Extracts from letters from T. Church, Esq., Resident Councillor, Singapore, addressed to the Honourable the Governor of the Straits.
15th September, 1849. Transmits copy of letter from Captain Man, dated August, 1849, forwarding account of value of labour of the convicts for the year ending 30th April last.
15th September, 1849. Transmits copy of letter from Captain Man, dated August, 1849, forwarding account of value of labour of the convicts for the year ending 30th April last.
In my last report I adverted to the efficient state of this department, and the importance of the work performed by convicts under the zealous and active supervision of the Superintendent. The accompanying papers will, I think, satisfy your Honour, and distant authorities likewise, that the value of the labour of the convicts, particularly the artificers, is annually becoming developed; and even now the skill of the men is quite equal, if not superior, to the free labourers generally employed by the Superintending Engineer; in fact, Major Faber has on more than one occasion expressed his professional opinion on the superiority of the masonry and other works executed by the convict body. I trust the period is not far distant when the Government will allow all repairs and minor works to be done by the Superintendent of Convicts, a measure much to be desired, and vastly more economical than the present system.The annexed statement has no pretensions to[180]accuracy, and I am rather disposed to place on record Captain Man's estimate than my own; but whichever is adopted, the result is most satisfactory, as showing that the labour of the convicts is equivalent to all expenses incurred in their maintenance at this station.
In my last report I adverted to the efficient state of this department, and the importance of the work performed by convicts under the zealous and active supervision of the Superintendent. The accompanying papers will, I think, satisfy your Honour, and distant authorities likewise, that the value of the labour of the convicts, particularly the artificers, is annually becoming developed; and even now the skill of the men is quite equal, if not superior, to the free labourers generally employed by the Superintending Engineer; in fact, Major Faber has on more than one occasion expressed his professional opinion on the superiority of the masonry and other works executed by the convict body. I trust the period is not far distant when the Government will allow all repairs and minor works to be done by the Superintendent of Convicts, a measure much to be desired, and vastly more economical than the present system.
The annexed statement has no pretensions to[180]accuracy, and I am rather disposed to place on record Captain Man's estimate than my own; but whichever is adopted, the result is most satisfactory, as showing that the labour of the convicts is equivalent to all expenses incurred in their maintenance at this station.
August, 1850. A cursory view of the papers submitted by Captain Man will show how much the community are indebted to the convict body for the cleanliness of the streets in town, and the extensive and admirable roads in the country, which elicit the praise and even the astonishment of sojourners from the continent of India, and the Colonies.
August, 1850. A cursory view of the papers submitted by Captain Man will show how much the community are indebted to the convict body for the cleanliness of the streets in town, and the extensive and admirable roads in the country, which elicit the praise and even the astonishment of sojourners from the continent of India, and the Colonies.
10th August, 1852. Captain Man's report is exceedingly gratifying, and demonstrates how admirably adapted the existing rules and regulations are to preserve order and discipline among a large body of probably the most vicious and demoralized characters from the presidencies, and at the same time render their labour of considerable importance to the place of transportation.
10th August, 1852. Captain Man's report is exceedingly gratifying, and demonstrates how admirably adapted the existing rules and regulations are to preserve order and discipline among a large body of probably the most vicious and demoralized characters from the presidencies, and at the same time render their labour of considerable importance to the place of transportation.
Extracts from the letters of the Governor of the Straits Settlements to the Resident Councillor, Singapore:—
29th August, 1850. The management of the convict body at Singapore reflects great credit on Captain Man, whose energy and zeal in the execution of his duties have always been very conspicuous; and I notice with extreme satisfaction the eulogium passed on that officer in the concluding paragraphs of your communication.The observations of the Superintendent of Convicts and Roads at this station, as well as at Penang, on the aforesaid rules and regulations, coupled with your notice of the same, have afforded me unqualified gratification, seeing[181]that they were drawn up by me so far back as 1845 in the face of much opposition to the entire abolition of free men as petty officers, in which, however, as in all matters connected with the welfare of this station, I acknowledge your cordial support and assistance.
