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For the descendents of Richard Dearie and his son John Russell


J .A. RUSSELL'S PLANS FOR SUGAR CULTIVATION IN 1920: "The red tape of government officials."

Documents from the National Archives of Malaysia, transcribed by Pam Cohen. Question marks are used for missing words or indecipherable signatures.

 

LETTER FROM J.A.RUSSELL & CO TO DISTRICT OFFICER, KUALA SELANGOR 3RD MARCH 1920

Sir, SUGAR CULTIVATION We have the honour to address you on the subject of sugar cultivation in your District. 2. We have had this matter before us for some time and have decided that the most suitable area in the Straits is the land to the North of the Selangor River hatched in ?orange in the attached tracing. We are not certain that the land would be eminently suitable and for that purpose we would have to rentice the area and then engage a Sugar expert from Java to advise us, but before going to this expense we would like to know, if possible, upon what terms the Government would be prepared to alienate, say 20,000 acres. 3. Our proposed programme would involve the expenditure of about 7 to 8 million dollars and roughly would be as follows. 1st Year. Open up and plant 2,500 acres with the erection of machinery and buildings capable of dealing with 2,500 acres of cane. 2nd Year. Open up a further 2,500 making 5,000 in all and ?erect further machinery and buildings for the extra area. 3rd Year. If labour is obtainable, to open up 4,000 acres making 9,000 cultivated and add a further unit of machinery and buildings making a plant capable of dealing with 9,000 acres. 4th Year. Add a further 1000 acres making 10,000 in all and erect the necessary additional machinery, buildings, etc. This will complete our scheme of 10,000 acres under Sugar. 4. The reason we wish to apply for 20,000 acres is that it has been found in nearly all Sugar cane Districts that approximately only half of an area of this size is suitable for planting cane, but it stands to reason that should there be ?more than half suitable for this form of cultivation we would open the area. The 10,000 acres, we estimate to be unsuitable would be utilised in providing timber, grazing grounds for stock, etc. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants, Per Pro J.A.Russell & Co R.C.Russell

From National Archives of Malaysia. Selangor 1627/20 Transcribed by P.C.

Bob Russell writes to the District Officer, Kuala Selangor applying for 20,000 acres of land.

LETTER FROM THE ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER, KUALA SELANGOR TO THE SECRETARY TO THE RESIDENT, SELANGOR. 4TH MARCH 1920.

(1) in L.K.S. 258/1920 Land office, Kuala Selangor, 4th March 1920 Sugar cultivation on 24,000 acres of land in Kuala Selangor District.- J. A. Russell & Co. propose to apply for:- _____________________ Sir, I have the honour to inform you that I recently received a visit from a representative of Messrs: J. A. Russell & Company, Kuala Lumpur, concerning a proposal to apply for 24,000 acres of land for the purpose of sugar cultivation. 2. The proposal, I think, deserves encouragement both by reason of the magnitude of the undertaking and because it constitutes a break from the rubber tradition. 3. It appears that there are only two localities suitable for the venue of the undertaking, (a) on the bank of the Bernam River, (b) in the area north of the Tennamaram Estate. 4. Applicants are already desirous of acquiring land as far as 4 miles to the east of the Forest Belt, along the Bernam River, and I think that land along this bank will be readily in demand at any rate as far as the present District boundary. 5. North of Tennamaram Estate land is not readily in demand owing to the lack of communication and also because it is low-lying and swampy. 6. On the other hand, the low-lying flat land is exactly what is required for sugar growing. 7. Very heavy machinery is required for manufacturing sugar, and I doubt whether the promoters of this undertaking would choose a site without water or rail communication. 8. If they choose the Bernam River, the position will be isolated and a considerable distance from their centre, Teluk Anson. 9. If they choose the area north of Tennamaram Estate, they have no means of communication at present, but the probability of a road and a railway at some indefinite date in the future; if and when, these are made, the situation would, undoubtedly, be more favourable than on the Bernam River. 10. The establishment of such an industry as this in the area north of Tennamaram Estate would be of the first importance as regards the development of the Selangor-Bernam inland area, not only by reason of its own intrinsic value but also by reason of the impetus which it would give to others to bring the jungle under cultivation. 11. I understand that the promoters intend immediately to complete their plans (which include the engagement of a Dutch Sugar expert from Java), and that they hope to be producing sugar within two years. 12. I am of opinion that the promoters of this undertaking should be encouraged to take up land in the area last mentioned and that assistance should be given or promised to them in the following ways:- (a) Premium at $1/-an acre (this is the rate at which land has been granted for oil palm cultivation): with a special condition that after 20 years there shall be payable in addition to any other quit rent (presumably this will be reduced to $1/- an acre a year by virtue of the rebate) a sum of 10 cents an acre=$2,400/- a year. It is submitted that the following advantages are involved in this method:- (1) The premium is small and therefore favourable to the undertaking. (2) The premium appears small and therefore will be favourably received. (3) The Government, although it foregoes in the first ?instance a sum of $96,000/- (since $5/- an acre is the approved premium for this district) will after 60 years receive increased rent of $2,400/- a year-an increase which will ?not be felt by the industry when it has been well established. (b) A road from Batang Berjuntai to the Company’s land should be commenced immediately. (I have already inserted in the Public Department Budget an item for the construction of that road ?irrespective of the present proposal). (c) Railway communication should be promised within two years. The General manager, Railways informs me that the railway will ?probably be extended to Teluk Anson, but he does not tell me when the trace will be or where the railway will cross the Bernam. The railway will soon be needed, quite apart form the present ? except for the riparian strip along the Bernam River which ? wi to Teluk Anson, this extensive area of 430 square miles will ? Kuala Lumpur as its distributing centre, and the gateway is at ? Berjuntai; railway receipts at this place are increasing by leaps and bounds. This railway would also perform the important function of carrying timber from the felled jungle in this area: with the present shortage of timber insisted upon by the Forest Department the accepted method of burning jungle is nothing less than deplorable. British Columbian timber merchants propose to bring timber to Europe through Panama Canal and sell at rates which compete against the Norwegian and Swedish merchants: it should not be impossible, therefore, to devise an economic method of transporting timber from the Mukim of Tanjong Karang to Kuala Lumpur. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Ag: District Officer Kuala Selangor

From National Archives of Malaysia. 1627/20. Transcribed by P.C.

The Acting District Officer writes to the Secretary to the Resident.

A second letter mentions a tracing of the area , which was not found in the archives.

LETTER FROM THE ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER KUALA SELANGOR TO THE SECRETARY TO RESIDENT SELANGOR 17TH MARCH 1920

Kuala Selangor, 17th March 1920 Sugar Cultivation in Kuala Selangor District Sir, I have the honour to forward a letter C from Messrs: J. A. Russell & Company of Kuala Lumpur enquiring on what terms the Government would be prepared to alienate about 20,000 acres for sugar cultivation in the area North of the Selangor River. 2. I also enclose a tracing (A) and a letter B which I was on the point of sending when I received the letter from Messrs: J.A.Russell & Company. 3. The area shown hatched is considerably more than 20,000 acres, being about 25, 000 acres. 4. The idea seems to be to ensure access to sea, river and railway: probably no definite selection could be made until the area is prospected. 5. The applicants for 3000 and 5000 acres of land along the Bernam path may remove their application to the 19th to 25th mile, in which case, presumably, the present applicants may be granted land right up to the boundary of the padi reserve, unless this is to be kept for small holders. 6. I have nothing further to add to my previous letter except to emphasise the importance of the scheme, and also the importance of preserving the timber. I have the honour to be, Sir Your obedient servant, ?J.R Mills Ag: District Officer Kuala Selangor The Secretary to Resident, Selangor.

From National Archives of Malaysia. Selangor 258/20 Transcribed by P.C.

Memos of internal discussions at the Secretariat.

