CO882-10 — Page 293

bolc.

281

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office,

Penang, have two race meetings a year. Away from the towns sunali game shooting of various sorts can be obtained.

The shops in the big towns are good but expensive. It is alvisable to take out plate, cutlery (rustless), and linen, but not glass, crockery, or kitchen utensils. Only a small supply of sheets is required, as a top sheet is seldom if ever used. In pre- war days it would have been advisable to go to Malaya well supplied with clothes, but in these days of high prices there is not so much difference between the London and Malayan rates. Nothing but thin clothing is necessary White and khaki are generally worn during the day, and a thin flannel suit at the club at night. Few tailors in London understand how very thin the flannel should be, but Messrs. Thresher and Glenny are men. tioned as being among the few, and it is suggested that a visit to their establishment will enable one who has never lived in the tropics to understand what "thinness " means. Dress suits should also be thin and devoid of padding. One swallow-tail and one dinner-jacket are essential; and one dark snit (of light material) of ordinary clothes is ample. A few pairs of flannel trousers are also desirable, but a large wardrobe is not necessary. If one's measure is left behind in England, things can always be replaced when wanted. Singapore is a free port, and there is no difficulty in getting out things by parcel post. Drill and khaki suits, however, should be obtained in the Colony. Stiff shirts are worn only with evening dress. Soft cotton shirts are better than flannel, which are soon ruined by the laundrymen (called dhobis). Silk pyjamas or underwear of delicate material is never sent to the dhobi but washed at home by the amah or boy. A dhobi generally contracts to wash for a bachelor for about $8-10 a month.

Leather boots and shoes are not much worn, and one pair of each is probably sufficient, and should be taken from England. Canvas boots and shoes are generally worn, and can be got cheaper in the Colony.

The climate is, of course, a hot one, but by no means un- bearable. The nights are generally cool in the interior of the Peninsula. Malaria, the bug-bear of the Peninsula, is pre- valent, but very many escape it altogether. On the whole, the climate is not an unhealthy one, but it is tropical, and tropical diseases are common. It is not a suitable climate for "nervy " people.

Children may be kept in Malaya until they are three, but it is then usually necessary to send them home.

The roads all over the Peninsula are excellent, and anyone possessing a motor or ordinary bicycle should take it with him, but it is not worth while to buy one as they can be obtained in Singapore. Ford motor-cars are cheaper in Singapore than they are in London

People seldom walk far in the towns, and those who do not possess a car or bicycle spend $19 or $20 a manth on rinkeles.

April, 1920.

Printed by His Mamott's STATIONERY OFFICE.

Eastern

No. 135.

Confidential.

MALAY

STATES.

NOTES

ON A

POLICY

IN RESPECT OF THE

UNFEDERATED MALAY STATES.

COLONIAL OFFICE,

March, 1991,

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O. 882/10

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO