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LABUAN
This, the smallest British Colony in Asia, was ceded to Great Britain by the Sultan of Brunei in 1846, and taken possession of in 1848. It is situated on the north-west coast of Borneo in latitude 5 deg. 16 min. N., and longitude 115 deg. 15 min. E.
It area of 30 square miles, and is about six miles from the Borneo coast and 72 miles or three days' steaming, from Singapore. Although Labuan possesses a fine port, has extensive coal deposits, and by situation seemed likely to become a depôt for the trade of the north coast of Borneo, it has only partially fulfilled the expectations formed of it. The produce of Brunei finds a market in Labuan, but the volume of the trade is small. There are sago mills on the island, where the raw material is converted into flour, for export chiefly to Singapore. These mills were erected by influential Chinese introduced by the Governor from Singapore; about 500 acres of rubber are planted, part in bearing, and principally owned by Chinese. Coconuts are being planted on the same land. There is regular steamship communication with Singapore and Sandakan, as well as with the local ports. The Government was administered by the British North Borneo Company from 1890 until January 1, 1906, when the Colonial Office again resumed direct control, and Labuan was incorporated with the Straits Settlements in January, 1907. The population in 1919 was 6,922, of whom 4,700 were Malays. The Chinese, who number about 1,800, are the chief traders, and most of the industries of the island are in their hands. The Europeans (34) include Government officials, the staff of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, and traders. The Labuan Coalfields Company, Limited, are lessees of the coal mines in the island, but ceased operations in March, 1911. The export in 1910 was over 92,000 tons. A Company, styled The Labuan Exploration Company, has been formed in London with the object of prospect- ing for minerals in Labuan. The revenue is chiefly derived from the farming out of licences to sell tobacco, spirits, and fish. It amounted in 1920 to $46,326, as compared with $38,308 for 1919, the expenditure in the respective years being $104,861, and $81,927. The value of foreign imports and exports (merchandise only) was as follows:-
Imports Exports
1919 .$1,140,922 799,933
$1,940,855
1920
$1,322,751
1,416,400
$2,739,151
RESIDENT'S OFFICE Acting Resident -H. J. Eley Chief Clerk-Soo Chong Oi
TREASURY DEPARTMENT Acting Treasurer-H. J. Eley Chief Clerk-Gwee Jim Swee
AUDIT OFFICE
Chief Clerk-A, da Silva
POST OFFICE
Postmaster-H. J. Eley
Chief Clerk-A. L. Mowe
DIRECTORY
HARBOUR OFFICE
Harbour-Master-E. G. Goldfincy Clerk and Boarding Officer
Ensope
DISTRICT AND POLICE Courts District Judge-H. J. Eley Police Magistrate- H. J. Eley
Ahmat
COLONIAL MEDICAL DEPARTMENT Medical Officer--T. C. A. Cleverton, M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P.
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