that the line would follow the first nine holes of the proposed Golf Course. It was pointed out by the Government Town Planner that the Golf Course was by no means fixed, the siting of the course would have to be made to fit in with other items of development such as roads etc., of which the Golf Course was only an element.

After further discussion this felling was agreed to on the principal that the clearing would be of great value in observations with a view to development, that the first nine holes of the Golf Course would probably follow this line and that, if in future it was found necessary to do so, any part of the proposed Golf Course should be moved.

The paragraphs of this report relating to the methods of clearing undergrowth and agricultural experiments were approved.

The sum of $3,000 was allotted from the Block Vote for the Conservator of Forests to proceed with his scheme of sawing timber under paragraph 15 of the report.

It was agreed after discussion of paragraphs 12, 19 and 22 to defer these matters until the next meeting.

13. REPORT OF MR WISE’S VISIT TO ULU JELAI IN 1896. —This report was mentioned as having been received and would be circulated to the members.

Meeting adjourned at 1.30. p. m.

From National Archives of Malaysia. Selangor Secretariat (877/1928). Transcribed by P.C

The Straits Times, 15 September 1928, Page 7,The Straits Times, 17 September 1928, Page 3 ,The Straits Times, 19 September 1928, Page 12  Dividend No 31 Malayan Collieries etc…. J.W. Fuller Secretary..

The Straits Times, 9 October 1928, Page 9  • TEA AT CAMERON'S HIGHLANDS. (From Our Own Correspondent) Kuala Lumpur, Oct. 9. It is reported that Government has granted Mr. A. B. Milne, a well-known planter, a block of 5,000 acres in the neighbourhood of Cameron's Highlands for the cultivation of tea and other hill products. It is possible that this is included in the alleged million acre Jelei Concession.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser , 28 November 1928, Page 16 Passengers Due. Per Morea from Home on Dec 29th:..Mr. J. A. Russell….

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 6 December 1928, Page 6 GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING METHODS. The Search for Tin. At the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Selangor Miners’ Association premises, Kuala Lumpur, on Sunday writes the Malay Mail, Dr. Liese who represents a German company, gave a lecture on tin prospecting by geophysical methods, to an interested audience of European and Chinese miners. (Summary: methods of measuring qualities of minerals from the surface without boring. “ Mr. FLowerdew (Vice President of the Miners’ Association), said he wondered how many mines in Malaya would have been discovered by the methods described. He thought it probable that the only ones that could be discovered by such methods were the Malayan Collieries or the Beatrice Mine. The only ones that could be discovered were very large ones. He did not think many would have been found by these methods.” (Mr. Leise’s reply. Those present.. ) (419 words)

The Straits Times, 12 December 1928, Page 8 ,The Straits Times, 13 December 1928, Page 3 ,The Straits Times, 14 December 1928, Page 3 MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. Notice of Declaration of Dividend No. 32 and Closure of Share Registers. NOTICE is hereby given that the Directors have declared a Third Interim Dividend etc by J. W. Fuller secretary. (620 words)

The Straits Times, 12 December 1928, Page 13  FINANCE AND INDUSTRY. FRENCH OBJECTIONS TO WAR DEBTS. (By A. W. Still.) [COPYRIGHT) London, Nov. 14. (Summary: A long article by the Straits Times former editor A. W. Still about war debts… the UK coal trade… new developments in low temperature carbonisation, which he thinks might be of interest to Malayan Collieries, the new smokeless fuel called “Coalite” made by Parker system, burns better than coke… the cotton industry.. Mr. Baldwin’s de-rating system, Still argues that the costs of helping industry against foreign competition should be spread evenly across all tax payers.)

(15/12/1928-VOL XVII NO.23)

THE MALAYAN TIN AND RUBBER JOURNAL 1,415

Planting Section.

MALAYA AND TEA CULTIVATION.

Its Possibilities Carefully Examined.

CLIMATE, SOIL AND ELEVATION FAVOURABLE.

Capitalisation and Costs Examined.