DOCUMENT/MEMO FROM DISTRICT OFFICER KUALA SELANGOR

TO ? BR. 17TH MARCH 1920 K.Selangor 17.3.20 258/20 Sugar Cultivation in Kuala Selangor District Application by Messrs: J.A.Russell & Co for 20,000 acres of State Land North of Selangor River

MINUTES

I think it says in the memo I wrote on the land between the Bernam and Selangot rivers that nothing is known of the timber and the geology. Nothing is decided as to developing that area, so it is not possible to say whether the alienation would ?disturb that development in any particular. Draft to C.S. enclosed 28/3 The second page should be ?retyped It contains 2 errors and I have added some words towards the end of Para 4. 31/3

From National Archives of Malaysia Selangor 1627/1920.Transcribed by P.C.

The British Resident of Selangor Arthur Henry Lemon, writes to the Chief Secretary

LETTER CONCERNING LAND FOR SUGAR CULTIVATION BY MESSRS RUSSELL. SENT TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY F.M. KUALA LUMPUR FROM THE BRITISH RESIDENT SELANGOR -31ST MARCH 1920

“GENERAL” 31st March 1920 Land for sugar cultivation by Messrs Russell & Co. in Kuala Lumpur District Sir, I have the honour to report receipt of an enquiry from Messrs J.A.Russell & Co. as to whether and if so on what terms the Government would be prepared to alienate to them 20,000 acres of land between Jalan Raja Musa and the Sungei Tinggi for Sugar cultivation. They propose to rentice the area with a view of ascertaining the suitability of the land and engage a Sugar expert from Java to advise them on the selection, and desire before going to this expense to ascertain on what terms they would be granted the land selected. 2. They state that their programme would involve an expenditure of from seven to eight million dollars to bring 10,000 acres into cultivation within four years and erect necessary buildings and plant, and that the reason for applying for 20,000 acres is that in nearly all Sugar cane districts it is found that approximately only half the area is suitable for planting canes. 3. The whole of the area is as far as is known waterlogged and extensive drainage would be necessary and would involve the cutting of a new outlet to the sea or into the estuary of the Sungei Tinggi or the construction of a new channel for that river. 4. Provided Messrs. Russell & Co. are prepared to undertake their own drainage scheme of the selected area and undertake to make it conform to any general drainage scheme which may be undertaken by the Government and to contribute to the cost of any improvements which may be found necessary to the Sungei Tinggi or to the cost of the construction of a new inlet channel in the proportion which the area granted to them bears to the total area benefitted by the scheme I think it would be to the advantage of the State to let them have the area they ask for on favourable terms-say no premium and a rent of $1 an acre until revision takes place under section 4 of the Land Enactment with a proviso that the rent on any portion planted with rubber shall be in accordance with the scale of rent prescribed in Gazette Notification 3528 of 1914, and would ask sanction to inform them accordingly. 5. I understand that the Conservator of Forest would have no objection to the alienation of land in the area referred to I have the honour to be, Sir Your obedient servant, Sd. A.H. Lemon (*) British Resident Selangor

From National Archives of Malaysia.(2) 1627/20 Transcribed by P.C.

(*) The British Resident of Selangor from 1919-1921 was Arthur Henry Lemon (b. 1864 - d. 1933)

The Acting District Officer writes to the Secretary to the Resident to telling him that Mr. Hastings from J. A. Russell visited him, informing him that they are prepared to invest 8 million dollars in the project and build their own railway.

LETTER FROM ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER KUALA SELANGOR TO THE SECRETARY TO RESIDENT SELANGOR 21ST APRIL 1920

Land Office No (8 ) L.K.S. 258/1920 21st April 1920 Sugar Cultivation in Kuala Selangor District by Messrs: Russell & Co., Kuala Lumpur Sir, With reference to my previous letter dated 13th March, 1920, concerning the proposed application by Messrs: J.A. Russell and Company for about 20.000 acres of land for sugar cultivation, I have the honour to inform you that Mr. P.E. Hastings of Messrs: J.A. Russell and Company visited me yesterday. 2. The applicants have not definitely decided whether they will or will not apply for land in this district but in any case they will not apply for land further back than seven miles from the Bernam bridle path: the recommendations contained in para 12 (b) and (c) of my former letter are, therefore, no longer relevant. 3. It appears that it is proposed to invest about 8 million dollars in this undertaking. 4. If necessary the applicants will construct a railway and will dredge the bar of the Singei Tinggi. 5. The applicants will be compelled in their own interests to establish drainage works which will in effect drain about 60,000 acres of land. 6. From the conversation which I had with Mr Hastings I gather that the applicants hope that as the opening of the land will take a number of years they may be allowed a reduced premium of 50 cents an acre on land granted but not yet opened. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, ?JR Mills/?Pink, Ag: District Officer Kuala Selangor To the Secretary to Resident, Selangor.

From National Archives of Malaysia.1627/20 Transcribed by P.C.

The Secretary to the Resident writes back to the District Officer, with conditions about the drainage of the area.

LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY TO THE RESIDENT SELANGOR TO THE DISTRICT OFFICER KUALA SELANGOR MAY 1920 Kuala Lumpur, May, 1920.

Ref (5) In 1627/20 Alienation of land to Messrs. Russell and Company for sugar cultivation. Sir, I am directed to refer to your L.K.S. 258/20 and to say that Government will be prepared to alienate up to 20,000 acres of land to Messrs. Russell and Co. for sugar cultivation on the understanding that they are willing to engage to carry out their own drainage scheme of the selected area and will undertake to make that scheme conform to any general drainage scheme of the whole area which may hereafter be approved by the Government and to contribute to the cost of any improvements which may be found necessary to the Sungei Tinggi or to the cost of the construction of a new outlet channel in the proportion which the area granted to them bears to the total area benefitted by the scheme. 2. Should Messrs. J.A.Russell and Company accept these stipulations the terms upon which the 20,000 acres would be alienated to them would be, no premium and a rent of $1 an acre until revision takes place under section 4 of the Land Enactment with a proviso that the rent on any portion planted with rubber shall be in accordance with the scale of rent prescribed in Gazette Notification 3528 of 1914. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Secretary to Resident, Selangor. The District Officer Kuala Selangor

From National Archives of Malaysia (5 IN 1627/20). Transcribed by P.C.

The District Officer forwards a letter from J. A. Russell applying for 50,000 acres for sugar cultivation, endorsing the plan and warning that if J. A. Russell do not get this land they will go elsewhere.

LETTER FROM COLLECTOR OF LAND REVENUE, KUALA SELANGOR TO THE SECRETARY TO RESIDENT, SELANGOR. 12TH May 1920

District Office Kuala Selangor 12th May 1920 Applies for 50,000 acres of land for sugar cultivation By Messrs J.A.Russell & Co. Sir, I have the honour to forward a copy of a letter which I have received from Messrs: J.A.Russell & Co. of Kuala Lumpur, applying for 50,000 acres of land for sugar cultivation also, a tracing on which I have added in red the boundaries of land already applied for for the cultivation of African Oil palm, coconuts and rubber. 2. I wish to urge once more the great advantages which would attach to the establishment of this industry in the Selangor-Bernam area. 3. I understand that if the applicants are unable to obtain the land now asked for, they will go outside the Federated Malay States, probably to Johore. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, ?JR Mills, Collector of Land Revenue, Kuala Selangor.

From National Archives of Malaysia .258/1920 Transcribed by P.C.

Archie writes to the Secretary to the Resident after having a meeting with him on 2nd June, with an ammended area and details of the drainage, and points out the current shortage of sugar and the possibility of using the waste for fuel.

