Dearie:Russell Family History

DIRECTORY OF MALAYA 1929 Rubber. Sungei Tua Estate- Bukit Bisa Estate (Kajang) Douglasdale Estate (Kuang) ‘Phone 631, Kuala Lumpur Proprietors- J. A. Russell & Co. Manager- E.S. Middlecombe Total area, 909, 200 and 250 acres respectively Fully planted Acreage in tapping 1100 acres Output under restriction (as at 31.8.27) 412,100 lbs.

Directory of Malaya 1929 MINES. Lim Chee Kongsi—Selangor 6 ½ miles from Sangka Dua Village Post Office—Kuala Kubu (16 miles), Locality, Sg. Got: Mukim, Peretak Head Office—Sg. Kol, Peretak Mukim Advancer—Kim Siew Lessees—J. A. Russell and Ho Mun. M. L. No. 1253. Lot No. 136. Area—15 acres. Plant—1 steam engine 8 h. p., 7 head Californian stamps. Labour Force—55 coolies.

Sin Chim Lee Tin Mining Co.—Selangor 8 miles from Kanching P. O. Head Office—135, Sultan Street, Kuala Lumpur Advancer and Resd. Manager—Chan Chim Mooi Lessee—J. A. Russell. M. L. Nos. 2616 and 3658 Area—42 acres. Plant—1 Garrett Engine boiler 80 h.p. and 1 oil engine 37 h. p., 1 Gravel Pump 6” and 1 Water Pump 6” Labour Force—97 Chinese coolies.

Sin Hunt Hin Kongsi—Selangor 2 ½ miles from Pudu Village Post Office—Pudu Head Office—2, Court Road. Mukim of Kuala Lumpur, District of Kuala Lumpur. Advancer—Lim Quee Mee Lessees—J. A. Russell and Chan Sow Lim. M. L. Nos. 3459, 3747, 2651, 2669 Area—82 a, 3r. 29p. Plant—2 steam and 1 oil engine 192 h.p., 2 electric motor 175 h. p., 2 gravel pump 6”, 1 puddler and 3 winches. Labour Force—330 Chinese.

Sintok Wolfram Mine—Kedah Mukim Temin Twenty miles from Jitra P. O. Head Office— Kuala Lumpur. Kedah Office—Alor Star Lessees—J. A. Russell and Co., Kuala Lumpur. M. L. Nos. 439 and 456 Area—456a. (approx.) Plant—Stamp Batteries Labour Force—500 coolies.

Wan Soon Kongsi—Selangor Nearest P. O. –Ampang Head Office— Ampang. Advnacer and Resd. Mngr.—Lum Hin Lessees—J. A. Russell and Chong Toon. M. L. Nos. 2246 and 803 Area—60a. 0r. 28p. Plant—1 Steam Engine 39 h.p., one 70 h. p., 2 cylinders, “Kiel” Diesel Engine, one 8 h. p. Oil Engine Labour Force—300 coolies.

Bakau Tin Ltd.—Pahang 15 miles from Bentong Secretaries—Boustead & Co., Ltd. Registered Office, 1. Embankment, Kuala Lumpur. Property—About 195 acres Agents—J. A. Russell and Co.

Lean Fatt Kongsi—Selangor 3 miles from Pudu P. O. Resd. Manager.—Choong Kwai Lessees—J. A. Russell, Low Fow Long, Leong Soon Lim, Low Ngit. M. L. Nos. 2696, 3777, 3299, 3695, 3752 and M. C. 854 Area—62a. 3r. 1p. Plant—2 oil engines 200 h. p. and 1 gravel pump 7 “ and 10” water pump Labour Force—227 coolies.

Sintok Wolfram Mine—Kedah R Mukim Temin E Twenty miles from Jitra P. O. P Head Office— Kuala Lumpur. E Kedah Office—Alor Star A Lessees—J. A. Russell and Co., Kuala Lumpur. T M. L. Nos. 439 and 456 Area—456a. (approx.) Plant—Stamp Batteries Labour Force—500 coolies

Taik Hing Kongsi—Selangor 14 miles from Kual Lumpur Post Office—Rawang H. Office—Chan Thye Lee, K. Lumpur. Advancers—Wong Voon Khai and Yap Chin Lessees—Ho Man & J. A. Russell. M. L. 3464, 3559, 3701, Portion 1725, 1736, 1833 Area—250 acres Plant—5 engines 253 h. p., 4 oil engines 460 h.p., 3 oil electric 600 h. p., 6 electric motors 520 h. p., 7 gravel pumps 8” & 5” 9 centrifugal pumps 6”, 8” & 10” and 6” & 1 monitor 1 ¼” Labour Force—752 coolies

Directory of Malaya 1929 Russell & Co. J. A. Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corpn. Buildings, Kuala Lumpur. Cable Address—“Jar “ Partner—J. A. Russell Do—D. O. Russell Do—R. C. Russell Staff—H. D. Brown, J. W. Fuller, H. H. Robbins (signs per pro.) R. S. Opie

Royal Exchange Insurance Corporation (Inc. by Royal Charter A.D. 1720) Head Office—Royal Exchange, London (Fire, Marine, Motor Car, Life, Fidelity Guarantee & Administration Bonds) Singapore Branch—6, Chartered Bank Chambers, SINGAPORE T. A. “Foxhound,” ‘Phone 2599 Resident Manger—A. Gordon Lee Assistant—Stanley Gearing Malayan Agencies— Harrisons Barker & Co. Limited—Marine Barlow & Co., Fire and Motors. SINGAPORE R. T. Reid & Co., Ltd. PENANG J. A. Russell & Co., & Paterson, Simons & Co., Ltd., Kuala Lumpur, SELANGOR C. W. Wilson & Co., Ltd., Ipoh, Sungei Patani and Taiping.

The Straits Times, 26 January 1929, Page 9 PASSENGERS FROM HOME. Passengers booked for Malaya by the P. and O. steamer Macedonia, a which left London on Dec. 28 included the following: Mr. J. A. Russell, ….Mrs.. J. P. Swettenham

Malay Mail, Thursday February 28, 1929. p.10 TEA-MARKING Growth of the Industry. TRIUMPH OF BRITISH GROWER The dispute in the tea trade with reference to the proposed application to tea of the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act of 1926 has drawn attention anew to the enormous growth of the trade during the last half-century or so, says the “Financial Times. “ In 1867 the consumption of tea in Great Britain was just below 111,000,000 lbs, of which about 104,500,000 came from China and the balance from India. Sixty years later—1927—the consumption had risen to 416,000,000 lbs, to which total India and Ceylon contributed 342,000,000, and the Dutch East Indies 61,000,000 and China and other producers about 13,000,000. The triumph of the British grower has thus been almost complete. Nevertheless the British grower is on his guard against foreign competition. At least it would seem this spirit of caution underlies his proposal that the provision of the Merchandise Marks Act of 1926 may be put into operation as regards foreign teas. Obviously it is the Java and Sumatra product which the Empire growers have in mind, as China may be safely disregarded. It may also be conceded that Java and Sumatra teas are not actually menacing the position of the British teas in this marker. But, all the same, the imports are creeping up. In 1925 the quantity of tea imported into Great Britain from the Dutch East Indies was 41,000,000 lbs: in 1926 it was 52,000,000, and in 1927 it was, as is indicated above, 61,000,000. In the circumstances it is not surprising that the Indian and Ceylon growers should be keeping a watchful eye on their Dutch competitors. And, after all, they are not really asking for very much. They do not suggest that the preferential Customs duty should be increased as against foreign teas. Nor do they ask that the Safeguarding of Industries Act may be invoked in favour of Empire producers. Their request simply is that every bag, packet, container or wrapper in which tea is sold in Great Britain shall bear what is known as an indication of origin. If the tea is British-grown, then the indication would be “Empire Product”, or other words to a like effect. If it is partly British and partly foreign it would be marked “Empire and Foreign,” and tea exclusively foreign would be marked “Foreign”. At first sight it seems, therefore, that the tea growers proposal is one to which there would be slight, if any, opposition. But, in point of fact, strong opposition to it was manifested at the recent Board of Trade inquiry by the blending and distributing section of the trade. The views of this section are, of course, entitled to the greatest respect, for it is the blenders and distributors who are largely responsible for the tremendous development of consumption in Great Britain. Stated shortly, their opposition to the marking seems to be that it is, in their view, impracticable. They say that if they are compelled to label their blends “Empire and Foreign” whenever they include Java or Sumatra tea they will be selling the same tea under different marks. If the marking creates a preference for the British-grown teas without any foreign admixture the result will be that the price of such blends will tend to rise. At least that is how the distributors view the matter, and there would seem to be force in their argument. Their views are, as has been indicated, entitled to much respect. But for the general public the question at issue surely is whether, in respect of tea, as in respect of other goods, the consumer ought not to be placed in possession of such information as will enable him to decide for himself whether he will buy Empire-grown tea or foreign-grown, or any blend of the two. And regarding the matter from this point of view, the case for the application of the provisions of the Act to tea would seem to be a strong one.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 4 March 1929, Page 8  • Mr. A. B. Milne, the well-known planter, is shortly leaving for Cameron’s Highlands to open up a tea estate. -Ex.

