Vol.

16 Issue

01 2020 APR–JUN

10 / The Scourge of Leprosy 16 / Malay Seals 22 / Postcards Of History 28 / Keong Saik Road Memories 32 / Architectural Snapshots 50 / A Chinese Knight

p. 04 FTS_BA_Bleed 5mm.pdf 1 18/7/19 4:57 PM

These are challenging times. As I write this note, a “circuit breaker” is in place to reduce the Director’s rise of Covid-19 infections in Singapore. Schools, libraries and many businesses are closed and the majority of us are working from home: social distancing is now the new normal. What gives me some comfort is that throughout history, humankind has faced other fatal Note infectious diseases and ultimately prevailed. In our cover story, Timothy P. Barnard looks at the deadly rabies outbreak in late 19th-century Singapore. Rabies caused a great scare here and led to the culling of over 22,000 dogs, but eventually it was eradicated from our shores. While rabies was no longer a problem in Singapore by the 20th century, another disease continued to spark much fear – leprosy. Although not as deadly, many sufferers became horribly disfigured after getting infected and were shunned by society. Danielle Lim recounts the story of the setting up of the Leper Asylum, later renamed Trafalgar Home, and the lives of the residents there. This issue is not merely about disease though. Annabel Teh Gallop of The British Library reveals why a close study of the beautiful and ornate markings of Malay seals of the 19th century is warranted. Like seals, the humble postcard also benefits from close examination. Stephanie Pee’s article on postcards from the National Library’s Lim Shao Bin Collection explains how these picture postcards give us an insight into Singapore’s Japanese community before the outbreak of World War II. Old postcards and photographs are fascinating because they offer a snapshot of the past. This is the value of a collection of architectural photos of Singapore taken by Marjorie Doggett in the mid-1950s. Edward Stokes’ essay on this pioneering photographer looks at her life and work. Part of the value of an old photograph is that it preserves a glimpse of a place that no longer exists. However, oftentimes these places still exist, but their character has changed so much that they become unrecognisable. This was the experience of Charmaine Leung, who writes about growing up on Keong Saik Road in the 1970s and 80s. C From Keong Saik Road in the Chinatown area, we turn our attention to the north of the

M island. Royal Air Force Seletar was Britain’s largest airbase in the Far East, and among other things, was also home to an active theatre company. Suriati Sani takes us behind the curtains Y to see the high-flying RAF Seletar Theatre Club at work. CM To round off your reading, don’t miss Kevin Y.L. Tan’s comprehensive and fascinating

MY account of Song Ong Siang, author of the landmark One Hundred Years’ History of the Chinese in Singapore (first published in 1923, and recently reissued by the National Library); Seow Peck CY Ngiam’s essay on Major-General Feng Yee, who represented China at the Japanese surrender CMY ceremony in Singapore; and Shereen Tay’s account of Singapore’s move to the metric system.

K FOTOALBUM Tan Huism Finally, Mazelan Anuar and Faridah Ibrahim give us the inside story on our latest exhibition, Director “The News Gallery: Beyond Headlines”. National Library I hope these articles will entertain and connect you with our fascinating history. Stay SINGAPUR home, stay safe and happy reading. Uncover scenes from Singapore’s diverse past in Fotoalbum Editorial & Production Editor-in-Chief Contributors Please direct all correspondence to On the cover Singapur, a 19th-century album of photographs from the National Francis Dorai Annabel Teh Gallop Stephanie Pee National Library Board Imported as status symbols, Suriati Sani Managing Editor Charmaine Leung 100 Victoria Street #14-01 purebred dogs ended up sparking Jimmy Yap Danielle Lim Timothy P. Barnard National Library Building a rabies scare in 19th-century Library’s Rare Materials Collection. Taken by the renowned Singapore. An 1879 watercolour Edward Stokes Singapore 188064 painting by John Edmund Taylor. Editor Faridah Ibrahim Design and Print Email: [email protected] Image reproduced from Sketches photography studio G. R. Lambert & Co., which was also the Veronica Chee Website: www.nlb.gov.sg in the Malay Archipelago: Album Kevin Y.L. Tan Oxygen Studio Designs Pte Ltd of Watercolours and Photographs Mazelan Anuar Made and Collected by J.E. Taylor. ofcial photographer for the King of Siam, Fotoalbum Singapur is Editorial Support Wellcome Collection. Attribution 4.0 Masamah Ahmad Seow Peck Ngiam International (CC BY 4.0). a black-and-white retrospective of the diverse communities that Fiona Lim Shereen Tay

made up early Singapore. All rights reserved. National Library Board, Singapore, 2020.

BiblioAsia is a free quarterly publication produced by the National ISSN 0219-8126 (print) Library Board. It features articles on the history, culture and heritage ISSN 1793-9968 (online) of Singapore within the larger Asian context, and has a strong focus The views of the writers and contributors do not reflect the views of the Publisher. No part of this on the collections and services of the National Library. BiblioAsia is publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission from distributed to local and international libraries, academic institutions, the Publisher and copyright owner(s). government ministries and agencies, as well as members of the public. https://go.gov.sg/biblioasia-pdf Whilst reasonable care has been taken to ensure The PDF version can be accessed with the QR code on the right. the accuracy of the information in this publication, is a web series featuring the Publisher accepts no ­legal liabilities whatsoever for the contents of this magazine. rare materials of historical significance in the National Library Singapore’s collection. biblioasia VOLUME APR 16 JUN CONTENTS ISSUE 01 2020

01 Director’s Note 04 Mad Dogs and Englishmen: Rabies in 19th- Imported pure-breeds Old postcards reveal more about Japan- century Singapore 04 from England led to a severe 22 Singapore links. Timothy P. Barnard sniffs out the details of a rabies scare rabies outbreak here in 1889. that swept through the island in the 1880s and 90s. Over 22,000 dogs ended up being put down as a result. 10 Leprosy: A Story of Suffering, but Also of Hope People who suffered from leprosy used to be shunned and forced to live in isolation.Danielle Lim recounts the history of leprosy treatment here. 16 Malay Seals from Singapore Annabel Teh Gallop describes the significance behind Malay seals used in 19th-century Singapore. 22 History Through Postcards Stephanie Pee reveals what the postcards in the Lim Shao Bin collection have to say about the pre-war Japanese community here. 28 Keong Saik Road: The Other Side of the Red-Light District Charmaine Leung says there is more to the place than its reputation suggests. 32 Marjorie Doggett: Photographer of Singapore Edward Stokes reflects on the life and work of Marjorie Doggett, a pioneering photographer. 40 The Thespians of RAF Seletar Suriati Sani goes backstage to bring us the story of this high-flying amateur theatre company. 46 Witness to History Major-General Feng Yee represented China at the Japanese surrender ceremony here. Seow Peck Ngiam Marjorie Doggett’s stunning photographs tells us about his life. helped to launch the architectural 32 conservation movement in Singapore. 50 The King’s Chinese: The Life of Sir Song Ong Siang Kevin Y.L. Tan pens a portrait of the first person in Malaya to be knighted and the author of One Hundred Years’ History of the Chinese in Singapore. Elaborate Malay seals contain a wealth How a classic work on the history of the 56 Milestones to the Metric System 16 of information. 50 Chinese in Singapore came to be. Shereen Tay traces how Singapore transitioned to the metric system in 10 short years. 62 The News Gallery: Beyond Headlines Mazelan Anuar and Faridah Ibrahim give us the inside scoop on our latest exhibition.

Behind the barbed wires of the “leper’s 10 asylum” in Lorong Buangkok. BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

(Facing page) An 1879 watercolour painting by John Tainted Pure Breds Edmund Taylor of a European woman with her pet dogs at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Throughout When the Oxfordshire pulled into the the 1890s, no dogs were allowed into Singapore due to harbour of Singapore, it carried on board an outbreak of rabies among the pet dog population. “some twenty or thirty well bred dogs”, Image reproduced from Sketches in the Malay including terriers, bulldogs, greyhounds and Archipelago: Album of Watercolours and Photographs and poodles. These animals were ferried Made and Collected by J.E. Taylor. Wellcome Collection. MAD DOGS Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). ashore, along with English potatoes, and auctioned off on 7 April at Commercial Square (present-day Raffles Place).8 all the islands of the Archipelago in the In contrast to the semi-feral native half-domestic state in which it is seen in mongrels, these imported dogs were the every country of the East”. He added, “it result of breeding and eugenics, the fruits ENGLISHMEN is the same prick-eared cur as in other of a movement that had begun a few Rabies in 19th-century Singapore Asiatic countries, varying a good deal in decades earlier in England: the creation colour – not much in shape and size – of a canine sub-species with desired never owned – never become wild, but characteristics and were deemed to be Fears of the deadly always the common scavenger in every “pure”. These greyhounds and terriers disease here led to more town and village”.4 were symbols of social divisions and than 22,000 dogs being Most dogs in early colonial Singapore distinctions. To own one of these living roamed in packs about the town, making examples of imperial superiority charac- killed during the 1890s. The Straits Times reporting the attack on the them “one of the greatest nuisances in the terised its human master as a member Timothy P. Barnard sniffs blacksmith and his son by a rabid dog on Pekin settlement”. The “wretched creatures” of the elite of a rapidly changing and Street. The Straits Times Weekly Issue, 9 September out the details of this would follow the “dust carts” that col- industrialising society. 1889, p. 2. long-forgotten episode. lected rubbish, or tag along with soldiers The residents of Singapore who who were carrying out their duties. A let- successfully secured a four-legged friend ter published in The Singapore Free Press that fateful day in April, however, had no The initial response to the rabies in January 1843 complained that “every inkling of what was to come. During the outbreak was to simply cull mongrels, morning when the guard is relieved at journey to Singapore, one or two of the a practice that had existed for decades the Court house a swarm of Pariah dogs dogs that showed symptoms of rabies in Singapore. Although efforts were come out with the soldiers, and attack had to be culled. Over the next few years, ramped up in July 1884 to limit the stray the passing natives and many times throw these “fancy dogs” sparked an outbreak dog population, rabies persisted. In mid- them down and bite them, and tear their of rabies that led to increased restrictions August, the authorities announced that cloths off, and the sepoys appear to injoy and regulations as well as further domes- they would begin a month of dog-killing [sic] it, although he says they take the dogs tication of the common pet in Singapore. on 25 August. “All dogs at large and not off when they see them going to extremi- Ultimately, these imported animals would wearing either a collar and chain or a ties...”.5 In August 1844, an irate member lead to changes in the way Singapore muzzle” would be killed.11 The culling of the public wrote that “when the sepoys regulated and domesticated dogs.9 was subsequently extended, continuing exchange guard at the Court House they About a month after the Oxford- well into 1885. are invariably followed by about 30 dogs shire docked, rabies began appearing When cases of rabies persisted, and these are a complete nuisance to the among the local canine population. It particularly in residential areas where neighbourhood”.6 was reported that there had been “a people kept dogs as pets, the authori- The annoyance created by these stray few peculiar cases of mania” among the ties began to realise that the disease The blacksmith’s son was one of the first Although the boy survived the the source of the rabies outbreak was dogs was so great that as early as April 1833, dogs in the military encampment near was endemic among the well-bred pets. victims. It was about three in the after- initial attack, which took place in early actually a shipment of pure-bred dogs the authorities had issued a notice that the Botanic Gardens. But this was only To deal with the problem, starting from noon and the boy was playing outside September 1889, he fell seriously ill about that had arrived from England five years read: “All dogs found running loose about the beginning: in quick succession, three mid-1885, the direct importation of dogs this father’s shop in Pekin Street when a a month later, and his last hours were earlier. It was only in 1899, 10 years after the streets between the 8th and 18th… will Europeans died of hydrophobia.10 into Singapore was prohibited and all pet rabid dog suddenly appeared. The dog “simply agonizing to witness”, according the outbreak, that rabies was completely be destroyed.”7 This was the beginning of went after the boy, biting “pieces out of to The Straits Times. “He was attacked eradicated from Singapore. This was an approach used throughout the world A police notice dated 14 the little fellow’s legs.” While fighting off with periodical convulsions, when he only achieved, though, by putting down to control canines: with extreme malice, August 1884 listing the the animal, the boy fell into a sewer drain, would call for water, but on water being more than 22,000 dogs over the course stray dogs were to be culled. measures adopted by the taking the dog with him. When the boy’s brought to him, he would draw back and of a decade. The culling exercises typically police in light of several father rushed to help, the dog “flew at the bark after the fashion of a dog, and so occurred four times a year over three deaths arising from dog Chinaman’s face and fastened its teeth his agony continued until death put an Dogs in Early Singapore or four days, although extra sessions bites. With effect from on his nose, ultimately pulling a portion end to his sufferings.”2 Although archaeologists have yet to find could be arranged if needed. Despite 25 August, all stray dogs would be killed and dogs of the flesh”. The pair were ultimately This horrific incident marked the any fossilised canine remains in Singa- regular culling, however, mongrels were not wearing either a collar saved by a passerby who killed the dog beginnings of the “Hydrophobia Scare pore’s acidic soil, it is likely that dogs still found on the streets of Singapore and chain or a muzzle would with a chopper.1 of 1889” as it came to be known in Sin- roamed the ancient settlement of Temasek well into the 1880s. The small consola- be dealt with. Special Police gapore,3 which saw calls for all dogs to as far back as the 13th century. Dogs tion was that while the stray dogs were Notice: Dog-killing. (1884, be quarantined on St John’s Island for six were certainly present in early colonial a significant public nuisance, cases of August 14). Government Dr Timothy P. Barnard is an associate professor in Gazette. CO276/15: Govern­ the Department of History at the National Univer- months or be killed. And although blame societies throughout Southeast Asia. As rabies were few and far between. But ment Notification, No. 345, sity of Singapore, where he specialises in the envi- was initially laid at the paws of the numer- John Crawfurd, the second Resident of all this was to change with the arrival of p. 871. ronmental and cultural history of Southeast Asia. ous strays wandering around Singapore, Singapore, wrote, “the dog is found in the steamship Oxfordshire in April 1884. 04 05 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

