། ། ་། །
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
C.O.
882
3
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
|ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC. COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
Various wild animala in the Parak and Larut forseta.
Reptiles.
Jankan.
Crocodiles.
Country good for
sport.
Health
Climate suited not
only to Europeana,
but to the natives of
Upper India.
Ill health of natives
diet.
attributable to poor
Conclusion.
110
155. The following animals are those most frequently to be found in the forests, though they are scarce near the town:-
Leopards, bears, boars, deers of several species, civet cat, armadilloes, apes, monkeya, racoons, lemurs, and sloths.
156. Among reptiles, the iguana, turtle, and anaconda are indigenous, as indeed are all the preceding.
157. Of snakes there are boa constrictors of a large kind, cobras, and many other species, both poisonous and harmless. The colours and marks of some of these snakes are extremely brilliant and beautiful.
158. In every river and tidal creek the crocodile abounds; yet I am happy to be able to state that during the year only two deaths have occurred from the bites of these creatures, and in both cases the men who were bitten had been bathing in rivers in which they had been warned that it was dangerous to do so.
159. Were the forests and jungles less dense, as in time, through clearings for cultivation and road making, and cutting wood for building purposes, &c., they will certainly become, Larut will doubtless afford a splendid prospect for the sportsman, who may, according to his fancy, choose almost unlimitedly his own game.
160. I have already alluded to the healthy temperature of Larut in my remarks on the climate, but in speaking more particularly of this subject I would wish to point out that not only is the climate specially favourable for Europeans as compared with that of other tropical countries, but also for the natives of India, especially those of Upper India.
161. I have often been with a number of these men, who form part of the Larut Police Force for a fortnight at a time, marching through jungle and swamp, scarcely ever in dry clothes; and yet the number who fell sick scarcely rose above an average of three per cent.
A like proceeding in the healthiest part of India would have entailed an average treble that of the above.
162. The Malays and Chinese suffer, it is true, from febrile attacks, also from a scrofulous affection, and ulcers on the legs and ankles, which not unfrequently result in deep sores; but these forms of disease are, I believe, wholly attributable to the salt fish, which forms so large a portion of the diet of these people. The richer mem- bers of the native community, who can afford more generous living, appear to be entirely free from these ills.
In concluding this my first annual Report on Larut, I would beg to say that I feel with much regret that it falls short in many respects of the information I should wish to have furnished.
This has arisen from the difficulty of obtaining reliable details from the natives, on points connected not only with the past, but with their present mode of life, especially their traditions, religious and otherwise; communications on these points, Malays (in common with all semi-civilized nations) are reluctant to make, yet the want of this knowledge renders it always difficult to judge with precision of the capabilities and powers of a people.
I can, however, but repeat what I have already said. Larut gives great promise, if properly worked, of becoming a most flourishing country, and offers an unusually fair field for enterprise and outlay, with advantages both in the way of land-tenure and climate not generally to be found in Oriental States.
For myself I can only say, that it will ever be my earnest desire while I am in Larut to do my utmost to promote its welfare.
My interest in the country, dated from an earlier time even than my appointment in it under the British Government, has been in no wise diminished, but, on the contrary, year of increased by the success which I am happy to be able to say has attended the first British protection.
The difficulties I at first experienced among the Chinese were numerous, owing to the spirit of insubordination which had been engendered by two years of warfare and idleness; but this spirit of disaffection has gradually given way to one of industry and obedience, which indicates that the inhabitants wisely recognize their best interests.
The Hon. the Colonial Secretary,
Singapore.
I have, &c. (Signed) T. 0. S. SPEEDY,
Assistant Resident of Perak.
111
Table of Appendices
(A.)—Sultan's Grants. (B.)—Revenue.
(C.)-Expenditure.
(D.)-Exports and Imports.
(E.)
-Crimes and Punishments,
(F.)-Establishments.
(G.)-Police.
(H.)-Roads.
(I.)-Regulations of Larut Harbour.
(J.)-Amount of Tin exported during 1874.
APPENDIX (A).
Proclamation.
BE it known to all men that we, Sultan Abdullah Mohammad Shah, son of the late Sultan Jaafar Almoathain Shah, who is now sitting on the throne of the Kingdom of Perak, its provinces and dependencies.
Now, we are desirous to open our country, with a view to afford to all the inhabitants of our country peace and security; and for this motive we have applied to his Excellency Sir Andrew Clarke, R.E., K.C.M.G., C.B., Governor and Commander-in-chief of the three Settlements, Singapore, Penang, and Malacca, and Vice-Admiral of the same, and his Excellency the Governor, has sent us one of his officers, who is called British Resident of Perak, to live with us, and to afford us full assistance and good advice, în order that we may govern our country with justice, and protect the lives and property of those who trade or dwell in our country, of whatever nationality they may be.
Now, we make known to all European gentlemen, Chinese headmen, and others, that we shall regard with great favour any one who will come and do useful work in our country, such as opening tin-mines or gold mines, or agricultural purposes, or to carry on trade in our country, such as searching for gutta, rattan, or felling timber, or following any other profitable business for themselves.
And we, through the advice of the aforesaid British Resident, will protect the lives and property of those who come into our country, to the utmost of our ability.
Whosoever likes to open plantations, such as sugar-cane, pepper, tobacco, cotton, or
any thing else, we will give him the land for it free of cost; and he may work on it for three years without paying any tax whatever upon the produce. Whosoever opens mines must pay the taxes according to the rule of our country.
Now, this we make known to all men, that whosoever is willing to work in our country, may either discourse with us personally, or with the British Resident in Perak.
For this purpose we attach our seal and signature, as the sign of truth and authenticity.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference -
TIC.O. 882
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