The Straits Times, 8 March 1929, Page 9 TEA IN MALAYA. To be Grown on Large Scale. (F.O.O.C.) Kuala Lumpur, Mar. 7. Some months ago it was announced that the F M.S. Government had agreed to alienate to Mr. A. B. Milne, the well known planter, a large tract of land in the vicinity of Cameron’s Highlands for the purpose of planting tea. • I now understand on very good authority that Messrs. T. A. Russell and Co. have entered into an agreement with Mr. A. B. Milne for the latter to open up a large estate the area of which would be not less than 5,000 acres. Work, I understand, has already begun and coffee Arabica might be planted together with the tea.

The Straits Times, 15 March 1929, Page 18 & The Straits Times, 16 March 1929, Page 14  MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. Notice of Fifteenth Annual Meeting and Closure of Share Registers.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 18 March 1929, Page 8 It is stated that Messrs. J. A. Russell and Co. have entered into an agreement with Mr. A. B. Milne for the latter to open up a large tea estate for them in the Cameron Highlands, which estate, it is reported, will be some 5,000 acres in extent. Tea and Coffee Arabica will both be planted,-T.O.M.

MALAYAN COLLIERIES,
LIMITED.
(INCORPORATED IN F.M.S.)
DIRECTORS' REPORT
AND
ACCOUNTS
For Year Ended 3lst December, 1928.
TO BE PRESENTED AT THE FIFTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AT THE
Registered Office of the Company,
Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur,
ON
Wednesday the 27th March, 1929,
At Noon.
J. W. FULLER,
Secretary
Malayan Collieries, Limited.
(Incorporated in Federated Malay States.)
Directors
JOHN ARCHIBALD RUSSELL, Esq. (Chairman),
HUGH NORMAN FERRERS, Esq.,
FREDERICK CUNNINGHAM, Esq.,
WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN, Esq.,
ALBERT JAMES KELMAN, Esq.,
Managing Agents.
J. A. RUSSELL & Co., Kuala Lumpur.
Secretary.
J. W. FULLER.
Registered Offices,
HONGKONG & SHANGHAI BANK BUILDINGS, KUALA LUMPUR.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the Fifteenth Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Company will be held at the Registered Offices of the Company, Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday, 27th March, 1929, at Noon, for the following purposes: —
To receive and consider the Balance Sheet and Accounts to 31st December, 1928, and the Reports of the Directors and Auditors.
To Declare a Final Dividend for the year 1928.
To Declare an Extraordinary Bonus for the year 1928.
To Declare Directors’ remuneration for the year 1928.
To Elect Directors in place of those retiring.
To Elect Auditors for the ensuing year.
The Share Registers will be closed from Thursday, 21st March, 1929, to Thursday, 28th March, 1929, both days inclusive.
By Order of the Board,
J. W. FULLER,
Secretary.
Dated 12th March, 1920.
Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S

.
Malayan Collieries, Limited
(Incorporated in Federated Malay States.)
Directors' Report for the Fifteenth Year of the Company ended 31st December, 1928.
The Directors have pleasure in submitting their Fifteenth Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st December, 1928.
The working of the Collieries is reviewed in the appended reports by the Managing Agents and need not be again traversed here. The outputs from both Collieries represented record tonnages, resulting in, we are pleased to say, a record net profit.
BATU ARANG. The demand for Rawang Coal increased with the bringing into commission of new mining and industrial plants throughout the F.M.S.
The Colliery is in a position to respond to any likely increased demand in the immediate future, while development and equipment continue to be kept well in advance of current requirements in order to be in a position to cope with more distant needs.
With a view to the counteracting of higher costs incidental to deeper workings, and in order to place this Company in a position to pass on to consumers still further reductions in price, a comprehensive programme involving considerable capital expenditure has been entered upon. It is aimed over the next three or four years to equip mechanically all departments of this Colliery in the most modern and efficient possible manner.
PAMOEKAN BAY. Here also the output shewed a further substantial increase on the figures for the previous year; but is still far below the figures which it is your Board's policy to obtain.
As indicated in the Managing Agents' report on this Colliery, the cause of considerable disappointment during the year was one of personnel. The Chief Mines Superintendent, of whom your Board entertained such high hopes for the advancement of this Colliery, failed to uphold his very considerable Home reputation under Tropical and Asiatic labour conditions. When this fact was once clearly proven, no time was lost in terminating the Chief Mines Superintendent's appointment, and in making other arrangements.
STAFF GENERALLY. Apart from our foregoing reference, nothing of importance to justify inclusion falls to be reported here.
To provide change and relaxation for the members of the staff of the Company, a site has been acquired on Fraser's Hill and it is expected to commence building shortly.
INVESTMENTS. These as such were not added to during the year, but the royalty on coal produced from Pamoekan Bay Colliery was compounded for the sum of $850,000 and has been capitalised. As the leasehold of the Pamoekan Bay Colliery is now the entire property Mynbouw en Handel Maatschappij Goenoeng Batoe Besar without encumbrance, it has been considered preferable in future to shew this asset in the Balance Sheet as Leasehold Property, and the whole has accordingly been transferred to this account.
PROFITS. The profits for the year under review, subject
to Directors' and Auditors' fees, amount to . . $1,519,215.60
To which is to be added the- unappropriated
balance from the previous account of ... $137,289.80
Less Staff Bonus 1927 ... 9,640.00
127,649.80
$1,646,865.40
Three Interim Dividends of 7 ½ % each on 257,505 shares
were declared during the year absorbing ... 579,386.25
$1,067,479.15
You will be asked to sanction Fees to
Directors in respect of 1928 of ... $25,000.00
and Auditors' fees of ... 3,500.00
28,500.00
Leaving available ... $1,038,979.15
Which your Directors recommend should be dealt with as follows: —
Final Dividend 12 ½ % ... $321,881.25
Extraordinary Bonus 5% ... 128,752,50
Write off Leasehold Property ... 441,620.00
892,253.75
Balance to carry forward to next year's account ... $146,725.40
(Subject to an appropriation for Staff Bonus to be left to the discretion of the Board).
DIRECTORS. Mr. J. A. Russell, being the Director longest in office, retires under the provision of the Articles of Association, and, being eligible, offers himself for re-election. Mr. A. J. Kelman having accepted an invitation of the Directors to join the Board, offers himself for election by the Shareholders.
AUDITORS. Messrs. Evatt & Co. retire, but being eligible offer themselves for re-election.
By Order of the Board,
J. W. FULLER,
Secretary.
Kuala Lumpur,
11th March, 1929.

