Dearie:Russell Family History

The Straits Times, 16 March 1931, Page 4, The Straits Times, 17 March 1931, Page 4, The Straits Times, 18 March 1931, Page 4  MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. Notice of 17th Annual general meeting and closure of share registers… held Hong Kong Bank Buildings.. on Mar 31, 1931 at 12o’clock noon…….J A Russell and Co. March 11 1931

Malayan Collieries, Ltd.
17
(Incorporated in F.M.S.)
DIRECTORS' REPORT
AND
ACCOUNTS
For Year Ended 31st December. 1930.
TO BE PRESENTED AT THE
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AT THE
Registered Office Of The Company,
Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur,
on
Tuesday The 31st March, 1931,
At Noon.
J. A. RUSSELL & CO.,
General Managers & Secretaries.
Charles Grenier & Son, Ltd.
Malayan Collieries, Ltd.
(Incorporated in F.M.S.)
DIRECTORS' REPORT
AND
ACCOUNTS
For Year Ended 31st December. 1930.
TO BE PRESENTED AT THE
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AT THE
Registered Office Of The Company.
Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur.
on Tuesday The 31st March, 1931,
At Noon.
J. A. RUSSELL & CO.,
General Managers & Secretaries.
Malayan Collieries, Limited.
(Incorporated in Federated Malay States.)
Directors.
JOHN ARCHIBALD RUSSELL, Esq. (Chairman.)
HUBERT HARRY ROBBINS, Esq. {Deputy Chairman.)
HUGH NORMAN FERRERS, Esq.
FREDERICK CUNNINGHAM, Esq.
WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN, Esq.
ALBERT JAMES KELMAN, Esq.
General Managers and Secretaries
J. A. RUSSELL & Co., Kuala Lumpur.
Consulting Electrical Engineers.
SPARKS and PARTNERS, London.