29th August, 1850. The management of the convict body at Singapore reflects great credit on Captain Man, whose energy and zeal in the execution of his duties have always been very conspicuous; and I notice with extreme satisfaction the eulogium passed on that officer in the concluding paragraphs of your communication.
The observations of the Superintendent of Convicts and Roads at this station, as well as at Penang, on the aforesaid rules and regulations, coupled with your notice of the same, have afforded me unqualified gratification, seeing[181]that they were drawn up by me so far back as 1845 in the face of much opposition to the entire abolition of free men as petty officers, in which, however, as in all matters connected with the welfare of this station, I acknowledge your cordial support and assistance.
The head of the Madras Medical Department Dr. Edward Balfour, visited this jail in August, 1863, and thus recorded his opinion:—
The point that most struck me in the management of this jail were the diversified occupations and evident industry of its inmates, and their complete employment. The mass were actively working, and the few were superintending those engaged in labour. I have not before seen the various labouring industries of artizans so largely introduced in any jail, nor have I seen such diligence in their labour. Blacksmiths' and tinsmiths' work, carpentry and sawmills, carving and coopering, stonemasons, manufacture of coir and woollen yarn for blankets, weaving door-mats, and printing too, all in active operation inside the jail, with wood-cutting, brick and tile works, and vegetable gardens without. Daily task work, and its allotment and registration as to quantities performed in the jail, may be operating to produce the application to the work before them which the prisoners were everywhere giving. The hospital and its arrangements were very perfect. The well-kept floor, the clean cots, and the very small number of about twenty inmates out of a strength of 2,000, may be taken as indicative of the care in all other sanitary arrangements. Both the sickness and mortality seems very small. I have been much gratified with what I have seen, and have learned some points of interest and value.
The point that most struck me in the management of this jail were the diversified occupations and evident industry of its inmates, and their complete employment. The mass were actively working, and the few were superintending those engaged in labour. I have not before seen the various labouring industries of artizans so largely introduced in any jail, nor have I seen such diligence in their labour. Blacksmiths' and tinsmiths' work, carpentry and sawmills, carving and coopering, stonemasons, manufacture of coir and woollen yarn for blankets, weaving door-mats, and printing too, all in active operation inside the jail, with wood-cutting, brick and tile works, and vegetable gardens without. Daily task work, and its allotment and registration as to quantities performed in the jail, may be operating to produce the application to the work before them which the prisoners were everywhere giving. The hospital and its arrangements were very perfect. The well-kept floor, the clean cots, and the very small number of about twenty inmates out of a strength of 2,000, may be taken as indicative of the care in all other sanitary arrangements. Both the sickness and mortality seems very small. I have been much gratified with what I have seen, and have learned some points of interest and value.
Extract from theSingapore Free Press, October, 1884:—
To this day many of the released convicts are living in Singapore, cart owners, milk sellers, road contractors, and so on. Many of them are comfortably off, but are growing fewer year by year, and their places will never be filled by that class again. The name of Major McNair is a password to their good feelings, and all their disputes used to go to him as a matter of course. When the Major wrote theSarong and Kris, Perak and the Malays, it was remarked by one of the reviewers that he hoped the Major would some day give an account of the old jail to the world. It was one of the most remarkable sights of the place, and no one came from India on a visit in those days without going over it before he returned. For all sorts of things, from coir matting and rattan chairs down to waste paper baskets, every one went to the jail; and the rattan chairs the Chinese now sell here so largely, were invented in the jail, beginning with a cumbrous heavy chair, which was the first pattern, down to the shape we see now.No doubt the system had its defects, and there was a wide difference between the jail as it is now, filled with offenders sentenced in Singapore, and a jail which contained criminals who came from distant places and did not know the local language, and had no friends outside[184]the walls to help them to escape from the island if they succeeded in getting clear of the jail; but, notwithstanding, it was often a wonder to many to find so large an establishment of the worst characters of India kept in check by what was, practically, almost personal influence alone.