LETTER FROM J.A.RUSSELL & CO TO THE SECRETARY TO THE RESIDENT SELANGOR

J.A.Russell & Co. Kuala Lumpur 4th June 1920 Sir, With reference to the interview which you were good enough to grant me on the 2nd instant on the subject of my application for 50,000 acres of land for sugar cultivation in the Mukim of Tanjong Karang, District of Kuala Selangor, when I understood you to say that you approved generally of the application, but you had objections to the exact situation of the area applied for, I have the honour to enclose herein a tracing showing a suggested amended area which I trust will overcome the objections you raised. 2. Except at the mouth of the S.Sekinchang where the application comes down to the sea, I have omitted the coast and the Padi Reserve from the area applied for. The Estuary of the S.Sekinchang is required for a harbour and the erection of a “centrale.” It appears to be the only suitable site for such ?h along the coast immediately adjacent to our application area. 3. Subject to the exceptions in the previous paragraph the application now runs from the 13th to the 21st mile along the Bernam bridle track and for 10 miles deep inland. 4. I shall, however, also want the right to run drains and perhaps roads across the Padi Reserve to the coast. I cannot tell exactly where these will be wanted till levels are taken; but it can be assumed that the Estate will not require more, probably much less, than, say a drain every half mile and a road, say, every third or fourth drain. I would therefore ask for the right to take up if found necessary 16 way-leaves each 3 chains wide and 4 more each 5 chains wide. 5. The land applied for is to the best of my knowledge, all flat somewhat swampy ground unsuitable for rubber or most forms of cultivation, but convertible with efficient drainage into fair sugar land. My deepest rentis is not more than seven miles in and I shall need to extend this rentis for another 3 miles besides cutting others; but unless after further rentising I write to say that the back area is unsuitable for cane, which is unlikely, I do not anticipate having to amend the application. 6. To deal with the other points you raised, in regard to the protective belts which the Forest Department wish created, I would mention that no better protective belt could be desired than an area of Sugar Cane, a plant which is unique in its being practically free from disease. 7. Another question you raised was the loss of the valuable firewood contained on the land. The jungle growing upon the area for which I have applied is of the poorest quality, being hardly worthy of the name of “forest”. Even if it were good timber, the area is so inaccessible that the cost of cutting and transporting firewood would be prohibitive. In this connection I should like to mention that there is a misconception current as to the cause of the present fuel shortage. Malayan Collieries can if necessary produce 5,000 tons of coal a day in place of the 800 tons a day which it has been recently outputting. It has not been producing more coal because first of all there was no demand for it, then during the war it was impossible to obtain plant, and now that there is both the demand and the plant, the Railway Department has not had wagons to transport the coal, and the mine has in consequence only been running and half its efficiency. The fuel shortage is directly due to rolling stock shortage. The number of railway wagons, however, is beginning to increase and the Colliery output is correspondingly expanding and is already over 1,000 tons a day. If the number of wagons continues to increase in the same ratio, within about four months from now the Colliery output will be in the neighbourhood of a steady 2,000 tons daily, which it is believed is as big a production as the country can for the time being absorb. Preparations are being made to sink a central shaft capable of winding up to an additional 3,000 tons daily in readiness to meet all demands as these grow. There would be nothing to prevent the sinking of still further shafts without fearing unduly rapid exhaustion of the deposits. 8. To deal with still a further point, I am confident that there need be no fear of our drainage scheme interfering with that of the rest of the country. Drainage is so essential to sugar cultivation that we should engage a sugar irrigation man before almost anyone else-we are already in touch with one who has been recently working on sugar irrigation in the Nile Valley. From the list attached of Mr P.A.M. Parker’s qualifications you will see that we are fully capable of doing the work ourselves; but we cannot spare Mr. Parker to do anything but supervise the general scheme of drainage. 9. I would again point out that there is a greater world shortage of sugar than of any other staple commodity, and that the matter is of specially serious concern to the British Empire, as the United States of America are contemplating placing an embargo upon the export of Cuban, Hawaiian and Porto Rican sugar to foreign countries. Cuba by far is the largest producer in the world. 10. I have every reason to believe that I can at this moment obtain from a group of `friends the necessary capital, but the world’s financial situation is not easy and if there is to be too great a delay in my obtaining the land I may find that the stringency of the money market has affected my friends too adversely to permit of their putting up over a million sterling of capital, money upon which they could look for no immediate return. 11. With reference to the question of the manufacture of “Natalite” power alcohol from sugar waste, since my last letter I have seen an article by Dr P.Schidrowitz in the “Times Trade Suppliment” drawing attention to the recent report of the Motor Fuel Committee to the effect that a world shortage of petrol is in sight and the consequent need for the production within the Empire of power alcohol, in which this well known rubber authority points out that rather more than two-thirds of the crude rubber produced is absorbed by the tyre manufacturer and emphasises that the development of raw materials for the production of power alcohol may well be regarded as of vital importance to the millions of British capital sunk in rubber plantations. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, J.A.Russell

From National Archives of Malaysia . Transcribed by P.C.

The District Officer writes to the Secretary to the Resident with his formal recommendations. Item 5 is crossed out in the original letter.

FROM DISTRICT OFFICER KUALA SELANGOR TO THE SECRETARY TO RESIDENT, SELANGOR, 8TH June 1920

Land Office 8th June 1920 (17) In L.K.S. 259/20 Application by Messrs: Russell & Co. for 50,000 acres of land in the mukim of Tanjong Karang Sir, I have the honour to report formally on the application for 50,000 acres of land made by Messrs: J.A.Russell & Company for the purpose of sugar cultivation. 2. A tracing (D) is enclosed. 3. I recommend that an area of 50,000 acres (subject to the requirements of the Conservator of Forest) be alienated to the applicants on the conditions as to drainage and premium and quit-rent mentioned in your letter (5) in 1627/1920. 4. I recommend that this application should take precedence of all other applications for the same land, which have not yet been granted. 5. I recommend that a strip of 5 chains in width should be reserved along the sea-coast in order to prevent coast erosion and to provide a supply of fishing stakes. 6. I recommend that reserves for town sites and for road and drain reserves (4 chains wide) should be kept as shown in the tracing. 7. I recommend that reserves of 5 acres each for miscellaneous Government purposes be kept at intervals of ½ mile along the 4 chain road reserves which are shown in the tracing. 8. I recommend that the padi reserve be fixed at 90 chains instead of 60 chains as at present. 9. I recommend that the grant should be made subject to a condition that the resident should be at liberty to resume without paying compensation, an area not exceeding 1% of the area granted, for the purpose of a road, a drain or a railway, provided that compensation shall be paid for the demolition of permanent buildings and that there shall be refunded to the grantee the premium (if any) and quit-rent, paid in respect of the land resumed. 10. I recommend that the grant be made subject to a timber and fuel condition approved by the Conservator of Forests. 11. I recommend that that the grant be made subject to a condition binding the grantee to recruit each year such a number of labourers as may be required by the Controller of Labour. 12. I recommend that the grant be made subject to a condition binding the grantee to cultivate with foodstuffs such an area as may be required by the Director of Food Production. 13. I recommend that the grant should be made subject to a condition whereby the Resident shall be at liberty to resume within one year from the date of occupation, without paying compensation, such areas as are found to contain stone or gravel. 14. I recommend that the grant should be made subject to a special condition binding the grantee to keep not less than 10,000 acres available for Malay small cultivators of sugar or padi: in the alternative, a separate title, bearing a “Malayan Race condition.” should be issued in respect of such an area. 15. To the best of my knowledge and belief, all the available relevant information has been brought to the notice of the British Resident in this and in my preceding letters, as required by “The Instructions to Land Officers.” I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant ?JR Mills, District Officer, Kuala Selangor

From National Archives of Malaysia Selangor 1627/20 Transcribed by PC

The Acting Under Secretary informs the Secretary to the Resident that the application has been referred to a committee.

LETTER FROM ACTING UNDER SECRETARY, F.M.S. TO SECRETARY TO RESIDENT, SELANGOR 16TH JULY 1920. KUALA LUMPUR FEDERATED MALAY STATES 16TH July 1920

G.1675/1920 Sir, I am directed to refer to the Hon’ble the British Resident’s letter No. 10 in 1827/20 dated 16th June, 1920 on the subject of an application by Messrs. Russell & Company (subsequent to withdrawal of an application for 20,000 acres which may therefore be considered as cancelled) for 50,000 acres of land in Mukin of Tanjong Karang for Sugar Cultivation, and to state that the whole question of sugar planting and the conditions which should appertain to the granting of land for that purpose has been referred to a committee. An answer to your letter will be sent as soon as possible after the recommendations of the Committee have been received. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant A.S. Jelf Ag:Under Secretary, F.M.S.

