Directory_and_Chronicle_1910 — Page 1495

BRITISH NORTH BORNEO

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The revenue of the territory inclusive of land sales for 1908 was £152,823 and the expenditure £98,925. In 1900 the revenue was £63,660 and expenditure £49,513. It is anticipated that the net earnings this year will be double what they were in 1910. Tobacco- planting promises to become a great and profitable industry, and the tobacco already raised obtains a ready sale at very high prices. Cutch is extracted from mangrove bark andis being exported in increasing quantities. A great effort to introduce the cultivation of the Chinese poppy (opium) failed. Rubber is the latest and most popular industry, During the last few years twelve companies representing subscribed capital of some £850,000 have been formed for the purpose of turning jungles into rubber estates. Several other rubber companies are likely to be formed this year.

The company has guaranteed dividends during the non-productive period of the estates. population of the town of Sandakan, the capital of the territory, was 9,541 in 1901, of whom 101 were Europeans and 3,878 Chinese. There are several sections of railway, totalling about 130 miles now open. The longest line runs from Jesselton to Tenom, 98 miles, which was built at a cost of $25,714 per mile. The railway is playing an important part in the development of the Company. Sandakan is distant 1,000 miles from Singapore, 1,200 miles from Hongkong and 660 miles from Manila. It became connected telegraphically with Labuan on the 7th May, 1897, and was thus placed in communication with Europe, etc.

The

The territory of British North Borneo was acquired from the Sultans of Brunei and Sulu by cession for a small annual payment in 1879-80, and the British North Borneo Company was incorporated by Royal Charter on the 1st November, 1881. The area of the Territory is 31,106 square miles, and the population is estimated at about 200,000, of whom about 200 are European. The Company's revenue, including receipts in London, has grown from £66,581 in 1901 to £152,823 in 1907, while the expenditure has increased from £52,384 to £98,925. The Company's authorised capital is £2,000,000, but the amount subscribed is so far less than £1,500,000. The Company has raised £500,000 in debentures and bonds at 5 per cent, but about one-fifth has already been paid off, and the remainder will be redeemed this year. In May, 1888, a British Protectorate was established. The following officers have administered the Government of the Territory since its acquisit- ion by the Company:-1881-1887, W. H. Treacher; 1887-1888, W. M. Crocker (acting); 1888-1891, C. V. Creagh, C.M.G.; 1891-1892, L. P. Beaufort (acting); 1892, C. V. Creagh, C.M.G; 1895, L. P. Beaufort; 1900, Hugh Clifford, c.M.G.; 1901, E. W. Birch, C.M.G.; 1901, E. P. Gueritz.

DIRECTORY

BRITISH NORTH BORNEO COMPANY

Incorporated by Royal Charter, 1st November, 1881 Governor and Commander-in-Chief-E. P. GUERITZ

Clerk-M. A. Cannu

Malay Writer and 2nd Clerk-Md. Ali Learner-Chan Leen Hoi

AUDIT OFFICE

Auditor-B. McEnroe Asst. do.-Vacant

Clerks-Ho Eng Seng, Md. Walli

MAGISTRATE's Court

District Magistrate-W. W. Smith Clerk of Court-Song Chong Foh Chinese Interpreter-Vacant

PROTECTORATE

Protector of Chinese and Supt. of Im-

migration--W. H. Penney

COURT OF DIRECTORS, LONDON

Sir Charles J. Jessel, Bart, Chairman Major Genl. Sir A. E. Turner, K.C.B. vice-

chairman

Vice-Admiral Sir B. F. Clark, K.C.B.

Sir Edward Dent

Hon. Mountstuart Elphinstone

J. A. Maitland

Sir J. West Ridegeway, G.C.M.G., K.C.B.,

K.C.S.I.

F. C. Stoop

Managing Director-William C. Cowie Secretary Harington G. Forbes

SANDAKAN

GOVERNMENT SECRETARY'S OFFICE

Governor A. C. Pearson

Acting Sec. to Governor-A. B. C. Francis Chief Clerk-S. A. Rahman