REGISTERED OFFICES
HONGKONG & SHANGHAI BANK BUILDINGS, KUALA LUMPUR.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the Seventeenth 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 Tuesday, 31st March, 1931, at Noon, for the following purposes: —
To receive and consider the Balance Sheet and Accounts to 31st December, 1930 and the Reports of the Directors and Auditors.
To Declare a Final Dividend for the year 1930.
To Declare Directors' remuneration for the year 1930.
To Elect Directors in place of those retiring.
To Elect Auditors for the ensuing year.
The Share Registers will be closed from Wednesday, 25th March, 1931, to Wednesday, 1st April, 1931, both days inclusive.
By Order of the Board,
J. A. RUSSELL & Co.,
Secretaries
Dated 14th March, 1931.
Hongkong &. Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S.
Malayan Collieries, Limited.
(Incorporated in Federated Malay States.)
Directors' Report for the Seventeenth Year of the Company ended 31st December, 1930.
The Directors have pleasure in submitting their Seventeenth Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st December, 1930.
In accordance with the usual practice, the working of the Collieries is reviewed in the appended reports of the General Managers.
BATU ARANG. Owing to the depression, the demand for Rawang Coal shewed a considerable falling off during the year. The present recession of trade must, however, eventually pass, and as soon as conditions become stabilised we can hope for the recovery of a large part of the demand at present temporarily lost to us. In the meantime, the Company has adjusted and still is adjusting its affairs to meet the prevailing conditions. The Company is also in a better position than ever before immediately to respond to the increased call for coal which in due course is bound to be made on it.
In view of the depressed conditions prevailing in the country, a rebate was granted to all contract consumers of 2½ % of the pit top price of Rawang Coal delivered during the last quarter of the year. The acknowledgment by customers of this concession was gratifying.
PAMOEKAN BAY. The output from this Colliery was kept below capacity because of the extraordinarily depressed state of all Eastern coal markets. The year closed with normal stocks of coal being carried, while orders in hand were fully up to the regulated output; but, unfortunately, at prices below the cost of production plus an adequate return upon the capital involved. It is difficult to visualise the market conditions of the near future; but it is clear that these cannot improve while coal, like most other primary products, is being produced in quantities in excess of a decreased demand.
In the meantime, the slowing down of production has made it possible for the Colliery Management to advance underground development, and this, we are advised, is in a sounder position than before.
GENERAL. The programme of the electrification, and virtual re-equipment, of the Batu Arang Colliery was well advanced, and the first and major part of this programme was practically completed by the end of the year; the essential expenditure for the current year being limited to a comparatively small amount.
A Prospecting Licence was obtained from the Johore Government over an area of land on which there were surface indications of coal measures. After considerable prospecting and core drilling, the geological indications obtained were such as to render unlikely the possibility of there being any commercial occurrence of coal, and drilling was discontinued.
The title under which Messrs. J. A. Russell & Co., have heretofore acted was altered to "General Managers" this being considered by the Board more appropriate to the nature of the managerial duties performed by them.
FINANCE. Advantage was taken of the cheap money available in London during the course of the year to finance the purchase of machinery, plant and stores in England, and for this purpose a lien was granted to the Company's Bankers over the sterling Investment.
INVESTMENTS. Owing to the falling off in profits and the consequent difficulty of financing the whole of the capital expenditure from the year's income, it was decided to sell part of your investments, and, accordingly, 4% Funding Loan 1960/90 to the value of £27,650 was disposed of at a figure shewing a substantial profit upon its purchase price. It is hoped by the end of the current year to commence the replacement of this investment.
PROFITS. The profits for the year  under review, subject to the Directors'  and Auditors' fees amount to . . . . $1,064,922 30
To which is to be added the unappropriated
balance from the previous account of . . $347,926 59
Less Staff Bonus, 1929 . . . . . . 11,587 16 336,339 43
$1,401,261 7J
Three Interim Dividends, two of 7 ½ % and one of 5%, each on 257,505 shares were declared during the year absorbing . . 515,010 00
$ 886,251 73
You will be asked to sanction fees to Directors in respect of 1930 at the reduced rate of . . . . . . 20,000 00
and Auditors fees at the reduced rate of . . 2,500 00 22,500 00
Leaving available . . . . . . 863,751 73
Which your Directors recommend should be dealt with as follows: —
Final Dividend of 10% making 30% for
the year . . . . . . . . 257,505 00
Write off Leasehold Property .. . . 300,000 00 557,505 00
Balance to carry forward to next year's account . . $306,246 73
DIRECTORS. Mr. W. H. Martin and Mr. F. Cunningham, 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 & Co., retire, but being eligible offer themselves for re-election.
By Order of the Board,
J. A. RUSSELL & Co.,
Kuala Lumpur,
3rd March. 103 L
Secretaries.
Malayan Collieries, Limited.
The Directors,
MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD.,
Kuala Lumpur.
Gentlemen,
BATU ARANG COLLIERY.
We have pleasure in submitting herewith our report upon the working of the Batu Arang Colliery during the year ended 31st December, 1930.
The output of the Colliery shewed a considerable falling off, owing primarily to the shutting down of dredging plants, and at the close of the year sales were lower by something of the order of 40%.
Maintenance of plant and buildings throughout the property and at Kundang was of a satisfactory nature.
Progress with capital works was good, and practically all work included in the first stage of re-equipment of the Colliery was completed; the new water supply being the main, and, in so far as definite commitment to further expenditure is concerned, practically the only unfinished work to be carried into the new year.
UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT. This has been adequate in both the North and the East Mines, in which two pits the tonnage of coal developed is entirely satisfactory.
THE NORTH MINE. Here the main dip was extended, and at the face there is a seam thickness of approximately 50 feet of coal of satisfactory quality.
Considerable improvements were made in the ventilating system, resulting in rather better working conditions in the more remote working places. All new plant installed has been for Alternating Current drive, a substation having been equipped in a central position underground.
THE EAST MINE. This Mine had worked up to very near full production when the falling off in demand for coal set in. since when it has been working at something under half its full capacity.
HYDRAULIC STOWAGE. This operated without a hitch, the sand from the Kundang pits being augmented by sandy overburden won in the process of coal stripping by electric shovel in No. 7 Open cast, and by shale, also won in the process of coal stripping, crushed to a suitable size. The total yardage stowed during the year was 237,931 cubic yards, all underground coal, not won in the course of development work, being replaced by sand or shale hydraulically stowed.
OPEN CASTS. The percentage of production from this source was much less than formerly. Reserves of coal actually stripped are satisfactory and ample for all requirements; indeed, in these times of reduced and uncertain demand, they represent a very valuable asset
BUILDINGS AND PLANT. Further progress was made with the replacement of temporary buildings by those of a permanent character; but the most marked progress made was in the installation of new plant.
Though the erection of the new power house plant was completed, the two new 2,000 K.W. Steam Turbo Electric Sets were not actually taken over; these still being in the hands of the Contractors' Erector for final adjustment. The extension of the use of A.C. power continued, and the use of independent steam units was confined to two or three installations of a more or less temporary nature.
WATER SUPPLY. This is designed to give a maximum continuous supply for all purposes of 750,000 gallons daily. The catchment area is 456 acres, of which 25 ½ acres will be inundated, the storage capacity being some 85,000,000 gallons. Construction work commenced early in the year, and, at the close, the main dam was well advanced, while the high and low service reservoirs, with capacities of 64,000 and 675,000 gallons respectively, were practically completed. It is expected that the whole scheme will be functioning by the middle of 1931.
BRICKWORKS. Erection was completed and at the end of the year the plant was ready for production on a commercial basis.
LABOUR. While we have succeeded in retaining the services of practically all the old hands, it is matter for regret that conditions are such as to make it impossible for us to keep them fully occupied. The force at the close of the year was 2,712, the total resident population being about 4,000.
GENERAL HEALTH. This during the whole year was exceedingly good.
We are, Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully, J. A. RUSSELL & CO.,
General Managers. Kuala Lumpur,
3rd March, 1931.
Malayan Collieries, Limited.
The Directors,
MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD.,
Kuala Lumpur.
Gentlemen,
PAMOEKAN BAY COLLIERY.
We have pleasure in submitting herewith our report upon the working of the Pamoekan Bay Colliery during the year ended 31st December, 1930.
The production was less than during the previous year, though larger quantities could have been produced had the markets throughout the East not been in an over-supplied condition, resulting in unattractive business.
MINE DEVELOPMENT. This, owing to the fact that production was considerably below capacity, was materially advanced. Boring further proved the reserves of coal to the dip, and there has been no recurrence of the heavy faulting of the seams which has, at times in the past, so interfered with development.
COAL CUTTING MACHINES. No further additions have been made. The coal is reported to be increasing in hardness with depth, and we are advised that the type of machine at present in use may later on be required to be replaced by machines of another type. Arrangements were made for the manufacturers to supply us with a cutting element of this other type of machine to fit on one of our existing machines; but we are advised by the Mine Manager that the result of the trial was not satisfactory.
GENERAL CONDITIONS UNDERGROUND. These call for no comment apart from the reported hardening of the coal with depth. Owing to the rise workings having been practically exhausted of coal, all coal winning will soon be conducted under gaseous conditions, so additions to underground plant have been designed accordingly.
SURFACE. The only improvement in technical detail during the year has been the erection of a washery to clean the production of Small coal, and this has proved itself capable of a satisfactory performance.
Three new coolie lines were completed during the year, and the piped water supply was extended.
The total labour employed on the property was 678, made up of 385 natives of the N.E.I, and 293 Chinese. The total resident population was approximately 2,000, practically the whole of which was, throughout the year, dependent upon the operation of the Colliery for a living.
GENERAL HEALTH. Apart from a somewhat disquieting state of health of the labour force during December, the Resident Medical Officer, Dr. E. Koch, has reported satisfactory conditions.
LAUNCHES. The M.L. " Kalai " continued in commission as an emergency launch to maintain communication with the nearest open port.
SHIPPING. The Mine output was lifted by 36 ships as against 35 ships during the previous year.
GENERAL. The Mine was visited by a number of Government officials including Mr. Ebenhorst van Stengbergen, Asst. Resident, Kota Baroe; Mr. Van de Pijl, Controleur, Kota Baroe, Captain Drost, District Officer-Controleur; Mr. Volten, Chief Engineer Mines Dept., Mr. Kepper, Chief Inspector for the Outside Territories, Mr. Touissant, Mines Inspector; Mr. Post Uiterweer, Labour Inspector, Mr. Germain, Electric Inspector; Mr. Brunsma, Mines Inspector, Mr. Boudoin, Boiler Inspector, and Mr. Tollig, Inspector of Weights and Measures.
We are, Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
J. A. RUSSELL & CO.,
General Managers. Kuala Lumpur, 3rd March,

(For accounts see MC page for 1931)

Above from: MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED REPORTS & BALANCE SHEETS AND PROCEEDINGS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS 1926- 1935 & edited version in The Malay Mail, Thursday March 19, 1931, page 3. COMPANY REPORT. MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED. REBATE TO CONTRACT CONSUMERS: 30 PER CENT IN DIVIDENDS & The Straits Times, 19 March 1931, Page 9 MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LIMITED. Final Dividend Makes 30 Per Cent, for the Year.

Letter from Deputy Registrar of Societies Selangor to the Secretary to Resident Selangor. 30th March 1931 Chinese Protectorate, Kuala Lumpur, 30th March, 1931. No. 4 in P. of C. 154/31. Sir, I have the honour to report the receipt of an application for “The Selangor Miners’ Association, Kuala Lumpur” to be recorded under “The Societies Enactment, 1927” and to recommend, with the concurrence of the Registrar of Societies, F. M. S., that this application should be granted. 2. The Association has been in existence for over 30 years and it is a mystery how it has never been accorded a legal status under any of the Enactments that have been in force. It was my impression, and I believe also the impression of other officers of the Department, that the Association had been exempted from registration at the time of its formation. But I can find no trace of this in the records of this office. I therefore asked the Secretary of the Association whether he had any such record, and, as he has none, this application has now been made. 3. The Association exists to promote the interests of miners and its membership is open to miners of all nationalities. Its present number of members is 54. 4. The Association asks for exemption of the fee for record under the Enactment in view of the length of its existence. But the Association is a very flourishing body and its great age would seem to be no argument why Government should forge the revenue which it is legally due. I submit therefore that the usual fee for record should be charged. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Deputy Registrar of Societies, Selangor. From National Archives of Malaysia. Divisional Office of Selangor (786/1931). Transcribed by P.C

MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LIMITED PROCEEDINGS AT THE SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD

31st March, 1931

Registered Office:

HONGKONG & SHANGHAI BANK BUILDINGS

KUALA LUMPUR F.M.S.