The Directors,
Messrs. MALAYAN COLLIERIES LTD., Kuala Lumpur.
Gentlemen,
PAMOEKAN BAY COLLIERY.
We have pleasure in submitting herewith our report upon the working of the Pamoekan Bay Colliery during the year ended 31st December, 1928.
MINE DEVELOPMENT. As a result of experience and with the very material aid of the power drilling plant which was kept busy throughout the year, the planning of development was considerably simplified so that the progress made with development should have been greater but for the unaccountable failure of the then Chief Mines Superintendent, Mr. Rutherford, to advance a companion air-way into the East Dip section in which area the bores from the surface had indicated the presence of a very large extent of untroubled seams. A change in mine superintendence was accordingly decided upon, since when progress has been more satisfactory, and we hope will shortly be entirely so. A certain amount of development work was carried out in the lower seam, and this work will be proceeded with during the current year.
COAL GETTING MACHINES. Two more machines were brought into commission.
GENERAL CONDITIONS UNDERGROUND. A new Ventilating Fan was purchased: but has not yet been installed. This work will be carried out during the current year.
The auxiliary pumping equipment was increased while the capacity of the main pumps was duplicated.
Extension of the workings called for additions to the auxiliary haulage equipment.
Roof conditions were not generally materially altered; but as the depth of the workings increases, these will call for rather more attention.
SURFACE. No material additions were made to the surface plant. An Electric Loading Shovel was ordered and was expected to be in commission for the three latter months of the year; but owing to delayed delivery the benefit of this shovel will not be felt until the current year.
Two new bungalows and several coolie lines and natives quarters were erected.
The total labour employed at the end of the year was. 1043, made up of 581 natives of the Netherlands Indies and 462 Chinese. The total resident population dependent upon this Colliery is 2200 souls.
GENERAL HEALTH. This was, as usual, very good indeed, and we are to a great extent indebted to Dr. G. E. Kotter, the Company's Visiting Medical Officer, for this satisfactory state of affairs.
LAUNCHES. The Steam Launch purchased during 1926 was withdrawn from commission for inspection and report.
The M. L. "Kalai," formerly of the F.M.S. Preventive Fleet, was purchased as a standby launch for use by the Doctor and in cases of emergency.
SHIPPING. The tonnage loaded, though considerably higher than in the previous year, was taken by 53 ships, as against 59 ships entered and cleared during 1927, this reduction being due to the larger ships employed.
GENERAL. It is with satisfaction that we have to report that, as in the previous years, we have received courteous and helpful treatment from Officials of all grades of the Netherlands East Indies Government Services. The mine was visited by a number of high Officials, including Mr. de Haan, Resident of S. & E. Borneo and his Secretary Mr. Van Reek; Mr. Swaab, Asst. Resident, S.E. Borneo; Mr. E. Elenbaas, Asst. Resident, Kota Baroe; Mr. Hekking, District Controleur, Captain Reeman and Capt. Drost, District Controleurs and Military Officers; Mr. de Jongh, Chief of the Government P.W.D.; Mr. Van der Ploegh, Chief of Mining Department of P.W.D.; Mr. Arnold, Chief Mines Inspector from Bandoeng; Mr. Van Beukering, Chief Customs. Officer at Kota Baroe, Dr. Ingenieur Zeijlomans Van Emmichoven and Mr. Ubaghs, Government Geologists; Mr. Post Uiterweer, Inspector of Native Labour; Mr. Bruimsina and Mr. Toussaint, Mines Inspectors; and Mr. Germing, Mining Electrical Inspector.
STAFF. Mr. R. Rutherford, who was engaged, when holding a very responsible Colliery position in South Wales, as Chief Mines Superintendent to be the Company's principal technical adviser, and in particular to re-organise the underground workings at Pamoekan Bay, arrived on the property and took charge of it on the 2nd January 1928. In view of your Managing Agents reports as to unsatisfactory outputs, and increasing costs. Members of the Board visited the property with our Managing Agents representative on the 26th August, 1928 and found that underground conditions at the mine had materially deteriorated since Mr. Rutherford took over the resident control. This state growing worse, Mr. Rutherford's agreement was terminated on the 14th November, 1928.
We are, Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully, J. A. RUSSELL & CO.,
Managing Agents. Kuala Lumpur, 5th March, 1929.

(For balance sheet see Malayan Collieries page for 1929)

MALAYAN COLLIERIES
LIMITED

REPORT And ACCOUNTS

Year Ended 31st December, 1928

Registered Offices
HONGKONG & SHANGHAI BANK BUILDINGS
KUALA LUMPUR
F.M.S.
The Directors,
Messrs. MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD., Kuala Lumpur.
Gentlemen,
BATU ARANG COLLIERY.
We have pleasure in submitting herewith our report upon the working of the: Batu Arang Colliery during the year ended 31st December, 1928.
The year has been one of very definite progress in all directions, though the movement in the matter of the several new capital works indicated, in our last year's report has not been as rapid as we had hoped. With steadily increasing demands upon the Colliery for its product, culminating in another record year's output, the normal staff has been too fully occupied in work incidental to production to be able to devote sufficient time to our programme of new capital works: but with the recent and contemplated additions to staff to take charge of these capital works, and with the large volume of information now reduced to paper, results should he more concrete and easily visible during the current year.
UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT. The systematic advancement of this was continued, and in all directions is suitably in advance of production.
THE NORTH MINE was maintained in a condition of efficiency and the output from this mine represents another record. The new Main Deep section was developed and long-wall production commenced towards the close of the year.
The controlling factor on outputs from this mine now being the main haulage, the transfer of the existing haulage to other uses, and the installation of a new electric haulage of increased capacity, is being considered.
EAST MINE DEVELOPMENT, The East Mine output also exceeded that of any previous year, this notwithstanding the fact that the new pit-top and haulage were not installed before the close of the year. Everything underground is ready for rated production upon the completion of the pit top installation, which installation will be of the most recent type in every respect.
HYDRAULIC-STOWAGE. All coal extracted from the underground workings was as usual replaced by sand hydraulically stowed. While, as we have previously explained, the nature of our seams renders impossible the entire elimination of fires, Hydraulic-Stowage has reduced the incidence and the danger of such fires to the maximum possible extent.
OPEN-CASTS. Production from the Open-cast mines continued to augment that from the Underground Mines. The tendency in this section is to centralise operations, and when the available coal in the several existing Open-cast mines is exhausted, coal winning by this method will be concentrated in one mine, which one mine is now being prepared and is to be equipped upon the most mechanically efficient lines possible. The stripped reserves as at the end of the year shew an increase of some 25% on those as at the close of the previous year.
BUILDINGS AND PLANT. All permanent buildings were maintained in good order and repair and a number of additions were made. As little money as possible was spent upon the remaining temporary buildings, for, as already indicated, the policy is to replace these by permanent brick and re-inforced concrete buildings as they become unsuitable for further service.
The plant of the Colliery has never been in a better state of repair, while considerable work in the way of re-modelling and adaptation has been carried out, all with a view to improved efficiency.
The matter of increased central station power was worked up to the stage of calling for tenders, and it is expected that orders for all equipment will be placed in the course of the next month or so.
WATER SUPPLY. On the advice of the Health Officer and. the Company's Medical Adviser, we have abandoned the proposed gravity supply. A license has now been obtained from Government, to take water from an adjoining Forest Reserve and surveys are nearing completion. This will call for some two miles of pipe line to the power house and main residential area. It is a low level supply and it is proposed to pump the water to a service reservoir placed on a hill at a suitable height to ensure gravitation to all users.
KUNDANG SAND PITS. New hunkers and earthwork for new sidings were completed during the year, as also was the opening out of a new mine to permit of work on either side of the siding.
LABOUR EMPLOYED. The position throughout the year was satisfactory, there being no shortage of any class of labour. The mean average number employed remained about the same as during the previous year, though the resident population shews a distinct tendency to increase.
GENERAL HEALTH. This remained good, the lost time owing to illness, being very small indeed. The Hospital under our Visiting Medical Practitioner grew in favour during the year, though not at any time was accommodation overtaxed
GENERAL. No incident of outstanding importance falls to be recorded, instead the year was one of steady progress as a result of loyal and unremitting service by all concerned.
We are, Gentlemen.
Yours faithfully,
J. A. RUSSELL & CO.,
Managing Agents. Kuala Lumpur,
5th March, 1929.

Above from: MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED REPORTS & BALANCE SHEETS AND PROCEEDINGS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS 1926- 1935, & edited vesrion in The Straits Times, 21 March 1929, Page 7.

MALAYAN COLLIERIES

LIMITED.

PROCEEDINGS

AT THE

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD

27th March, 1929

MALAYAN COLLIERIES,

LIMITED.

(INCORPORATED IN F.M.S.)

PROCEEDINGS

AT THE

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF

SHAREHOLDERS

HELD AT THE

Registered Office of the Company,

Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur,

Wednesday the 27th March, 1929,

At Noon.

Printed by Kyle, Palmer & Co.. Ltd., Kuala Lumpur.

MALAYAN COLLIERIES,

LIMITED.

(INCORPORATED IN F.M.S.)

PROCEEDINGS

AT THE

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF

SHAREHOLDERS

HELD AT THE

Registered Office of the Company, Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur,

Wednesday the 27th March, 1929,

At Noon.

Malayan Collieries Limited.

(Incorporated in Federated Malay States)

The Shareholders,

MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD.

Dear Sir or Madam,

We have pleasure in reporting to you the proceedings at the Fifteenth Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of the Company which was held at the Registered Office, on Wednesday the 27th March, 1929.

We should add that, as the meeting was dispersing, Major A. B. Slee informed the Chairman that he believed the Chairman had not fully understood his question regarding the purchase of the royalty rights on Pamoekan Coal, and explained that he would like to know what royalty was being paid by the Company prior to its acquisition of those rights. The Chairman in reply informed Major Slee that the Company had formerly paid a royalty which worked out at an average of 40 cents per ton of coal sold, with a minimum of $50,000 per annum.

Yours faithfully, MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD.,

J. W. Fuller,

Secretary.

Malayan Collieries, Limited.

(Incorporated in Federated Malay States.)

Proceedings of the Fifteenth Annual General

Meeting,

The fifteenth annual general meeting of the Malayan Collieries Ltd., was held at Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur at noon on the 27th March, 1929.

The Chairman, Mr. J. A. Russell, presided and the others present were: —Messrs. W. H. Martin, A. J. Kehnan, H. K. Ferrers, F. Cunningham (Directors), E. C. Wakefield, C. B. Towill, W. D. Fraser, H. B. Orr and Major A. B. Slee (shareholders) and the Secretary (Mr. J. W. Fuller).

The Chairman, before moving the adoption of the balance sheet and accounts to December 31st, 1928 and the report of the directors and auditors said: —

Gentlemen,

The report and accounts having been in your hands for the required period, I presume it is your wish that they be taken as read? I trust that the perusal of the accounts caused you something of the pleasure which I myself feel in being able to report another year of very material progress and substantially increased tonnages and total profits. Once again the increased profit has been made, notwithstanding a substantial reduction in revenue received per ton of coal sold during the year. This fall in revenue per ton has been due to reductions which we have made in the selling price to customers, particularly in our lump grades of Rawang coal; to the introduction of a zonal system under which we hope eventually to deliver Rawang coal to all consumers situated at any point on the F.M.S. Railway system at a uniform rate; and to the very pronounced increase in the demand for Rawang small coal, which coal is the lowest priced of our three grades. Fostered by its low price, the demand for our Rawang Small Coal has steadily increased until to-day more than 50% of our output is taken in this form. This increased demand for cheap Rawang "Smalls'' naturally decreases our average rate of income per ton of coal sold. That, despite selling our coal at lower prices, we have been able to increase our profits, has only been effected by rigid economy and the introduction of improved methods. Pleased though we are with the progress made last year, it is your Board's policy to effect still further economies in the interests alike of shareholders and consumers.

In the accounts before you we have reverted to the original system of including F.M.S. Railway Freights paid on behalf of F.O.R. Pit Head buyers and eventually recovered by us. Figures as per Trading Profit and Loss account can be rendered comparative with 1927 figures by deducting from Expenditure and Receipts the sum of $611,944.97. Our actual Railways Freight bill was much in excess of this amount, as of course freights paid by us on coal sold for destination are not included, these having been absorbed into costs.

Sea Transport, Storage and Delivery Charges per ton of Pamoekan Coal transported were satisfactory. A satisfactory return freightage was obtained by our either sub-chartering to others our returning empty vessels, or by ourselves carrying cargoes of general merchandise in them from the ports where our steamers discharge their coal to destinations nearer to the Colliery. We have thus become ocean carriers of other goods besides coal, and have to this extent had to enter the general shipping business.

Royalties on coal remain appreciably the same as for last year. While the F.M.S. Government Royalty was considerably up, the compounding of the privately-owned Royalty on Pamoekan coal has represented a corresponding saving.

Depreciation for the year at $233,268.35 has been increased by $125,064.80 and no doubt you will welcome an explanation of this increase. As explained in the Board's Report to you, a comprehensive programme, involving considerable capital expenditure, has been entered upon. While depreciation in the past has been ample, to write off every item of plant well within its working life, our determination to bring, and to maintain, the Collieries at the highest possible pitch of efficiency, mechanically and in every other way, has introduced the factor of obsolescence. Batu Arang Colliery has sprung from a comparatively small beginning away back in 1913, and while at that time the plant was well selected there is now every indication that it would be advisable in the interests of efficiency to change a considerable portion of it to more modern and much larger plant. Practically the whole of the, Opencast equipment comes under the above category, and other cases in point are the North Mine Main Haulage and the Central Power Plant. The bulk of the Opencast equipment was purchased during the War, when we considered ourselves exceedingly fortunate in obtaining plant of any description at all. This Opencast plant has served a very useful purpose and has by now practically been written off, but no consideration of its further useful, as distinct from its efficient, life will influence us to retain it for any longer than is necessary to complete the new equipment which we are installing. When the North Mine was equipped some fifteen years ago, its haulage, with its ponderous gears and massive drums, was one of the show items of the property. To-day the Managing Agents tell us that in the interests of increased outputs and efficient working, this haulage must give place to an electrically operated machine of double the capacity. Our Central Generating Plant when it was installed was as efficient as anything in the country. To-day it is insufficient for our purpose, both as regards the quantity and the range of action of its output, and it is to be replaced by Turbo-Alternator sets of some four times the capacity. Much the same applies to a considerable proportion of the rest of the plant. The transition is to be gradual; but it will eventually be complete, and we are determined that when that time comes we shall not be confronted with the problem of inflated plant values.

Mine Amortisation. This is only increased by $12,500/- to 50,000/- for the year. When addressing you last year, I indicated that this item for 1928 would be greater; but of course the compounding of the Pamoekan Bay Royalties has altered the position since then, and instead of concentrating upon the Amortisation Fund we can now divide our attention between doing this and the writing down of Leasehold Property. You will observe that the whole of the Amortisation Fund of $481,250.00 is represented in investments in good securities. It is your Directors' intention to continue this policy of outside investment.

I think you will agree that an analysis of the Balance Sheet discloses a stronger position than ever before in the history of the Company. Sundry Creditors and Bills Payable are somewhat up due to the larger volume of business—a remark which applies to the increase of some $185,943 under Sundry Debtors and Bills Receivable. The increase in the Reserve against Sundry Debtors is in proportion to the increase in the amounts outstanding, and is, I think it is unnecessary for me to assure you, ample for all requirements.

The increase in the value of stocks of coal on Dumps reflects the increased turnover, and the figure may be regarded as entirely satisfactory and not in any way indicating any lack of demand for the product of our Pamoekan Colliery. The item ''Investments" has been affected by the transfer of the Pamoekan Bay property from under this head to that of "Leasehold Property".

As set out in the Directors' Report, after paying three Interim Dividends during the year amounting to 22i% and after allowing for Directors' and Auditors' fees at somewhat increased rates, there is a balance of $1,038,979.15 remaining to be disposed of at this meeting. Your Directors recommend a final dividend of the usual 12 ½ % which will absorb $321,881.55 and will give shareholders their customary 35% dividend on their shares. In view of the record profits, your Directors are also recommending the payment this year of a special bonus to shareholders of 5% absorbing a further $128,702.50. With the large programme of capital expenditure before us, it would not be wise to do more than this at the present stage. When we have modernised and greatly increased our whole plant, and when we have still further reduced the price of Rawang Coal to our customers, we shall be in a position to judge whether we can afford to be more liberal to our shareholders. Your Board is very much against any inflation of capital, and it is its present policy to finance all improvements and enlargements as much as possible out of revenue. It believes such a course to be the best in the long run, and to be in the truest interests of the shareholders. Your Directors are hopeful that in two or three years' time, when they shall have completed their present programme, this Company will be in a really exceptionally strong position. Your Directors further recommend that the sum of $441,620/- be written off Leasehold Property. This will leave a sum of $146,725.40 which we recommend be carried forward, subject to Staff Bonus, to the 1929 accounts. This carryforward is a little more than that brought into the accounts for the previous year and is considered to be sufficient for requirements.

Such are the financial results of the Company's operations for last year and of your Board's recommendations for their disposal. I do not know that there is a great deal more of interest for me to tell you. As previously stated, the year has been one of very material progress, not only in at present calculable things such as tonnages, costs and proceeds of sales, but also in the more abstract essentials, which are the foundation of the calculable things of tomorrow, such as organisation, research and service.

I feel that no year can be completely and satisfactorily closed without reference to the manner, in which the F .M.S. Railways provides for the reception and handling of the increasingly large outputs of the Batu Arang Colliery. While it would not be quite correct to say that the rolling stock was at all times fully capable of the demands placed upon it, and that deliveries were made in a perfectly regular manner, we can quite frankly say that no really serious hitch occurred, and I think that I am perfectly right in stating that not once during the year under review did a consumer of Rawang Coal find it necessary to log so much as an hour's delay due to shortage of coal because of failure on our part to supply or of the Railways to deliver. Reliability being the keynote of Railway work, this, I think, is the highest tribute that I can pay.

Marine transport was, as in past years, conducted in chartered tonnage. As a result of the improved outputs we were enabled to employ larger ships than hitherto; but, while the results have shewn a further reduction in costs, we have experienced difficulty in obtaining ships combining the tonnage and comparatively high speed which is desirable for our special trade. It is just this condition which may later on compel us to enter the ranks of deep-sea ship-owners instead of charterers as at present.

Considerable further research work was conducted during the year in the matter of Low Temperature Carbonisation, Briquetting, Pulverised Fuel Firing and in the perfection of the firing of Rawang Coal on Mechanical Grates. While the results in connection with the first three have been enlightening and mark a very definite step forward towards the perfection of methods, it is more particularly in regard to combustion on chain grates that the major improvements have been effected. During the year it has been proven that under the most efficient locally existing central station conditions, Rawang Small Coal has in practice an evaporative capacity of 5.75 lbs. of steam per pound of coal. In practice also a kilowatt of power is being obtained from 2 ½ lbs. of our coal, and on this basis we are therefore delivering "Rawang Smalls", to any point on the F.M.S. Railway System, at a price which will permit of a fuel cost of under one cent per unit. This figure, however, favourable though it may seem, represents a station overall efficiency of but 15.8%. In the light of present experience it should really be possible in practice to obtain a kilowatt of power from 2.15 lbs. of "Rawang Smalls". This would represent an overall thermal efficiency of 18°/, as against the highest efficiencies in the United Kingdom of in the vicinity of 22%. On the basis of this actually obtainable 18% overall efficiency, we are thus really delivering our "Rawang Smalls" to any point on the F.M.S. Railway system, at a price which, will permit of a fuel cost of under .85 cents per unit. This maximum figure of .85 cents per unit compares very favourably with the very best figure obtainable in the United Kingdom with the higher grade coals mined there.

Experience has taught us that in the larger and more up to date and efficient self-contained steam Dredging Plants, the consumption of "Rawang Smalls" averages 6 lbs. per yard treated. This represents a figure of from 1.8 to 2.5 cents per yard according to the situation of the plant. This is a remarkable advance on the figures of a few years ago; but efficient though the results are, there is we believe, further room for material improvement, and it is the policy of your Board to aid such improvement in every way in its power. In the meantime, the gradual extension of the zonal system will tend materially to reduce the maximum figure of 2.5 cents per yard which I have just mentioned.

The Managing Agents report loyal and efficient service by such members of the Collieries' staffs as were with the Company at the end of the year, and I am sure that you all appreciate the value of such loyalty and service and your Board would ask you kindly to sanction its paying the customary bonuses to the staffs upon the mines, the actual amount of the bonus to be left to the discretion of the Board. The bonus, as in previous years, will be paid only to members of the staffs actually employed at the mines.

With regard to the current year, I can only say that, notwithstanding the higher standard of profit now established, your Board cannot see why, with a continuance of efficient and long-sighted management, it should not be as prosperous as the one just closed.

I shall be glad to answer, if I can, any questions bearing on the report and accounts which shareholders may care to ask. (Applause).

Mr. E. C. Wakefield: What amount of compensation was paid to Mr. Rutherford upon the termination of his agreement?

The Chairman: As in accordance with the terms of his agreement for service, upon the summary cancellation by the Company of his agreement he was paid the sum of $6,751.42, being 3 months salary in lieu of notice, leave pay due and passage for himself and wife to England.

Mr. E. C. Wakefield: Has the Board ever considered the question of splitting our shares?

The Chairman: About a year ago the Board considered the advisability of splitting the shares and came to the conclusion that there would be little or no real advantage to shareholders in so doing. The directors formed the opinion, when they at that date discussed the matter that if splitting the shares made them slightly more liquid, which they were not sure would be the case, they would only become so because splitting converted them into gambling counters. As gambling counters they would, however, fluctuate in market price much more than they do at present. Would this be an advantage to the genuine investors in the Company, as apart from the speculator who has no real interest in it but only wishes to snatch a gambling profit? Besides, fluctuations cut both ways. If the price of the shares at times improved beyond what it is now likely to go to, it would also at other times fall lower than it is now likely to reach. Our endeavour is to make the shares of our company a sound and solid investment. Is it an advantage for an investment aspiring to be a sound and solid one to fluctuate in market price? Your Board thought not, and that the probable disadvantages of splitting the shares more than outweighed the probable advantages of doing so. However, your directors are quite willing to be convinced that the opinion which they formed upon the subject was a wrong one, and if Mr. Wakefield assures us that there is a substantial body of shareholders who wish to have the shares split into smaller denominations, they will certainly reconsider the whole matter.

Major Slee said that there was the question of the small holder and of the difficulty of getting a small number of shares. A young fellow might like to invest in the company but found it very difficult to get less than a hundred or fifty shares.

The Chairman: We quite realise that there, are points for and against and we tried to weigh one against the other. We are willing to admit we may have been wrong. Major Slee tells me that it is very difficult to get ten shares; but a fair quantity of shares pass through this company in small numbers and only last week I signed one share certificate for 15 shares. However, I am quite willing to take Major Slee's assurance that it is very hard to get small numbers. It seems to us that providing it actually is possible to get ten shares, it is no more disadvantageous to a small shareholder to buy ten shares of ten dollars each than to buy one hundred shares of one dollar each. However, as there seem to be several shareholders who consider it a desirable thing to split the shares, the directors will reconsider the matter and will be very glad of opinions from other shareholders on the point.

Mr. Wakefield said that he knew of half a dozen cases of friends of his own who would like to buy Malayan Collieries shares. They could not afford to buy ten dollar shares at their present price but they would be willing to put down money if the shares were split and more easy to buy.

Major Slee said he tried hard to buy fifty shares recently and eventually he managed to buy 40 but could not get the remaining ten.

Major Slee asked the Chairman for information as to the basis on which the royalty on coal produced from Pamoekan Bay Colliery had been capitalised.

The Chairman said that the royalties were purchased for $350,000 by negotiations between the two parties. The basis was one which the representatives of the Company and the holders of the royalties, Messrs. The Eastern Mining & Rubber Co., regarded as a fair compromise.

In reply to a further question from Major Slee as to the basis of the purchase, Mr. Russell said that the basis naturally depended upon the estimate which one made of the probable rate of coal production from the property. The directors calculated that by buying the rights for $350,000 they were effecting a saving of considerable benefit to the Company. The sum paid was a compromise between the Board's estimate of the value of the royalty rights and the figure placed on them by the former owners. The Board would not have agreed to the sum paid had it not been convinced that it was doing something which would pay the Company handsomely now, and even more so in the future.