AN EXPERT’S INTERESTING VIEWS

Mr. A. B. Milne, the well-known planter, sends us the following special article on “The Possibilities of Tea Cultivation in the Malay Peninsula.” Mr. Milne is a pioneer planter of over 20 years’ experience of Malayan conditions and has considerable experience of tea planting in Ceylon and India, so that his considered views as to the possibilities of establishing tea cultivation as a permanent new industry in Malaya will be read with the keenest interest. Mr. Milne says: -

Had it not been for the great boom and the general obsession in regard to rubber that resulted from it, it is probable that Malaya would by now have been producing an appreciable proportion of the world’s tropical hill products, tea, coffee, cocao, cinchona and the like—for every condition of soil, climate, labour and accessibility is suitable for such cultivation.

The interest aroused by the explorations of the late William Cameron as far back as 1885 resulted in the commencement of a Government road from Tapah, designed to open up the country to private enterprise and to penetrate eventually into Pahang.

The fact that at that time the village of Tapah was connected with the outside world only by river—there was no road north or south and the railway had not even been though of—reveals the trend of the pioneer mind as regards cultivation; sugar, coconuts and rice on the alluvial flats, with coffee, tea and so forth, as in Ceylon and South India, on the real hills. As for the foothills and the undulating, low-elevation country between them and the coast, it was hoped there might be tin found.

In 1906, after many vicissitudes, the whole project was abandoned. Rubber had come upon the scene and the extraordinary ease with which it becomes productive and the extraordinary facility with which fortunes were made in it combined to blind investors to the claims of any other product whatever.

Forgotten for Twenty Years.

The fact that Malaya possessed a hill country at all was forgotten and remained forgotten for twenty years. Rubber would not grow up there so it was of no interest to anybody. A spirit evolved that planted rubber up to the very doors of cooly-lines and bungalows; that precluded the establishment of orchards or gardens; that classed as “eminently suitable for Hevea Brasiliensis” (a stock phrase of those days) any sort of land that possessed road or rail frontage.

The result is that the economic stability of the country is dependent from an agricultural point of view almost entirely on the ups and downs of the rubber market.

The cultivated area of Malaya amounts to 11.2% of the total area and of this, 58.3% is rubber, 32.4% is rice, 7.9% is coconuts and 1.4% represents other products. Which figures go to show what an opulent and wonderful country it is—and how indefensible is its economic position.

It is obvious that Malaya stands greatly in need of agricultural development along new lines and it is equally obvious that Government should do everything possible towards the encouragement of such development. These notes are an attempt to recount the potentialities possessed by the country in the form of its neglected hill lands, more particularly in regard to the cultivation of tea.

Space does not permit of entering here into the history and botany of the tea plant. Its use in the east dates back into prehistoric ages and it was introduced into Europe in the sixteenth century.

It is of the Camillea family and there are two main species, the Chinese Bohea which need not concern us and the Indo-Burmese Viridis. Between these are innumerable hybrid strains which present many varying features so that the selection of stock exactly suitable to local conditions is a matter of primary importance.

The World’s Tea Demand.

The world’s production in 1926 was 871,000,000 lbs. of which India contributed 44%; Ceylon, 25%; the Dutch east Indies, 15%; China and Japan, 14%; Indo-China, Africa and other countries, 2 %.

The United Kingdom consumed 57%; the Empire Colonies, 11%; Europe, 14%; America. 13% and Asia 5%.

The consumption per capita in the United Kingdom has increased in the last ten years from 6.62 lbs. to 8.91 lbs., that is to say, by over 100,000,000 lbs., and in every country in the world, with the single exception of Russia, a steady increase has been maintained, especially in those countries which have come into prominence as a result of the war. New Zealand is the greatest tea-drinking country, consuming 10.92 lbs. per head, while Australia ranks second with 9.21.

Russia, which up to the time of the revolution was one of the world’s chief consumers, absorbing about 100,000,000 lbs. of plantation tea in addition to some 80,000,000 lbs. from China, dropped absolutely out of the market until some three years ago, but is now purchasing again in rapidly increasing quantities. With this single exception, demand has gone on steadily increasing, consistently following in the wake of what is known as Civilisation, year after year, throughout the world.

Little Room for Gambling.

Tea has never been a particularly speculative market and in comparison with rubber, coffee, jute and other commodities, there has been but little of the gambling element in its history.

The following are the results of fifty-three Ceylon tea companies taken from the monthly share-list issued by the Colombo Brokers’ Association for March last: -

Capitalisation per planted areas …£74

Average area under cultivation …651 acres.