Malayan Collieries Ltd.

(Incorporated in F.M.S.)

PROCEEDINGS

AT THE

SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL

MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

HELD AT THE

Registered Office Of The Company,

Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur.

Tuesday The 31st March 1931,

At Noon.

Malayan Collieries, Ltd.

(Incorporated in F.M.S.)

PROCEEDINGS

AT THE

SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

HELD AT THE

Registered Office Of The Company,

Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur,

Tuesday The 31st March, 1931,

At Noon.

Malayan Collieries Limited.

(Incorporated in Federated Malay States.)

The Shareholders,

MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD.

Dear Sir, or Madam,

We have pleasure in reporting to you the proceedings at the Seventeenth Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of the Company which was held at the Registered Office, on Tuesday 31st March, 1931.

Yours faithfully, J. A. RUSSELL & CO.,

Secretaries.

Dated 1st April, 1931.

Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings,

Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S.

Malayan Collieries Limited.

(Incorporated in Federated Malay States).

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Annual General

Meeting.

The Seventeenth Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of Malayan Collieries Ltd., was held at the Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, at noon on the 31st March 1931.

The Chairman, Mr. J. A. Russell presided and the others present were:—Messrs. H. H. Robbins, W. H. Martin, A. J. Kelman and F. Cunningham (Directors) and J. D. Morrison, C. Crompton and C. K. Paul (Shareholders).

The Chairman, before moving the adoption of the Balance Sheet and Accounts to 31st December 1930 and the Reports of the Directors and Auditors, said: —

Gentlemen,

The report and accounts having been in your hands for the required period, may I assume that it is your wish that they be taken as read? It is unfortunately not, as in previous years, my pleasure to be able to report to you a continuance of record outputs and profits; but, having regard to all the circumstances known to you, to which exceptional conditions I shall later refer, I trust you will consider the results of the year's operations as not entirely unsatisfactory.

Production at Batu Arang was 14.26% down on the previous year, while that at Pamoekan Bay was down by some 26.40%. Owing to the restriction of the output of tin, both natural and artificial, and to the general depression prevailing throughout the country, resulting in the very serious falling off of demand for the product of our Batu Arang Colliery, we are not, for the time being, able to bring into effect the still further reductions in our selling prices which we had contemplated and still hope to achieve, and which we certainly would be able to do with an increase in our turnover. In earnest of our desire to meet consumers in their endeavour to reduce operating costs, we allowed a rebate of 2½ % off the cost of coal delivered during the last quarter of the year, and it is a matter of keen regret on our part that we are not yet in a position to make this recurrent.

Sales ex Pamoekan Bay were arranged so as to absorb not only the compulsorily reduced output of that mine, but also the stocks carried into the year; we regret, however, that prices throughout the Eastern Markets have been such as to shew an inadequate return upon production costs.

With reference to the actual operation of the Pamoekan Bay Colliery, apart from the dislocation of labour in the earlier part of the year as a result of the enforcement of Dutch East Indies Labour Rules which proved to be quite inapplicable to Chinese labour, the Colliery operated reasonably smoothly; but, of course, at a reduced output regulated by economic factors.

Especially in times of stress like the present, we cannot permit the Pamoekan Bay Colliery to become an unpredictable liability upon the company, and your Board are accordingly taking steps to prevent such a possibility occurring, even if it means closing down this particular Colliery until such time as the market for this class of coal revives.

The accounts before you are set out in the usual manner. "Freehold Property" shows a small amount of further expenditure, this being on account of Land at Frasers Hill. It will be noticed that the expenditure under the capital heads "Buildings" and "Plant" was heavy, and we are pleased to be able to report that during the present year this should be comparatively light, the bulk of the essential expenditure having been incurred.

Buildings and general plant, mainly in completion of the Batu Arang Re-equipment Scheme, were added to at a cost of as much as $1,034,301/-, making $2,977,375.00, the whole being depreciated by $146,688/- which, though rather less than the figure for the previous year, is ample. All buildings upon which expenditure was charged to Capital were of a permanent character. The plant installed was of a general nature, the largest individual item again being the new power installation, expenditure upon which was virtually completed. Other expenditure was upon general underground and surface equipment, including haulages, pumps and a washery for Pamoekan Bay. The water supply scheme for Batu Arang was well advanced, and approximately half paid for, while the earthwork for a new railway deviation was practically finished. The brickworks were also completed and paid for. Later on, as the load upon the Power Station grows, additional boiler plant will be required; but that at present installed will be ample for the normal development of the Colliery for some time to come.

The item "Mine Stores, Spares and Stocks of Coal" is made up as to $411,386.92 of mine stores and spares, $102,015.93 in plant taken into stock and awaiting installation, and $96,057.32 representing coal on dumps and afloat. These figures may be accepted as normal, stores, spares and stocks of coal each being rather lower than those for the previous year.

"Sundry Debtors," "Bills Receivable" and "Debit Balances" were all considerably down during the year, this being due to the lesser turnover "Sundry Creditors," "Bills Payable” and "Credit Balances” were also down by some $116,000.00 due to the smaller volume of business.

"Investments" are smaller by $222,104.89, this sum having been realised to complete the financing of the re-equipment of the Colliery. Despite incurring so large an expenditure falling for payment in one financial year, your Board was anxious to complete the Batu Arang Re-equipment Scheme as soon as possible so as to benefit by the reduced operation costs which would result therefrom. Hitherto it had been the practice of your Board to meet the cost of all capital works out of current revenue; but it could not have done so in regard to the Batu Arang Re-Equipment Scheme without reducing the dividend for the year to below a rate of 30%, an action which, especially during a time of distress like the present, your Board considered would be hard on shareholders. To have raised the money by the issue of further shares would also have pressed severely on many shareholders. In order, therefore, to spread this large capital expenditure over two financial years and thus not seriously to interfere with the rate of dividend, the only two courses open to your Board were to raise a loan or to realise part of the Company's securities. Your Board decided that the latter was both the cheapest and the soundest method to adopt. The sale of the Funding Loan was effected towards the end of last year, when gilt-edged securities were commanding almost record prices. Your Board, in effect, has temporarily transferred part of the Company's investments from its holding in British Funding Loan to a more highly-paying investment in the Company itself. During the current year (heavy capital expenditure being for the present more or less at an end) your Board hopes to be able to commence to replace from revenue these sold sterling investments without reducing the rate of your dividend.