From National Archives of Malaysia .1627/20 Transcribed by P.C.

The Secretary to the Resident writes to J. A. Russell informing them that the whole question of sugar planting has gone to a committee.

LETTER TO MESSRS. J.A.RUSSELL & CO. FROM SECRETARY TO RESIDENT, SELANGOR. 22ND JULY 1920.

Kuala Lumpur 22nd July 1920 (14) in 1627/20 Application for 50000 acres of land in The Mukim of Tanjong Karang -::- Gentlemen, With reference to your letter of 4th June, regarding your application for 50000 acres of land in the Mukin of Tanjong Karang for Sugar Cultivation, I am directed to inform you that the whole question of sugar planting and the conditions which should appertain to the granting of land for that purpose have been referred to a committee. And that a reply to your letter will be sent as soon as possible after the recommendations of the Committee have been received. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant C. W.Harrisson, Secretary to Resident, Selangor

From National Archives of Malaysia 1627/1920 Transcribed by P.C.

Internal minutes for the Resident's Conference discuss the need for an informed opinion on the land.

DOCUMENT FROM CS FMS TO THE BR FOR THE RESIDENT’S CONFERENCE. 5TH NOVEMBER 1920

Sugar Cultivation Land for (For Residents’ Conference) Minutes CSO G3610/20 D.O.K.S. Please put up a tracing showing the 20,000 acres you suggest should be earmarked for sugar cultivation. 2. Has this land been investigated and have you any authoritative opinion that it is suitable for that cultivation? ?Or 9.11.20

S.R. I enclose a tracing, but I have to ask you to borrow from the U.S. the map which shows the actual boundaries suggested by the Committee, and add them to this tracing. I do not remember that Mr Douglas decided on the actual boundaries when he spoke to me of this. The suggestion came from him, not from me, though I said I knew of no objection to it. 2. The land has not been investigated and I have not any authoritative opinion that it is suitable for sugar cultivation, though I should suppose that the land within the area of 50,000 acres applied for by Messrs J. A. Russell and Co. would be suitable. 3. The tracing shows my tentative proposals with regard to reserves for roads, towns etc but they are necessarily incomplete, e.g. I cannot decide on drain reserves until the lie of the land has been investigated. 4. The Malay Reservation and Town Reserve were approved in Sel. 2145/20. 5. The application by Messrs Robinson, Notley and others for land immediately to the east of the Forest Belt is referred to in Sel. 2145/20 para. 9 of (1) : consideration was postponed pending decision as to Forest Reserves. 6. The application for 5000 acres east of the Malay Reservation has not been reported on. 7. Messrs Russell’s application for 50,000 acres is the subject of Sel. 1627/20. 8. With reference to the heading “Areas Available”, I draw attention to the fact that Messrs Russell’s present application runs along the coast Padi Reserve for 8 miles and in towards the Bernam River for about 10 miles: while their former application was for an area about 5 miles broad from the Sungei Tinggi to the Forest Belt along the east of the Coast Padi Reserve. ???? 16.11.20 (2) from Ag. U.S. encld. 17.11 KW Residents Conference ?Or 18.11.20

From National Archives of Malaysia Selangor 5459/1920 transcribed by P.C.

Archie writes to the British resident and asks whether the Government would object to him taking the issue to the High Commissioner.

LETTER FROM J.A.RUSSELL & CO. TO THE BRITISH RESIDENT, SELANGOR. 10TH NOVEMBER 1920

Kuala Lumpur 10th Nov 1920 Sir, With reference to my application for 50,000 acres of land for the cultivation of sugar in the Mukim of Tanjong Karang, District of Kuala Selangor (referred to in 14 in 1627/20), regarding which I have recently been informed (22 in L.K.S. 258/20) that no declaration can be given at present, I have the honour to enquire whether the Government would have any objection to my asking H.E. the High Commissioner to grant me an interview upon the matter. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant J.A.Russell

Handwritten note on letter " Ack. Receipt and say that his request for an interview with H.E. the H.C. should be addressed to the Honble the Ag: C.S.G. to whom his application for 50,000 of land has been submitted ?Or 12.11.20"

From National Archives of Malaysia 1627/20 Transcribed by P.C.

The Secretary to the Resident replies that Archie should request an interview with Honourable the Acting Chief Secretary to Government.

LETTER FROM SECRETARY TO RESIDENT, SELANGOR TO J.A.RUSSELL ESQ. 13TH NOVEMBER 1920

Kuala Lumpur, 13th November, 1920 (16) in 1627/20 Sir, I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 10th November enquiring whether the Government would have any objection to your asking His Excellency the High Commissioner to grant you an interview regarding your application of 50,000 acres of land for the cultivation of Sugar and in reply to inform you that you request for an interview with His Excellency the High Commissioner should be addressed to the Honourable the Acting Chief Secretary to Government to whom your application for 50,000 acres of land has been submitted. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant C.W. Harrison, Secretary to Resident, Selangor

From National Archives of Malaysia (16) in 1627/20 Transcribed by P.C.

Nearly 4 months later the Secretary to the Resident writes to the Under Secretary asking whether a reply will be sent to J. A Russell about the application.

LETTER FROM SECRETARY TO RESIDENT, SELANGOR TO THE UNDER SECRETARY, F.M.S., KUALA LUMPUR. 2ND FEBRUARY 1921

(18) IN 1627/1920 Sir, I am directed to refer to your letter dated the 16th July, 1920 in your correspondence No.G. 1675/1920 on the subject of an application by Messrs. Russell & Company for 50,000 acres of land in the Mukim of Tanjong Karang for Sugar cultivation and to enquire whether a reply you promised therein will be now sent. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Sd. N.F.H. Mather Secretary to Resident Selangor.

From National Archives of Malaysia 1627/20 Transcribed by P.C.

The Acting Under Secretary writes to the Secretary to the Resident with a copy of the conditions for sugar cultivation.

LETTER FROM THE ACTING UNDER SECRETARY, F.M.S. TO SECRETARY TO RESIDENT, SELANGOR 11TH FEBRUARY 1921

(19)g1627/1920 11th February 1921 Sir, With reference to your correspondence 1627/20 on the subject of an application by Messrs. Russell & Co for land in the Mukim of Tanjong Karang for Sugar cultivation, I am directed to enclose for reference a copy of the conditions approved for the alienation of land for this purpose and to enquire what is now recommended as to the alienation of the land applied for. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, ?A R Cooke Ag:Under Secretary, F.M.S.

From National Archives of Malaysia 1627/20 Transcribed by P.C.

UNTITLED AND UNDATED Terms for Sugar Cultivation:

(17) 1627/20 The Government is prepared to consider applications for land for the cultivation of cane sugar on the following terms:- Title Lease for 14 years for the cultivation of cane sugar with a right to renewal for periods of 14 years for every acre so cultivated. Conditions 1. premium nil. of title 2. Rent free for first three years thereafter at $1/- per acre. 3. Conditions of cultivation as laid down in Section 3 of the Country Lands Cultivation Enactment. 4. Sugar only many be cultivated provided that annual food crops may be grown as a Rotation Crop. 5. Export Duty free from 1/1/1922-31/12/1926 and not to exceed 2 ½ % ad valorem from 1/1/1927-31/12/1931 6. A factory of sufficient capacity to deal with the crop on the area leased to be erected within 2 years.

From National Archives of Malaysia 1627/20 Transcribed by P.C.

A year after his initial application Archie replies to the Secretary to the Resident saying that under present financial conditions, with the collapse in the sugar market he is unable to say for at least another 6 months if he will proceed with the application.