To this day many of the released convicts are living in Singapore, cart owners, milk sellers, road contractors, and so on. Many of them are comfortably off, but are growing fewer year by year, and their places will never be filled by that class again. The name of Major McNair is a password to their good feelings, and all their disputes used to go to him as a matter of course. When the Major wrote theSarong and Kris, Perak and the Malays, it was remarked by one of the reviewers that he hoped the Major would some day give an account of the old jail to the world. It was one of the most remarkable sights of the place, and no one came from India on a visit in those days without going over it before he returned. For all sorts of things, from coir matting and rattan chairs down to waste paper baskets, every one went to the jail; and the rattan chairs the Chinese now sell here so largely, were invented in the jail, beginning with a cumbrous heavy chair, which was the first pattern, down to the shape we see now.
No doubt the system had its defects, and there was a wide difference between the jail as it is now, filled with offenders sentenced in Singapore, and a jail which contained criminals who came from distant places and did not know the local language, and had no friends outside[184]the walls to help them to escape from the island if they succeeded in getting clear of the jail; but, notwithstanding, it was often a wonder to many to find so large an establishment of the worst characters of India kept in check by what was, practically, almost personal influence alone.
From theSingapore Free Press, February 2nd, 1899. Given to show how very lately this "head scare" superstition is entertained:—
The "Head-Cutting" Scare.To the Editor of theFree Press Pao.Most Powerful Sir,—Permit thy humble servant to approach thee by the way of my friend Tan Tan Tiam, who knoweth the Ang Moh's speech, and kindly consenteth to write to him who moveth the Government to influence the Tye Jin to have compassion upon the exiled sons of China.Thy servant is a humble puller of the man-power-carriage by night, and is suffering grievously because he is unable to carry on his lawful occupation of plying by hire, by reason of the dire fear that besetteth him. It hath come to the ears of thy servant and of his fellows, that the Ang Moh's engineers do seek a sacrifice to appease the offended gods of earth and water, whom they have outraged by disturbing his habitation on the hill that standeth behind the office of the Tye Jin, which they of India call Ko-mis-a-yat. The said engineers, perchance from ignorance, have neglected to consult the wise ones of earth-lore as to the means to be taken to please the said spirits, who have consequently so tormented the Ang Moh that they seek a sacrifice. Not of the rich and family-blessed, who[186]would make a complaint to the Government, if they were sacrificed; but of us poor and friendless man-power-carriage coolies, who in the exercise of our nightly avocation are called to distant parts of the town, where the knife that is invisible will speedily sever the head from the body, and the cloth that is impenetrable will stifle the last cry of him that hath none to avenge, and our heads go to make the water run within the pipe, and make firm the foundations of this new water hole.Let the engineers make the necessary sacrifices, that we may go without fear and trembling to those who call us, with mighty voice and thick, to go to Si Poi Poh. Then shall we receive the reward of the Ang Moh's gratitude, far exceeding that of they who aforetime dwelt in the land, or of our brothers of the Celestial Empire.Hak-Chew.
The "Head-Cutting" Scare.
To the Editor of theFree Press Pao.
Most Powerful Sir,—Permit thy humble servant to approach thee by the way of my friend Tan Tan Tiam, who knoweth the Ang Moh's speech, and kindly consenteth to write to him who moveth the Government to influence the Tye Jin to have compassion upon the exiled sons of China.
Thy servant is a humble puller of the man-power-carriage by night, and is suffering grievously because he is unable to carry on his lawful occupation of plying by hire, by reason of the dire fear that besetteth him. It hath come to the ears of thy servant and of his fellows, that the Ang Moh's engineers do seek a sacrifice to appease the offended gods of earth and water, whom they have outraged by disturbing his habitation on the hill that standeth behind the office of the Tye Jin, which they of India call Ko-mis-a-yat. The said engineers, perchance from ignorance, have neglected to consult the wise ones of earth-lore as to the means to be taken to please the said spirits, who have consequently so tormented the Ang Moh that they seek a sacrifice. Not of the rich and family-blessed, who[186]would make a complaint to the Government, if they were sacrificed; but of us poor and friendless man-power-carriage coolies, who in the exercise of our nightly avocation are called to distant parts of the town, where the knife that is invisible will speedily sever the head from the body, and the cloth that is impenetrable will stifle the last cry of him that hath none to avenge, and our heads go to make the water run within the pipe, and make firm the foundations of this new water hole.