"Cash in Hand and at Banks" was at the close of the twelve month a comparatively small sum; but in the circumstances this could not be avoided, and, with the amounts due and payable under "Sundry Debtors," was quite ample for requirements. You will observe that the Company has given a lien to its London bankers over the balance of its sterling securities. This was done in order, if deemed advisable, at any time to be able to obtain better facilities for the cheaper financing of the Company's constant Home purchases.

There is nothing to explain in the "Trading and Profit and Loss Account;" though it will be noted that the value of the year's turnover is down by more than one and a quarter millions as compared with the previous year.

The foregoing is a summary of the position. When addressing you last year it was not thought that the decline in trade during the year would be quite so pronounced as it has been. With restriction of tin-mine outputs from August onwards, and consequent reduction in tin-mine coal consumption, it was very difficult immediately to adjust labour to the altered conditions, and for some months all labour superfluous to the requirements of the production of the reduced tonnage sold was employed upon development. In view of this, development was materially advanced, and both underground and on the surface, the latter in the form of stripped reserves, this position is eminently satisfactory. Actually proven and blocked out we have at the present moment sufficient coal to last us for 20 years at the maximum rate of output yet achieved. This, of course, bears no relation to the total coal contained in the property.

In view of the unusually large percentage of earnings which has gone into new equipment on capital account, and upon development on revenue account, it has been decided to recommend for payment a final dividend of 10%, making 30% for the year instead of the 35% to which you have become accustomed. This payment represents a distribution of 72% of the profits for the year, the balance being re-invested in your business, against an average percentage of profits distributed during the last five years of 71%.

During the twelve months under review, your Company has spent several thousand dollars in prospecting by power core drill carbonaceous shale measures in Johore. The examination of these measures proved that no workable deposit of coal existed.

At last year's Annual General Meeting, I mentioned that in order to make the fullest use of all the Company's potential assets we were investigating the possibilities of the planting of agricultural products on the land comprised in our leases at Batu Arang. This investigation is proceeding, though there has not yet been time for the experimental work in hand to shew definite results; no step, however, involving any large expenditure will be taken without the completion of preliminary trials, nor without first circularising shareholders. As you know, agricultural experiments take rather a long time to carry out, so it may be some little time yet before your Board will be able to arrive at any definite conclusions in the matter.

The investigations into the Cement manufacturing industry were completed, and we now have all the facts and figures necessary to enable us to formulate a definite proposition for the consideration of shareholders, if, or when, conditions improve. Notwithstanding the present depression and consequent shortage of money for new public and private works, we feel that potential business will eventually justify the establishment of modern works as a department of your undertaking, provided such works are assured of full support, and of some small measure of protection against any grossly unfair competition from goods dumped upon the local market by non-British producers. Such manufacturers enjoy a highly protected domestic market, which protection in their own country enables them to dump their factory surpluses upon our unprotected local market at considerably below actual cost. Given some measure of protection against such dumped goods, which dumping must otherwise inevitably strangle all industrial enterprise in the free markets of the East, we feel that we could make cement manufacture within the F.M.S. an attractive proposition to the ultimate benefit of the country, particularly in that it would help to remedy Malaya's dangerous adverse balance of trade, to which serious matter I intend referring presently.

The brickmaking department at Batu Arang is in operation, and sales of the first and primary product, common building bricks, are being made. Once the brick production is perfected, it is proposed, without any further appreciable capital expenditure, to extend operations to the making of tiles and glazed pipes, and I hope, when next addressing you, to be able to report the commercial production of these as an accomplished fact.

During 1928, we purchased the land, buildings and plant of Malayan Veneers and Plywood Co., Ltd., (in liquidation) adjoining our Batu Arang property. The purchase was made on the basis of a conservative valuation of the land and buildings for use as Colliery coolie lines; although it was also our intention to investigate the possibilities of the plywood plant for utilizing the waste timber obtained by the Company in the course of its production of pit props and other wood used on the Colliery. During the year, several of such waste logs were sent to the Continent, and considerable research work was carried out upon alternative glues and cements. Owing to the nature of the reports obtained, towards the end of the twelve months it was decided to start up the Works upon an experimental basis. The results of this experimental work are encouraging, and subject to the condition in which some trial plywood cases arrive in England, we may decide during the current year to bring the factory to an initial small-scale commercial production. This can be done with a minimum of additional cost, and this department, favoured as it would be with an exceedingly low capital outlay and the utilisation of a waste product, should be the means of contributing a little to the general prosperity of the Company.

With regard to the general policy of the Board in its investigation of the possibilities of subsidiary industrial undertakings, I ought to make clear the Board's intention of not entering into any undertaking involving much more than the re-investment of part of the Company's profits without first soliciting the views of shareholders. Finally, in regard to any of these subsidiary enterprises, it is the policy of your Board only to consider such projects as would, if they materialise, be a considerable consumer of the Company's coal, say Cement Works; or make a profitable use of some existing dormant asset of the Company, say, its 8,000 odd acres of surface soil; or of some by-product of its present operations; such, for instance, as its surplus wood or its waste spoil from mining.

In the conditions prevailing it is extremely difficult to take a reliable view of the future, and I am accordingly not going to attempt to make predictions. While the present general falling off in consumption, in terms of quantities of primary and basic products, is no doubt a phase which will in time pass, it is evident that the values of the last decade have been inflated, and that these the world over must be subjected to considerable re-adjustment before anything like the new basis essential to a revival of demand can be expected. This must, of course, take some considerable time yet.

The position here in Malaya does not seem to be very different to that in most other parts of the world, except that, as this is an exporting country of primary products, upon which remarkably little is spent upon manufacturing or up-grading, we are rather more affected than might otherwise be the case. For Malaya, a country mainly financed from abroad, that is to say economically a debtor country which has to pay its debts in produce, to be reduced to a state where imports actually exceed exports by several millions monthly, is an ominous sign and one which should not be ignored by those in a position to help, and whose duty it is to help, to bring about an improvement. Such aid might obviously be given by, amongst other measures, assisting in the production of more foodstuffs for internal consumption and encouraging and helping soundly conceived industrial undertakings, enterprises the local establishment of which would conduce to a larger permanently resident labour force and lead to a very necessary reduction of excessive imports, or to a new variety of exports.

I am not suggesting direct Governmental financial aid, which in nearly every case proves disastrous to the public purse. Broadly speaking, an enterprise needing monetary help from the Government, for its very inception can hardly be described as a soundly conceived one. What I mean is assistance somewhat of the nature, for instance, as that originally afforded to this Company by the Government when it built the railroad connecting the Batu Arang Colliery to The main line. The Government would not agree to construct that line until, not only had the coal measures been extensively proved, but a Company had been formed with a minimum of half-a-million dollars working capital. That line must now be one of the most paying in the whole of the F.M.S. Railway system. It was the only material help ever sought of or given to your Company by the Government, which has heavily subsidised other undertakings.