dogs had to be confined within houses or were under the protection of wealthy the dog in respect of which the tax is at least chained up in compounds, while residents who were reluctant to address paid”. The government also maintained WHAT IS RABIES? The disease begins to manifest orders were issued “to kill all dogs, day the root of the problem. A reminder of a record containing the name of the itself after one to three months with a and night”.12 this conundrum occurred in December owner, along with other information Rabies is caused by a virus. Unlike fever and nerve tingling at the site of 1886 when a Chinese man went to the that identified the animal. Any dog most viruses which travel through the the bite. Violent spasms, uncontrolled Barking Up the Wrong Tree Central Police Station and requested to found without a collar and identifica- bloodstream, Rabies lyssavirus moves excitement, paralysis of random limbs, Rabies persisted in Singapore for the be sent to the hospital. He died shortly tion number would be “destroyed, through the nerves and does so slowly. confusion and a loss of consciousness remainder of the 1880s despite quar- thereafter from hydrophobia. Several impounded or dealt with”. In the first It enters the body through a bite, or follow. The carrier of the virus will then antine provisions and increased efforts weeks earlier, “a small dog belonging to month of implementation, 201 dogs breaks in the skin. Once it enters a violently attack others, often followed at exterminating stray mongrels. The one of the European police” had bitten were registered; by the end of 1889, nerve, the virus usually proceeds at by periods of lucidity. disease had, unfortunately, become the man.13 the figure had reached 3,664.15 a pace of only a few centimetres a Rabies created a tremendous endemic among the pet dog population Even though public dog culling had Unfortunately, the attack on the day until it reaches the brain. It then amount of anxiety and fear throughout on the island, and these precious animals become the norm, rabies remained blacksmith and his son in September begins replicating itself in the brain, the world in the 19th century, and the entrenched among the pets of the elite. 1889 exposed the limitations of this causing inflammation of the organ and conquest of the disease was a scientific Thus the government imposed a dog tax, approach. The rabid canine in question destroying nerve cells in the process, triumph in an era when there were great with its associated licensing and registra- had been registered – No. 183 – and the leading to a warping of normal behavior advances in the knowledge of diseases An oil painting of the French microbiologist tion.14 The main goal of the tax, which owner was a Tah Wah Liang who lived at while stimulating aggression. If any and germ theory. Louis Pasteur working in his laboratory by came into effect in December 1888, was 148 Kampong Bugis.16 After the boy died, other mammal is bitten during these Much of the credit was due to the Finnish painter and illustrator Albert Edelfelt, to force residents to declare their respon- several other people also contracted the periods of aggression, the disease pioneering French microbiologist Louis 1885. Pasteur developed the first vaccine for 1 rabies, which was successfully used on a nine- sibilities. Under the new directives, every disease in similar attacks. This was the could spread. Pasteur, who began experiments to year-old boy in 1885. This painting is found in dog in Singapore had to be “registered by beginning of the greatest rabies outbreak Rabies has been present for develop a vaccine in 1880. the collection of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. the Commissioners of the Municipality in Singapore’s history: the Hydrophobia millennia, having been reported in Four years later, Pasteur announced Image reproduced from Wikimedia Commons. within which the dog is kept”. Scare of 1889. Because preventive mea- ancient Mesopotamia and India. In an that he had found a treatment involv- For an annual fee of $1 within sures had not adequately addressed the age when the source of most diseases ing a modified rabies virus of reduced the Municipality and 50 cents in rural core issue – the presence of the disease was thought to result from “bad air”, it virulence. He then turned his attention NOTES 1 Wasick & Murphy. (2012). Rabid: A cultural history of areas, residents received a “metal among dogs owned by the rich – panic was one of the few whose real origins to the development of a treatment for the world’s most diabolical virus (pp. 3–5). New York: label bearing the registered number of began to seep into society. were understood: it came from the hydrophobia and, in 1885, used gradu- Penguin Books. (Call no.: 614.563 WAS-[HEA]) bite of an animal.2 ated doses of the vaccine to save the life 2 Wasick & Murphy, 2012, pp. 17–31. 3 Wasick & Murphy, 2012, pp. 8–10. Although it is most closely associ- of a young boy named Joseph Meister. 4 CO275/39: Report on Hydrophobia, pp. C76–79. (Left) The Dogs and Rabies Department reported that 766 dogs were culled in 1893, compared with 1,291 the ated with dogs, almost all mammals The development of the rabies vaccine Retrieved from NUS Libraries; Pemberton, N., & year before. The reduction in the number of dogs killed was attributed to the new regulations that had been can catch rabies, which refers to was a global sensation.4 Worboys, M. (2007). Rabies in Britain: Dogs, disease and introduced. No cases of hydrophobia were reported for the year 1893. The Straits Times, 5 April 1894, p. 3. culture, 1800–2000 (pp. 102–132). Basingstoke: Palgrave the disease in animals; in the 19th It was around this time that the dis- Macmillan. (Not available in NLB holdings); Wasick & (Below) A stray dog sniffing the goods of a hawker. From as early as the 1830s, stray dogs had roamed the town century, humans were said to have ease entered Singapore.5 In the late 1880s, Murphy, 2012, pp. 119–148. of Singapore in packs, creating a nuisance for some. The authorities carried out dog-culling exercises to control caught “hydrophobia”. Meaning the the Legislative Council considered making 5 CO275/39: Report on Hydrophobia, pp. C76–79. the canine population. Courtesy of National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board.Singapore. Retrieved from NUS Libraries; Pemberton & Worboys, fear of water, hydrophobia refers to a the rabies vaccine in Singapore, but the 2007, pp. 102–132; Wasick & Murphy, 2012, pp. 119–148. particular symptom where the victims high cost and the difficulties involved in 6 This is covered in a series of letters requesting the purchase of equipment and other materials found in recoil violently when offered water, operating vaccine-making facilities were CO273/164; CO275/39: Report on Hydrophobia, pp. although they may be thirsty.3 a deterrence.6 C79–80. Retrieved from NUS Libraries.

Drastic Measures a restriction on the number of dogs Municipal Office to obtain the licence. Soon after the death of the blacksmith allowed in each residence.18 If they were unable to do so, they had and his son, the Legislative Council met The ideal quantity was two dogs to provide a full description of the dog in October 1889 to discuss whether in- per household. “This number is in most “written in English” to be “handed to the creased regulation was the best way to cases sufficient for protection purposes, registering officer”. The officer would resolve the situation. The main proposal and if any additional dog be licensed “properly affix” the badge “bearing under consideration called for a remind- it should be on special conditions.”19 the registered number for the current er that all dogs be registered as well as The Municipal Commission arranged year” to the dog’s collar. Each owner “compulsory muzzling under a penalty for the registration of all dogs on the would then receive a printed receipt of non-compliance”. At the same time, island to take place at police stations and licence “in which shall be entered the Municipal Commissioners formed a and at the main Municipal Office, while a description of the dog”. Any individual Hydrophobia Committee, which released active groups of civil servants roamed harbouring an unregistered dog was a report in January 1890.17 the island to exterminate stray dogs. subject to a fine of $10.20 The committee supported a combi- In March 1891, the Legislative The solution after several years of nation of “extirpation and quarantine”, Council met to finalise the new regula- rabies outbreaks was thus to register, but were reluctant to enforce both mea- tions and ultimately passed the Singa- muzzle, destroy and ban. The decision to sures. As a compromise, they advocated pore Dog Ordinance of 1891. Under the muzzle dogs was seen as a compromise, a combination of drastic measures, legislation, every canine in Singapore as the cost of quarantining dogs would including the continued culling of stray had to be registered and muzzled at have been borne by the owners, which dogs and muzzling as well as registra- all times when outdoors. Owners were would put it beyond the reach of many. tion, higher taxation, strict control and required to bring their dogs to the “On the other hand, muzzling does not 06 07 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

cost much, and every man, be he rich or to breathe vengeance against the canine on Serangoon Road, despite protests By March 1892, according to The other related activities, particularly those the registration badge to their pet’s collar poor, if he so desires, can save his dog.”21 tribe. No mercy is shown to poor doggie, from the lady of the house. The Straits Daily Advertiser, “it is positively a won- taking place outside the Municipality. By without the presence of a government In addition, the government would and not the ghost of a chance is ever given Times reported the incident: der that there are any more dogs left to 1896, the authorities were ready to fur- official. More importantly, canines were provide the first muzzle free-of-charge. him to escape the deadly missile”.22 kill” in Singapore, which led government ther ease some of the other restrictions now allowed ashore from ships as long Before the muzzles could arrive, how- At times, the dog-culling campaign “A dog having been shot, while it was officials to begin considering whether the as there had not been a reported case of as they went directly to the quarantine ever, a new wave of government-approved went too far. There was a public outcry attached by a very short chain to the regulations on muzzling, registration and rabies in Singapore since 1891. G. Owen, station for animals that had been estab- dog cullings had commenced under the over the killing of a dog belonging to a verandah pillar of a compound house; importation of canines were still neces- the Superintendent of Rabies Suppression, lished on St John’s Island. The dog owner leadership of three more dog inspectors person named Sahat on 24 August 1891. and while a woman and children were sary.24 After meeting with the Executive announced that there was “no danger of would pay the fees for the period of hired to carry out the task. It was a period The dog inspector, A. Cheeseman, killed weeping within a few feet of it; and Council, the decision was made to extend the disease again showing itself”, and pro- upkeep and inspection.29 in which “the Dog exterminators seem the dog in the verandah of Sahat’s home while the woman was praying for the the dog regulations for another year, claimed that throughout the island, “with This established the quarantine favorite’s life, and offering to muzzle although the issuance of free muzzles the exception of an occasional unhealthy and importation rules for dogs, which Keeping dogs was popular with the local population of Singapore as well, as these two photos from the the dog, with the muzzle that they was discontinued in April 1892. There looking dog, the present classes of native remained for the rest of the colonial 23 early 20th century show. Lee Brothers Studio Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore (left) had removed to feed it.” was also a reduction in the number of dogs on the Island are strong and healthy period in Singapore. Dogs were allowed and courtesy of National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board(right). personnel in the Rabies Suppression Unit. looking and cared for”.27 once again, but only if they were moni- Enforcement in the Municipality shifted The suppression of rabies was a tored, registered and controlled – as to regulation and monitoring, with dog triumph for the Municipal Commission well as tolerated – by colonial society. inspectors issuing 94 summonses in 1892, as well as the Straits Settlements govern- 77 of which were orders to pay fines.25 ment. Government programmes had rid the island of a scourge and brought Rabies Eventually Eliminated under control the canine nuisance that By early 1893, it appeared that rabies had plagued the residents for decades. in Singapore had been contained. In During the 1890s, over 22,000 dogs January, the government published an were killed in Singapore according to assessment of the measures it had taken government records, while the number and trumpeted their effectiveness. There of registered dogs in the Municipality was were no reported cases of hydrophobia fewer than 3,000. The only drawback, for the entire year of 1892; the last case according to the government report, was had been the death of a Chua Kim Soon that pedigree dogs – such as fox terriers, in October 1891. spaniels and setters – had “greatly degener- The absence of rabies cases for the ated from lack of new stock and hardly a next two years resulted in the promulga- pure bred dog is now to be met with”. By tion of the Singapore Dogs Orders 1893. 1899, the Chief Medical Officer was able to This essay is based on a chapter The new regulations revoked the need announce that “rabies has been completely in Timothy P. Barnard’s Imperial for a muzzle within the Municipality, stamped out of the Island of Singapore”. Creatures: Humans and other Ani- although all dogs still had to be registered This occurred three years before the disease mals in Colonial Singapore, 1849– and wear a collar with an identifying tag. was eradicated in Britain.28 1942 (2019), which retails at major Any dog without such a collar could be To start the new century, Super- bookshops. It is also available for culled. The ban on the importation of intendent Owen asked to return to reference at the Lee Kong Chian dogs continued.26 England on home leave. The govern- Reference Library and for loan at In 1894, funding for the Depart- ment approved the sabbatical and used selected public libraries (Call nos.: ment for the Suppression of Rabies was his absence to ease many of the strict RSING 304.2095957 BAR and SING dropped from the budget. The police regulations relating to dogs. Beginning 304.2095957 BAR). assumed responsibility for licensing and in August 1900, dog owners could attach