LETTER FROM J.A.RUSSELL & CO TO THE SECRETARY TO THE RESIDENT SELANGOR 5th APRIL 1921

1627/20 J.A.Russell & Co. Kuala Lumpur 5th April 1921 Sir, In reply to your letter of the 29th March, numbered (20) in 1627/20, on the subject of our application for 50,000 acres of land for sugar cultivation in the district of Kuala Selangor, we have the honour to say that under present financial conditions we are unable to state positively that we are in a position to proceed at the present moment with our application. 2. We would point out that when we first applied for this land, we were definitely able to raise the sum of two-million sterling for sugar planting, and , indeed, suggested to the Government that we should be prepared to accept a Government condition to the effect that unless the sum of at least one million sterling were deposited in a bank, the land be forfeited. 3. We had two men working on the matter for over 6 months, cut rentises and examined soil, gathered data as to cane growing in this country, analysed native cane, made arrangements for an irrigation engineer from Egypt and for expert sugar planters and chemists, obtained quotations for plant, in fact devoted months of time, energy, salaries and expenses to the affair. 4. Sugar was booming at the period and our friends in Java only too anxious to go to any reasonable lengths in order to start a large plantation in this country. We suggested to the Government our willingness to plant up a large proportion of the land in rice or to carry out any other Government ideas or stipulations. We asked for no financial assistance, but only to know as early as possible the Government’s terms. We were willing to engage our irrigation expert from Egypt and to submit his irrigation plan to Government for sanction before commencing work. We urged the Forest office to visit the land and to confirm that it contained no valuable timber; and eventually got them to do so. Our Java friends were pressing us the whole time for permission to invest their money, and we in turn pressing the Government for a decision on our application. 5. After a year’s delay, when the sugar market had collapsed and Java in extreme distress, the Government came out with its belated terms. 6. We greatly fear that the chance which existed for establishing the sugar industry in this country has passed certainly for the present and perhaps for ever. A planting industry which requires half a million pounds for a factory alone is not easily established. We bitterly regret that such a unique opportunity as then existed has perhaps been irretrievably lost. 7. We are now in negotiation with a group of London sugar refiners to whom we have suggested a modification of our original scheme; but with the present modest outlook for sugar combined with the existing world-wide financial stringency we are not over sanguine of success and although not entirely without hope we are not prepared definitely to say that we are in a position to proceed with our application for another six months at least. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants, J.A.Russell

From National Archives of Malaysia. 1627/20 Transcribed by P.C.

The District officer of Kuala Selangor writes to the Secretary to the Resident, forwarding a report on the area by Mr. Watson. He is waiting for another report by a Mr. Reid before he can say if the land is suitable for sugar cultivation.

LETTER TO THE SECRETARY TO RESIDENT, SELAGNGOR, FROM DISTRICT OFFICER KUALA SELANGOR 26th July, 1921

(11) in L.K.S.1053/20. Sir, With reference to your 5459/20, I have the honour to report that I am not yet in a position to report as to land suitable for sugar cultivation in this district. 2. I forward copy of Mr Watson’s (A.C.F.) report on his visit with Mr Hastings of J.A. Russell and Co. to the Sa-Kinchan hinterland. 3. Mr Reid’s report when received will no doubt considerably further our knowledge of the area between the Selangor and Bernam rivers. 4. The (railway construction) officer was instructed to proceed on a compass line from Batang Berjuntai to Kampong Changkat Bernam (Changkat Mentri). On my suggestion he made a preliminary trip up the Sungei Tinggi and got 9 miles up above the bridle path bridge in a perahu. This is apparently where the area that has been cleared ends, and where what he describes (the following is quite unofficial) as the inland sea begins; he could find no bank to the river and slept on a ‘crocodile or python’s nest’ where he was attacked by innumerable anopheles, and returned next day. The water was 10 feet deep (this is the dry season) and the punt pole brought up clay not peat, (in fact upstream the colour of the water was described as ‘macham whisky soda’ and at the bridge as ‘macham teh’). In his present opinion the channel of the Tinggi selected for the purpose of the map is purely arbitrary, any track followed up might be described as a channel. Malays talk about the lakes covered with ‘bakong’, compare statements by Sakais on page 5 of Mr Watson’s report, also the statement of Mr. Abrahams that he found 24 foot of water, 25 miles upstream. I hope to get up the Tinggi to ascertain what clearing should be done. 5. Mr. Reid after investigating from Batang Berjuntai as to the area of the Ulu Tinggi Swamp, went north by rail to start southwards from the Bernam. 6. We must await Mr Reid’s report, but it would appear that for some years to come that through communication from Batang Berjuntai is out of the question. 7. The Sungei Sakanchan is only a ditch 10 feet broad and 10 feet deep, and owing to the surf I had to swim and wade ashore from the boat lowered from the launch. Mr Watson also reports that it was impossible to land. I have the honour to be, Sir Your obedient servant, ?Canelfs District officer Kuala Selangor

From National Archives of Malaysia Selangor 5459. Transcribed by PC.

>
A report from a reluctant J. G Watson who went with an enthusiastic Mr. Hastings from J. A. Russell and Co, to explore the area on 22nd July 1920, and returned on the 30th.