There are many ways of encouraging and fostering the establishment of local enterprises without the necessity of Government supplying Capital or taking shares in them, a principle which as a general rule is wrong. Any wise measures taken for increasing the prosperity of the F.M.S., for making it financially sounder and economically more independent, for benefitting its revenue (particularly for augmenting the income of the F.M.S Railways or Electrical Board) will help, in many cases materially help, directly or indirectly, the welfare of Malayan Collieries. I regretfully have in mind a project, not directly connected with your Company, which has recently received unsympathetic consideration from the Government, a project which I believe would have not only kept money in the country, reduced local costs to Government and to the community, and had export possibilities; but would also have been of great assistance to the F.M.S. Railway freights and, thus, of direct benefit to Malayan Collieries. This is my excuse for these remarks, remarks which might otherwise be thought somewhat irrelevant.

Although, as I have above tried to explain, Malayan Collieries is dependent upon the general prosperity of Malaya, your Board does not lose sight of the corresponding fact that the country and its industry are, to some small measure, in their turn affected by the efficiency and policy of this Company, and it has therefore ever before it a full sense "of its responsibility. The bulk of the Company's profits are earned within Malaya, and I am pleased to say that the bulk of its earnings are spent or re-invested within the country. We are doing our utmost to assist consumers by improving the quality of our product, and by the services of our Service Department which is in charge of an experienced combustion engineer, whose free advice and assistance are always at the disposal of clients. The manner in which this Service Department is being availed of is gratifying evidence of its helpfulness. When we have had time to complete the adjustment of our operations to the reduced demand, we also hope to be able to consider the resumption of a rebate to consumers.

While I will not predict the outcome of the current year's operations, I do not wish to finish this morning on a note of pessimism. We are experiencing trying times; but they must be transitory, and while the present undoubtedly calls for careful thought in management, constant re-adjustment of policy, and the utmost economy compatible with efficiency in operation, I and my colleagues feel confidence in the ultimate future. As regards the financial result of the current year, which is no doubt a matter of more than usual importance to you, I can only say that, with our comparative freedom from commitments on capital account, the Board will be able to consider, if necessary, the payment in dividends of a larger percentage of earnings than has been considered prudent in the past, in order that you may suffer no reduction of the present rate of distribution, which rate is only in keeping with the amount of capital which you have so patiently allowed us to re-invest in your business since it reached a dividend paying stage.

We are not asking you this year to sanction a bonus to the staff at the Collieries, and it is a matter of keen regret that the necessity for the practice of the most rigid economy in all directions has rendered this course advisable. We hope that it may later on be possible to reward, at least some, members of the staff for the really hard and worrying work performed during the year. In the meantime, staff salaries have not been in any way reduced. You will notice that your auditors, however, have accepted a reduced fee, and moreover that your Directors have recommended the payment to themselves of a fee of $5,000/- less than that which they received for last year. This is not because of any reduction of work incidental to smaller profits. On the contrary, as will be generally realised, adverse trading conditions call for much more time and work on the part of those responsible than is the case during prosperous times.

I regret that owing to illness Mr. Ferrers is unable to be present at to-day's meeting, he still unfortunately being detained in a nursing home in Hongkong; but I hope that he will soon be well enough to return to the F.M.S.

I shall be glad to answer if I can any questions bearing upon the Report and Accounts which shareholders present may care to ask.

There being no questions asked, the Report and Balance Sheet were unanimously adopted on the motion of the Chairman seconded by Mr. W. H. Martin.

The Final Dividend of 10% was unanimously approved on the motion of the Chairman seconded by Mr. A. J. Kelman.

The Directors remuneration of $.20,000/- for the past year was carried on the proposal of the Chairman seconded by Mr. F. Cunningham.

Messrs. W. H. Martin and F. Cunningham, being the Directors longest in office, retired under the provision of the Articles of Association, but being eligible, offered themselves for re-election. Mr. W. H. Martin was re-elected a Director on the proposal of the Chairman seconded by Mr. H. H. Robbins. Mr. F. Cunningham was re-elected a Director on the proposal of the Chairman seconded by Mr. A. J. Kelman.

Mr. C. Crompton proposed and Mr. J. D. Morrison seconded that Messrs. Evatt & Co., be re-elected Auditors for the ensuing year.

Mr. J. D. Morrison proposed a vote of thanks to the Company's General Managers, and also to the Staffs of the Collieries, which was carried unanimously.

The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

Above from: MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED REPORTS & BALANCE SHEETS AND PROCEEDINGS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS 1926- 1935. The Straits Times, 2 April 1931, Page 11  TODAY'S FEATURES. Malayan Collieries Meeting Page 9. The Straits Times, 2 April 1931, Page 9 Malayan Collieries Pay 30 Per Cent.. PRESENT TRYING TIMES ONLY TEMPORARY, and The Malay Mail, Thursday April 2, 1931, page 3. COMPANY MEETING. MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED. DIVIDEND OF THIRTY PER CENT FOR THE PAST YEAR.

The Straits Times, 21 April 1931, Page 17  MORE WILD LIFE EVIDENCE. The Value of Birds. CAMERON'S HIGHLANDS SITTING. Giving evidence before the Wild Life Commission at Cameron's Highlands on Apr. 13, Mr. A. B. Milne, a well-known planter, stated that there had been a distinct decrease in most forms of wild life. To guard against damage by wild life he had felled a one chain belt of jungle, allowed it to lie without being burnt, interplanting with thorny mimosa and placing a few strands of loose barbed wire. This had been successful against elephant, sambhur and monkey which with porcupine were responsible for most of the damage done by wild life. • He thought that special sanctuaries were necessary if wild life was to be preserved and was in favour of proper protection being given outside sanctuaries. • When he first opened up a tea estate in the vicinity of the Cameron’s Highlands, bird life was almost extinct but as he opened up birds began to come in. Sakai endeavoured to catch these birds but desisted when Mr. Milne explained to them the value of the insectivorous bird to the grower of tea and coffee. The bird population on his estate had become comparatively dense. He thought that Penang Island and Cameron’s Highlands should become bird sanctuaries. • He was opposed to hunting with artificial lights by night (as it led to infinite cruelty and pain) and that that the removal of sambhur deer from the schedule of protected animals was quite unjustified. • Fish, Mr. Milne considered, needed conservation, they were disappearing before a combination of anti-malarial oiling and Sakai trapping. • He was in favour of all protective measures being co-ordinated under one chief who should be keen and capable and able to count on fixity of tenure. A mass of ill-assorted, ill-advised and unintelligently applied regulations would be positively harmful as popular support would be alienated.