A final dividend of 12 ½ per cent, for the year 1928 was carried on the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. W. H. Martin.

An extraordinary bonus of 5 per cent for the year 1928 was carried on the proposal of the Chairman seconded by Mr. H. N. Ferrers.

The Directors remuneration of $25,000 for the past year was carried on the proposal of Mr. E. C. Wakefield, seconded by Mr. W. D. Fraser.

Mr. J. A. Russell being the Director longest in office retired under the provision of the Articles of Association but being eligible offered himself for re-election.

The Chairman stated that he was glad to say that Mr. A. J. Kelman had accepted the invitation of the Board to join as a director. He thought that the Company could congratulate itself in having secured a gentleman of such wide mining experience and professional attainments.

Mr. J. A, Russell was re-elected a Director on the proposal of Mr. W. H. Martin seconded by Mr. F. Cunningham.

Mr. A. J. Kelman's appointment as a director was confirmed on the proposal of Mr. H. N. Ferrers seconded by Mr. F. Cunningham.

Major A. B. Slee proposed and Mr. C. B. Towill seconded that Messrs. Evatt & Co., be re-elected auditors for the ensuing year.

On proposing a vote of thanks to the Managing Agents Mr. F. Cunningham addressing the Meeting said: —Before the meeting closes I would like to say how grateful indeed we are to the Managing Agents, Messrs. J. A. Russell & Co., for the very efficient way in which they have managed our mines and I might say that the extraordinarily good balance sheet which your Directors have been able to put before you today is very largely due to their untiring efforts. In conjunction with the managing agents, I should like to mention the name of their Manager, Mr. H. H. Robbins, whose wide range of technical knowledge and indefatigable energy has been of vast help to the company. Mr. Robbins had a seat on the Board during Mr. Russell's absence on leave and he was a tremendous asset to us and we only hope that during the current year it will be possible to find a permanent seat for him on the Board (Applause).

Mr. H. N. Ferrers seconded.

A vote of thanks to the Chair proposed by Mr. E. C. Wakefield concluded the meeting.

Above from: MALAYAN COLLIERIES LIMITED REPORTS & BALANCE SHEETS AND PROCEEDINGS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS 1926- 1935 & edited version in The Straits Times, 28 March 1929, Page 9.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 29 March 1929, Page 15  MALAYAN COLLIERIES SHARES. [From Our Own Correspondent.] Kuala Lumpur, Mar. 28. At Malayan Collieries meeting yesterday the Chairman reported very material progress and moved a dividend for the year of 35 per cent plus an extra five. Discussion took place on share splitting two members suggesting the difficulty of obtaining a small number of shares. The chairman promised to consider the matter.

The Straits Times, 4 April 1929, Page 10  MR. M. H. WHITLEY. Legal Career in Malaya Concluding. Malaya will lose a well-known resident and one of the ablest judges that the Malayan Civil Service has produced when the Hon. Mr. Michael Henry Whitley, who has been Attorney-General in the Colony for the past four years, leaves tomorrow by Malwa. (Summary: career details, in FMS since 1896, “ In Kuala Lumpur he took the Peck –Russell case. This long and difficult litigation involved the question of the legal duties of the defendant as chairman of the Malayan Collieries and also as head of the firm which acted as Secretaries for Malayan Collieries. Mr. Whitley’s judicial qualities have never been more clearly demonstrated than in this case” other career details) (339 words)  

The Straits Times, 8 April 1929, Page 12 . DEATH OF MR. IVENS. Distinguished Lawyer And Sportsman. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Kuala Lumpur, April 6. The European community in general and the F.M.S. Bar in particular have suffered a grievous loss by the death, quite suddenly, early this morning of Mr. F. Burdett Ivens, partner of the legal firm…. only 47…there has not been an important civil case in which he has not appeared…gathering at funeral.. one of largest seen in Kuala Lumpur.. among crowd present were…J. A. Russell… (742 words)

The Straits Times, 11 April 1929, Page 10  MINING IN MALAYA. Monthly Bulletins Of Statistics. Since the beginning of the year the Mines Department of the F.M.S., have been issuing monthly statistics relating to the mining industry of the country, furnishing many details which would otherwise be of little use if left to the close of the year when the High Commissioner publishes his annual review. The bulletin is compiled by Mr. J. Lovett, inspector of mineral ores. Summary: (Record tin output, comparison of output from Chinese and European mines, % ownership since 1922, dredging companies, floatation’s, capital, gold, coal) “ Output of Coal. Coal shares the distinction with gold in there being only one mine in the F.M.S. producing the mineral, Malayan Collieries, Ltd., of Selangor which last year sold 520,705 tons as compared with a sale in the previous twelve months of 415,578 tons. These figures however do not include coal produced and consumed at the collieries which amounted to 34,003 tons in 1927 and 35,885 tons last year. Since the mine started producing about Sept. 1925 (sic) the total amount of coal won has been 4,018,891 tons. Copies of the Bulletin can be obtained from the Senior Warden of Mines Office, Kuala Lumpur, at a cost of 25 cents a copy or $3 per annum.”

LETTER FROM J. A. Russell & Co. TO: -The Collector of Land Revenue, Kinta, Batu Gajah. 22nd May, 1929. Kuala Lumpur, 22nd May 1929. Sir, We have the honour to refer to your letter of the 29th April numbered 4 in K.L.O. No. 1302/28 and to enquire what the position is with regard to our request for sub-division of lots 29172, 29174 and 16127, Ipoh, which you stated was being referred to the Town Planning Committee on the 9th instant. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants, per pro J. A. Russell and Co. R.C. Russell From National Archives of Malaysia. Kinta Land Office. 1301/28 Transcribed by P.C.

The Straits Times, 25 May 1929, Page 8 , SOCIAL AND PERSONAL and The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser , 27 May 1929, Page 8 Mr. C. Jones has arrived in this country to join Malayan Collieries in connection with the development of the electrical installation at their mines. - Ex.

The Straits Times 30 May 1929 page 9 SIR RONALD ROSS FUND …….J. A. Russell and Co. $100….. The Straits Times, 30 May 1929, Page 9 TEMPLE'S GIFT TO ROSS FUND. Estates and Firms.. N. SEMBILAN PLANTERS SUBSCRIBE. Subscriptions to the Sir Ronald Ross Fund have come from rich and poor, and from all classes in the community, but one received by the Straits Times this morning is particularly appealing. At the Seek Kia Eenh Temple…other subscribers include..J. A. Russell and Co. (308 words) The Straits Times, 11 June 1929, Page 11 SIR JAMES BARR AND ROSS FUND. Cable Received. 0. FURTHER DETAILS FROM HOME. The first communication from the London organisers of the Sir Ronald Ross Fund was received by the Straits Times this morning. It was a cable from Sir James Barr, the famous physician, who issued the original appeal, and…..Subscriptions… J. A. Russell and Co… $100… (491 words)

The Straits Times, 15 June 1929, Page 6  & The Straits Times, 17 June 1929, Page 4  Malayan Collieries Div. 34 7 ½%

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 1 July 1929, Page 2 Building activity at Fraser’s Hill continues briskly, says the Malay Mail, and it seems that at last private enterprise, which hung a long way behind Government, is beginning to make itself felt. Malayan Collieries have, we hear, chosen a site close to Guthrie’s fine house, while the Singapore Harbour Board’s building is well in hand and seems to have become a lodging house for coolies. The garden that Mr. Kia Peng is laying out in terraces promises to be the best on the Hill but his house is not so well advanced. The Admiralty have a site close by and building operations continue briskly there. The new Government Rest House, facing the Golf Course, is a two storied building which promises to provide plenty of accommodation and is nearly ready. The Railway house is almost completed and now needs very little but furniture and decoration. These will be a welcome addition to the existing provision for visitors which is fast falling below the demand.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 16 July 1929, Page 15 The Malayan Collieries, Ltd., sold over half a million tons of coal last year as against a little over 400.000 tons in I927.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 18 July 1929, Page 8, & The Straits Times, 18 July 1929, Page 10  SOCIAL AND PERSONAL Mr. James Brailsford, a well known sportsman in the Midlands, arrived by the Malwa last Friday accompanied by Mrs. Brailsford. He has been appointed assistant manager of the Malayan Collieries, Batu Arang. During the past four years he has been manager of the Barnsley Main Colliery. Previously he held a similar post with the Peking Syndicate mines.