Average dividend declared last

Three years …27.8%

Over the same period the twenty-three premier companies of North India, South India and Ceylon declared dividends averaging 76.4%, but it is only right to state that these are all old established concerns with capitalisation unattainable in these days.

Generally, speaking, a high-grown tea produces quality—the chief constituent of which is flavour—at the expense of quantity, and this is an order which changes in inverse ratio as the altitude decreases. The low country produces more crop to the acre at a lower cost per pound but it cannot attain to this intangible quality of flavour and has, therefore, to be content with considerably lower process.

For high grown teas there always has been and always will be a ready and remunerative market. The areas in which they can be produced are restricted and their development is becoming more and more costly and difficult. There never need be any apprehension in regard to the over-production of high-grown teas.

On the other hand, any abnormal demand for common teas is immediately met by the adoption of course plucking on the part of the low-country concerns and is immediately followed by the market becoming glutted with a type that nobody wants, which has to be gradually worked off by means of blending with teas of finer quality, a business that takes time. To put it bluntly, there is quite enough low-grown, cheap-grade common tea in existence already.

A start with 10,000 Acres.

For purely local consumption, however, 10,000 acres or thereby might be profitably developed of low country tea, for Malaya imports some 11,000,000 lbs. annually—mostly absolute rubbish, but retailing at from $0.50 to $0.85 nevertheless—and consumption is increasing fairly rapidly. But the Dutch East Indies, China and Japan run this class of trade very close indeed and to attempt to compete in export might very well prove disastrous.

Taking everything into consideration, I have no hesitation in recommending the prospective planter to concentrate on the hill land—the higher the better within certain limits—to pluck fine and to work for flavour. People who drink tea want good tea—there is no market more sensitive—and experience goes to prove that they do not mind paying for it.

It was not until 1925 that public attention became attracted once more to the forgotten hill country of Malaya, when the foresight of Sir George Maxwell caused the road from Tapeh to be recommenced, and preliminary work to be started on the tract of country known as Cameron’s Highlands. This area, which lies on the Pahang side of the central range, consists of some four thousand acres of beautifully undulating country averaging just under 5000 feet above sea level and which is destined to become the real hill station of the Peninsula. Incidentally, it is highly improbable that Cameron was ever within miles of the place, but that is neither here nor there.

The road, which is some forty miles in length and which should be completed in 1930, opens up further areas of excellent land at lower elevations as it penetrates into the mountains, but this need not concern the prospective planter, as there is nothing of any extent available either at the top or on the way up, Government having decided to allocate it purely as building sites, fruit and vegetable gardens and so forth, which is quite the soundest thing which could be done with it.

Road Into the Heart of Hill Country.

What does concern the planter is the fact that the road opens out great possibilities towards the south and east and it would not be a very difficult of costly matter to run feeder roads up one or two of the valleys, sufficient to give access to thousands of acres of excellent country. At present this is the only road in Malaya that affords really practicable approach to high elevation areas.

As the result of personal investigations extending throughout the length of the Perak-Pahang boundary from Gunong Pondok to Fraser’s Hill, I have no hesitation in stating that in this area alone there are anything from 75,000 to 100,000 acres available, land perfectly suitable in every respect for the cultivation of tea, Arabian coffee, cinchona and other hill products.

It must be understood that this does not imply one great contiguous stretch like the rubber country further down. The most desirable land is that with an eastern aspect, of gentle contour, well watered and sheltered and not too remote from a main road of the future; the prospective planter may safely accept my assurance that areas of any size embodying all these desirabilities certainly take some finding. The general formation of the country is extremely broken and of the 400,000 acres roughly indicated on the map that accompanies this paper, I estimate that fully 75% is, for one reason or another, unsuitable.

The eastern or Pahang slope contains undoubtedly the best land; its contours are more gentle and, taking it all round, its soils are rather better than on the Perak slope, although there are numerous small areas to be found there which are in all respects excellent.

The main difficulty at present lies in the matter of access and it is to be hoped that Government, in planning the development programme of the near future, will not overlook the requirements of this magnificent stretch of country.

The trunk road and railway that serve Perak on the west of the range run more or less parallel to the new road from Ruab to Kuala Medang on the east, the average distance between them being under thirty miles. There is nothing impossible in the idea of joining these up by means of connecting roads—bridle paths in the first instance—through two or three of the mountain passes and thus opening up the whole range to development. Of course everybody cannot expect to motor to his front door and it may be stated here parenthetically that much of the world’s finest tea is borne on pack mules or bullocks for very considerable distances. Six-foot jungle tracks, innocent of metalling, are serving vast areas in other countries while aerial ropeways are in steadily increasing use, cheap and efficient, throughout the mountain areas of the world.

