Directory_and_Chronicle_1941 — Page 1173

PENANG

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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 83°, 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.

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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.

Betel-nut, with copra and fruits and nutmegs, are the indigenous articles of trade. Nutmegs 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.

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The town possesses few attractions, and the public buildings are mediocre, with the exception of the Government Offices, a fine 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. There are many beautiful little beaches round the coast of the Island; the round trip by motor car takes about 2 hours and is well worth while. The estimated population on December 31st, 1938 of Penang and Province Wellesley was 401,457 persons.

Penang is a free port with the exception of duties levied on Alcoholic Liquors, Tobacco and Cigars, Opium and Petroleum. There are no port or harbour dues. The Harbour is sheltered from the monsoons by Penang Island on the West and Province Wellesley on the East. The rise and fall of ordinary spring tides is 7'3". The rise or ordinary neap tides L.W.O.S.T. is 4'6". A constant depth of water alongside Swettenham Wharf, which is 1200 ft. long, is maintained 30' L.W.O.S.T. The total area of the Penang Harbour Board has a godown area of 186,000 square feet, and owns 9 steam tugs of varying capacity, 5 steam cranes with a lifting capacity from 3 to 7 tons, one 15 ton steam crane at Prye Dock, & one 10 ton steam crane at Bagan Dalam Slip- way, 14 electric cranes with a lifting capacity from 1 ton up to 3 tons, and one 3 ton overhead electric crane. The harbour can accomodate from 15 to 20 ocean-going steamers within easy reach of the quay. A good supply of excellent water is available. A regular ferry service for passengers, motor cars and lor- ries between Penang and Butterworth is maintained by the Penang Harbour Board and regular ferry service is also run between Penang and Prai Railway Station in connection with the F.M.S. Railways. The Penang Harbour Board operates a graving dock on the left bank of Prai River near the entrance, 340' long by 50' wide at entrance with a depth on sill of 14 at spring tides. The workshop is fitted with up-to-date machinery electrically driven for small ship repairs. Also a slipway on the right bank of Prai River beyond Prye River Dock with a patent slip 450' long by 76' wide, carriage, 151' x 26'. Coal is stored on the F.M.S. railways premises at Prai and is handled by them.