Letter to the Secretary to the Resident, Perak from the District Officer, Kinta. 24th August 1929 No. 7 in K. L. O. 833-29 Kinta District Office, Batu Gajah, 24th August, 1929. Application from Messrs. J. A. Russell & Co. for renewal of Mining Leases 5926 & 5927 Lots 13753 & 13754 Mukim of Blanja Sir, I have the honour to report receipt of an application from Mr. J. A. Russell dated 27.5.29 for renewal of Mining Leases 5926 & 5927 Lots 13753 & 13754 respectively in the Mukim of Blanja. 2. Mining Leases Nos: 5926 and 5927 were issued on 26.7.09 and 4.10.09 under the Mining Enactment, 1904 and expire on 26.7.30 and 4.10.30 respectively. Labour records enclosed 3. The Warden of Mines is in favour of renewal. With his concurrence I recommend extension of the period of the above Mining Leases for a further period of 9 years each, free of premium and rent at $1/- per acre per annum in accordance with section 24 of the Mining Enactment, 1928 to expire with the term of the adjoining lease, Lot 22847, which is also owned by the applicant. Mr. J. A. Russell owns 754 acres of mining land with 1420 coolies equivalent. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant ? District Officer Kinta.

From National Archives of Malaysia (Kinta Land Office.833/29). Transcribed by P.C.

K. L. O. 833-29 B. G. Mines No. 258-29 Pk. Mines No. 904/29

M. L. 5927 -Lot No. 13754- Area 41 A – 0R – 26P Date of Title – 4.10.09 Sheet 177- 7 & 8

Mukim Blanja –Date of Expiration – 4.10.30

Lessee - J. A. Russell Sublease Labour Record

December Census 10 ---No coolies

“ “ 11 ---No coolies

“ “ 12 --- “ “

30.6.13 --- “ “

December Census 14--- 868 coolies & 4 engines - 192 C. H. P. with

M. L. 6187 & etc

June Census 15 --- 1080 coolies and 4 engines = 192 C. H. P. opencast workings

M. L. 2186

December Census 15 --- 1045 coolies and 5 engines = 192 C. H. P.

December Census 16 --- 1346 coolies and 7 engines = 294 C. H. P

December Census 17 --- 800 coolies with engines-84 H. P. with M. L. 9036

“ “ 18 --- No coolies

18.7.19 --------390 coolies opencast and 2 boilers of 32 C. H. P. with

M. L. 9036

December Census 19 – No coolies

“ “ 20 ---No coolies

“ “ 21 --- “ “

31.10.22 - --- --- 300 coolies opencast, gravel pump, one boiler of 16 C. H. P.

With M. L. 9036

31.10.23--- --- 20 coolies, lampan with M. L. 9036

1. 12. 24--- --- 15 coolies

7.10.25 --- --- No coolies

19.11.25 --- --- 7 coolies

24.11.27 --- --- 24 coolies

7.11.28 --- --- No coolies

From National Archives of Malaysia (Kinta Land Office.833/29). Transcribed by P.C.

Report on Application for Renewal by Asst. Warden of Mines-undated K. L. O. No. 833-29 B. G. Mines 258-29 Perak Mines No, 904/29 REPORT ON APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL Mining Lease No. 5926 Lot No. 13753 Area 126A. 0R 23P Lessee:- John Archibald Russell 1. Whether the applicant is working the land himself,) if not actually doing so, whether any assistance is ) No work on land at present given by him financially or otherwise. ) 2. His status as a miner and whether the land is being) Owns 754 acres 25 poles 2 developed to its best advantage. ) mining land with 1420 coolies equivalent. 3. Is the retention of tailings satisfactory? ) --------------- 4. Would the land be of more value in conjunction ) No with other land to be worked on a large scale. ) 5. (i) Is the land sublet? (ii) If so, has the sublessee been informed that ) No Renewal has been applied for and doe he object? ) 6. Could the land have been worked out during the ) No period of the present lease? 7. Any other remarks. Land lies to North of Lot 22847 which also belongs to applicant and on which preparations are being made to start work. 8. Recommendations Realienation for 9 years to fall in with adjoining Lot 22847. Mines Office Batu Gajah. ? A Smith Asst: Warden of Mines Batu Gajah From National Archives of Malaysia (Kinta Land Office.833/29). Transcribed by P.C.

The Straits Times, 16 September 1929, Page 4 The Straits Times, 17 September 1929, Page 4. The Straits Times, 18 September 1929, Page 4 MALAYAN COLLIERIES LTD Notice of Declaration of Dividend No. 35 and closure of share registers. Second interim dividend of seven and half per cent… for year ending Dec 31, 1929…. J. A. Russell and Co. Sept 16 1929..

The Straits Times, 1 October 1929, Page 10  SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. Mr. L. Richards, till recently manager of the open-cast workings of the Malayan Collieries, Ltd., Batu Arang leaves for Home to-day. At a farewell party on Saturday night at the Club, Batu Arang, the fellow members of the staff at the colliery presented him with a gold wrist-let watch and a silver cigarette case.

(The 1929 stock market crash Thursday the 24th and Tuesday the 29th of October.)

The Straits Times, 10 December 1929, Page 10 The Straits Times, 11 December 1929, Page 4 . TENDERS Tenders are invited for the construction of the Spillway and Dam with puddled clay core to hold 85 million gallons of water and two Service Reservoirs to contain one million and 64,000 gallons respectively at Batu Arang, Selangor. Drawings and specifications may be seen either at the offices of the Managing Agents, Messrs. J. A. Russell and Co, The Embankment Kuala Lumpur, or at the Engineers office, Batu Arang, on any working day by appointment.. Neither the whole nor any part of any tender necessarily accepted.

The Straits Times, 14 December 1929, Page 4 ,The Straits Times, 16 December 1929, Page 4 & The Straits Times, 17 December 1929, Page 6  Malayan Collieries Ltd. Declaration of Dividend No. 36 of seven and a half per cent year ending Dec.31, 1929…….. J. A. Russell and Co. Dec 13, 1929

Return of Lessees Land and Labour Force. 12th October, 1929.

Name

No. of

Title

District

Area

Labour and Equivalence

Haji Abdullah bin Mohd on 21.7.09.

& Tan Tng. on 21.7.09

A. H. Bibby on 26.8.09

Yan Meo on 28.12.16

Bakau Tin Ltd. on 28.2. 17

502

Lot 932

Bentong

a. r. p.

12. 3. 18

Dec. ’09 no work

“ ’10 “

Dec ’11 “

“ ’12 “

“ ’13 “

“ ’14 Vide M. L. 508

“ ’15 “

“ ’16 13 men lampan

“ ’17 53 “ “

“ ’18 no work

“ ’19 “

“ ’20 “

“ ’21 “

“ ’22 “

“ ’23 3 men lampan

“ ’24 2 “ “

“ ’25 3 “ “

“ ’26 2 “ “

“ ’27 2

“ ’28 2 men tailing

“ ’29 2 “ “

Letter from The Secretary to Resident, Pahang. 18th October 1929.

No. Btg :( 4) in 838-1929

DISTRICT OFFICE

BENTONG

19th October, 1929

Sir,

Renewal of Mining Lease 502 Lot 932

Bentong

I have the honour to report the receipt of an application for the renewal of Mining Lease 502 Lot 932 Bentong from Messrs. J. A. Russell and Company as managing Agents for Bakau Tin Limited.

2. The Mining Lease which was issued for a term of 21 years was registered on 21st July, 1909.

3. The following Mining Leases are registered in the name of Bakau Tin Limited:

Area

Title No. Lot No. A. R. P Date of Expiry

M. L. 501 771 5. 0. 02 20. 7. 1920

“ 502 932 12. 3. 18 20. 7. 1930

“ 508 763 63. 1. 32 26. 3. 1929

“ 509 764 10. 0. 39 1. 4. 1929

“ 510 785 33. 1. 15 30. 3. 1929

“ 622 1521 20. 0. 19 13.11. 1931

“ 625 1431 22. 0. 25 6. 10. 1931

“ 31 3513 50. 2 10 4. 12. 1942

Of these Mining Leases 509 and 510 have been renewed vide Pahang 965-28 and renewal of Mining Leases 501 and 508 have been dealt with in Pahang Correspondence No: 1240-29.