Let the engineers make the necessary sacrifices, that we may go without fear and trembling to those who call us, with mighty voice and thick, to go to Si Poi Poh. Then shall we receive the reward of the Ang Moh's gratitude, far exceeding that of they who aforetime dwelt in the land, or of our brothers of the Celestial Empire.
Hak-Chew.
Hak-Chew.
Alquada Reef lighthouse,[112].
Andaman Islands,[21],[143].
Anecdotal History, on Singapore, etc., convicts,[47],[67].
Balfour, Dr. Edward: opinion of Singapore jail,[182].
"Bastiani," exporter of pine-apples to Europe,[60].
Begbie, Captain,[43].
Belcher, Sir Edward, R.N.,[61].
Bencoolen, First penal settlement at,[1-3].
ir Stamford Raffles' letters on treatment of convicts at,[4-8].
Transfer of convicts from, to Penang,[8].
Transfer of convicts from, to Singapore,[39].
"Bencoolen Rules" in force at Singapore,[43].
Bennett, Mr. John,[61],[74].
Beri-beri disease,[149].
Blundell, Hon. Edmund Augustus,[73].
Branding,[12].
Bricks, Dearth of, at Singapore in 1844,[58].
Bricks made by convicts,[110],[174].
Brodhurst, Mr.,[144].
Budoo road,[44].
Bukit Timah Canal,[71].
Butterworth, Colonel,[20],[61],[62].
"Butterworth Rules,"[21],[62],[63].
Campbell, Major,[42].
Canning, Lord,[75].
Cape Rachado,[29].
Carrimon Islands,[33].
Cathedral, Singapore,[97-101].
Cavenagh, General Sir Orfeur,[52].
"Cellular system,"[158].
Chains, Convicts in,[40],[87].
Chester, Lieutenant,[40].
Chinese rioters dispersed by Indian convicts,[67-68].
Church, Hon. Thomas,[73].
Extracts from letters on value of convict labour,[179-181].
Clarke, Sir Andrew,[3],[14].
Clothing of convicts at Singapore jail,[94].
Cobra,[128].
Coleman, G. D., Work performed by, at Singapore,[43-46].
Collyer, Colonel,[75].
Collyer Quay,[76].
Convicts, Treatment of, at Penang,[16-20].
Ticket-of-leave, at Penang,[24].
at Malacca,[27-30].
Transfer of, from Bencoolen to Singapore,[39].
First trial of, as warders at Singapore,[40].
Lenient treatment of,[41].
used for suppressing fires at Singapore,[42].
employed as orderlies and servants,[42].
at Singapore, Malacca, Penang, and Maulmein, Extract fromAnecdotal Historyon,[47].
used for destroying tigers,[52].
used for surveying,[56].
employed for road-constructing,[19],[28],[59].
build lighthouses at Singapore,[60],[62].
Indian, disperse Chinese rioters,[68].
Bukit Timah Canal improved by,[71].
A new St. Andrew's Church constructed by,[72],[97].
assist in building fortifications of Singapore,[76].
Government House built by,[77],[101].
Classification of, at Singapore jail,[84-89].
Average number of, at Singapore,[89].
Trades of,[90-92].
hours of work at Singapore,[92].
Clothing of, at Singapore jail,[94].
Industries of (intramural)[104-108].
Industries of (extramural)[108-112].
Stories about Indian,[113-142].
Indian, fondness for spying,[123].
Indian, Transfer of, to Port Blair from Singapore,[143].
Pardoning,[143-145].
Analysis of crimes of, in 1873,[145].
Diseases of, at Singapore,[147-152].
Death-rate of, at Singapore,[149].
Disciplinary treatment of, at Singapore,[159].
Incorrigible,[161].
Materials made by,[172-175].
Bricks made by,[172-175].
Defaults committed by Indian,[176].