Soil Entirely Suitable.

The following statements have been made at various times regarding the soils of these hills most of the investigations having been carried out in the valley of the Bertam and in the neighbourhood of Gunong Batu Puteh, at altitudes of between 3,500 and 5,000 feet.

(1) “Argillaceous, free, dark on the surface from admixture of decomposed vegetable matter and throughout of very superior quality I have seen cocao grow well in soil inferior to this. Unquestionably soil of great fertility…..Tea would certainly flourish in it.”

(J. M. S. Cock, Superintendent of Government Plantations, 1892).

(2) “The soil conformed in every respect to the requirements of good tea soils and there was no reason to be found why teas of good quality should not be produced.”

(M. Barrowcliff, Agricultural Chemist, “Malayan Agricultural Journal,” Vol.X, 1922)

(3) “In addition to bearing a striking resemblance to the best tea soils of India and Java, they have all the properties of good market garden soils.”

(V. R. Greenstreet, Agricultural Chemist F. M. S. Bulletin, 1922)

(4) “The soils generally are infinitely better than the up-country of Ceylon.”

(F. G. Souter, Visiting Agent, Federal Council Paper No. 14, 1925)

Other opinion, based on extensive practical experience, fully bears out the above. The average soils of the central range of Malaya are certainly among the best mountain soils I have ever seen and the whole country being covered with primeval forest, there has been little or no erosion and the humus of countless ages had therefore been preserved. This refers to the country between 3,000 and 5,000 feet, below which one is getting too low for tea in my opinion, and above which the nature of the land changes and begins to present features undesirable from an agricultural point of view.

Climatic Conditions.

The following figures are extracted from the records of the Government Meteorological Station established at Cameron’s Highlands at an altitude of 5,120 feet. They may be accepted as typical of the extraordinary conditions obtaining in this particular portion of the Malayan mountain system.

AVERAGE RAINFALL OVER FOUR YEARS

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total
Aver	1974	691	1041	1507	813	684	439	487	1102	1466	1490	1113	119.42
%	10.7	4.3	8.7	12.7	6.9	5.8	3.6	4.1	9.2	12.3	12.2	9.5	100%

WIND VELOCITIES

NUMBER OF DAYS

M.P.H.

2	10	12	17	16	8	7	3	9	16	14	15	13	146
5	10	7	9	11	13	13	18	14	-	11	7	12	144
10	5	3	1	2	3	7	8	14	-	2	4	4	41
15	-	2	-	-	2	1	2	4	-	4	2	3	20
21	-	2	1	-	1	-	-	-	-	1	1	-	6
27	-	2	2	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	5
35	-	-	1	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	2
Calm	-	-	1	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1

LONGEST PERIODS WITHOUT RAIN

Days. 3 4 1 2 3 4 9 2 1 - 5 4

The longest period actually without rain during the last four years is thirteen days.

Air Temperature.

Mean Maximum …71.5

“ Minimum …55.7

“ Temperature …63.7

These figures are of peculiar significance and are worthy of careful study, for nowhere else in the tea-producing highlands of the world do such conditions prevail. The entire absence of high winds, of prolonged droughts and of periods of intensive rainfall, together with the soil conditions and the equable temperature, will undoubtedly combine to induce high productivity without those seasonal fluctuations in quantity and quality experienced elsewhere.

The whole range is particularly well watered and ample cheap power is available from this source almost everywhere.

With Cameron’s Highlands hill station at the north and Fraser’s Hill Sanitarium at the south, the health conditions of the intervening sixty miles of similar country may be taken for granted as being very good indeed. It is impossible to overestimate the vital importance of a healthy environment in the development of virgin country such as this, ensuring, as it does from the commencement, contented and efficient labour and executive, which ensures cheap and thorough work and good results.

Malaya Popular With Labourers.

The question of labour is of primary importance, for tea employs approximately five times as many coolies to the acre as does rubber.