4. The Warden of Mines writes as follows:-

“I do not recommend renewal. The land adjoins Mining Lease 508 Lot 763, the renewal of which to Bakau Tin has been refused and the Labour Record (copies enclosed) do not justify renewal-the working conditions on Lot 763 have been taken before as covering this lot but it is all in favour of the Sub-lessee and not the Company.”

5. I attach hereto a tracing shewing outlined in red the areas covered by those Mining Leases stated above.

6. In view of the decision contained in Pahang 1240-29 I recommend the application be refused.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant,

Ag: District officer,

Bentong.

From National Archives of Malaysia. Divisional Office of Bentong (838/1929). Transcribed by P.C

Letter from J. A. Russell and Co. to the Acting District Officer, Bentong. 22nd November 1929.

J. A. Russell and Co.

Kuala Lumpur

F. M. S.

22nd November 1929

Sir,

Renewal of Mining lease 502 Lot 932

Mukim of Bentong

We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your communication No. (6) in Btg: 838/29 in which you inform us that the Honourable the British Resident has refused the above application as the labour record does not justify renewal.

2. Regarding this stated reason for refusal of our application we beg to request that you will be kind enough to bring the following facts to the notice of the Honourable the British resident in support of this our application that the question of the renewal of Mining Lease 502, Lot 932, Mukim of Betong, be reconsidered under section 20 (i) and (ii) of the Mining Enactment 1928.

3. The property of the Bakau Tin Limited, known as the Chinchong Group consists of eight contiguous Mining Leases, of which M. L. 502 is one.

4. Our records show that the area of the group is 217 acres 3 roods 5 poles and that the average labour force employed during the past twelve months is 137.

5. Situated within the group and in continuous operation is a 5 Head Battery and Concentrating Plant, which has for motive power a Pelton wheel and an Oil engine of approximately eight H. P.

6. The calculated H. P. of the Pelton wheel, based upon the formula, HP=D2 x P√P x .017 set out under schedule iv, section 16 of the Mining Enactment, may be shown

When D = Diameter of jet in inches = 1.25

P = Pressure in lbs per square inch = 90

HP of Pelton = (1.25) 2 x 90 √ 90 x .017

= 22.62 H. P.

7. Again, referring to the Mining Enactment Section 16 (iii) (b) it will be observed that one H. P. is equivalent for the purpose of the Enactment, to 8 labourers, so that the total HP used in the Battery and Concentrating Plant may be taken as equivalent to 244 labourers. This number added to the average number of coolies (137) actually employed results in a labour force of 381 for the group of mining leases, approximately 218 acres in extent.

8. May we ask that you will, with these facts before you, recommend to the Honourable the British Resident that his decision, in this matter, be modified.

We have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servants,

Robt. S. Opie

From National Archives of Malaysia. Divisional Office of Bentong (838/1929). Transcribed by P.C.

Memorandum from Warden of Mines Pahang, 17th Dec. 1929

No. (7) in Mines Phg. 310/29 Pahang 2108/29

MEMORANDUM

The issue here depends entirely on whether the Hon’ble British resident decides the labour force (& labour equivalent) employed by the sublessee, Kon Chin Kwee on Lot 763 Mining Lease 508 is to be credited to Bakau Tin Limited.

2. Reference to your Pahang 1240/29 will show that renewal of M. L. 508 would have been refused straight away but for a flaw in the issue of Title but owing to the flaw the lease has to be taken expiring on 12.8.30.

3. The eight pieces of land referred to with certain details are as under.

M.L.

Area

A. R. P.

December Census of labour etc.

501

502

508

509

510

622

625

B31

5. 0. 02.

12 3. 18

63. 11. 32

10. 0. 39

23. 1. 15

20. 0. 19

22. 1. 25

50. 2. 10

208. 0. 00

Nil

2 coolies

131 “ & 30 H. P.

Nil

2 coolies

Nil

11 coolies

4. For years past the labour records of the lands (excepting M. L. 508) has been as good as “Nil” and it is only the M. L. 508 labour record that has had a saving effect and that labour force (& equivalent) is due to Kon Chin Kwee the Sublessee.

5. A great deal is made by Mr. Opie (for Messrs. Russell & Co. –Bakau Tin Ltd) of the existence of the Battery Plant and Pelton Wheel etc., but it should be carefully noted that though Bakau Tin Ltd took over the land in 1916 no effect was made to bring this plant etc. into use till Kon Chin Kwee got the Sub-lease in 1927. He then put the plant in order and brought it into use that year. (This plant was all on the land when Bakau Tin Ltd took over the lease and was allowed to lie idle & depreciating till 1927. The land was let out entirely on tribute and crushing was done by means of Chinese Water Wheels operated stamps).

6. M. L. 509 & 510 – See Pahang 965/28. These two lands have unfortunately had renewal of title; the recommendation was made before the true facts were properly realised and the importance attached to the sub-lessee’s work. The titles now are M. Ls. 1674 & 1675.

7. (i) It has been decided that the title of M. l. 508 will cease on 12.8.30-(Pahang 1240/29). It would have ceased now but for the flaw in the issue title.

(ii) Title of M. L. 502 (dealt with in this paper) should not be renewed and the same ruling should apply to the other titles as their periods expire.

8. Section 24 of the Mining Enactment 19/28. The resident has absolute discretion as to renewal or otherwise and I suggest he refuses, (24(ii)c). This is a case where contiguous blocks and one labour force covering the whole should not apply, Bakau Tin should not get credit for a labour force due entirely to the efforts of the Sub-lessee.

Sd. A. G. Mondy,

Warden of Mines, Pahang

Mines Office

Bentong 17th December 1929

From National Archives of Malaysia. Divisional Office of Bentong (838/1929). Transcribed by P.C

Letter from the District Officer, Bentong to Messrs. J. A. Russell and Co. 2nd January 1930

No (12) in Btg. 838/29 District Office Bentong, 2nd January, 1930 Gentlemen,

Renewal of M. L. No. 502, Lot No. 932,

Mukim of Bentong.

With reference to your letters dated the 22nd November, 1929 and the 13th. December, 1929, on the above subject, I am directed by the Honourable the British Resident to inform you that he is not prepared to modify his previous decision. He has considered the labour record and it seems that from 1916 to 1927 the land was let out on tribute, crushing being done by Chinese water wheel operated stamps, the Battery and Plant and Pelton wheel etc. remaining idle until 1927 when this machinery was brought into use for the Sub-Lessee, Kon Chin Kwee. It cannot consequently be taken into account in the labour record. The same may be said for the coolie forces as they were tributors.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, District officer, Bentong.

From National Archives of Malaysia. Divisional Office of Bentong (838/1929). Transcribed by P.C

The Straits Times, 26 December 1929, Page 20 REAL ESTATE BOOM IN IPOH. Perak's Future Capital. SIX HUNDRED NEW BUILDINGS. (By Our Ipoh Correspondent.) Ipoh, often referred to as the “Hub of Malaya," can probably claim to be the town that has developed most rapidly within the past two or three years of all the towns in Malaya….doubled in size…made capital of state..vast industrial enterprises in neighborhood..buying and selling..costs… New Town Building Up. Building activity has been very much in evidence in that section of the town known as New Town. Until a couple of years or so ago New Town consisted only of the blocks of shop houses forming a square, which were erected by the late Towkay Yan Tet Shin and are now owned by Mr. J. A. Russell, of Kuala Lumpur….. ( Summary: detailed descriptions of areas and roads and changes.) (1467 words)

The Federated Malay States Chamber of Commerce Year Book for 1929 Fourteenth Annual Report, p17. The following Companies were Registered in 1929-30 being private and 17 being public Companies. LIST OF COMPANIES INCORPORTATED IN F.M.S No. 12 ."Boh Plantations Ltd" Nominal capital $500.000.