Cotton, Dr. George,[74].
Cowpar, Dr.,[154].
Crawfurd, Mr. John,[36],[101].
Crocodiles,[130],[134-138].
"Dacoity,"[12].
Davidson, M. F.,[61],[62].
Death-rate of convicts at Singapore,[149],[170].
De Barros on Malacca,[26].
Dindings,[14].
Diseases of convicts at Singapore,[147-152].
Feigned,[152-155].
Du Cane, Sir Edmund,[96].
Edinburgh, H.R.H. The Duke of,[77].
Faber, Captain,[58].
lays foundation stone of Pearl's Hill jail,[64].
Farquhar, Major,[33].
Fires, Convicts used for suppressing,[42].
Flogging,[88].
Forlong, General,[21],[63].
appreciation of Singapore convict system,[63].
Fraser, Colonel, report on management of Singapore jail,[110].
"Funny Joe,"[126].
Godinho de Eredia,[25],[151].
Government House at Singapore,[101-104].
Guillaume, architect,[97].
Guthrie, Mr. Alexander,[35].
Guthrie, Mr. James,[101].
Hamadryads, Convicts bitten by,[16].
Hay, Mr. Andrew,[35].
"Head Scare,"[69-70].
Hilliard, Captain,[20].
Hospital erected at Singapore,[57].
Humphrey, Rev. William Topley,[73].
Industries, Convict,[104-112].
Jail erected near Brass Basa Canal,[54].
New Civil, at Pearl's Hill,[64].
Singapore, Description of,[77-83].
Singapore, Classification of convicts at,[84-89].
Singapore, Rations for,[93].
Industries at Singapore,[104-112].
Convict Probation at Singapore,[157].
Expenses of Singapore,[169].
Statistics of Hospital Department,[170-171].
Janssen, M. Leon,[151].
Johnstone, Mr. A. L.,[35].
Johore, Sultan of,[36].
Kerr, Dr.,[150].
Labour, Value of convict,[92].
Statistics of convict,[172-175].
Latrines,[80-82].
"Licuala acutifida,"[24].
Light, Captain,[15].
Lighthouses at Singapore,[60-62].
erected at eastern entrance to Straits of Malacca,[62].
McClure, Sir Robert,[139].
MacKenzie, Mr. E.,[35].
McNair, Lieut.,[73].
McNair, Major,[52].
Rules introduced by, 1858-59,[63].
prepares plans for Government House at Singapore,[77],[97],[101].
Macpherson, Captain Ronald,[71],[73].
Macpherson, Colonel,[97].
Attempt to kill,[125].
Magaelhaens, Mr.,[61].
Mahomed Shah,[26].
Malacca, Origin of name of,[25].
Size of,[26].
Trade of,[26].
The Portuguese at,[26].
Appearance of,[27].
First convicts at,[27].
Industrial training of convicts at,[29].
Transfer of convicts to Singapore from,[30].
trade, 1845-46,[65].
Man, Captain,[158].
Man, General,[20],[21].
Man, General, Initiation of carpenter's work at Singapore,[64].
Marco Polo,[151].
Maxwell, Mr. D. A.,[35].
Mayne, Major,[76].
Montgomery, Mr. W.,[35].
Moor'sNotices of the Indian Archipelago,[45].
Morgan, Mr. A. F.,[35].
Morgan, Mr. John,[35].
Mouat, Dr., Paper on ticket-of-leave system at Singapore,[10].
Testimony as to conservancy of Singapore jail,[82].
Report on Singapore jail, 1864-65,[105].
Napier, Mr. D. F.,[35].
Netley Abbey,[97].
New Harbour Dock,[67].
Ord, Lady,[101].
Ord, Sir Harry St. George,[76],[101].
Oxley, Dr., House of, attacked by burglars,[43].
Pangkor,[14].
Penang, Convicts transferred to, from Bencoolen,[8],[14].
Increase in population of,[15].
Trade of,[16],[65].
Treatment of convicts at,[16-20].
Ticket-of-leave at,[24].
Seat of government fixed at,[41].