In all tea-producing countries in the world except South India, Java and China, the scarcity of labour and the difficulty of satisfying its steadily increasing demands form the chief problems of the planter. Agriculture all over the world is in the same boat; it is the penalty that has to be paid for what we call Progress.

A careful survey of the position as affecting Northern India, Ceylon and Sumatra, discloses the fact that Malaya compares very favourably with those countries in point of recruiting facilities and cost, health and welfare charges, loss on foodstuffs and other overheads, while in the matter of the actual wages the higher rates customary in Malaya should be more than counterbalanced by the higher production consequent on virgin forest land as well as by the easy rates of tenure and the absence of taxation.

Malaya has always been a popular country with labour of all classes which appreciates what may be termed the patriarchal policy customary in its treatment and there has never really been a real scarcity of labour in the history of the country. So far, the planter has depended chiefly on Southern India as the source of his supply and there has been little or no necessity for organised recruiting from other countries. Should such necessity ever arise, the good name that Malaya already possesses should ensure, from the teeming millions of Java and China, a sufficiency of first class labour at moderate rates.

In common with all other plants, cultivated or otherwise, tea is liable to diseases and pests, but nothing has so far developed in its history that has not been more or less easily controlled. Under careful husbandry, disease need not be feared in tea more than in any other form of tropical agriculture.

Estimated Cost of an Estate.

The figures given below have been framed in relation to an actual block of average land which is situated some two miles from a main road and it is expected that the cost of the necessary connecting road will be shared by other concerns located beyond. Cost of factory and plant may also be reduced by co-operation with neighbouring properties, or the green leaf may eventually be disposed of to a central factory, thus eliminating this heavy item entirely—but it must not be forgotten that the other fellow’s factory has got to be paid for also!

ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE AND RETURNS ON 250 ACRES OF TEA LAND IN MALAYA CALCULATED OVER A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS FROM COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS.

Expenditure ______________________________________________________________________ Capital Revenue
Area Gross Annual Return on Year Opened Annual Total Annual Income Profit Capital
1st	25	21,750	21,750	__	__	__	__
2nd	75	34,225	55,975	__	__	__	__
3rd,	75	35,387	91,362	__	__	__	__
4th	75	45,163	136,515	__	__	__	__
5th	__	17,395	153,910	17,275	19,200	1,925	1.08%
6th	__	14,340	168,950	32,865	43,200	10,335	5.83%
7th	__	9,000	177,250	48,059	74,400	26,341	14.86%
8th	__	__	__	53,115	98,400	45,285	25.54%
9th	__	__	__	57,305	112,800	55,495	31.31%
10th	__	__	__	59,570	120,000	60,430	34.09%
	250	177,250	177,250	268,189	468,000	199,811	112.71%

ALLOCATION OF ABOVE FIGURES

General Charges

1. Prospecting for land $ 500

2. Survey fees, premium and quit rent 1,925

3. Supervision 64,810

4. General Transport 18,000

5. Office Expenses 5,700

6. Medical and Sanitation 15,900

7. Tools and Implements 5,700

8. Temporary Buildings and Fittings 1,200

9. Outlet Road, Construction and Upkeep 3,360

10 Upkeep Buildings 4,350

11. Recruiting and Labour Overheads 18,625

12. Contingencies at 5% on above 6,945

_____

$147,015

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Share of General Charges 63,095

13. Seed and Nurseries 14,680

14. Opening-up Clearings 37,500

15. Upkeep Clearings 18,900

16. Permanent Buildings and Furniture 18,665

17. Factory and Machinery 26,500

______

$177,250

REVENUE EXPENDITURE

Share of General Charges 83,920

18. Upkeep of Producing Area 43,900

19. Plucking, Manufacture and Transport 138,369

_______

$266,189

PRODUCTION AND COSTS

Year

5th

6th

7th

8th

9th

10th

Estimated Output

30,000

675,000

116, 250

153,750

176,250

187,500 lbs.

Estimated F.O.B.

57.5

48.7

41.3

33.7

32.5

31.7 cents

The very best seed obtainable and the most thorough class of work have been provided for throughout these estimates—unless this particular job is well done, it is not worth doing at all—and most conservative figures have been adopted as regards production. I may say that I have seen so many promising ventures wrecked through undue optimism in regard to (a) rapid opening, (b) costs and (c) production, that I prefer to err, if error there be, well on the side of absolute safety.