The Straits Times, 22 April 1931, Page 11 NO PROSPECTS OF OIL IN MALAYA. "Not One Natural Seepage Found." Interesting comment on the prospects of discovering oil-fields in Malaya is made by Mr. J. B. Scrivenor, Director of Geological Survey, F.M.S., in his report for the year 1930 as follows: - During the year two reports of the occurrence of oil came to the notice of the Director. In the first case a prominent company connected with the oil trade sent one of their geologists to investigate reports of oil in the Dindings, received from Asiatics. The latter went so far as to produce a sketch map on which was marked the natural seepage of oil. The geologist went to this spot and found no oil at all, which is not surprising seeing that Dindings consist entirely of granite and recent alluvium except for a few boulders of quartzite. The company in question would have saved considerable expense had they consulted this department. “A Mistake” The other alleged occurrence was investigated by the director. An Asiatic reported that he had found oil in the Bukit Cheraka Forest reserve Extension, about half a mile from the Bukit Ijok Rubber Estate. This case was an improvement on the Dindings because oil, kerosene was certainly present. It was floating on tiny pools in a gully where a tributary of the Sungei Buloh has its source, and as the country rock is quartzite heavily veined with quartz, someone must have put oil there. He made a mistake in selected kerosene. After the possibility of anti- malarial “oiling” had been investigated and dismissed, the matter was reported to the police department, but no evidence definite enough for conviction could be obtained. The writer was criticised some years ago for having condemned Malaya as a possible oil bearing country without sufficient investigation. The general geological survey of Malaya has now been completed and no reason has been found to revise the opinion expressed earlier about possible oil fields. Only in rocks younger than granite can oil be expected and no large areas of such potential oil bearing rocks exist. Four Patches Only. There are four patches only. Beginning in the north there is a small outcrop on the Perils-Siam boundary. A slightly larger patch with a coal seam that has been worked occurs near the Enngor in Perak. In Selangor there are the Malayan Collieries coal measures. In Johore rocks believed to be of the same age are found at Nijor and Kluang. In the first three localities shales have been proved to carry oil, but not in sufficient quantity to repay distillation. Oil has been proved in shale picked up near Kluang, but it may have been Selangor shale thrown from an engine on the railway. Not one natural seepage of oil has been proved to exist. Reports of oil have arisen from mistakes that might have been avoided and from clumsy attempts at “salting”.

The Straits Times, 7 May 1931, Page 15. Royal Exchange Assurance. A. D. 1720. (INCORPORATED IN ENGLAND BY ROYAL CHARTER) Fire-Motor Car -Marine-Life Fidelity Guarantee Administration Bonds. GENERAL AGENTS. Kuala Lumpur— PATERSON, SIMONS Co., Ltd. J. A. RUSSELL Co. Ipoh and Sangei Patani G. W. WILSON Co. Ltd. MARINE AGENTS. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang HARRISONS, BARKER Co., etc….Registered Office Chartered Bank Chambers, Singapore.

The Straits Times, 19 May 1931, Page 12 ,The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 19 May 1931, Page 10 . EUROPEAN UNEMPLOYED The European Unemployment Committee acknowledges the following donations:- Previously acknowledged $23,494.78; Anonymous, Kuala Lumpur (monthly) 5; Malayan Collieries, Ltd., $475; total $23,974.78.

The Straits Times, 19 June 1931, Page 4 The Straits Times, 20 June 1931, Page 4 The Straits Times, 22 June 1931, Page 4 MALAYAN COLLERIES, LTD Notice of Declaration of Dividend No 42 and Closure of Share Registers …. 5% ..year ending December 31, 1931…… J. A. Russell and Co., June 18, 1931.(715 words)

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 24 June 1931, Page 1 THE DAY'S NEWS Mr. Justice Pritchard granted Siput Tin Co., Ltd., against whom Malayan Collieries brought a petition for winding up, three months in which to ascertain the wishes of London creditors in the Perak Court. Page 11

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 24 June 1931, Page 11 and The Straits Times, 25 June 1931, Page 12  THE AFFAIRS OF SIPUT TIN. WINDING UP PETITION Affairs of Siput Tin Company [From Our Own Correspondent) Ipoh, June 23. Mr. Justice Prichard was engaged a whole day in hearing the petition for winding up of Siput Tin Company, Ltd. The petitioners were the Malayan Collieries, who, through their counsel. Mr. P. Ford stated that the petition was originally filed In Kuala Lumpur, but they were ordered on April 27 to submit it to the Perak Court. The company was floated with a nominal capital of £120.000 in 1,200,000 two shilling shares of which £100,000 was paid up. The company was now insolvent and they asked the Court to wind up the company as it was essential that an official receiver should be appointed on behalf of all secured and unsecured bodies of creditors. Malayan Collieries claimed $21,468 and United Engineers $852, both unsecured, while £34,500 which was due to Guthrie and Company, agents and debenture holders, was secured. Mr. John Woods on behalf of Siput Tin pointed out that the assets were worth about £90,000 whilst apart from the debenture holders the majority of the creditors were in London, amounting to £3,600. He asked that the matter be adjourned in order to ascertain the wishes of the London creditors, as now there were indications of better times the company might reconstruct. After evidence by Mr. David Logan, Guthrie’s accountant, His Lordship gave the company three months time in which to ascertain the wishes of London creditors.

The Straits Times, 25 June 1931, Page 8 PASSENGERS. The following passengers are sailing by the Ranpura, which will leave Singapore for Europe at 9.30am tomorrow:- Miss. K. S. Archer……… Mr. J. A. Russell….482 words) The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser , 20 August 1931, Page 17 PASSENGER LEAVING Per P and O Rajputana sailing at 9.30 a.m on Friday …..Mr. J. A. Russell (456 words) The Straits Times, 20 August 1931, Page 8 PASSENGERS. The following passengers are leaving Singapore by the Rajputana tomorrow for Penang, Colombo, Bombay and Europe. Mr. J. A. Russell.

The Straits Times, 8 July 1931, Page 15 WEALTH IN MALAYA'S COUNTRY-SIDE. Millions For Tobacco And Tea (By Our Kuala Lumpur Correspondent.) (Extract) (Summary: Tea, costs of imports, F.M.S. tea estates, native teas for local kedehs. “ The possibilities of better-class teas on the Malayan Highlands are also being closely studied by the Department of Agriculture. Fifty acres have been planted experimentally at Cameron Highlands, a factory is soon to be built there, and an officer of the department is making a special study of the tea industries of India and Ceylon before being stationed in the Highlands. One commercial estate, Boh Plantations, is already in existence there and its results have been satisfactory so far as agricultural problems are concerned.”

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser , 2 September 1931, Page 3 The friends of Mr. C. W. Liddell, who was at one time in the Malayan Collieries. Ltd., Batu Arang, Selangor, desire to know his present address and any information of this kind will be appreciated by the C.P.0., Perak, who has a communication of importance for him. M.M.