Mercantile Advertiser, p. 3. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. C19. Retrieved from National Archives of Singapore; No. 280 (1888), pp. 953–4; CO273/246/4381: Report 21 Government action re hydrophobia. (1891, March 10). The Straits Times Weekly Issue, p. 2. Retrieved from NOTES 6 Correspondence. (1844, August 8). The Singapore Free Untitled. (1885, February 10). The Straits Times, p. 2. on the Suppression of Rabies (1899), p. 225; CO276/19: The Daily Advertiser, p. 2. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. NewspaperSG; CO276/24: Government Notification, 1 A mad dog in Singapore. (1889, September 9). The Press and Mercantile Advertiser, p. 2. Retrieved from Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Royal Botanic Gardens Government Notification, No. 752 (1888), p. 2539; 22 NA425: MPMC: 24 Jun 1891, p. 1884. Retrieved from No. 163 (1893), pp. 578–9; CO273/246/4381: Report Straits Times Weekly Issue, p. 2. Retrieved from NewspaperSG Kew, Henry Nicholas Ridley Collection, HNR/3/2/3: NA425: MPMC: 6 Jan 1888, p. 1411; 1 Aug 1888, p. National Archives of Singapore; The Daily Advertiser, on the Suppression of Rabies, (1899), p. 228; NA 426: NewspaperSG. 7 Notice. (1833. April 4). Singapore Chronicle Notebooks, Vol. 3, p. 123. 1491. Retrieved from National Archives of Singapore. 10 Mar 1891, p. 2; Random notes. (1891, July 4). The MPMC: 15 Feb 1893, p. 2158; 15 Mar 1893, pp. 2169–70. 2 Hydrophobia in Singapore. (1889, October 7). The and Commercial Register, p. 1. Retrieved from 11 Hydrophobia. (1884, July 30). The Straits Times 16 The Straits Times Weekly Issue, 9 Sep 1889, p. 2. Daily Advertiser, p. 2; Dog statistics. (1891, November 27 CO276/28: Government Notification, No. 275 (1894), Straits Times Weekly Issue, p. 2. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Weekly Issue, p. 6. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 17 The prevention of hydrophobia. (1889, November 13). 10). The Straits Times Weekly Issue, p. 2. Retrieved from p. 734; Unlicensed dogs. (1895, January 8). The Mid- NewspaperSG. 8 The Singapore Debating Society: Hydrophobia 12 CO273/246/4381: Report on the Suppression of The Straits Times, p. 2; The prevention of hydrophobia. NewspaperSG. Day Herald, p. 2; Official report of the Legislative 3 Technically, rabies is the disease in animals while in Singapore. (1889, October 15). The Straits Rabies, (1899), p. 224; Prevention of disease. (1886, (1889, October 5). The Straits Times, p. 3. Retrieved from 23 The municipal dog-killing. (1891, October 7). The Council Meeting. (1896, April 24). The Mid-Day hydrophobia – the fear of water – historically refers Times Weekly Issue, p. 6. Retrieved from November 13). The Straits Times, p. 2. Retrieved NewspaperSG Straits Times Weekly Issue, p. 8. Retrieved from Herald, p. 2. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. to the disease in humans caused by rabies. The term NewspaperSG; Notebook volume 3 (p. 123) from NewspaperSG; CO276/17: Ordinance No. XIX of 18 Report on rabies. (1890, January 25). The Straits Times, NewspaperSG. 28 Poon, S.W. (2014, March). Dogs and British colonialism: "hydrophobia" is derived from one of the symptoms (1891–1896). HNR/3/2/3. Papers of Henry Nicholas 1886, (1886), pp. 2139–42; CO276/16: Government p. 2. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; CO275/39: Report 24 Local and general. (1892, August 8). The Daily Advertiser, The contested ban on eating dogs in colonial Hong in humans affected by the virus. During the 20th Ridley, Director of Gardens and Forests, Straits Notification, No. 341, 1885, pp. 1048–9. of Committee Appointed to Enquire into the Question of p. 3. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Kong. The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth century, it became more common to call the disease Settlements. Retrieved from Royal Botanic Gardens, 13 Occasional reports of a similar nature appeared Rabies in Singapore, pp. C24–5. Retrieved from National 25 CO276/26: Report on the Work of Suppression of History, 42 (2): 308–328, p. 316. Retrieved from in both animals and humans “rabies”. Kew, Library and Archives. periodically in the newspapers. See Notes. (1886, Archives of Singapore. Rabies; CO276/24: Government Notification, No. 159 ResearchGate; Pemberton, N., & Worboys, M. (2007). 4 Crawfurd, J. (1856). A descriptive dictionary of 9 CO275/39: Report of Committee Appointed to December 4). The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile 19 CO275/39: Report of Committee Appointed to Enquire (1892), p. 1043; Municipal Commission. (1892, March Rabies in Britain: Dogs, disease and culture, 1800–2000 the Indian Islands and adjacent countries (p. 121). Enquire into the Question of Rabies in Singapore, Advertiser, p. 331. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; into the Question of Rabies in Singapore, p. C23; NA425: 31). The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, (p. 1). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. (Not available London: Bradbury and Evans. Retrieved from Papers Laid before the Legislative Council, No. 4 CO276/18: Government Notification, No. 69, 1887, p. 186. MPMC: 26 Mar. 1890, p. 1682. Both retrieved from p. 3; The dog regulations. (1892, April 4). The Daily in NLB holdings); CO273/246/4381: Report on the BookSG; Mikhail, A. (2015, May). A dog-eat-dog (1890), p. C19. Retrieved from National Archives of 14 CO276/18: Government Notification, No. 69, 1887, National Archives of Singapore. Advertiser, p. 3; Suppression of rabies. (1892, March 21). Suppression of Rabies, (1899), pp. 230–1. empire: Violence and affection on the streets of Singapore; Page 2 Advertisements Column 4: Sale of p. 186; The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile 20 CO276/22: Government Notification, No. 120, pp. The Daily Advertiser, p. 3; The Municipal Commission. 29 NA427: MPMC: 20 Jun 1900, p. 3885; 15 Aug 1900, Ottoman Cairo. Comparative Studies of South Asia, English dogs. (1884, April 4). The Straits Times, p. 2. Advertiser, 4 Dec 1886, p. 331. 360–1; The Legislative Council. (1891, February 25). (1892, March 4). The Singapore Free Press and pp. 3931–3. Africa and the Middle East, 35 (1): 76–95, p. 87. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 15 CO276/19: Government Notification, No. 582 (1888), The Straits Times Weekly Issue, p. 4. Retrieved from Mercantile Advertiser, p. 2; CO273/246/4381: Report on [All other Colonial Office (CO) reports and Minutes of the Retrieved from ResearchGate. 10 CO275/39: Report of Committee Appointed to p. 2023; CO276/19: Government Notification, No. 583 NewspaperSG; NA425: MPMC: 1 Apr. 1891, pp. 1853–4. the Suppression of Rabies, (1899), p. 228. Proceeding of the Municipal Commissioners (MPMC) can be 5 Untitled. (1843, January 5). The Singapore Free Press and Enquire into the Question of Rabies in Singapore, p. (1888), p. 2024; CO276/19: Government Notification, Retrieved from National Archives of Singapore. 26 H.E.’s veto in municipal affairs. (1893, March 28). accessed at NUS Libraries.]

08 09 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

A STORY OF BUT ALSO OF HOPE

People struck with leprosy were shunned and forced to live in isolation at the Trafalgar Home in Yio Chu Kang. Danielle Lim tracks the history of this disfiguring disease in Singapore. (Above) Trafalgar Home in Yio Chu Kang – which was shuttered in 1993 – was surrounded by high walls Leprosy is a disease that has perhaps left and barbed wire to prevent residents from escaping. Courtesy of Loh Kah Seng. the longest trail of illness and suffering in (Facing page) Minister for Health Yong Nyuk Lin (second from left) visiting Trafalgar Home and human history. The disease is mentioned interacting with residents, 1964.Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National in an ancient Chinese medical treatise, Archives of Singapore. Neijing (内经; Yellow Emperor’s Clas- sic of Internal Medicine), as early as and 1995.4 Here, as in other parts of the to the centre for females, and both sites 250 BCE.1 Leprosy is the result of world, leprosy carries a social stigma. became known collectively as the Singapore an infection caused by the bacteria Those who contracted the disease were Leper Asylum. Mycobacterium leprae. It is a chronic, ostracised by family and friends and ban- Up to the 1920s, inmates of the infectious, disfiguring disease that has ished from society. They lived as outcasts, asylum had to wear uniforms bearing historically caused its sufferers to be people whom the community feared. It the letter “L”. In the 1930s, the asylum’s shunned by society. Known and feared was only after a cure was discovered that gates were manned by security guards for thousands of years, it was only in the sufferers could return to society, though armed with rifles to prevent residents late 1940s that a cure for the disease not all of them chose to. from escaping and infecting the rest of became available. The segregation of leprosy sufferers the population. The asylum was renamed According to estimates by the World in colonies and asylums was a common Trafalgar Home in 1950.6 Health Organization, there were around worldwide practice. In July 1897, the Lep- 10 to 12 million leprosy cases globally ers’ Ordinance was passed in the Straits Trafalgar Home between the mid-1960s and the mid- Settlements empowering the authorities In mid-20th century Singapore, there 1980s.2 In 2010, the number of new cases to detain leprosy sufferers indefinitely in were three diseases known as the “three dropped to 228,474.3 What is not known, asylums in order to prevent the spread of brothers”. Mental illness was considered however, is the cumulative total number the disease.5 Prior to this, there was no the mildest and hence the little brother of people who have suffered leprosy’s law requiring compulsory segregation. while tuberculosis was known as the chronic course of incurable disfigure- In the early 1900s, male lepers in second brother. The most feared was ment and social exile over the centuries. Singapore were housed in rudimentary leprosy, known as the eldest brother. In Singapore, a total of 8,500 leprosy leprosariums in the city fringes and beyond, So intense was the fear of leprosy patients were registered between 1951 while females were warded in Kandang that it was common for public buses to Kerbau Hospital. It was only in 1918 that drive past the bus stop nearest to Trafalgar Danielle Lim is an award-winning Singapor- a dedicated camp for male patients was Home without stopping to pick up those ean author whose memoir about mental established on McNair Road. In 1926, a small waiting there. Nurses working at the home illness, The Sound of SCH, won the Singa- centre with four wards for female patients had to walk to the next bus stop to get pore Literature Prize for non-fiction in 2016. Her latest book, Trafalgar Sunrise, was a was constructed on the Trafalgar rubber a ride home. finalist at the 2019 Singapore Book Awards. She is estate off Yio Chu Kang Road. Four years It was no coincidence that Trafalgar a lecturer at Nanyang and Republic polytechnics. later, a new male camp was built adjacent Home was situated in a remote area in 10 11 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