"Penang lawyers,"[24].
"Penang Rules,"[8],[18].
in force at Singapore,[43].
Pine-apples at Singapore,[59].
Piracy in the Straits of Malacca,[120-122].
Pooley, Lieut.-Col. Charles,[73].
Port Blair, Transfer of Indian life-convicts to,[143].
"Prince of Wales Island" (see alsoPenang),[14].
Prisoners (seeConvicts).
Province Wellesley, Acquisition of,[14].
Pulo Ubin, British flag planted at,[38].
Purvis, Captain,[73].
Purvis, Mr. John,[35].
Queen, H.M. The, Statue of,[104].
Raffles', Sir Stamford, letters to Government on treatment of convicts at Bencoolen,[4-8].
Views of, on necessity of trading centre in Straits of Malacca,[33].
Address from merchants at Singapore to,[36].
reply to address from merchants at Singapore,[37].
"The Coney" lighthouse named after,[62].
Raffles Institution,[45].
Rations for Singapore jail,[93].
Rawlinson, Sir Robert, K.C.B.,[76].
Read, Mr. C. R.,[35].
Read, Mr. W. H., C.M.G.,[100].
Rhio,[33].
Roads opened between Bukit Timah and Krangi,[59].
to summit of Telok Blangah Hill,[59].
Rock-blasting by Indian convicts,[66].
Rowell, Dr. Irvine, C.M.G.,[150].
St. Andrew's Church,[68].
Construction of a new,[72].
consecrated by Dr. George Cotton, Bishop of Calcutta,[74].
Scott, Mr. Charles,[35].
Scott, Mr. Thomas,[101].
Serangoon road,[44].
Shaw, Mr. Frank,[131].
Singapore, Foundation of settlement,[34].
Origin of name of,[31].
Size of,[32].
ceded to Great Britain,[34].
Population of,[34].
First settlers at,[34],[35].
Early prison at,[35].
Address from merchants at, to Sir Stamford Raffles,[36].
Extracts from reply to address from merchants to Sir S. Raffles,[37].
First census,[38].
Transfer of convicts from Bencoolen to,[39].
First church for,[45].
jail erected, 1841,[54].
Tigers at,[49-53].
Extract fromThe Free Presson progress of town,[55].
hospital erected,[57].
bricks,[58].
pine-apples,[59].
trade, 1845-46,[65].
census, 1849,[67].
new church,[72].
Fortification of,[75].
waterworks,[76].
jail, Description of,[77-83].
cathedral,[97-101].
Government House,[101-104].
Expenses of, jail,[169].
Singapore Free Press: Extract on capture of a tiger,[50].
Extract on ravages of tigers,[51].
Extract on progress of Singapore town, 1842,[55].
Extract on Singapore lighthouse,[61].
Extract on tiger-hunting,[134].
on released convicts,[183-184].
on "head-cutting" scare,[185-186].
Sleeman, Colonel,[12].
Stevenson, Captain,[48].
Stone Quarrying at Singapore,[111].
Surveying, Convicts used for,[56].
Tanjong Tatti,[33].
Tan-Tock-Seng,[57].
Taylor, Rev. Wallace, M.D.,[152].
Temple, Col. R.C.,[21].
Thompson, J. T.,[56].
designs hospital for Singapore,[57].
designs Singapore lighthouse,[60].
"Thuggee,"[11].
"Tickery Banda,"[113].
Ticket-of-leave system,[10],[24].
employed in pine culture,[60].
Tigers at Singapore,[49-53].
trap,[131].
Trade for year 1845-46 of Penang, Singapore, and Malacca,[65].
Trades of Singapore convicts,[90-92].
Transportation,[8].
Effect of, on the native of India,[9],[117],[157].
Tropical Possessions in Malayan India, Story about "Tickery Banda" in,[113].
Warders, Singapore convicts as,[40],[48],[162].
Well-digging at Singapore,[112].
White, Rev. Edmund,[45].
Wilson, Rt. Rev. Daniel, D.D.,[73].
Xavier, St. Francis,[27].
Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London.