The Straits dollar is equivalent to 2s. 4d., so that these figures show a total capitalisation of just under £84 per acre brought to full production as against the generally accepted “self-supporting” stage, which would be roughly £75. On the basis of the market remaining at its present level of 1s. 6d., a property conducted on these lines would be self-supporting as from the fifth year, would repay its capital cost in full during the ninth year and would give returns at the rate of over 34% annually thereafter.

These figures provide for a purely propriety undertaking; flotation expenses, agency and visiting fees, commission and other overheads have been omitted, but a decent living wage has been allowed for, with good permanent buildings and, as I have said, the very best class of husbandry. They are based on an area of 250 acres, opened up at the rate of 25 acres in the first year and 75 acres annually thereafter. It will be realised that the larger the area and the more rapid its development, the cheaper will be its ultimate cost.

Planting Practice.

Space does not permit of entering into the details of actual planting practice. A certain amount of technical knowledge is, of course, essential especially as regards manufacture, but in the initial stages this can usually be borrowed or bought. Generally speaking, no difficultly should arise that cannot be surmounted by hard work, common sense and attention to detail. To the prospective tea planter I would advise the exercise of caution, firstly, in the selection of his land; secondly, in the choosing of his stock and thirdly—and all the time—in the matter of opening up.

There are little experimental patches of tea scattered throughout the Penisula and all that I have seen personally, whether on the hills or on the plains, have appeared healthy and vigorous, in spite of—in many cases—very bad treatment.

There is no question as to whether tea will or will not do well in the particular region indicated in this paper; the experimental plantation established by Government on Cameron’s Highlands less than four years ago already affords ample proof of the suitability of both soil and climate. At the age of three-and-a-half years from seed, the tea is producing at the rate of 478 lbs. an acre, a type which appears to combine most of the qualities which are requisite in a good marketing tea, while as regards both growth and appearance, it is about the finest I have ever seen at any elevation or in any country.

Government has at last awakened to its responsibilities in regard to the production of commercial asset other than rubber or tin and hill land has already been alienated for the development of tea, coffee and other products at a premium of $3 per acre and an annual quit-rent of $0.50 for six years and $2 thereafter. Under the present administration every facility is being afforded for the rapid development of the country by genuine investors, but, on the other hand, professional land-grabbers are very properly discouraged.

Here in Malaya is unlimited land, fairly accessible, excellent in quality and cheap; an enlightened Government in one of the richest, most progressive and, incidentally, peaceful countries in the world; ample labour; perfect climate; a certain amount of sport; a sound and very remunerative investment and—a sahib’s job.

Perak F. M. S, A. B. MILNE.

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AN EX TEA-PLANTER’S VIEW

Suitability of Cameron’s Highlands.

(Specially written for the “Malayan Tin and Rubber Journal”)

I should like to make some remarks regarding certain objections that have been raised against the cultivation of tea in Malaya in general, and on the Highlands in particular.

It has been said that quality in tea is dependent on the prevalence of long droughts alternating with long spells of wet weather, but I have found nothing to substantiate this statement. It is true that in Ceylon, and elsewhere, teas with exceptionally fine flavour are obtained after the dry weather period, but I attribute this to a different cause, as I shall mention presently.

Malaya’s Climatic Conditions.

Our total rainfall for the year is about 120 inches against about 150 in other tea districts, and we have two distinct dry spells; moreover, our wet spells are nothing like so severe as they are in most other tea producing countries. As a rule the mornings are bright and sunny with rain only in the afternoon.

If there is anything in this theory of alternate droughts and deluges, then we are at no disadvantage so far as the growing of tea in Malaya is concerned. Sunshine is the immediate cause of goodness in tea and we have plenty of this.

Other tea-producing countries have found that the finest flavoured teas are gathered after the January-March drought, and have come to the conclusion that this is caused by the long dry period.

I do not think this is attributable to the drought so much as to the fact that these good qualities are obtained during the Spring season, when all nature is responding to the swing of the sun to the Northern latitudes. If this really be the case, then the argument applies with equal force to Malaya. I would mention, as only one example of this, the annual wintering of our rubber followed by the beautiful display of new foliage, which coincides with the time the good quality teas are obtained.

