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SINGAPORE.
killed in most of the compounds. The existence of the most formidable Asiatic snake, the Hamadryad, has also been demonstrated, though this fierce reptile is fortunately but very seldom seen. It should be added that specimens of the formidable python, up to 24 feet in length, are found in the jungle, and that alligators and ebarke inhabit the still waters of the coast. Mosquitoes, however, form the principal plague, and cause far more irritation and vexation that the occasional visits of the snakes, centipedes, or scorpions, which are now and then killed in bath or bed rooms.
Singapore offers but few points of salient interest to visitors, the Botanical Gardens at Tanglin and the Raffles Library and Museum being its only show places. Few, however, are unimpressed with its wealth of vegetation-of a certain sort. The jungle, crowded with kompas, betel, and cocoanut trees, here and there relieved Ly durians, mangoes, and mangostins, is grandly beautiful. But flowers flourish to only a limited degree. Orchids indeed abound, but their blossoms soon fade, while a few gorgeous flowering plants but poorly make up for the absence of roses, gera. niums, honeysuckle, and all the vast variety which are associated with a well kept gartlen at home.
Owing to the long distances, horses and carriages are in universal demand, and numerous hack gharries or palanquins on wheels, a shade better than the old London cab, are to be seen at almost every corner. The syres or drivers, however, are, like the boatmen of the port, a most extortionate set, and require vigorous regulation on the part of the Government. Jinrickshaa have also of late been introduced.
The total value of imports into Singapore from all countries in 1883 was $79,175,687, and that of 1882 874,343,978, showing an increase of $4,831,709. The value of imports from the United Kingdom alone in 1883 was $19,875,120, compared with $17,544,216 in 1882, showing an increase of $2,330,904. The value of importa from British Colonies and India in 1888 was $24,640,624, and in 1382 $25,175,584, showing a decrease of $534,960. The imports from Foreign Countries amounted to $34,659,943, and in 1882 to $31,624,178, showing an increase of $8,035,765. The total value of the exports in 1883 was 368,174,220, compared with 361,192,458 in 1882; the exports to the United Kingdom amounting to $14,434,431.
DIRECTORY.
Colonial Government.
Governor, Vice-Admiral, and Commander. in-Chief-His Excellency Sir Frederick Aloysius Weld, K.C.M.Ğ (absent) Acting Governor-Cecil C. Smith, C.M.G. dide-de-camp-Lt. R. H. Cholmondeley,
R.I.F.
Private Secretary—R. G. Watson (acting)
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
His Excelleucy the Governor, president The Senior Military Officer in Command Hon. Colonial Secretary
Hon. Resident Councillor of Penang Hon. Resident Councillor of Malacca
Hon. Attorney General
Hon. Colonial Treasurer
Hon. Auditor General
Hon. Colonial Engineer
Hon. Commissioner of Lands Titles
•
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. His Excellency the Governor, president His Honour The Chief Justice The Senior Military Officer in Command Hon. Colonial Secretary
Hon. Resident Councillor of Penang Hon. Resident Councillor of Malacca
Hon. Attorney General Hon. Colonial Treasurer
Hon. Auditor General Hon. Colonial Engineer
Hon. Commissioner of Lands Titles Hon. I. 8. Bond
Hoo. Andrew Currie
Hon. James Graham (absent) Hon. W. H. Read
Hon, W. G. Gullated Hon. Seah Liang Seah Hon. J. M. B. Vermont Hon. G. T. Addis (acting)
Clerk of Councils—A. P. Talbot Shorthand Reporter -A. Knight
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