Marriage Settlement

Dated 12th September 1931 J. A. Russell Esq. and Miss K. G. M. Archer Messrs D. A. Russell and R. H. A. Beauchamp Marriage Settlement This Settlement is made the twelfth day of September one thousand nine hundred and thirty one Between John Archibald Russell of Kuala Lumpur Federated Malay States Mine Owner and Merchant, hereinafter called “the Husband” of the first part, Kathleen Gertrude Mary Archer of “Connellmore” Old Bath Road, Cheltenham in the County of Gloucester Spinster (hereinafter called “the Wife”) of the second part and Donald Oscar Russell of Glynn House, Epsom in the County of Surrey and Robert Henry Archer Beauchamp of “Connellmore” Old Bath Road, Cheltenham aforesaid (hereinafter called “the Trustees” which term shall include the Trustee or Trustees for the time being hereof of the third part. Whereas a Marriage (thereinafter referred to as the Marriage) is intended to be solemnized between the Husband and the Wife (hereinafter together referred to as the spouses) And whereas upon the treaty for the Marriage it was agreed that the Husband should enter into the covenant for the transfer of securities or payment to the Trustees of the principal sum hereinafter mentioned and during the period hereinafter specified for payment of the yearly sum hereinafter mentioned to be held upon the trusts and in the manner hereinafter expressed Now in presence of the said agreement and in consideration of the marriage this Deed witnesseth as follows:- 1. The Husband hereby covenants with the Trustees that if the marriage shall be solemnized within three months from the date hereof the Husband will within the period of five years from the date hereof or within such further extended period as the Trustees in their unanimous uncontested and absolute discretion see fit to grant to him or his personal representatives will within six months after his death either pay to the Trustees the sum of Ten thousand pounds or at his own expense transfer or otherwise make over to the Trustees Bonds Stocks Houses or Securities of a market value at the market marked price of the day of such transfer equivalent to the sum of Ten thousand pounds. 2. In the meantime and until he shall have fulfilled the covenant hereinbefore contained the Husband hereby further covenants with the Trustees that if the marriage shall be solemnized within three months from the date hereof he or his personal representatives will pay to the Trustees as from the day of the solemnization thereof interest at the rate of five pounds per cent per annum calculated upon the said sum of Ten thousand pounds free of all deductions that is five hundred pounds per annum by equal quarterly payments the first payment to be made at the expiration of three months from the solemnization of the marriage. 3. Provided that it shall not be obligatory on the Trustees to enforce the foregoing covenants for the payment of the said sum of Ten thousand pounds or the transfer of securities to the equivalent value thereof or the said sum by way of an interest or any part thereof respectively unless when required so to do in any specific case by writing signed by some person or the guardian of some person beneficially interested and or unless also due provision be made to the satisfaction of the Trustees for payment of the costs of any proceedings required to be taken and any omission or neglect by the Trustees in any of the matters aforesaid(except when required and on due provision made as aforesaid) shall not constitute a breach of trust. 4. The Trustees shall hold the said sum of Ten thousand pounds and/or the investments representing the same as and when the same shall be received (which sum and investments are hereinafter called the Trust Fund that term being intended hereinafter to denote the Trust Fund as from time to time constituted) and the income therefrom including therein the interest payable under clause 2 hereof upon the trusts and wills and subject to the process hereinafter contained. 5. During the lives of the spouses and the life of the survivor of them the Trustees shall hold the Trust Fund and the income therefrom as follows: - (1) As to so much of the income as shall accrue in the lifetime of the Wife in trust for her without power of anticipation during any ?conshine (2) As to so much (if any) of the said income as shall accrue after the death of the Wife and in the lifetime of the Husband in trust for him. 6. After the death of the survivor of the spouses the Trustees shall hold the Trust Fund and the income therefrom upon the trust following (that is to say) upon trust for all or such one or more of the children or issue of the marriage such children or issue to take vested interests within twenty-one years from the death of the survivor of the Husband and Wife, as the Husband may by word/deed? with or without power of revocation jointly appoint And in default of and subject to any such appointment as the survivors of them shall by deed with or without power of revocation or by Will or Codicil appoint And in default of and until and subject to any such appointment in trust for all the children or any the child of the marriage who being male shall attain the age of twenty-one years or being female shall attain that age or marry and if more than one in equal shares provided that in default of appointment to the contrary no child shall be entitled to any share in the unappointed part of the Trust Fund or any accretions thereto without bringing into hotchpot any share or shares appointed to him or her or his or her issue under the power hereinbefore contained and accounting for the same accordingly. 7. Upon failure or determination of the trusts hereinbefore declared the Trustees shall hold the Trust Fund and any accretions thereto and the income thereof or so much thereof as shall not have become absolutely vested or been applied under the trusts or powers aforesaid in trust for the Husband or his personal representatives absolutely. 8. The Trustees may allow any securities transferred to them upon the trusts of this Settlement to remain in the actual state of investment or may with the consent of the Husband and Wife and of the survivors of them during their his or her lifetime and afterwards at their discretion realise the same or any part thereof and shall invest the proceeds of such realisation and any cash transferred to them upon the trusts of this Settlement with the like consent or at the like discretion in any investments hereby authorised with power from time to time with the like consent or at the like discretion to ……. …….. the same for any other investments hereby authorised. 9. Any moneys liable to investment under the Trusts of this Settlement may be invested in any investments for the time being authorised by Law for the investment of Trust Funds in the Debentures or Debentures Stock or Preference Preferred Ordinary or Ordinary Shares or Stock of any Limited Company Registered in the United Kingdom or incorporated by Special Act or by General Act of the Imperial Parliament or the Parliament or Legislature of any British Colony or Dependency which has for at least three years before the investment according to the certification of a Member of the London Stock Exchange paid a dividend on its Ordinary Shares of at least Three per cent per annum. 10. Any trustee being a Solicitor or other person engaged in a profession or business may act and be paid for all acts done and time expended in or about the business of the Trust including acts or business which might be done or transacted by the Trustee personally and not requiring the employment of a solicitor or person engaged in such profession or business for the doing or transaction thereof. 11. The power of appointing New Trustees of this Settlement is vested in the spouses and the survivor while living. In Witness whereof the said parties to these present have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first before written. Signed Sealed and delivered by the said John Archibald Russell in the presence of Harry Payne Solicitor 52, Lime Street E. C. 3 and Deptford S.E Signed Sealed and delivered by the said Kathleen Gertrude Mary Archer in the presence of ?Wallie Forbes Solicitor Cheltenham Signed Sealed and delivered by the said Donald Oscar Russell in the presence of Harry Payne Signed Sealed and delivered by the said Robert Henry Archer Beauchamp in the presence of ?Wallie Forbes Solicitor Cheltenham

The Straits Times, 17 September 1931, Page 10 The wedding took place at Cheltenham on Monday, cables our London correspondent, of Mr. J. A. Russell, of J. A. Russell and Co., Kuala Lumpur, to Miss Kathleen Stoney Archer. Mr. Russell is chairman of Malayan Collieries Ltd.

The Straits Times, 18 September 1931, Page 4 The Straits Times, 19 September 1931, Page 4 The Straits Times, 21 September 1931, Page 4 MALAYAN COLLIERIES,LTD Notice of Declaration of Dividend No 43 and closure of share registers….. second interim dividend of 5%..... J. A. Russell and Co. September 17, 1931 (530 words)

Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucester Graphic 19 September 1931, p 2. RUSSELL-STONEY ARCHER- On Sept 14, 1931, at Cheltenham, John Archibald Russell of Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S. to Kathleen, daughter of Lieut.-Colonel G. J. Stoney Archer, of Connellmore, Cheltenham.