These extra good flavours are no doubt due to the juices that are produced by the plant in Spring, for the purpose of forming flowers and fruit. The urge towards reproduction is literally “nipped in the bud” by the tea-plucker, but it repeats the effort whenever favourable weather occurs and till the sun starts on its Southward journey. I am convinced that this is the cause of good flavour in tea and that we may expect the same effect in this country.

Question of Soil.

Apart from this, soil has a distinct effect on quality. In support of my statement I will quote from a book called “The Resources of the Empire” compiled and edited by W. A. Maclaren with a foreword by H. R. H. the Prince of Wales, and which contains authoritative information gathered from the most reliable sources:-

“Moreover it happens that a garden adjoining one of the favoured ones, while making good tea, will not be able to obtain stand-out flavour, although the jat of the plant and the system of plucking and manufacture in the two gardens may be identical; in such cases it is evident that something is missing in the soil.”

Now, if it is a question of soil, then indeed Malaya has a distinct advantage. I consider that ours is the best. These Hills possess excellent soil with great depth of humus and carry a heavy growth of timber, which is further proof of its good quality.

The older tea districts have been in cultivation for many years past, and now resort to heavy and expensive manuring—in a great many cases land has been planted up on which coffee or some other form of cultivation has been carried on for considerable periods—our land, on the other hand, is covered with original forest and all that implies.

Choose Highest Elevation.

Yet another factor in quality is elevation. I have always advocated the planting of tea in this country at the highest elevations possible. Tea is a sub-tropical plant and must thrive best where climatic conditions resemble those of its natural habitat. In confirmation of this I must again quote from the book I mentioned previously: -

“In the plains of India generally and in Ceylon, except at higher elevations, the quality of tea depends mainly on the care exercised in plucking and manufacturing the leaf; good drinking teas are produced, but without fine flavour. At the higher altitudes in Ceylon fine flavoured teas are produced.”

It is here definitely indicated that fine flavour is mostly due to elevation.

Mr. Kennaway has shown us that good tea can be grown in the low country of Malaya, and Mr. James French has also made tea on Carey Island and obtained good market valuations for it, but the almost irresistible conclusion to be drawn from these facts, is, that if good tea can be produced in the low country, the qualities produced in the Highlands should be even better.

There is at present a little too much low grade tea produced in the world, and while I would not go so far as to say that the markets are overstocked any increase in the production of this quality should be avoided, for the present at any rate. Medium and fine grades meet with a ready demand which shows no signs of slackening off. In support of this assertion I will quote Mr. Eric Miller’s speech at the recent general meeting of Messrs. Harrisons, Crossfield Ltd., London.

Best Teas in Strong Demand.

“On the other hand, attractive good medium and fine to finest teas are in strong demand at remunerative prices, and those producers who exercise care in plucking and manufacture and market teas of attractive quality, are certain to obtain satisfactory prices for their crops.”

Within the lifetime of the present generation, exports of Ceylon tea have risen from 19,600 lbs. to the enormous figure of 227,000,000 lbs. The increase in the world’s consumption has only been a little less remarkable than that of rubber and was estimated last year at 26 million pounds. Russia, before the War, was taking over 80 million pounds a year and is still out of the market. There is plenty of room for increased consumption and I see no reason why Malaya should not participate in meeting the demand.

Malaya’s own imports of tea amount to about eleven million pounds annually and are retailed at very profitable rates. I have no doubt that all that could be produced in this country would be absorbed locally.

Cost of Tea-Growing in Malaya.

Finally, it has been said that the higher cost of labour in Malaya will operate adversely on cost of production as compared with those of other countries.

I have gone carefully into figures and find there is no indication of this.

Of this total expenditure on an estate only some 30 to 36 per cent. represents cost of labour and this fact robs the argument of most of its force.

What has a real bearing on the subject though, is the larger crop per acre that our lands will most certainly produce and which should average the F. O. B. cost per pound of tea, down to a figure which will easily compete with those of other countries where labour appears to be cheaper. Furthermore, it should not be lost sight of that manuring in certain other tea districts costs no less than a penny a pound (Rutherford) and duty another ½ penny—items entirely to the good so far as Malaya is concerned.

CHAS WILKINS.

Plans for the Plywood Factory: Extract from Archie's speech at the 17th A.G.M. of Malayan Collieries 31 March 1931. During 1928, we purchased the land, buildings and plant of Malayan Veneers and Plywood Co., Ltd (in liquidation) adjoining our Batu Arang property.