as well as the banks of the small inlet to the southward of it, will offer many advantageous situations as yet unoccupied.

... In establishing the Chinese Campong on a proper footing, it will be necessary to advert to the provincial and other distinctions among this peculiar people. ... It will also be necessary to distinguish between the fixed residents and itinerants, between the resident merchants and the traders who only resort to the port for a time. . . . The object of Government being to afford the utmost accommodation to every description of traders, but more particularly to the respectable classes, you will always keep this in view. . . . Few places offer greater natural facilities for commerce than Singapore, and it is only desired that the advantage of these facilities be afforded to all who are competent to avail themselves of them.' . .

'It being intended to place the Chinese population in a great measure under the immediate control of their own chiefs,' central and commanding sites were to be provided for their residences. The streets were to run at right angles to each other, and to be at least forty feet wide. They were to be arranged in three classes, each with its allotted number of houses. A small ground was to be placed on each site. Police stations were to be set apart in each street or division.

The concentration of the different descriptions of artificers, such as blacksmiths, carpenters, etc., in particular quarters should also be attended to.'

Verandahs were to be attached to the houses ‘of a certain depth, open at all times as a continued and covered passage on each side of the street.' Alas for the vanity of human effort! A marginal note informs us that these passages are now filled with merchandise.

'Next to the Chinese your attention will be directed to

the Bugis settlers. . . it will be equally necessary to attend to economy in the distribution of ground by laying out regular streets inland towards the river, and obliging the inhabitants to conform thereto. At present the houses are scattered without any attention to order or convenience. . . . The Arab population will require every consideration, and their expected numbers should be at not less than 1000 to 2000. No situation will be more appropriate to them than the vicinity of the Sultan's residence. . . . It being intended to appropriate the space between Sandy and Deep Water as a marine yard, permission will be given to Chinese artificers to settle in the vicinity of the public works on certain conditions. . .

The beach from the extremity of the European town. will still continue open for the repairs and building of native vessels as at present, and it is proposed that hereafter a public pier should be thrown out in this quarter in the most convenient spot for trade. . . .

The Malay population being principally attached to the Toomongong, or engaged in fishing, may not require any very extensive allotments. It is probable the larger portion of the former will settle near Panglima Prangs and the upper banks of the river, and that the latter will find accommodation for themselves in the smaller bays and inlets beyond the immediate line of beach reserved for the

town.

'As a measure of police it is proposed to remove the fish market to Telloh Ayer without delay, and it will be the duty of the committee to consider how far the general concentration of the fish, pork, poultry and vegetable markets in the vicinity of each other may not be advantageous for the general convenience and cleanliness of the place.

'The importance of early provision for Mahommedan

and Chinese burial grounds, particularly the latter, at a suitable distance from town, will necessarily fall under your consideration.'

The committee were to explain to the leading native the object of their appointment, and the desire of Government in associating them with you that the interests of all shall be duly considered in the arrangements adopted.'

INDEX