Yio Chu Kang, beside the old Woodbridge Trafalgar Home was based on the Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood Hospital for patients with mental ill- concept of an “open village” with room (FMDM) order carried out most of the LIVING WITH LEPROSY nesses. With its high walls and barbed for expansion. More than 60 semi- nursing duties at Trafalgar Home. wire, the home could easily be mistaken detached cottages, which could accom- When the nuns left, they were Here are firsthand accounts from for a prison. modate two adults each, were built on replaced by local female nurses, many former residents of Trafalgar Home Upon entering, one would encoun- one end of the compound on the same of whom approached their duties with as well as a nurse and a social worker. ter the home’s general office. Behind the side as the female infirmary. Each cot- dread and trepidation. One of the nurses office was the occupational therapy room tage had a kitchen, two cupboards, admitted that when she was offered This hand began to be clawed… where residents wove baskets and made two bedside lockers and two beds. At food prepared by the residents, she “My body was aching but I still went to items such as handbags and clothes, one point, Trafalgar’s grounds occupied was so scared that she did not dare eat work… After it passed, I had to endure some of which were sold. Further inside some 125 acres.7 it. Another said she would immediately a bit, and after a long time, it would be was the female infirmary, followed by Before World War II, nursing duties soak her clothes in Dettol when she over. I also didn’t take medicine. But the community hall and then the male were performed mainly by the residents returned home from work.8 As with my hands began to have red patches. infirmary. The girls’ dormitory was above themselves as professional medical and other leper asylums throughout the Red, like it has been scalded by boiling the female infirmary; similarly, the male nursing staff were reluctant to work in world, the residents were mindful of such water... when the day was very hot, dormitory was located above the male leprosariums. From the end of the Japa- fears; they kept a respectful distance my body felt very cold… very slowly, infirmary. There was also a chapel on nese Occupation until the mid-1960s, the from healthy people and refrained from this hand began to be clawed, every the grounds. Roman Catholic nuns of the Franciscan physical contact. day the joints couldn’t flex.”1 The home’s able-bodied residents If left untreated, leprosy is a debilitating and disfiguring disease that causes intense pain to sufferers worked and contributed to the daily Tan Teow Meng ignored the initial signs as the disease progresses. It affects the nerves, skin, eyes and respiratory tract. The nerve damage running of the home as patient-workers. of the disease and worked as a coffee can result in the crippling of hands and feet, with fingers and toes sometimes requiring amputation. Photo from iStock. Some trained as nursing aides or hospi- shop assistant until he was admitted tal attendants, assisting in the medical to Trafalgar Home in 1974, where he care of fellow patients, while others was a resident for about 20 years. The rotten sweet potato spoils the yam I said, ‘Tell them she has gone to Penang became teaching aides and helped out for further education, don’t tell them that “One person got leprosy and people will be at the school within the grounds. Oth- I think of myself as a living death your daughter is here’.”6 afraid of the whole family. They said that ers handled the cooking chores in the “No visitors were allowed to come in. you all have this horrible disease. Right? Louis Kandiah was a male nurse in Tan Tock kitchen, did the laundry, carried out It was surrounded by walls. I was just They may not show it openly but they will Seng Hospital before he was transferred to clerical duties in the office and wove like a prisoner… I felt very sad, and I be afraid in their heart. You understand? Trafalgar Home in the 1950s. He worked baskets in the occupational therapy thought that there is no medicine to The person will suffer. My brothers and there until he retired. room. Such tasks made the residents cure us… I think of myself as a living sisters will also suffer… It was like that. feel useful and also enabled them to death, surrounded by walls and kept We didn’t do anything. The rotten sweet Leprosy is not really an infectious disease earn a small allowance. inside, with no medicine.”2 potato spoils the yam. You understand? A small farm on the grounds allowed “Leprosy is not really an infectious disease. The sweet potato is rotten, the yam is not residents to grow vegetables to supple- Joseph Tan was admitted into the I have seen couples marry each other and rotten, but because of the sweet potato, ment their rations. Social gatherings such Singapore Leper Asylum (later renamed they have children. None of the children has the yam will also be affected.”4 as club nights on Fridays were organised, Trafalgar Home) in 1933 at the age leprosy. They were brought up by parents during which treats of orange juice were of 11. Kuang Wee Kee. who have leprosy.”7 eagerly anticipated. At these activities, Joyce Fung Yong Siang began working in friendships were formed and occasionally After a long time… your flesh becomes If you took the bus, people would complain Trafalgar Home in 1973. She was a senior love blossomed. At times, fights broke like metal “Some of them had ulcers and they wore social worker there from 1976 to 1981. out, especially when gambling and alco- “The injection was on the arm or some- bandages. Last time, many people com- hol consumption had taken place. For the times on my buttock. The needle was plained about them. You couldn’t blame children of Trafalgar Home, the highlight NOTES thick but when it went in, it got bent. the bus [driver] for not allowing you to was the annual Christmas party. Resi- 1 Loh, K.S. (2009). Making and unmaking the asylum: After many injections, the skin there board. When the bus conductor saw you Leprosy and modernity in Singapore and Malaysia dents were also involved in sports and became like metal. The needle became like this, he would ask you to wait for the (p. 37). Petaling Jaya: Strategic Information and participated in extra-curricular groups Research Development Centre. (Call no.: RSING bent like a snake. Every week, there next bus. It was not that they didn’t want such as Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. 614.54609595 LOH) were three injections. After the injec- to take you. If you took the bus, people 2 Loh, 2009, p. 57. Because Mycobacterium leprae tion, the medicine remained in the arm would complain to the bus company. They 3 Loh, 2009, p. 66. [Note: Before dapsone was used attacks the nerves and muscles, many to treat leprosy, the main form of treatment was and couldn’t diffuse. It was not watery, told the bus conductor to tell you to take patients suffered intense pain as the an injection of chaulmugra oil extracted from the it was like milk. It was thick like white the next bus. So you… understand… [why] seeds of the Hydnocarpus wightiana, a tropical tree 5 indigenous to India and Southeast Asia.] milk. After a long time, month, years, they didn’t want you to take the bus.” 4 Loh, 2009, p. 83. 3 your flesh becomes like metal.” 5 Loh, 2009, p. 90. (Above left) The semi-detached cottages on the Kuang Wee Kee. 6 Lim, K.C. (Interviewer). (1987, September 30). Oral grounds of Trafalgar Home, 1952. Housing two Kuang Wee Kee was admitted into history interview with Louis Kandiah [Recording adults, each unit was equipped with a kitchen, Trafalgar Home in 1949 when he was Tell them she has gone to Penang accession no. 000822, reel 3 of 8]. Retrieved from two cupboards, two bedside lockers and two beds. 19 years old. The Japanese Occupation National Archives of Singapore website. Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, “I was in charge of the youth club in 7 Lee, P. (Interviewer). (2000, July 12). Oral history had deprived him of the opportunity to interview with Joyce Fung Yong Siang. [Recording courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. Trafalgar… the mother came crying with seek immediate treatment. accession no. 002354, reel 5 of 6]. Retrieved from (Left) Residents of Trafalgar Home weaving baskets the child. She said the neighbours know. National Archives of Singapore website. and other items in the occupational therapy room, 1963. Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.

12 13 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

disease progressed. Steroids such as School in 1958, lessons were taught by the standard treatment for leprosy. At long absence. Former patients thus prednisolone relieved the pain, but the Catholic FMDM nuns, trained teach- last, there was a cure for the disease. In felt a deep ambivalence when they these were prescribed very sparingly ers as well as educated residents who Singapore, treatment by dapsone began were discharged: although now free by doctors who were only too aware of became teaching aides. Many of the in the 1950s. to integrate back into society, they did the dangers of steroid addiction. Some teachers were themselves patients of the The Leprosy Act, which mandated not know if they would be welcomed. patients would obtain the medication home, educators who had qualified as the segregation of infectious cases While there were difficulties, many and sell it to other patients who were teachers prior to contracting the disease. of leprosy, was repealed in 1976 and of those who were cured managed to in great pain and desperate for relief. School was a major part of life for replaced by the Infectious Diseases Act. rejoin mainstream society. They went most of the children in Trafalgar Home. With the repeal, the remaining institu- on to carve out successful careers as Lorong Buangkok School They would wake up at seven in the morn- tions with compulsory segregation were teachers, nurses, clerks and in the army. Of the 1,358 cases of leprosy registered ing, put on the school’s blue and white progressively shut down. Trafalgar Home Many also contributed economically in Singapore between 1962 and 1967, uniform, and walk the half-kilometre was eventually closed in 1993.11 Today, and socially to a newly independent 150 were under 15 years of age.9 The from their dormitories to the school. The leprosy is managed by the National Skin Singapore in its formative years. children admitted to Trafalgar Home school catered to children from Primary Centre, while other infectious diseases Today, the National Skin Centre in lived in dormitories and studied at Lorong One until Secondary Four. come under the purview of the National Singapore treats about 10 to 15 new Buangkok School, which had been set up The children of Trafalgar Home Centre for Infectious Diseases. leprosy patients each year. Although a in 1947 to cater to children with leprosy.10 came from varied backgrounds: some With the closure of Trafalgar Home, handful are Singaporeans, the majority At the school, which was renamed Minister for Health A.J. Braga (third from left) visiting Lorong Buangkok School for children with leprosy in were from poor families with little prior some residents decided to move to the are migrant workers from countries like 1955. Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. Lorong Buangkok Government English education while others had previously Singapore Leprosy Relief Association Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Bangla- attended established schools with high Home in Buangkok. Although cured, desh and Myanmar.12 academic standards. The nuns and they had lived in Trafalgar Home for so The illness remains a problem in LEPROSY AND ITS CURE tested one chemical after another in a pound – a red dye with a sulphur atom teachers did what they could to provide many years that they no longer had a some countries. In India, for example, bid to find a cure for bacterial infections. attached to it – that produced results. education for this diverse group of chil- home to return to. Some were left with alarm bells rang when the Central Leprosy Leprosy is a long-term infection caused The physician, Gerhard Domagk, had After being injected with this compound, dren. Some students even managed to deformed limbs and did not want to go Division of the health ministry reported by the bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae. fought in World War I and had witnessed bacteria-infected mice became free take their Senior Cambridge Certificate back to a society that might not accept 135,485 new leprosy cases in 2017.13 One It was first discovered by the Norwegian the suffering and deaths of thousands of from infection. The compound was examination at the school. them as they were. of the reasons for the resurgence of the physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen in soldiers due to bacterial infections such later patented as Prontosil and became The rest, upon recovery, attempted disease could be the reluctance to seek 1873, which is why leprosy is also known as cholera, typhoid fever, gas gangrene the world’s first commercially available Life After Leprosy to return to a normal life. But the pro- treatment due to fear. as “Hansen’s disease”. It is the first bac- and tuberculosis. After the war, he dedi- antibiotic.3 It was the first in the class In the 1930s, researchers discovered cess of social reintegration was far from With multi-drug therapy providing terium to be identified as causing disease cated his life to finding a way to eradicate of drugs called sulphonamides, also sulfa drugs – a class of antibiotics – that easy. Some had lost contact with their an effective cure, leprosy is no longer the in humans.1 bacteria that invaded the human body. known as sulfa drugs, that were effec- led to the development of dapsone, loved ones while others were turned dreaded disease it once was. Yet while Primarily affecting the skin, nerves, Domagk and the chemist Josef Klarer tive antibiotics. This drug marked a new which kills the bacteria that causes away by their families. Some women treatment is available, the deep-seated eyes and respiratory tract, the progres- tested many chemicals from the late 1920s. era in medicine and in the treatment of leprosy. Doctors eventually developed also discovered that their husbands fear and social stigma remain as strong sion of the disease can lead to a loss of Following years of failures and endless bacterial infections.4 a multi-drug therapy consisting of had left them and remarried. Because as ever. sensation, skin ulcers, nerve damage, research, they finally discovered a com- Dapsone is a sulfa drug that was dapsone and two other drugs, rifam- of the stigma, many lied when neigh- muscle weakness and atrophy as well subsequently found to be effective picin and clofazimine, that became bours and friends asked about their as permanent disabilities. Chronic ulcers against leprosy. However, the use of NOTES 1 Khong, K.Y. (1969, September). Leprosy in Singapore: sometimes resulted in the necessary dapsone gave rise to a drug-resistant A survey of this disease between the years 1962─1967. amputation of limbs, which is why leprosy variant of the bacteria, which is why Singapore Medical Journal, 10 (3), 194–197, p. 194. is often viewed as a mutilating disease a multi-drug therapy consisting of In Trafalgar Sunrise (2018), ward sister Retrieved from Singapore Medical Journal website. 2 Noordeen, S.K., Bravo, L.L, & Sundaresan, T.K. (1992). that causes fingers and toes to “drop dapsone and two other antibiotics, Grace Hwang battles alongside fellow Estimated number of leprosy cases in the world. Bulletin off”. Facial palsy, blindness, claw-hands rifampicin and clofazimine, eventually healthcare workers in Singapore during of the World Health Organization, 70(1), 7─10. Retrieved and foot-drop are common permanent became the standard treatment for the SARS outbreak in 2003. In the thick from World Health Organization website. 3 World Health Organization. (2011). Weekly disabilities associated with the disease. leprosy. In Singapore, treatment by of it, she looks back at her teenage years epidemiological record no. 36, 86, 389–400. Retrieved Mycobacterium leprae is slow-­ dapsone began in the 1950s. in Trafalgar Home, a leper asylum where from World Health Organization website. growing with an incubation period of Alice, her best friend, was forced to give 4 Seow, C.S. (1995). Leprosy - An update for clinicians [Bulletin for Medical Practitioners, National Skin about five years. Although transmitted her newborn up for adoption. With Alice Centre]. Retrieved from National Skin Centre website. NOTES 5 Loh, K.S. (2009). Making and unmaking the asylum: via contact with fluids from the nose and 1 World Health Organization. (2019, September now in the last stages of cancer, Grace Leprosy and modernity in Singapore and Malaysia (p. 21). 10). Leprosy: Keyfacts. Retrieved from World mouth of people with the disease, leprosy attempts to reunite the mother with her Petaling Jaya: Strategic Information and Research Health Organization website. is not highly infectious, contrary to popular long-lost daughter before time runs out. Development Centre. (Call no.: RSING 614.54609595 LOH) 2 World Health Organization, 10 Sep 2019. 2 6 Loh, 2009, p. 21. belief. The onset of the disease can be 3 While Alexander Fleming had discovered Trafalgar Sunrise is Danielle Lim’s 7 Loh, 2009, pp. 53–54. penicillin in 1928, before Gerhard Domagk’s insidious however, and the first signs often first work of fiction. Her book is based on 8 Loh, 2009, p. 59. discovery of Prontosil, the latter antibiotic was appear on the skin as lesions or raised, accounts by former residents of Trafalgar 9 Khong, Sep 1969, p. 194. produced commercially before penicillin. It was 10 Loh, 2009, p. 56. red patches. As the disease advances, the only in the early 1940s that penicillin could be Home and nurses who fought the SARS 11 Infectious carriers can be arrested. (1976, September manufactured in industrial quantities. For the damage to the nerves and muscles can outbreak. The book is available for refer- 9). New Nation, p. 2; Chan, C. (2005, February 5). Where German physician Gerhard Domagk (seen treatment of leprosy, the sulfa drug dapsone was leprosy patients were isolated. The Straits Times, p. 16; result in much pain. found to be effective. ence at the Lee Kong Chian Reference here) and chemist Josef Klarer discovered a Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Loh, 2009, pp. 25–26. 4 Hager, T. (2006). The demon under the Library and for loan at selected public compound – a red dye with a sulphur atom 12 Shaffiq, A (2015, February 21). Former leprosy patients microscope: From battlefield hospitals to Nazi Sulfa Drugs as a Cure attached to it – which was later patented libraries (Call nos.: RSING S823 LIM and at Silra Home look forward to visitors during Chinese labs, one doctor’s heroic search for the world’s as Prontosil and became the world’s first New Year. The New Paper. Retrieved from The New first miracle drug(pp. 1–5). New York: Three SING LIM) as well as for digital loan on From the 1920s to the 1930s, in a labora- Paper website. commercially available antibiotic.Retrieved Rivers Press. Retrieved from NLB Overdrive. nlb.overdrive.com. It also retails at major 13 Menon, R. (2019, January 4). Leprosy is making a tory in Germany, a doctor and a chemist from Wikimedia Commons. (Electronic book) bookshops in Singapore. comeback In India, but the govt wants to deny it. The Wire. Retrieved from The Wire website.

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Into this scene of fractious stalemate A closer look at these two exem- arrived Stamford Raffles in January 1819. plars of Malay sigillography (the study Seeking a new port for the East India of seals) illustrates the rich nuggets of Company, he adroitly came to an arrange- historical data that Malay seals can yield ment with Temenggung Abdul Rahman upon scrutiny and study. of Johor (who was based in Singapore). The Temenggung’s seal is inscribed Tengku Husain was brought from Riau al-wakil al-Sultan Mahmud Syah Datuk to Singapore and swiftly installed as a Temenggung Seri Maharaja cucu rival sultan of Johor on the morning of Temenggung Paduka Raja sanat 1221. 6 February 1819. Thus enthroned and This is translated into English as “The empowered, Husain signed a treaty that deputy of the Sultan Mahmud Syah, very afternoon, together with the Temeng- Datuk Temenggung Seri Maharaja, gung, granting the British permission to grandson of Temenggung Paduka Raja, establish a trading post in Singapore. the year 1221” (1806/7). The year on As the whereabouts of the original a Malay seal usually refers to the date treaty of 6 February 1819 are unknown, of appointment. Hence, this is the seal all that remains today is an old photo- granted by Sultan Mahmud Syah to the graph published in 1902 on the fron- Temenggung following his installation tispiece of Charles Burton Buckley’s as Datuk Temenggung Seri Maharaja in An Anecdotal History of Old Times in 1806, or 1221 in the Islamic calendar. It Singapore which mentions that the is notable that the pedigree on the seal treaty was “found among the Records in names his grandfather rather than his A black and white reproduction of the last page of the treaty signed on 6 February 1819. The Johore”. The image shows the last page father, reflecting the fact that while his bilingual treaty – in English and Malay in Jawi of the bilingual treaty, in English and father did not hold the office of Temeng- script – shows the signature of Stamford Raffles Malay in Jawi script,2 with the red wax gung, his grandfather indubitably did. and his red wax seal (top), and the seal impressions seal of Raffles, and the seal impressions The petalled floral shape is typi- of Temenggung Abdul Rahman (left) and Sultan of Sultan Husain Syah and Temenggung cal of Malay seals, recalling the lotus Husain Syah (right) stamped in lampblack. Abdul Rahman stamped in lampblack.3 blossom; the eight petals reflect a Malay seals of the 19th century hold important Image reproduced from Buckley, C.B. (1902). An Anecdotal History of Old Times in Singapore (vol. I; An eyewitness account of the seal- deep-seated Malay attachment to the information says Annabel Teh Gallop. Frontispiece). Singapore: Fraser & Neave, Limited. ing of the treaty was given by J.G.F. cosmographical significance of multiples Collection of the National Library, Singapore Crawford, captain of the survey ship of four. Temenggung Abdul Rahman (Accession no.: B02966444B) Investigator, who served under Raffles: used this seal all his life and it is shown below impressed on a letter to Raffles political and administrative boundaries, “Their mode of sealing is peculiar. in 1824. As is well known, all of Raffles’ but the chapter labelled “Johor, Riau, The seal, about three inches in possessions and correspondence from Lingga and Singapore”, which features diameter, is made of silver, on his second period of service in Southeast 134 seals, proved harder to organise which is deeply and admirably Asia were lost in the wreck of the Fame coherently than that of any other Malay well engraved the name and rank on his voyage homewards on 2 Febru- state because of the uniquely complex of the proprieter; that is held ary 1824. However, this letter from the history of the polity. over a candle which heats and Temenggung is dated 23 August 1824 blackens it with smoke. It then is and must therefore have been sent A Succession Dispute and the pressed on the paper, over a soft to Raffles when he was already back Arrival of Stamford Raffles cushion. It leaves a beautiful, clear in London. Malay seals – defined as seals from South- and subconsciously revealed in seals – are The seals featured in the book origi- In 1811, Sultan Mahmud Syah III of impression of the characters, but east Asia, or used by Southeast Asians, recorded, explored and interpreted in a nate from the present-day territories of the Johor-Riau empire died suddenly, which, I should suppose, would not with inscriptions in Arabic script – have new catalogue of Malay seals. Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia without naming a successor (see text- last long without the greatest care Letter from Temenggung Abdul Rahman of Johor been found everywhere in the Malay Malay Seals from the Islamic World and the southern regions of Thailand, box overleaf for a fuller account of the being taken to prevent any friction (featuring his seal) to T.S. Raffles in Bengkulu, 27 4 Zulhijah 1239 (23 August 1824). British Library, mArchipelago. As small but highly visible and of Southeast Asia – published in Sin- Cambodia and the Philippines, and date politics of the Johor Sultanate). As his over the soot.” MSS Eur D.742/1, f. 148 (cat. 879 in Gallop 2019). symbolic emblems of their owners, Malay gapore by NUS Press in association from the second half of the 16th century oldest son Tengku Husain (also known seals were designed to portray the image with The British Library,1 and in Indo- to the early 20th century. The concise as Tengku Long) was in Pahang getting of the self that the seal holder wished to nesia by Lontar Foundation – presents and precise inscriptions on these seals, married at the time, a faction in the project, but they were also no less strongly 2,168 Malay seals sourced from more over half of which are dated, constitute court installed the Sultan’s younger shaped by the prevailing cultural, religious than 70 public institutions and 60 pri- a treasure trove of data that can throw son, Tengku Abdul Rahman, as the new and artistic norms of their time. These mul- vate collections worldwide. The seals light on myriad aspects of the history of sultan. This act was not recognised tiple layers of identity – both consciously were retrieved mainly from impres- the Malay world. by the most senior ministers – the sions stamped in lampblack (a material The catalogue is arranged geo- Bendahara in Pahang and the Temeng- obtained from candles or oil lamps), graphically by clusters of kingdoms gung in Johor – or by Sultan Mahmud’s Dr Annabel Teh Gallop is head of the Southeast ink or wax on manuscript letters, trea- – sweeping broadly from west to east widow, who held the sacred regalia. Asian Collection at The British Library. She works on ties and other documents. In addition, across Southeast Asia – from Aceh on She favoured Tengku Husain and by Malay and Indonesian manuscripts and has a particu- lar interest in letters, documents, seals, and the illu- around 300 silver, brass and stone seal the northern tip of Sumatra to Mindanao refusing to hand over the royal regalia, mination of Qur’ans and other Islamic manuscripts matrices (the objects used to make the in the southern Philippines. Many of prevented Tengku Abdul Rahman from from Southeast Asia. impression) are also documented. these clusters map easily onto modern being ceremonially installed. 16 17 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

Sultan Husain’s seal, on the other short-lived line, until superseded in the heraldry can be seen in some Malay seals Encik Bujal, bears the inscriptional-wakil revealed in a letter some two decades hand, opens with the most common second half of the 19th century by the since the 17th century. wa-al-wazir al-Sultan Ali Bujal bin Saadat later, reproduced in The Singapore expression of piety found on Malay seals: seals of the British colonial government. Church’s initiative had little success. sanat 1275, or “The deputy and the vizier Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser al-wāthiq billāh al-Sultan Husain Syah Among the seals of Sultan Husain The Malay nobles were reluctant to have of the Sultan Ali, Bujal, son of Saadat, the (Weekly) on 28 September 1897. The ibn Sultan Mahmud Syah al-marhum Syah’s descendants, that of his oldest their children educated in a British estab- year 1275” (1858/9). The use of the term letter is addressed to the editor of The sanat 1234, which means “He who trusts son, Tengku Abdul Jalil, is of special sig- lishment although “[f]ive hundred copies al-wakil recalls the seals granted by Sultan Bangkok Times by “Baboo Ramasamay, in God, the Sultan Husain Syah, son of nificance because it is the earliest dated [of the letter] were printed and placarded Ali’s grandfather, Sultan Mahmud Syah III, now resident in Bangkok”, and signed the late Sultan Mahmud Syah, the year example of lithography in Singapore. over Singapore and Kampong Glam, and to his own officers of state. “Baboo Ramsamy, Ex-Regent of Muar and 1234” (1818/9). In order for it to be used The seal appears on a letter written in sent to no less than thirty different places Kesang and Lawful Heir to the Kingdom for the treaty signing on the afternoon Jawi from Thomas Church, the Resident round the coast and Borneo and Celebes Seals Used by Women of Johore and its dependencies”. of 6 February 1819, the silver seal must Councillor of Singapore, in 1838. The let- by the nakhodas [captains] of trading Of the more than 2,000 seals recorded In the course of a series of rhetorical have been made at very short notice, ter urged the Malay chiefs to send their vessels, but it led to no result”.5 in the catalogue, only 17 belonged to questions defending the claims of the line namely in the brief interval between children for instruction at the Singapore Another seal in the catalogue from the women. The seal of Tengku Perabu – of Sultan Husain Syah against the wiles of Raffles’ preliminary agreement with Institution (subsequently renamed Raffles line of Sultan Husain Syah is that of his suc- fourth wife of Sultan Husain Syah and the the Bendahara of Pahang and the Temeng- Temenggung Abdul Rahman on 30 Janu- Institution in 1868). cessor. Following his death in 1835, Sultan mother of Sultan Ali Iskandar Syah – is one gung of Johor, Baboo Ramasamy raises ary, and Husain’s installation as sultan in The seal is round, with the inscription Husain Syah was succeeded not by Tengku of these. Her seal is a simple circle with his own case: Singapore a week later, on the morning in the middle – Menyatakan surat Tengku Abdul Jalil, whose mother Cik Wak was a an incised border and is inscribed: Tengku of 6 February. It was therefore most Abdul Jalil sanat 1249, which means “Signi- commoner, but by Tengku Ali, the oldest Perabu isteri Sultan Husain bin Mahamud “Was I not in H[er] B[rittanic] M[ajesty]’s probably made in Singapore by a silver- fying a document from Tengku Abdul Jalil, son of his fourth wife, Tengku Perabu. She Singkapura, or “Tengku Perabu, wife of Sul- Court at Malacca, publicly adopted by smith in the Temenggung’s entourage. the year 1249” (1833/4) – surmounted by The seal of Tengku Abdul Jalil, lithographed on a was of royal descent, being the grand- tan Husain, son of Mahamud, Singkapura”. H.M. Sultan Tuanku Purboo (widow a crown and framed by a shield-shaped typeset printed Malay letter from Thomas Church, daughter of Sultan Daud of Terengganu. At The terse composition, and non-standard and Dowager of H.M. the late Sultan Seals of Malay Nobles looped cord; such borrowings from the Resident Councillor of Singapore, 1838. The British the time of his father’s death, Tengku Ali spelling of Mahamud and Singkapura, Mahmood Hoosainshah Malik Al Library, 14629.c.42 (3) (cat. 985 in Gallop 2019). In many parts of the Islamic world, from iconographic vocabulary of European was just 11 years old. It was only in 1840, suggest a less-than-accomplished scribe. Johore and Ceder of the Island of Istanbul to Cairo, seals were used at all when he turned 17, that he was recognised Tengku Perabu’s seal is found on a Singapore to the East India Company) levels of society, from sultans to slaves. as the legitimate successor to his father’s letter from Baboo Ramasamy, a school as her adopted son for ever and In the Malay world however, seals were properties by the colonial government in teacher in Singapore who had been granted ever? Did Her Majesty not install me both located in the Riau Archipelago: the a royal prerogative and the use of seals THE POLITICS OF THE JOHOR Singapore. a power of attorney by Sultan Ali in 1868. as the heir-at-law to the Kingdom Malay sultan based on the island of Lingga was restricted to court circles. The clear- SULTANATE Sultan Ali Iskandar Syah’s red ink The letter, which claims authority in the of Johore and its dependencies, as well as the Bugis viceroy, or Yang Diper- est proof of this accepted convention seal, dating from 1840, is inscribed thus: name of Sultan Ali and his second son (and empowering me to put the Kingdom The kingdom of Johor was established tuan Muda, on the island of Penyengat. was that even the famous writer Munsyi al-wāthiq billāh al-Malik al-Mannān al- later nominated successor) Tengku Besar, is of Johore into proper order?… Did Her following the fall of Melaka to the Por- Two of the great officers of state advising Abdullah (born Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir), Sultan Ali Iskandar Syah ibn al-Sultan Husain addressed to the Bendahara of Pahang and Majesty not command her son H.H. tuguese in 1511 when Mahmud Syah the sultan – the Bendahara in Pahang and who was renowned as a seal designer, Syah al-malik Johor sanat 1256, which complains about boundary issues. Although Sultan Allee to make over to me the (also spelled as Shah), the exiled sultan, the Temenggung in Johor – effectively held did not have his own seal. His last will means “He who trusts in God, the King, the undated, the letter mentions that the Gov- territory of Muar and Kesang? Did and his court fled southwards and took sway within their own fiefdoms. and testament, drawn up before he Ever-Bestowing One, the Sultan Ali Iskandar ernor of the Straits Settlements, Harry St H.H. Sultan Allee make over to me refuge along the Johor River. In 1699, The last sultan able to lay claim to embarked on his Haj pilgrimage in 1856 Syah, son of the Sultan Husain Syah, the king George Ord, and the Chief Justice, Peter the territory and remain three days Mahmud Syah II – the despotic last sul- jurisdiction over the great kingdom of – and recently exhibited in the National of Johor, the year 1256” (1840/1). Benson Maxwell, had just left for Europe, in the presence of the Punghulus and tan of Johor who was descended from “Johor and Pahang and Riau and Lingga” Library of Singapore’s exhibition “On Although Sultan Ali Iskandar’s seal which would place the letter around 1871. inhabitants?… Did I not reign over the the Melaka royal line – was murdered was Mahmud Syah III. He reigned for over Paper: Singapore Before 1867” – is not inscription grandiloquently describes Some insight into the character said territory from 1868 to 1877 at a by his nobles while being borne to the 50 years but died in January 1811 without sealed. Thus, the story of Malay seals him as “the king of Johor”, this claim of Baboo Ramasamy is perhaps best cost of more than 17,000 dollars?”6 mosque on a dais (hence his posthu- naming which of his two sons – by differ- from Singapore is essentially a study of was short-lived for in 1855, he agreed to mous title Marhum Mangkat Dijulang, ent wives – was to succeed him. the seals of Sultan Husain Syah and his relinquish sovereign power to Temeng- which means “The late one who died As the older son Tengku Husain (Below left) Red ink seal impression of Sultan Ali Iskandar Syah, from a letter to Orfeur Cavenagh, gung Daeng Ibrahim of Johor in return for as he was being carried aloft”). was away in Pahang fulfilling his father’s Governor of the Straits Settlements, 30 May 1861. The British Library, MSS Eur. G.38/III, f. 115c (cat. a pension as well as jurisdiction over the As Mahmud Syah II had died with- instruction to marry the daughter of the 984 in Gallop 2019). small district of Kesang-Muar. The seal out an heir, Bendahara Abdul Jalil, who Bendahara, the powerful Bugis faction (Below) The silver seal matrix of Encik Bujal, official of Sultan Ali, exhibited in the Malay Heritage he issued to his senior minister in Muar, was the most senior minister at the led by the Yang Dipertuan Muda, Raja Centre in 2012 (cat. 991 in Gallop 2019). time, was proclaimed Sultan Abdul Jalil Jafar, seized the opportunity to install the Riayat Syah IV of Johor. But he was in younger son, Tengku Abdul Rahman, who turn unseated by a Minangkabau prince, happened to be Raja Jafar’s nephew. This Raja Kecil of Siak, who claimed to be a unilateral action was neither recognised posthumous son of Mahmud Syah II. Raja by the Bendahara and Temenggung nor Kecil installed himself as Sultan Abdul Jalil by Sultan Mahmud’s primary consort, Rahmat Syah of Johor and arranged for Tengku Puteri, who refused to hand over the killing of his predecessor. the sacred regalia. In 1721, the son of Abdul Jalil This was the succession dispute that Riayat Syah IV, Raja Sulaiman, accepted Stamford Raffles took advantage of in help from the Bugis to drive out Raja 1819. Raffles installed Tengku Husain as Kecil and, in return, the Bugis gained a sultan and the latter, thus empowered, permanent foothold in Johor. signed a treaty with Raffles allowing a Seal of Sultan Husain Syah in a letter to William Farquhar in Singapore, undated. Library Thenceforth, there were two seats trading post to be set up on the island of Congress, MS Jawi 12, no. 41 (cat. 983 in of power within the sultanate of Johor, of Singapore. Gallop 2019).

18 19 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

considerable concern as it was forwarded 61:13); “For us God suffices, and British Malay Seals In 1811, Raffles had a Malay seal & Labuan, High Commisioner for the immediately to the Governor-General He is the best disposer of affairs” The presence of an inscription in Arabic made for Lord Minto, Governor-General Malay States. in Batavia by Elisa Netscher, the Dutch (Qur'an 3:173); “The Best to protect script is such a defining characteristic of of Bengal. There is no evidence, though, Traditional Malay seals were generally Resident in Riau. and the Best to help” (Qur'an 8:40); seals used by Muslims all over the world that Raffles himself ever used a Malay personal official seals. Behind the office of A second letter from Syed Safi to Raja “(we seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, that it tends to mask the fact that similar seal. A point of difference in usage can state named on each seal was an individual, Muhammad Yusuf, written in Singapore and to You is the end of all journeys” seals were also used by myriad other be noted: while traditional Malay seals whose predilections might be glimpsed in on 6 January 1866 and bearing an even (Qur'an 2:285).] groups and ethnicities, including Chris- can be characterised as personal official the form of name, family pedigree, date bigger and grander seal, was similarly sent tians in Ethiopia and Syria, Samaritans in seals – each seal was issued in the name of accession to office and religious senti- to Batavia. Both letters are now held in The first Ottoman consul in Singapore Palestine, Hindu subjects of the Mughal of an individual post holder – British ment that they chose to have inscribed, as the National Archives of Indonesia. was Syed Abdullah bin Omar Aljunied, a emperor, European scholars of Arabic Malay seals were seals of office and could well as in the aesthetic choices affecting The two seals are of a calligraphic Hadhrami Arab who was appointed on and Persian studies, and British officials be used by any incumbent. shape and decoration. However, with the calibre not usually encountered in South- 31 December 1864. However, after only a of the East India Company, including in At least four Malay seals used from introduction around the beginning of the east Asia and were, therefore, most few months in the post, he died in Mecca Southeast Asia. 1883 to 1927 by British governors of 20th century of European-style seals of likely made in Istanbul or elsewhere in en route to Istanbul to pay his respects The earliest known of these Brit- the Straits Settlements in Singapore are office – designed to be used by successive the Ottoman realm. The larger one is to the sultan. Although Syed Abdullah ish Malay seals is that of Francis Light documented in the catalogue. Shown incumbents of a post – personal prefer- inscribed in Arabic, with no fewer than had named his brother Syed Junaid as (1740–94) who, on behalf of the East India below is the seal used by at least three ences began receding from view and we four Qur’anic quotations: vice-consul before he left, the latter was Company, negotiated with the Sultan of governors – Arthur Young (1911–20), are merely left with the anonymising cloak not confirmed as the new consul by the Kedah to establish a trading settlement Laurence Guillemard (1920–7) and Hugh of administrative authority. “Min al-wāthiq bi-Rabbih al-Ghanī Ottoman authorities until 1882. in Penang in 1786. With the expansion Clifford (1927–30) – inscribed in Malay Seal of Tengku Perabu, wife of Sultan Husain Syah khādim al-shar‘ al-sharīf al-wafi wa-al- It is possible that in the period of British colonial rule across the Malay and English: Yang terutama Gabenor and mother of Sultan Ali Iskandar Syah, stamped on a letter from Baboo Ramasamy to the Bendahara of dawlat al-‘alīyat al-‘Uthmāniyah following Syed Abdullah’s death, there Peninsula, seals with Jawi inscriptions – dan Komandar in Cif Singapura Pulau Pahang, ca. 1871. Leiden University Library, KITLV Or. wa-al-dīn al-Hanafī al-Sayyīd al-Sāfī may have been some jockeying among occasionally accompanied by elements in Pinang dan Melaka serta Labuan dan 171 (1) (cat. 988 in Gallop 2019). bin ‘Alī bin Muhammad bin Ahmad Hadhrami notables in Singapore for English – continued to be used by senior Hai Komisyiner bagi negeri2 Melayu // al-Habshī ‘Alawī ‘afā Allāh anhu the post of consul with Syed Safi being British officials. Governor & Commander-in-Chief, S.S. sanat 1282 // bismillāh al-Rahmān one of the contenders. However there Although Tengku Perabu is not men- al-Rahīm nasr min Allāh wa-fath qarîb is no mention of Syed Safi in official tioned in Baboo Ramasamy’s letter to hasbunā Allāh wa-ni‘ma al-Wakīl Ottoman documents and the only the Bendahara of Pahang, he evidently Malay seal of the British ni‘ma al-Mawlā wa-ni‘ma al-Nasīr known mention of him appears in The had access to her seal which he used to Governor of the Straits ghufrānaka rabbanā wa-ilayka Straits Times on 2 February 1861. The support his claim of acting in the name Settlements, on a letter al-masīr.” 9 newspaper reported that Syed Safi, from the Acting Governor of her son and grandson. In view of the the owner of the ship Kangaroo that to Sultan Sulaiman of unconventional wording and spelling on [From he who trusts in his Lord, was used to transport pilgrims to the Terengganu, 11 June 1925. her seal, Tengku Perabu’s “adopted son for Arkib Negara Malaysia the Independent One, the servant Hijaz, had tried to circumvent official ever and ever” and his personal motiva- Terengganu [1985] (cat. of the noble and complete Law, of limits on capacity by sending numerous tions may indeed have been the driving 998 in Gallop 2019). the masters and government of the extra passengers by tongkang (small force behind its very creation. Ottoman dynasty, and of the upright cargo boats) to Karimun island, from Malay Seals of Arabs monotheistic faith, al-Sayyīd al-Sāfī where they could embark the ship Annabel Teh Gallop’s Malay Seals from bin ‘Alī bin Muhammad bin Ahmad lying outside of British jurisdiction.10 the Islamic World of Southeast Asia One of the most intriguing seals from Sin- al-Habshī ‘Alawī, may God forgive In any case, it seems as if Syed Safi’s (2019) is published in Singapore by gapore belonged to a Hadhrami7 merchant him, the year 1282 (1865/6) // “In the ambitions of representing the Ottoman NUS Press in association with The Brit- and ship owner, Syed Safi bin Ali al-Habshi. name of God, Most Gracious, Most government in Singapore, as embodied ish Library. The catalogue is available On 3 December 1865, he wrote to the Yang Merciful” (Qur'an 27:30); “Help from in the beautiful seals he pre-emptively for reference at the Lee Kong Chian Dipertuan Muda of Riau, Raja Muhammad God and a speedy victory” (Qur'an commissioned, were not to be realised. Reference Library (Call no.: RSING Yusuf, announcing his imminent appoint- 737.60959 GAL). It also retails at major ment as Turkish consul: bookshops in Singapore and overseas.

“Paduka ayahda memaklumkan Seal of Syed Safi bin Ali al-Habshi, hal pada tahun ini paduka ayahda on a letter to Yang Dipertuan dapat perintah nanti sedikit hari lagi Muda Raja Muhammad Yusuf in Pulau Penyengat, 6 January boleh dijadikan konsul.” 8 5 Buckley, 1902, p. 132. 1866; at 100 mm in diameter, NOTES 6 The Johore claimant. (1897, September 28). The REFERENCES this is the largest Malay seal in 1 Gallop, A.T. (2019). Malay seals from the Islamic Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser Buckley, C.B. (1984). An anecdotal history of old times in world of Southeast Asia: Content, form, context, Singapore 1819–1867. Singapore: Oxford University [Your eminent father (i.e. Syed Safi) the catalogue. Arsip Nasional (Weekly), p. 4. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Republik Indonesia, Riouw 119 catalogue. Singapore: NUS Press in association 7 The Hadhramis inhabit the Hadhramaut region Press. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 BUC-[HIS]) informs you that this year your (cat. 1001 in Gallop 2019). with The British Library. (Call no.: RSING in Yemen. Hadhrami Arabs began migrating to Ismail Hakki Kadi & Peacock, A.C.S. (2020). Ottoman- eminent father received a command 737.60959 GAL) Southeast Asia in great numbers from the mid- Southeast Asian relations: Sources from the Ottoman 2 Jawi is the modified Arabic script used to write archives. Leiden: Brill. (2 vols.). (Not available in NLB that in a few days’ time he may be 18th century onwards. The majority of Arabs in the Malay language before it became displaced in Singapore are descended from the Hadhramis. holdings) appointed as consul.] popular use by a romanised script known as Rumi. 8 National Archives of Indonesia, Riouw 119. Letter Taner, S.H. (2015). The first Turkish representatives in 3 Buckley, C.B. (1902). An anecdotal history of in Malay from al-Sayyid al-Safi bin 'Ali al-Habshi Singapore and Consul General Ahmed Ataullah Efendi. old times in Singapore (Vol. I, Frontispiece). Singapore: Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in The letter, written in Jawi script and to Yang Dipertuan Muda Raja Muhammad Yusuf Singapore: Fraser & Neave, Limited. (Accession ibn al-marhum Raja Ali in Riau, 14 Rejab 1282 (3 Singapore. (Available via Publication SG) bearing the Syed’s seal, was most likely no.: B02966444B). Retrieved from BookSG. December 1865). Winstedt, R.O., Khoo, K.K., & Ismail Hussein. (1992). intercepted by the Dutch authorities or 4 How Singapore was founded: Signing of the 9 Gallop, 2019, p. 341. A history of Johore (1365–1941). Kuala Lumpur: treaty on February 6, 1819. (1937, October 10 Untitled. (1861, February 2). The Straits Times, p. 1. Printed for the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic passed on to them by Raja Muhammad 25). The Straits Times, p. 10. Retrieved from Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Society by Academe Art & Printing Services Sdn. Yusuf. The document must have caused NewspaperSG. Bhd. (Call no.: RSING 959.511903 WIN) 20 21 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

Stephanie Pee is an Assistant Manager with the Publishing department at the National Library, Singapore. She edits publications produced by the National Library and manages book projects.

This postcard was posted from the warship Asama by Major Ōhashi Kyōzō and mailed to an address in Aichi prefecture. Being a military postcard, it did These days, when we want to chat with not require a postage stamp. The postcard shows a friends and family living abroad, we just tropical sunset and two coconut trees set within a pick up our smartphones. The ability frame. The motif of the coconut tree was frequently used to evoke the exotic South Seas (Nanyō, or to communicate cheaply and easily t Nanyang) after the Japanese colonisation of with someone who lives thousands of Taiwan in 1895. The postcard was produced in kilometres away is something that we commemoration of the Japanese Navy’s overseas take for granted. training voyage from 1934 to 1935, which included This was not the case even 30 years Singapore (written in katakana characters) as a One postcard may not say much, but a collection stopover. Postmarked 1 January 1935. Printed by back, let alone 100 years ago. And while Tokyo Shibaura Asahi Printing Company. Accession of postcards can speak volumes. Stephanie Pee early 20th-century Singapore did have no.: B32413808G_0026. tells us what Postcard Impressions of Early telephone and telegraph links with the 20th-century Singapore has to say. rest of the world, most people could only afford to communicate using let- ters and postcards. Postcards, in particular, were popular. Although space was limited and the messages written were exposed for all to see, postcards were affordable and, more importantly, allowed the sender to share images of distant lands. Very quickly, people began collecting them and, over time, old postcards have become a valuable source of informa- Produced to mark the fall of Singapore in February tion about the past. 1942, this postcard features three different The first official postcards in Sin- commemorative postmarks and postage stamps. A gapore were issued by the Straits Japanese stamp collector had intentionally visited 1 the post office on three separate occasions to Settlements government in 1879. By collect these postmarks. From the left: the first the 1900s, the sale of private picture anniversary of the Pacific War (dated 8 December postcards had become a profitable busi- 1942); the fall of Singapore (dated 20 February ness, with many international and local 1942 at Nagoya); and the second anniversary of publishing firms entering the market.2 the Pacific War (dated 8 December 1943). Dated Other factors that contributed to this 1942 and 1943. Accession no.: B32413808G_0030. growth include the affordability and availability of such privately printed A selection of some 160 Japanese Postcard Impressions of Early a company’s major shipping routes and picture postcards, and the inexpensive postcards from the National Library’s Lim 20th-century Singapore looks at three schedules, and enabled families of travel- postal rates for postcards in 1905. Shao Bin Collection – spanning the early different categories of postcards: those lers to track their loved ones’ journeys. 20th century to the 1940s – was recently with maps featuring Singapore; those The postcards generally point to Singa- published in the hardcover book Postcard that show how Singapore was perceived pore as an important port along major (Above left) This undated postcard features a group of villagers in traditional Malay attire. Japanese Impressions of Early 20th-century Singa- by Japanese travellers; and those that international shipping routes. travellers would send postcards featuring scenes pore. These comprise postcards featuring illustrate characteristics of the pre-war Japanese economic migrants were such as this back home as a way of sharing their Japanese subject matter; postcards pro- Japanese community here. another group of travellers who made use experiences abroad. In this card, the writer conveys duced in Japan or by Japanese photographic of postcards to communicate with families his general greetings and notes that he is fine studios, printers and stationers based in Mapping the World back home. In the 19th century, the Japa- in Singapore. Accession no.: B29626253B_0047. Singapore or Malaya; and postcards bearing Maps and shipping routes were fre- nese government encouraged migration as (Left) Scenes such as this gave recipients an idea messages written in Japanese. quently featured on postcards issued a means of managing its growing popula- of what Singapore was like. Addressed to Mr J. The postcards printed in Singapore by Japanese shipping companies, such tion and alleviating the pressures faced Takeda in Tokyo, this postcard features the Central Police Station on South Bridge Road (left) as well feature scenes and activities of a bygone as Nippon Yūsen Kaisha, whose vessels by its domestic economy. These people as the vessel S.S. Sanuki Maru of the Nippon Yūsen era: tranquil beaches, old buildings that often carried both passengers and cargo. made their way to destinations such as the Kaisha (bottom right). The sender says that he has have since been demolished, rubber These postcards depict maps that traced United States, Canada, Europe and even arrived in Singapore and is awaiting his ship to plantations, fishing villages as well as important transnational shipping routes, Brazil. Migrants headed for these countries Java. He also notes that the steamy temperature flora and fauna. The brief messages on indicating their dates of arrival at differ- often stopped over in Singapore and took on board the ship (86–88°F or 30–31°C) is similar to Singapore’s weather. Postmarked 22 October the postcards written by early Japanese ent ports-of-call, including Singapore. the opportunity to send a postcard home. 1907. Publisher: Nippon Yūsen Kaisha. Accession residents in Singapore offer a glimpse into These postcards also conveyed Included in the book are postcards no.: B32413805D_0093. their daily lives here. information to potential customers about issued by the Imperial Japanese Navy. 22 23 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

Alkaff Gardens was built in 1930 in the style of a Japanese park, and was a popular destination among locals and Japanese tourists. The garden had a Japanese teahouse that served “refreshments all day and night until 12 o'clock”. The picture on this undated postcard is also featured in an advertisement for Alkaff Gardens published in the 31 May 1930 issue of the Malayan Saturday Post, suggesting that the postcard had been specially commissioned to publicise the garden. On the far left of the picture is a traditional Japanese lantern made of stone called a tōrō. The garden, which was located near the former Bidadari Cemetery, closed in December 1941 in preparation for war. Cedar Girls’ Secondary School currently occupies the site. Accession no.: B32413806E_0002.

Featuring the Nihonbashi Broadway in Tokyo, this postcard was sent by Fukujima Tōsaku to Ejiri Koichirō, the proprietor of the pharmacy, K. Ejiri & Co., in Singapore. Fukujima had visited Ejiri in Singapore. On the reverse of the postcard (left) is a stock message to inform those who had hosted Fukujima during his travels that he had returned safely to Japan and to thank them for their kind hospitality. Dated April 1923. Accession no.: B32413805D_0100.

This undated postcard features a Japanese woman, likely a karayuki-san, in her kimono. Karayuki-san, or Japanese prostitutes, sometimes posed for a fee at the request of photographers in Singapore. Accession no.: B32440324K_0076.

Singapore was an important port-of- Early Japanese Tourists Recurring images featured on post- The collection represents a rich into an important period of Singapore’s call for training voyages, which honed Early Japanese tourists to Singapore cards include fishing villages on Pulau ABOUT THE LIM SHAO BIN resource for the study of the pre-war multifaceted history. the technical skills of rookie cadets only had a few reliable sources to turn Brani, tree-lined beaches, street views and COLLECTION Japanese community in Singapore as by exposing them to conditions in the to for travel information: word-of-mouth buildings such as St Andrew’s Cathedral. The postcards in the book are from a well as Japan’s military expansion and Pacific Ocean as well as to raise public from family and friends, published writ- Idyllic fishing villages were very likely collection donated by researcher and subsequent occupation of Southeast Asia NOTES awareness of the Nanyō (South Seas, or ings by other travellers (such as travel the first scenes that greeted travellers 1 For more information on the collection, see collector Lim Shao Bin to the National during World War II. It comprises maps, Nanyang).3 These training voyages also guidebooks) and, of course, postcards when they set foot on Singapore.4 The Lee, G. (2018, Jul–Sep). Japan in Southeast Library Board.1 newspapers, postcards, books, periodicals, Asia: The Lim Shao Bin Collection. BiblioAsia, signalled Japan’s increasing knowledge of sent by acquaintances who had been on sight was a great source of fascination to 14 Lim began collecting Japanese primary documents and ephemera dating (2). Retrieved from BiblioAsia website. current political developments unfolding similar journeys. Japanese travellers, and was frequently 2 Lim Shao Bin is the editor of Images of historical materials on Singapore and from the 1860s to the 2000s. Notable Singapore from the Japanese Perspective beyond its shores. These postcards provided their mentioned in their written and illustrated (1868–1941), which contains over 1,000 images 5 Southeast Asia when he was living in items include Japanese wartime maps In addition, the book features recipients with an inkling of life in Sin- accounts of the island. from postcards, maps and photo albums Japan in the 1980s. Between 2016 and and some of the earliest locally published commemorative postcards marking gapore as well as ideas of places to visit, that trace shifting Japanese perspectives of 2020, he donated more than 1,500 Japanese guides on Singapore – Harada’s Singapore. See Lim, T.W. & Lim, S.B. (2004). the fall of Singapore in February 1942. sights to see and foods to savour. These Early Japanese Community items to the National Library Board, Guide (1919) and Shingapōru Gaiyō (1923). Images of Singapore from the Japanese These were issued by the Imperial scenes fostered perceptions of Singapore The early Japanese community in Singa- perspective (1868–1941). Singapore: The which had been painstakingly amassed Lim donated these rare materials Japanese postal service, which also as a romantic, tropical destination worthy pore comprised traders, businessmen, Japanese Cultural Society. (Call no.: RSING over a 30-year period.2 to encourage research and scholarship 959.57 IMA-[HIS]) came up with special postmarks and of a visit, which in turn fuelled the sale of professionals and sex workers known postage stamps. such memorabilia. as karayuki-san. The postcards in the 24 25 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

A small herd of cattle in a river, possibly the Sampans and serene fishing villages off Pulau Brani Rochor River, that once flowed in the vicinity of were sights early visitors to Singapore might have Selegie and Rochor Canal roads. Accession no.: seen as they arrived on the island. This postcard was B32413805D_0171. addressed to someone in Russia but appears not to have been sent. Publisher: Wilson & Co. for Hotel de l’Europe & Orchard Road, Singapore. Accession no.: B32413807F_0004.

The photo featured on this undated postcard is part of a series of four photographs titled “A Big Snake Swallowing a Deer”. The photos depict the snake with its distended belly, its capture and the subsequent release of the deer from its stomach. Postcards like this suggest that there was a market for such exotica in Singapore. Accession no.: B32413807F_0146.

This postcard featuring the Botanic Gardens was addressed to T. Matsuki in Tokyo. The brief message on the front of the postcard says that the sender is writing from “far away” and that the picture is of Singapore. Postmarked 15 March 1906 (Singapore); 19 March 1906 (Hong Kong); 24 March 1906 (Tokyo). Accession no.: B32440324K_0011.