The Straits Times, 1 October 1931, Page 19  and The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser 5 October 1931, Page 8 FLOOD PROBLEMS IN KUALA LUMPUR. Civil Engineers Meet. WHY LOCAL INDUSTRIES FAIL. The annual general meeting of the Malayan Association of the Institution of Civil Engineers was held on Sept. 26 and 27 in Kuala Lumpur. Members of the Association met in the lounge of the Station Hotel on the first day and proceeded over the Kuala Lumpur Flood mitigation scheme. (Summary: History of floods, 1911, 1917, 1925, and 1926. Description of works. Visit to locomotive department. Description. New officers list. Visit to Batu Caves, Dinner in evening. “In the evening a Dinner was held in the Station Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, the guests being H.H. Robbins of Malayan Collieries Ltd.,..”) “ On Sunday Sept 27, a visit was paid to Messrs. Malayan Collieries, Ltd., in which the various activities at these collieries were viewed. Surprise was expressed by the members at the extent of these activities, and it was stated by many that the average impression of the Malayan Collieries was that they consisted of a hole in the jungle, instead of being of the vast proportions that they are. Triumph of Organisation. A break was made at mid day for tiffin, which was kindly provided by the Collieries in their office. At the conclusion of this tiffin, Mr. H.H. Robbins, on behalf of Malayan Collieries Ltd., stated how pleased he was to be able to welcome the members of the Malayan Association of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and he hoped that the members would enjoy their visit. Mr. F. M. G. McConechy and Mr. R. D. Walker in reply on behalf of the Association, stated that they were extremely indebted to Malayan Collieries Ltd., for a highly successful visit. The whole arrangements were a triumph of organisation and they could safely say that it was the most interesting visit they had ever paid. At the conclusion of the tiffin, visits were made to the brickworks and to the plywood factory. (1766 words)

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser , 10 October 1931, Page 1  Delegates to the Malayan Engineers’ Association meeting who visited Malayan Collieries last weekend are said to have been surprised at the extent of its activities. Past history of this undertaking being what it is, it is not unnatural to think of a Peck- and find it actually very much more.

The Straits Times, 12 October 1931, Page 18 OUR LONDON LETTER. The marriage took place at Cheltenham last week of Mr. J. A. Russell, of Kuala Lumpur, with Miss Kathleen Stoney Archer, daughter of Col. J. Stoney Archer, of Connellmore, Cheltenham.

The Straits Times, 5 December 1931, Page 6. A JOURNAL IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL. (By our Kuala Lumpur Correspondent.) New Industries For The F.M.S Kuala Lumpur, Dec. 4. 0. A New Selangor Industry?. The chairman’s speech at the annual meeting of Malayan Collieries is always one of the most interesting in the Malayan investment field, but it may contain unusually interesting and important news next year. Last month a duty was imposed on cement imported into the Federated Malay States which increased the cost of this commodity by between thirty and forty per cent. At the Collieries meeting last March Mr. Russell said: “The investigations into the cement manufacturing industry were completed, and we now have all the facts and figures necessary to enable us to formulate a definitive proposition for the consideration of shareholders, if or when conditions improve. 0. Notwithstanding the present depression and consequent shortage of money for new public and private works, we feel that potential business will eventually justify the establishment of modern works as a department by your undertaking, provided such works are assured of full support and of some small measure of protection against any gross unfair competition from goods dumped upon the local market by non British producers. Such manufacturers enjoy a highly protected domestic market, which protection in their own country enables them to dump their factory surpluses upon our unprotected local market at considerably below actual cost. 0. Given some measure of protection against such dumped goods, which dumping must otherwise inevitably strangle all industrial markets of the east, we feel that we could make cement manufacture within the F.M.S. an attractive proposition to the ultimate benefit of the country, particularly in that it would help to remedy Malaya’s dangerous adverse balance of trade.” 0. Coral and Mangrove Mud 0. There have been other attempts at cement manufacture in this country. Kenneison Brothers, at Batu Caves, near Kuala Lumpur, tried a mixture of limestone and mangrove mud, but the venture was not commercially successful. This is understandable when one recalls the statement made by the Federal Council last month that Japanese cement is being shipped to Singapore at cost price as ballast. In Singapore coral and mangrove mud have been used for cement manufacture. 0. “There are great possibilities for cement manufacture in Malaya” says Mr. J. B. Scrivenor in his recent book, “ but so far it has not proved easy to get limestone sufficiently free from magnesia and other ingredients close together, while good cement can be obtained overseas at fair prices” 0. Local Tiles and Peanuts. 0. Some people who must be praying that the dream of a Malayan customs union will materialise are the Singapore tile manufacturers, whose products will be taxed on the basis on the new F.M.S. duty in the same way as tiles manufactured in France and Italy. Here again Malayan Collieries should score, for they have abundant clay deposits at Batu Arang, Selangor, from which they are already making excellent bricks, and their chairman stated last March that they hoped to start making glazed tiles this year. Manufacturers of this class of tile already exist in the F.M.S., but the red Marseilles roofing tiles are not yet made in this country.

Malay Mail, Monday, December 14, 1931 page 8 Malayan Collieries, Ltd., is paying a third interim dividend of 5 per cent ( making 15 per cent to date) in respect of the year ending Dec. 31. The Straits Times, 15 December 1931, Page 4 . The Straits Times, 16 December 1931, Page 4 The Straits Times, 14 December 1931, Page 4 MALAYAN COLLIERIES LTD. Notice of Declaration of Dividend No. 44 and closure of share registers.. third interim dividend of 5% making 15% for year Dec 31, 1931….J. A. Russell and Co. Dec 12, 1931

The Straits Times, 18 December 1931, Page 10 NOTES OF THE DAY. COLLIERIES PROFITS Those who do hold shares in Malayan Collieries Limited will have read with envy the announcement of a third interim dividend, making fifteen per cent. For the year ending Dec 31, 1931, to be paid by this company. At the last annual meeting of the company the chairman Mr. J. A. Russell said: “Although….. Malayan Collieries is dependent upon the general prosperity of Malaya, your board does not lose sight of the corresponding fact that the country and its industry are, to some small measure, affected by the efficiency and policy of this company, and it has therefore ever before it a full sense of responsibility” Mr. Russell does not underestimate the importance of his company in the industrial life of Malaya. It is the only company producing coal in this country, and it supplies fuel to mines, power stations and other undertakings. Its principal customer is the F.M.S. Railways, whose net revenue in the first half of the current year was exactly $86,188, as compared with $3,353,854 in the corresponding period last year. Considering the condition of industry in this country, Malayan Collieries would be making a popular gesture if it reduced its prices during the worst of the slump, even at the cost of a slight reduction in dividend.