CO882-6 — Page 69

STRAITS SETTL

CORRESPONDENCE

RESPROTING

RAILWAYS IN THE NATIVE STATES OF THE

MALAY PENINSULA.

3

Governor Sir C. B.

288

H. Mitchell.

June 24 (Rec. July 20.)

Submits his views: would offer no objection to the raising of a loan of £500,000 as suggested by Mr. Swettenham.

7

4

To Governor Sir C.

471

November 21

B. H. Mitchell.

Considers that the time has not yet 10

arrived for the extensive scheme prop sed by Mr. Swettenham, and that it will be safer to adhere to the more cautious policy re- commended by the Governor.

5

Governor Bir C. B.

15

H. Mitchell.

1897.

January 18 (Rec. Feb. 15.)

Encloses farther representations from Mr. Swettenham urging the adoption of his views ; observes that these representя- tiong do not change his-(Bir Q Mitchell's) views.

10

C

6

To Governor Sir C.

57

May 12

B. H. Mitchell.

Inclines to meet Mr. Swettenham's views for the reasons stated, and authorizes him to take immediate steps for carrying out his scheme.

12

7

High

Commis-

169

sioner Sir J. A. Swettenham.

1898.

October 28 Rec. Nov. 22.)

1

1899.

-

8 Messrs. Gregory

Eyles and Waring

to Crown Agents.

December 1898 (Rec, Jan. 3, 1899.)

Reports upon railways open, under construction, and in contempla- tion with recommendations.

21

9

To High Commis-

24

January 20

sioner Bir ('. B. H. Mitchell.

10 High Commissioner

55

Hir C. B. H. Mitchell.

March 8 (Rec. April 3.)

Transmits copy letter from Sir 14

F. A. 8wertenham giving full details of the railway extensions in progress and proposed.

Transmits copy of No. 8: with 37

observations and instructions.

Transmits copy letter from Sir: 38

F. A. Swettenham, enclosing a return of expenditure, fnèurred and estimated, for the extensions.

8877.

SIR,

No. 1.

Mr. F. A. SWETTENHAM to COLONIAL OFFICE, (Received February 18, 1896.)

Whitton Lodge, near 'Rugby, February 17, 1896. I HAVE the honour to enclose, for the information of the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, two maps,” and an explanatory memorandu'n to illustrate the present position of milway construction in the Malay Peninsula, and the probable

lirection of extensions in the near and more distant future.

I am, &c.,

F. A. SWETTENHAM.

Enclosure in No. 1.

MEMORANDUM on Malay Railways, to accompany a Map specialty coloured to show existing lines and possible extensions.

1. As regards existing lines (coloured black), it need only be said that they should

be looked upon as feeders to the main waterway down the Straits of Malacca.

The markets where Malay States' produce is sold are at Singapore and Penang, and it is from these places that all classes and nationalities in the Malay States are supplied with food, clothing, necessaries and luxuries. There are several lines of stemmers constantly running up and down the Straits of Malacca, calling at the principal ports on the coast, and the railways hitherto constructed have been built in order to put the mining centres in direct communication with the seaports; in fact, to bring "wheel" and "keel" together.

The Taipang-Portweld Railway was built to put the centre of the greatest mining field then known in Perak in direct communication with Port Weld, the nearest available port, between which and Penang there was, and still is, daily communication by steamer. This line was the first built in Malaya. It was very expansive (comparatively speaking); it was only eight miles long, and as soon as it was finished the miners began to move away to other and more attractive fields. It has paid 10 per cent. on the capital, but now pays about 34 per cent.

• Not reproduced.

Map

To face page

38

UFi 3000 – D &&

T

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

EPIC.O. 882

6

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

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON