Directory_and_Chronicle_1918 — Page 1271

PENANG

1191

The Settlement of Penang is governed by a Resident Councillor, and has two unofficial representatives in the Legislative Council, which sits at Singapore. An important department of its trade lies in the business transacted with the Dutch settlements in Sumatra; and recently it has become the chief emporium and port of shipment for the Malayan Rubber supplies. Penang will always remain of a certain importance, and, as it will soon become the railway terminus for the southern Siam Malay States and the port of disembarkation of passengers for Bangkok, its commer- cial importance is likely to develop considerably. It is a convenient coaling and man- of-war station, and is of yet greater necessity as the virtual seat of government for Province Wellesley, which must always be an important centre of British influence. The Government in 1906 acquired the graving dock at Prye River in Province Wel- lesley, 250 feet in length and 50 feet broad at entrance; also a slip for vessels 100 feet long. The Prai Dock and Wharves were purchased in 1914 by the Federated Malay States Railway Department from the Colonial Government. A comprehensive scheme for new wharves has been prepared. George Town is built on a plain, at the back of which rises the hill which, as Penangites declare, renders life on the island more enjoyable than in any other part of the Colony.

The formation of Penang is granitic, being covered in many places with a sharp sand or stiff clay, the produce of the decomposition of the granite. Above this again comes a coat of vegetable mould of greater or less thickness. With the exception of a plain about three miles in depth, upon which stands the town and environs, the whole of the island consists of hills with narrow valleys. No minerals of commercial value are found in Penang.

The influence of the regular monsoon is more distinctly felt at Penang than in the most easterly part of the Straits of Malacca, owing to the wideness of the latter to the west and vicinity to the Bay of Bengal. During the north-easterly monsoon, from November to March inclusive, clear settled weather prevails, and in the south-westerly, from April to October, the rains take place. But neither rain nor drought is of long continuance. The average heat of the year at the level of the sea is 80°, and at the height of 2,500 feet, the highest inhabited point, 70°, the annual range being about 20°. Where there is free ventilation the climate is superior in salubrity to that of any other tropical one.

Of maminals, the principal species are monkeys, and two species of viverrida-the musang and binturong. The ornithology calls for no special remarks. The island is a happy hunting ground for the entomologist, numerous fine species of lepidoptera frequenting the hills. The botany of Penang is perhaps better known than that of any part of the Peninsula, and, for the area involved, is particularly rich. Palms, bamboos, banana and other fruit-trees, and nutmegs clothe the hillsides, while ferns are also plentiful. The high land permits of the cultivation of many flowers and other plants which will not thrive in the flat level lands of Singapore or Malacca.

As evinced by its name, the chief product of Penang is the betel-nut, which, with copra and all kinds of fruit and nutmegs, is the only indigenous article of trade. Nut- megs were at one time a most important branch of industry, but the blight, which simultaneously affected the whole Peninsula, destroyed it. Their cultivation has, how- ever, now been resumed, and Penang nutmegs stand high in the market. There is no agriculture properly so called. Pepper was at one period of its early history produced to the extent of three and a half million pounds annually; but the competition of other places, notably of Netherlands-India, proved fatal, and it is now only cultivated in small patches, and is not classed as an article of export trade. Tapioca, Coconuts, Gutta, Rubber and Citronella are also among the products cultivated.

The total value of the foreign imports and exports for 1915 and 1916 are given: below:-

Imports Exports

Total

.........

1915 $106,231,215

94,840,742

.$201,071,957

1916

$124,945,708

111,018,412

$235,964,120

The Singapore-Penang railway has its terminus at Prai, which is connected with. the town by a ferry service.

The town possesses few attractions, and the public buildings are mediocre, with the exception of the Government Offices, a fine new block erected in 1889 near the jetty. St. George's Church is an unpretending edifice of 80 years' standing, centrally situated. There are also a Roman Catholic Church and several mission chapels. The-