REPORT FROM J.G.Watson

C.F. 3.8.20 Selangor. ACTING C.F. THE SABAK-SELANGOR PLAIN. C.F.13 in 322/20 Forest Exploration Report I. Outline of the Trip. 1). In my preliminary report on this area I described the general appearance of the plain as seen from the top of the Bukit Tunngal range, and decided that a prolonged jungle tour would be impracticable in view of the transport difficulty and vastness of the area, and unnecessary because of the inspection reports which had been made by members of other departments. All that was required was a visit to the more accessible parts of the area with the object of determining the nature of the forest. 2. On the 22nd: July 1920 I accompanied Mr Hastings of Messrs J.A.Russell and Co., to the Coast. Our original intention was to go by launch to Sungei Tengkorak, to land there by sampan, and to examine the jungle by means of the examination rentices cut out under Mr Hastings directions. We were to enter the jungle at the 13th: mile from Kuala Selangor, walk 11 miles inland again, then walk another 10 miles back to the Coast, emerging at the 21st: mile, thus going completely round the area applied for for the purpose of sugar cultivation. 3. This ambitious programme originated with Mr Hastings, and proved an utter failure. Before we started I expressed the opinion that heavily laden coolies could not cover anything like the distances, even in good jungle whereas this area had an evil reputation. Mr Hastings assured me that he had done it, so that it was practicable. I also expressed doubts as to the possibility of landing from a launch.. Here again Mr Hastings overruled my objections, and said that there was plenty of water for the launch to get near the shore. 4). On the morning of the 23rd July we arrived on the launch “Mina” off S. Tengkorak. The wind had freshened and we were rolling rather heavily. I asked what kind of boat would come to meet us and was told a “sampan”. On asking what type of sampan I was told “probably a dug out thing”, and that it was scarcely likely that it would stand the sea. After consulting with the serang of the launch I ordered him to take her back to Kuala Selangor rather than waste any more time. On arrival at Kuala Selangor, after interviewing the A.D.O., we hired bicycles and proceeded to the 12 ½ mile, where coolies were waiting for us, our luggage in the meantime being sent by Chinese ice-boat to S. Tengkorak. We arrived in good time. The luggage was held up all night at sea through the inability of the boatmen to make the mouth of the river (a mere drain) even at high tide. Luckily we had provisions but the delay was unpleasant and irritating, and proof of lamentable ignorance of local conditions on the part of Mr. Hastings, who has been working on this part of this coast for some time, and who should have known the difficulties, instead of relying on his coolies, a slack lot who were naturally none too anxious to get into the jungle. 5. When the luggage arrived I decided that it would be hopeless to attempt to carry out the original programme, particularly as the connecting rentis had not been completed, so I suggested that while we entered the jungle the luggage should be taken to S.Sekinchang, at the 16th mile, where there was another rentis and where we could go into the jungle on the following day. This was done, and we entered the jungle at 10.30 a.m., coming back to camp at 5 p.m. In this time, without loads, and in phenomenally dry weather, we were only able to penetrate 3 miles and were extremely tired when we got out. On the following day Mr Hastings decided he was too tired to go into the jungle again-so much for his 10 miles a day-so I entered the jungle with the coolies at the 16th mile. This time I penetrated for 4 miles. When I got back to camp I decided that a third day in the jungle would be impossible. The forest was the same, there was nothing but salt water to bathe in, and the drinking water was hopeless. Having sent the launch back to Port Swettenham I was cut off from rapid transport facilities, I was already a day later than I had intended, and I had arranged to meet Mr. Robinson at Sabak on the 27th. The only way to get there was via the coast path, a distance of 25 miles and my luggage had to be carried by coolies. I arrived at Sabak on the 27th, after spending a night at Sungei Besar (the halting bungalow is a disgrace but only averages one European a year) and after seeing the D.O.K Selangor, went out to Torkington Estate. 6. On the 28th I went up the Bernam River with Mr Robinson and took a short trip into the jungle above the protective belt, where he has an application for land. On the 29th I left his estate at midday, and reached Teluk Anson via Hutan Melintang. On the 30th I returned by train to Kuala Lumpur. II. Description of the country 7). It is no exaggeration to say that the Selangor-Bernam area is the most unpleasant, and from a forest point of view, the most worthless of any that I have ever visited, and more than justifies the remarks of all who have had the misfortune to have to visit it. The forest is hopeless from the point of view of timber, and very inferior as a source of firewood. 8. Starting from the sea, the beach is partly mud, partly (as at S.Sekinchang) covered with Krang shell in all stages of disintegration. Behind this comes a very narrow belt of struggling mangrove, composed of small Api api, Berus and Buta-buta, the last named being the commonest. Behind this comes a belt of piai, anything up to a mile in width, and representing the transition stage between the coast and inland flora. Occasional trees are seen in it, mostly species of Ficus, but for the most part it is treeless. Behind this is a dense belt of Kelubi and thorns generally, with a thin upper story of small trees. Much of this has been felled and drained for padi. Beneath this Kelubi belt the ground is knee-deep in a wet and decaying mass of vegetation, and clay is not visible. Nibong is plentiful here, and is probably the only forest product of any value. Going further inland the Kelubi gradually gives way to Palas and the trees increase in size. There are however, places where the Kelubi reappears further inland. The Kelubi Palas belt averages, I should say, about a mile in width. Behind it comes more open jungle and a larger timber, and a small Mengkuang takes the place of the thorns. The ground is a network of roots and pneumatophores, and small comparatively dry patches are not with here and there, formed entirely of decaying vegetation accumulated on the projecting roots. Pulai is the largest and commonest tree of the area, and it is in the neighbourhood of this species that the deposits of vegetation are thickest and the ground consequently higher. The tree is typified by a smooth light brown bark and large buttresses which continue in the form of large spreading roots, forming knees which hold up debris and account for the high patches. But these elevations are by no means solid, and it is necessary to step warily, otherwise one can easily slip through into the water beneath, 10). The commonest forest trees are Pulai, Chempdak, Ayor, Malas, Mengkal, Jangkang (a form of Simpoh), Apa Apa and occasional trees of Meranti, Bakau, Punggai, Nyatoh and Jelutong. The following statement by Mohamed Sharif bin Tanby, an excellent jungle Malay in charge of the rentis cutting coolies: “I have cut inspection rentices as follows:- Mile 11……. 5 miles Mile 13……. 11 miles Mile 15……. 2 miles Mile 16……. 5 miles Mile 21……. 11 miles Mile 23……. 3 miles Mile 25……. 7 miles Total 44 miles “The jungle is equally poor right through. Between the 8th and 11th miles on the 13th mile rentis the jungle becomes even worse, being merely belukar and looking as though it had been felled some time ago and then abandoned. I have seen absolutely no good timber. The only useful trees I have seen in the whole 44 miles, with the exception of such Jelutong and Meranti Bakau as you have seen for yourself, are two Meranti Bunga and one Penega. The only trees of any economic importance is the Nibong near the coast. There is a little rotan sega further up the coast but not enough to make it worth working.” I see no reason to doubt this statement. It is just what my own and other officers’ observations would have led me to expect. 11. I found no real peat, unless the accumulations under the Kelubi could be described as such. The masses of roots and decaying vegetation cannot be called peat as the term is generally understood. The soil is a thick greyish clay, and even at the time of my visit, after 6 weeks drought, water could be obtained anywhere within 9 inches of the surface, except of course, where there were accumulations of decaying vegetable matter. In para 13 of his memorandum on this area (S.R.Sel:3934/19 of October 2nd:) Mr Harrison refuses to attach too much importance to the reports of large peat deposits, and suggests that most of them may be soggy hygroscopic masses that would collapse if the water were to be withdrawn. This is true of the land seen by me, but it is quite possible that true peat will be found further inland in the neighbourhood of the treeless swamps described in para 8. of my preliminary report, and of which the “Belukar” described by Mohd.Sharif is probably the beginning. 