PENANG
1243
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 Singapore-Penang railway has its terminus at Prai, which is connected with the island 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 Botanical Gardens and Waterfall are well worthy of a visit, and another place of interest at some distance from the town is the Chinese Temple at Ayer Itam. The census of 1921 gave the total population of Penang and Province Wellesley (including Dindings) as 304,335, compared with 278,003 in 1911.
During 1921 the number of merchant vessels entered and cleared at the port was 3,641, as against 3,852 in 1920, the tonnage being 6,367,132, as against 6,149,835 in 1920. Of these, 2,815 vessels with a tonnage of 4,769,644 were British. The number of all vessels entered and cleared was 14,941.
The value of foreign imports and exports at Penang (merchandise only) for the years 1920 and 1921 was as follows:-
Imports Exports
A
Total
1920 $251,650,253
211,798,836
$463,449,089
1921
$105,648,522 62,333,924
$187,982,446
DIRECTORY
(For Government Depts. see under G.)
ABDOOLCADER, H. H., Barrister-at-law, Advocate and Solicitor, S.S. and F.M.S. -32, Market Street; Teleph. 630; Tel. Ad: Abdoolcader; Codes: A.B.C. 5th edn., Butterworth's Legal and Broom- hall's
ADAMSON, GILFILLAN & Co., LTD. Incor-
porated in Gt. Britain)--Tel. Ad: Gilfillan
R. T. Peake,
M. E. Plumpton,
director
do.
R. W. A. Gilfillan, do.
D. L. Adamson, signs per. pro
A. A. Baker
D. L. W. Batwell
G. F. Blackett
R. C. Stiven
Agencies
Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co. Prince Line, Ld.
Furness (Far East), Ld.
Compania Transatlantica Line of Strs
Chargeurs Reunis
Asiatic Steam Navigation Co.
New Zealand Insurance Co., Ld.
(Fire and Marine)
China Fire Insurance Co., Ld.
Scottish Union and Nat. Insce. Co.
A. J C. Hart,
do.
F. L. Tomlin,
do.
Edith M. Miller,
do.
A. Knox Wilson, signs per pro.
Marine Insurance Co., Ld.
H. A. Low, manager
Excess Insurance Co., Ld.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.