12. The water at the time of my visit was as described by Mr. Molloy in his report. It is by no means palatable, but cannot be called really brackish. A prolonged diet of it proves, however, that it cannot satisfy thirst for long and that its continued use is by no means conducive to the healthy digestion. 13. My observations from the Bernam River were limited to a walk round Torkington Estate, and to a short walk into the jungle above Kampong Toh Khalifah. I do not think that there is any doubt that the North-west corner of the plain is better than the rest. I found plenty of indication of large timber on Torkington Estate, but none of any durability except a few Kelat, identified by the P.R.O. That the land is higher is proved by the well defined banks of the S.Bernam. Of peat there is little trace on Torkington. There are a few low spots where decayed vegetation has accumulated to a depth of a foot or more, and which were too wet to burn off with the rest. They can be dealt with however by improved drainage. The growth of coconuts in such places is good, but they are apt to blow over. 14. The jungle above Kampong Toh Khalifah is of distinctly better type than that seen near the Coast. Entering it from the river there is first a narrow strip of very dense totan and belukar. Behind this there is a practically clear stretch of swamp covered with tall grass with scattered struggling, and very unhappy Mahang, covered nearly to their summits with creepers. Behind this comes the high jungle proper with quite a fair amount of good sized timber, but without first class trees. The soil seems to be of the same clayey nature as that on Torkington estate. In Mr Molloy’s report it is stated that much peat was found on the rentis not far from this area. It is possible that the area chosen by Mr Robins is exceptional, or that I may have struck a good patch. Mr Molloy found large timber throughout his rentis. This officer also examined the land further upstream and reported a remarkable paucity of large trees. It appears reasonable to assume, therefore, that the forest is inferior. Summary of Available Information 15. The available information may be summarised and conclusions drawn as follow:- (a) Ulu Sangei Tinggi. The wettest part of the whole area, probably swamp, largely without timber, and useless at present for alienation. Mr Abrahams found 24 feet of water 25 miles upstream, and no banks to the river. In para 8 of my preliminary report I described large treeless swamps between faintly defined permatangs, plainly visible from Bukit Tungal. Sakai rotan cutters from Kampong Tinggi (Bukit Belata) describe “Padanga” of floating grass, without firm bottom, with trees visible a great distance away. (b) Between S.Tinggi and S. Selangor. No defined watershed. The water flows over the whole area and may be from a few inches to three feet deep, according to the weather. (P.W.D. Sel:862/16. S.R.Sel:3635/16). The successful planting of rubber at Raja Musa and other estates proves that a part, at any rate, of this area can be utilised. (c) From the S.Tinggito the Protective Belt. A narrow belt of Kelubi swamp backed by a belt of clay, Probably averaging four miles through, or perhaps rather more, which will probably compare with, but be rather inferior to the land planted with coconuts further north. Timber increasing in size towards the protective belt, and decreasing towards the north-east. See statement of Mohd:Sharif (para 10) and reports of poor timber along rentis No. 4 and larger timber on rentis No 2 (Molloy.D.P.W. 405-13/16). (d) North-west from the Protective Belt. The best of the whole area, as proved by existing cultivated estates. The only durable timber (a few Kelat) were found on Torkington Estate. My examination of the jungle upstream from Kampong Toh Khalifah proved it to be better than anything along the coast. Though the best the jungle can only be described as very inferior. Policy to be adopted. 16. I have attempted above to combine all available information with the impressions gained during my own visit and, were any other forest available I would have no hesitation in recommending unrestricted alienation. Timber there appears to be none. The kempas shingles manufactured at Raja Musa Estate indicate a better type of jungle on the extreme south where conditions probably approximate to those obtaining towards the Bernam. But, poor as it is, some of the jungle must be reserved. Development cannot continue beyond the point where supplies of timber and firewood are available. 17. I do not think that this area need be considered as a possible source of jungle produce for districts further afield, but the Sebak-Selangor plain must be selfsupporting. Supplies of timber or fuel cannot be obtained from other districts, where the shortage is yearly becoming more acute. Development of industry means improvement of transport facilities, and in the construction of roads and railways over an alluvial plain large quantities of wood will be needed, for temporary works at any rate. Poor as the timber is, it is better than nothing. But its inferior quality will necessitate frequent replacements, so that the area to be reserved must be larger than would be the case where the timber is of better quality and the crop a larger one. 18. As already pointed out by Mr Cubitt in his memo of April 28th 1920, we do not know how drainage will affect the growth of timber. I am inclined to think that it will improve it, in that kelubi and dense swamp-loving undergrowth will be killed out and give regeneration a chance. But it cannot bring in trees that are not already represented, and it has already been pointed out that there is no good timber. It would appear, therefore, that it may be necessary to introduce valuable species artificially. To attempt to do so now would be to court failure. The land has all the disadvantages of a mangrove swamp, with none of its advantages, and as it stands it can be classed amongst the inaccessible and unproductive forest areas. 19. Forest and industrial development must here proceed simultaneously. Let the planter take up land and drain it. The effects of drainage will make themselves felt in the surrounding jungle and enable us to judge whether it will be worth while to continue what the planter has started. If he can grow oil palm and sugar, we should be able to grow timber and firewood. 20. Mr Cubitt made certain tentative recommendations as regards the policy to be adopted (Memo of 28.4.20. 1 in C.F.322.20). I agree with his (1), (11), (1110 and (1V) of para 3. As regards (V), I am inclined to think that to limit applications to 1000 or 2000 acres would be likely to hamper development. Planting operations here means extensive drainage, and not only drainage of the area it is intended to plant, but drainage of the land further inland. The ditches will have to be capable of carrying off surplus water from the untapped areas behind the estates. Such drains are expensive and not likely to be attempted by a small concern. 21. The following suggestions are offered as a guide to alienation. No more land should be alienated, for the present from Kuala Bernam to the protective belt. The whole of the land east of the Ulu Selangor-Kuala Selangor district boundary to be earmarked for the selection of reserves. Land north of the Batang Berjuntai-Raja Musa Road to be alienated not more than 3 miles in. and access for roads or drains to be left every one mile. If Messrs. J.A.Russell’s sugar application is to go through a Reserve should be made with an outlet towards the Bernam and Tinggi rivers, as shown on the map. The portion between Changkat Montri and the proposed Malay township above K.Toh Khalifah should be reserved to provide an outlet, and to provide settlers with domestic fuel and timber. Messr’s Russell’s boundary to follow Rentis No. 2 and join Mr Robinson’s oil palm application. Land S.W. of the latter to be reserved as shown. 22. These suggestions may need considerable amendment should a road and railway be built, but in the absence of information on this point, no alternative proposals can be submitted. It is obvious that Messrs. J.A.Russell’s application, if allowed to stand, will interfere with the proposals of the District Officer, Kuala Selangor to establish township reserves at every fourth mile along the coast path. Such township reserve should have sufficient jungle reserved in their vicinity to satisfy the needs of the population , for which purpose there is not nearly sufficient mangrove along the coast. This mangrove fringe, however thin and useless it may be for supplying firewood, should be reserved and encouraged to form a natural barrier against erosion of the coast line. D.C.F. Sel. For your information This has not gone to the S.R. Sd. J.G.Watson Ag. C.F. 3.8.20

From National Archives of Malaysia Selangor 5459. Transcribed by PC

Mr J. G Watson visits the area with Mr. Hastings from J. A. Russell and Co. on 22nd July 1920.

His report can be read at the end of this page.

Internal memos of the British Resident from 1920 to 1921

MINUTES NO 1627.20 DATE STAMPED 6TH APRIL 1920 BUT LATER DATES WITHIN UP TO MARCH 1921

B.R. Selangor I shall have to refer this to the high commissioner. It seems to me that if this land is suitable for sugar cultivation with proper drainage and irrigation then it would be suitable for rice cultivation. I suggest a reference to the Director of Agriculture. 8.4.20 Inta E.L.B. D. of A. Forwarded for your views. The application is for a portion-unselected- of this large area between Jalem Raja Musa and the Tinggi River which Mr Craghill was sent to report on last year (your 545/18) and I gather from his report that even if the soil was suitable for padi nothing could be done until the whole area has been drained and a scheme of irrigation worked out which will I fear take some years. Messrs. Russell and Co are prepared to go to considerable expense in examining the area with a view to selecting suitable land and as there seems no prospect of getting a complete topographical survey made by Govt. at present it seems to me that it would help matters forward to let Messrs. Russell undertake this exploration of the land in consideration of permission to take up 20000 acres on easy terms. 19/4 ?? B.R. I heartily agree with you. It is very problematical whether (if)the land could be used for padi. I should say that the opportunity of re-establishing the sugar industry in the F.M.S. is one that should certainly be seized, especially as Messrs. Russell are anxious to work on proper, modern lines. The Indian Govt. is endeavouring to encourage sugar-growing for Imperial needs and I consider we should do the same. 27.4.20 From D.O.K.S. dated 21/4/20 Submitted again . There’s more information from D.O. in 3. 28.4 C.S. I have referred to the D. of A. who states that it is very problematical whether the land could be used for padi. He points out that the Indian Government is endeavouring to encourage sugar-growing for Imperial needs and thinks we should do the same and that this opportunity for re-establishing the sugar industry in the F.M.S. is one that should certainly not be missed especially as Messrs. Russell are anxious to work on proper, modern lines. There are hundreds of thousands of acres of unopened land in the Kuala Selangor district of which little is known except that the soil is peaty and the whole tract at present water logged. I am anxious to get the necessary surveys made for a system of drainage of this area and propose if possible to get the work put in hand as soon as the similar work in the K.Langat district now proceeding is completed but in any case it must be several years before any system of drainage and irrigation is carried to completion. Mr. Coghill who was asked to report on the area in 1918 was doubtful whether any of the land was suitable for padi but pointed out that even if this were so nothing could be done until the whole area had been drained and an irrigation scheme worked out. Messrs. Russell and Co. are prepared to go to considerable expense in examining the area south of S.Tinggi with a view to selecting suitable land for rubber and if necessary to dredge the S.Tinggi bar and carry out all works necessary for draining the area selected and the D.of A. agrees with me that it will help matters forward to let them undertake exploration in consideration of permission to take up 20,000 acres on easy terms. 29.4….paper returned 30.4.20 Inform D.O. by letter (see para 4 of my letter of 31st March) 13/5 Letter submitted 14/5 Revised 14/5 Sent 15/5 ………………. BR 5 was sent and now 6 a larger proposition is received 2. It seems to me that alienation of 50000 ac. In this position must prejudge the drainage question for unless the eventual drainage of the whole Selangar-Bernam river area is to the liking of the 50000 ac. proprietors they will say that they are prevented from working their estate by the Govt. drainage system: and though in theory that could be got over by insertion of a clause binding them to accept any Govt. scheme yet in practice they would be in too strong a position. ?? 17.5 (7) from D.O.K.S. dated 18/5/20 Attach the paper regarding the proposed Malay Reservation parallel to the Bridlepath. 20/5 ? BR Either 2145.20 [with 589.20 ?? ] or 854.20 [with 2438.20 ????] Both these are marked off to sign. ? 26.5 The papers about Mr Doss’ application are not with me. D.O.K.S. For your view as regards the alteration in area as proposed in (8) The right to carry drains through the padi reserve will I think have to be given though it may interfere with its full development for padi. If access to the sea is given at S. Sekinchang I think that some area will have to be reserved for Govt. buildings and possibly for a Malay settlement. Is there any alienated land included in this part of the application? and if so what are the nature of the holdings. I should be glad if you would show roughly in the plan the firm applications (with name of applicant and nature of proposed cultivation) which come within the boundaries now suggested. Please return as early as possible as I should like to deal with this before I go.?? 7/6/20 (I think the importance of this application will justify a departure from the scheme of Govt. reviews supplied by the C.of F. and understand that the jungle in the land now applied for is very poor.) S.R. The alteration in area is all to the good, because (1) it develops more of the hinterland (2) it leaves more frontage near the coast which others will be willing to develop (3) if the applicants make a good road system it will facilitate communication through the Bernam River. 2. I think that the right to drain through the padi reserve ought to be given, if the padi reserve proves a success the water from the hinterland might be stored in transverse canals and used for irrigation purposes. 3. I think that access to the sea should be given at S.Sekinchang: I think a reserve of 500 acres as shown outlined in blue in (D) should be kept: to make up for this, the breadth of the access strip might be slightly increased on the south. [On the north lies the Doss’ application]. Refused now 4. There are alienated blocks of 4-5 acres along the Bernam path north of Sungei Sekinchang; they stretch back for 10 chains from the path; they are held on approved application for coconut cultivation: several blocks are state land (e.g. up to 17th mile there are 7 blocks of state land): south of Sungei Sekinchang the land along the Bernam path has been given out in 1918 and 1919 on Temporary Licence for padi cultivation with a promise of occupation for 5 years if the cultivation is good: no access reserves have been kept: these blocks run back for 10 chains, down to 14 ½ mile and south of that, they run back for 20 chains. In addition a block about 4 acres between the Bernam path and the mouth of the S. Sekinchang was alienated in 1905 and is held by entry in the mukim register. Concerning the rectangular block which is shown in the 1918 state map near S.Sekinchang I can not get any information till the Penghulu comes to the office. 5. Details of prior applications are shown on (D): my first letter to you on this subject is dated 3rd March: the formal application of Messrs Russell is dated 15th May. 6. I agree that the importance of this application warrants departure?? from the scheme of Forest Reserves suggested by the Conservator. The forest near is poor but I cannot speak for the hinterland. 7. I think the applicants would desire to meet the wishes of Government regarding the preservation of timber: they spoke to me about putting down a light railway. 8. I attach a new tracing (D) with certain recommendations. 9 ? 8.6.20 BR CW?? 9.6. I enclose a draft to C.S. which please sign for me. Send 10 with tracing to C.S. sent 16.6.20 15.7 11 from Mr J. A.Russell encld 15.7 12 from D.O.K. Sel encld 12.7 15.8 13 from ? 16.7.20. BR Please see sec 13 ? 19/7 To inform Messrs Russell ? 19.7.20 ? 14 To Messrs J.A.Russell and D.O.K.S. posted 22/7/20 22.8 X XII? 15 from Mr J.A.Russell ecld 12/?? 16 to Mr J.A.Russell posted 12/11/20 13-12 30.1.21 C of Lands Can you tell me if the recommendations of the Sugar Commission have yet been made. 11.1.21 S.R. Selangor I enclose a copy 17 of the terms the Govt. is prepared to offer-8000 acres will grow all the sugar British Malay consumes.? 17.1.21 This application is for land within the area being considered by the Committee you appointed. 2/ No need to press the K.S. for an answer until the committee has reported? 30/1/21 ? Send reminder to C.S.O. referring to 13 and asking for their reply as promised. 18 To U.S. dispatched 2.2.21 19 From U.S. 11.2.21 enclosed K.W. report of Committee in this area on 12/2/21 ? B.R. The committee appointed by you are making very thorough investigations with regard to this area. The S.G. has had surveys made. The G.M.R. is sending a party out under a European surveyor. Should not this application wait for their report. 12.3.21 ? Write to Messrs J.A.Russell & Co. and enquire whether in view of the change in the financial situation they desire to proceed further with this application. ? 18.3.21.

From National Archives of Malaysia Selangor Transcribed by PC

Archie was very disappointed that the Government had not helped him with sugar development as can be seen from this extract from an obituary for him in The Straits Times on 15 April 1933.

MALAYAN PLANTING TOPICS. Mr. "Archie" Russell (By Our Planting Correspondent)

"Other Enterprises. “Archie’s” agricultural interests were not confined to rubber. The well- thought- out venture in highland tea known as Boh Plantations, carried out under very difficult pioneering conditions, is now approaching the bearing stage and for many years will constitute an enterprise of fundamental importance to Malaya. Probably few people know that Mr. Russell conceived equally ambitious agricultural schemes which, but for the red tape of government officials, might have been as well established today as Boh Plantations. To give an example, it was only the refusal of the government some years ago to alienate land except on very onerous terms that prevented this far seeing man from planting several thousand acres in high yielding sugar cane, and it is not without significance that most of the land which asked for at the time is still a virgin jungle today. Possibly Government at that time had not appreciated the outstanding ability of Mr. Russell and his capacity to carry through very large schemes. I well remember the disappointment he expressed to me at the apathy of Government towards his sugar-planting venture. Gone are the days when capital for enterprises of that magnitude could be easily raised, but apart from financial considerations we have to lament the fact that in Archie Russell Malaya has lost a powerful supporter of any well considered enterprise, and it will be many years before we see his like again……….."


UNTITLED OR DATED

“In order to avoid any loss to the state on the Commission transactions for the current financial year, it is estimated by the Commission that if the price charged to manufacturers continues to be based as at present on current market price, the retail price to the domestic consumer would have to be one shilling and three pence per lb:,” states the Select Committee on National Expenditure in their first report on the transactions of the Sugar Commission. “This price is based on the assumption that the average cost of supplies for the year April 1, 1920, to March 31, 1921, “ continues the report, “will be approximately one shilling and a penny per lb:, including duty, to which must be added the sum of two pence per lb: to cover the costs of distribution. The present retail price to the domestic consumer is ten pence per lb:. If this price is continued, the Treasury will be compelled to face, on the operations of the current year, a deficit on account of the Sugar Commission on the existing basis of consumption of not less than twenty million pounds. In making this estimate due allowance has been made for the presumption that sugar will continue to be sold to manufacturers by the Sugar Commission on the present basis. “Your committee deem it their duty to bring these facts to the notice of the House of Commons immediately, and to warn the House that unless the price of sugar is advanced without delay a large sugar subsidy is inevitable. As to the propriety of such a subsidy, the Committee are, by the terms of their reference, precluded from expressing an opinion; but they would fail in their duty to the House of Commons did they not warn them of the serious financial consequences of such a policy. “They desire further to express the opinion that if the price of sugar is now advanced it should be made clear to consumers throughout the country that the increase is due, not to any ‘profiteering’ on the part of the Sugar Commission, but to the shortage of world production and the enhanced price at which the commission are purchasing the necessary supplies of sugar”.

From National Archives of Malaysia Transcribed by P.C.


Extract from House of Commons Sugar Commission

Don Russell felt that it was the boom in rubber that had caused the Government's objections

"Even the F.M.S. Government fell under the spell of the boom and I well remember my brother and I applied for ten thousand acres of the West of Tanjong Malim in the Sungei Bernam valley for the purpose of reviving the old sugar cane industry but were told that no land could be alienated except for the production of rubber. A foolish attitude to have taken up since a secondary agricultural industry might now be of great help to the Country."