Postcard Impressions of Early 20th- book provide us with a sense of their these women were from the poor, rural Singapore “as a centre of romanticism, century Singapore: Perspectives from lives here. regions of Kyushu island and had been exoticism, and easy sex”.6 Regardless the Japanese Community, researched Part of the Lim Shao Bin Collection sold or kidnapped, and subsequently whether the women were indeed kara- and written by Regina Hong, Ling Xi includes a set of postcards documenting forced into the sex trade overseas. While yuki-san or whether they were even living of Shikō Imamura’s (今村紫紅) Scrolls of Tropical Min and Professor Naoko Shimazu, is NOTES Countries (Morning Scroll) [熱国之巻（朝之巻 )] the correspondence between business- often ostracised or looked down upon, in Singapore, the fact that these postcards co-published by the National Library, 1 Cheah, J. S. (2006). Singapore: 500 early postcards [Nekkoku no Maki (Asa no Maki)], which was man Ejiri Koichirō and his friend Tajika they played an important role in Japan’s were bought and used suggests that the (p. 8). Singapore: Editions Didier Millet. (Call no.: designated as an important cultural property in Singapore, and Marshall Cavendish Shōjiro, spanning a decade across various economic and social fabric as their pres- women formed part of the impressions RSING 769.566095957 CHE) Japan, indicating that the sight of Pulau Brani likely International (Asia). The book is avail- 2 National Archives. (1986). Singapore historical constituted one of the key Japanese perspectives countries. These postcards give us an ence supported fledgling local Japanese that early travellers held of Singapore. postcards from the National Archives Collection 西原大輔 able for reference at the Lee Kong of Singapore. [Daisuke Nishihara]. (2017). idea of how early migrants adapted to businesses (and in turn the wider Japanese As not much has been written (p. 8). Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions. (Call 日本人のシンガポール体験：幕末明治から日本占 Chian Reference Library and for loan no.: RSING 769.95957 SIN) 領 下・戦 後 ま で [Nihonjin no Shingapōru Taiken: life in Singapore. Some of the postcards economy). The women even responded to about the pre-war Japanese community at selected public libraries (Call nos.: 3 Schencking, J.C. (1999, October). The Imperial Bakumatsumeiji kara nihonsenryōka.sengo made] exchanged between the two men are disaster relief efforts in Japan by sending in Singapore, these postcards provide Japanese Navy and the constructed consciousness (p. 88). Kyoto, Japan: Jinbun Shoin. (Not available RSING 959.57 HON-[HIS] and SING featured in the book. home much-needed funds and supplies. insights into the lives of these migrants of a South Seas destiny, 1872–1921., Modern Asian in NLB holdings) 959.57 HON-[HIS]). It also retails at Studies, 33 (4), 769–796, pp. 772–73. Retrieved 5 Nishihara, 2017, p. 88. One group of Japanese migrants Some postcards featured the kara- and their social networks, and also offer major bookshops in Singapore. from JSTOR via NLB’s eResources website. 6 Warren, J. (1993). Ah ku and karayuki-san: who received particular attention in yuki-san posing provocatively in their new perspectives of Singapore society 4 Nishihara suggests that Pulau Brani was likely the Prostitution in Singapore (p. 252). Singapore: NUS postcards are the karayuki-san. Many of kimonos, which reinforced the image of in the early 20th century. model for the water villages depicted in the works Press. (Call no.: RSING 306.74095957 WAR) 26 27 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

houses in the Keong Saik area which, in turn, saw the emergence of a culture where wealthy men indulged in food, alcohol, gambling, opium-smoking and entertainment by women. Located on Keong Saik Road and Bukit Pasoh Road, the entertainment houses The Other Side of the were premium set-ups aimed at the well- Red-Light District heeled. At these establishments, female singers and musicians, such as the pipa tsai (Cantonese for “little pipa player”),3 entertained men with song and music. Over time, this entertainment provided by such women led to the transformation of Keong Saik Road into a red-light district, complete with opium dens. It was in the offices, clan associations and entertainment houses on Keong Saik Road that many majie found work as (Above) A majie and her adopted daughter. Majie were Cantonese women from the Pearl River Delta domestic helpers and cleaners. These early region in China's Guangdong province, who journeyed to Southeast Asia in the 1930s to work mainly as domestic servants for wealthy families. Courtesy of Charmaine Leung. Chinese migrants brought with them many cultural and religious practices that are 梳起 (Above right) Majie took vows of celibacy. Image shows a ritual called sor hei ( ; literally “comb up”) still being observed today such as “Beat in which the women styled their hair into a neat bun at the back of their head. Photo by Yip Cheong Fun. Courtesy of Andrew Yip. the little people” (see text box overleaf). Nestled among the shophouses is (Facing page) The iconic Tong Ah Eating House at the junction of Keong Saik and Teck Lim roads. Watercolour Zhun Ti Gong (or Cundhi Gong) – a Chi- painting by Don Low, 2014. Courtesy of Don Low. nese temple dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy – located at 13 Keong (公司), and pooled their resources to Wine, Women and Song Saik Road. An ornate structure with a roof rent accommodations calledkongsi fong Keong Saik Road did not start off as a featuring decorative beams and adorned (公司房). The women also took care of red-light district, although it was next to with intricate motifs of dragons, peacocks, each other and depended on one another the notorious Smith Street, which was phoenixes and flowers, the temple has for moral, psychological and financial lined with brothels servicing workers and witnessed many sor hei ceremonies held support. Those who arrived earlier would labourers. by the majie. write letters to inform their friends and Its beginnings were more whole- Today, this temple is especially popu- families back home about work oppor- some. In the 1930s, many clan associations lar with former residents of Chinatown. tunities in Singapore. and wholesalers set up offices on Keong While many of these elderly devotees have Many of these hardworking and Saik Road. Because it was a place for since moved to newer housing estates independent majie took vows of celibacy, business meetings and gatherings, there with their children, many still return with pledging to remain unmarried for life. This was a strong demand for post-meeting younger family members to offer their Charmaine Leung relives the sights and sounds of Keong Saik Road – where she lived in the ceremonial vow included a ritual known entertainment. This led to the birth of prayers on the first and 15th days of the 1970s and 80s – and says it has more to offer than its former notoriety. as sor hei in Cantonese (梳起; literally clan associations-cum-entertainment lunar month. “comb up”) that involved styling their hair into a neat bun at the back of their head. If I were to think of Keong Saik as a per- grandmother’s, and I was fortunate to left behind their elderly parents and For the majie, this hairstyle became an son, it would be a woman. In particular, have spent my formative years in her younger siblings to find work in Nanyang2 expression of their social maturity and I see an elderly lady who is hardworking, company – an experience I treasure and Hong Kong. They formed a group of celibate status, in contrast to girly styles iloyal and reliable, tirelessly working to immensely. She was my favourite grand- early Chinese immigrants who helped lay such as plaiting their hair into two braids. provide for her family and her employers. aunt and I fondly addressed her as Foon the foundations for Chinese culture and Once the majie reached her 40s, it was This image, long entrenched in Yee Por (“Yee Por” is a Cantonese term community in Singapore. common to adopt young daughters so my mind, is an impression very much used to address female contemporaries In Singapore, the majie congregated that she would have someone to depend influenced by Auyong Foon – someone of one's grandmother). mainly in Chinatown. Their lives, employ- on in her old age. I called “grandaunt”. Auyong Foon was ment and recreational activities extended My Foon Yee Por has since passed not a relative but a dear friend of my The Indomitable Majie to the outskirts of Chinatown to include away and many of the majie known to Both Foon Yee Por and my grandmother Keong Saik Road, Bukit Pasoh Road, Tan- my family are no longer around. Singa- were majie (妈姐) – a term referring to jong Pagar Road and Cantonment Road, pore probably has a handful of surviving Charmaine Leung is the author of 17A Keong Saik Chinese women who journeyed to South- as well as other parts of Singapore. majie left. Before long, they too will pass Road, which was shortlisted for the Singapore east Asia in search of a better life in the Many of these unmarried women on. But they have certainly left behind Literature Prize in 2018. When she is not writ- ing, Charmaine is a curious traveller who enjoys 1930s, working mainly as domestic ser- were in their 20s. Once they arrived many stories of old Keong Saik Road, and 1 The Zhun Ti Gong Temple (or Cundhi Gong) at 13 Keong Saik Road, 2000. Built in 1928, the temple played roaming the globe and seeking out off-the-beaten vants in the homes of wealthy families. in Singapore, they banded together, Foon Yee Por and her community form an an important role in the lives of majie. Many of the sor hei ceremonies by the majie took place at the tracks to capture landscapes and communities These Cantonese women, from the forming a tight-knit group. They estab- indelible part of Singapore’s history and temple. Courtesy of Charmaine Leung. through photography. Pearl River Delta in Guangdong province, lished clan associations, known askongsi heritage today. 28 29 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

The Indian Community services for the illiterate who wanted to Keong Saik Road Today Apart from the predominantly Cantonese- write home, and a sundries shop imported To the uninitiated, Keong Saik Road may speaking Chinese community who lived and goods directly from China for those who be just another street in Singapore. worked on Keong Saik Road, a small com- yearned for special items and produce that But for those who are interested in the munity of Indians also called it their home. were only available from their hometowns. history of our country, Keong Saik is Keong Saik Road was home to a Located near Keong Saik Road was part of Singapore’s heritage, offering a shophouse occupied by Indian coolies. a factory called Yip Choy Sun (叶彩新), a glimpse into the lives of early Chinese Many were young bachelors working in family-run business that produced a variety immigrants. The eclectic mix of com- Singapore, but some were older men who of handmade paper boxes. It operated on munities and businesses at the Keong had left their families in India in search of the ground floor of 6 Jiak Chuan Road.6 Saik Road of yesteryear has given the greener pastures in Singapore. The factory was busiest during the Mid- place a unique identity. I remember an Indian man in his Autumn Festival when it produced thou- Keong Saik Road is now a trendy 30s living there who operated a "mama sands of boxes for Tai Chong Kok ­(­大中国), neighbourhood offering contemporary shop"4 just across the street. He spoke a traditional bakery in Chinatown that wine and dine options in restored shop- Charmaine Leung grew up on Keong fluent Cantonese and always sold candy was popular for its mooncakes. Yip Choy houses, attracting many tourists who Saik Road in the 1970s and 80s as the to kids at a discount, even giving them Sun operated at full capacity to meet the are often seen on the street posing for daughter of a brothel operator. After extra treats. He allowed children to hang Devotees at the Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple welcoming the silver chariot bearing Lord Murugan that has orders for mooncake boxes and because it photographs. (Keong Saik’s international having lived overseas for almost 20 around his shop, letting them admire the just arrived from the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. The annual procession is called Punar Pusam and takes was not uncommon to receive last-minute profile was raised after it was voted one of place the day before Thaipusam. Courtesy of the Chettiars’ Temple Society ­- Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. years, Charmaine returned to Singapore wide array of colourful merchandise that orders, the entire family would pitch in to the top four travel sights in Asia by Lonely and discovered a vastly different Keong included toy swords, badminton rackets get the orders out. The family moved out Planet in 2017). For me, Keong Saik Road Saik Road. and magazines. Temple until evening when the chariot dragon dances for the Keong Saik com- of the Keong Saik area when the patriarch is the first home I knew. The unspoken family shame that The shophouse where the Indian and the procession return to the temple munity during the Lunar New Year and passed away in October 1997. As I stroll along the Keong Saik area shrouded much of her young life – and coolies lived was close to the Sri Layan Sithi on Tank Road.5 other special occasions. The association A well-loved icon of Keong Saik Road, today, what I encounter now is very differ- the changes she witnessed upon her Vinayagar Temple at 73 Keong Saik Road. is currently located at 85-B. then and now, is the famous Tong Ah Eating ent from what I remember. On a recent return – prompted her to pen a memoir During the Thaipusam festival that takes A Bustling Neighbourhood Besides the “mama shop”, there House, formerly located in the distinctive visit, I walked past fancy restaurants and of her childhood years. place between 14 January and 14 February In the 1970s and 1980s, the Keong Saik were two other provision shops on Keong red-and-white three-storey building situ- ultra-modern boutique hotels stylishly Leung’s book, 17A Keong Saik each year, Keong Saik Road becomes a hive area also had businesses that co-existed Saik Road. One was situated across the ated on the triangular plot of land at the designed to attract a new generation of Road (2017) is available for reference of activity. The Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar with the brothels. Next to the Hindu road from the Indian dormitory, and the junction of Keong Saik and Teck Lim roads. visitors. The community there is no longer at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library Temple plays an important role in the temple was a seamstress whom the ladies other was at the other end of the street, The coffee shop was opened in 1939, the the one I had been familiar with. and for loan at selected public libraries run-up to Thaipusam. On the eve of the of Keong Saik patronised to have their closer to Neil Road. There were no lack of same year that the building was completed. Although newness brings excite- (Call nos.: RSING 959.57004951 LEU and festival, at about 6 am, a silver chariot clothes tailored, while a nearby dentist options for dry provisions at Keong Saik, Favoured by the residents of Keong Saik, ment, if we are not deliberate in preserv- SING 959.57004951 LEU) as well as for from the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on looked after the dental health of residents. and residents only went to the wet mar- Tong Ah was packed every morning. One ing the spirit of our heritage beyond its digital loan on nlb.overdrive.com. The Tank Road makes it way to the Sri Layan Sim San Loke Hup Athletic Associa- kets of Chinatown to buy fresh produce. of the most sought-after breakfast items physical structures, we may one day lose book also retails at major bookshops Sithi Vinayagar Temple during a procession tion was at No. 65, very close to the Indian At least two businesses provided was buttered toast topped with kaya.7 the intangible beauty of our past and and ethosbooks.com.sg. known as Punar Pusam. The chariot bears dormitory. This was a place where young specialised services for those who wanted In 2013, the coffee shop moved across heritage completely. I am grateful for the Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, and Chinese men learned and practised martial to stay connected with China: a Chinese the street to number 35. The Chinese privilege to have lived in an iconic part of it stays at the Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar arts, and sometimes performed lion and calligraphy shop offered letter-writing characters 東亞 (Tong Ah) remain inscribed Singapore’s past and to have experienced NOTES on the facade of the former location. The the old Keong Saik Road and its commu- 1 See Loo, J. (2017, Oct–Dec). A lifetime of labour: Cantonese kaya toast set – comprising buttered toast nity. As one of Singapore’s daughters, I amahs in Singapore. BiblioAsia, 13 (3): 2–9. Retrieved from and Guangdong. It usually took place BiblioAsia website. BEAT THE LITTLE PEOPLE Women “beating the little people” on Keong Saik slathered with homemade kaya and paired can only hope that I have done my part in at road intersections, under bridges, 2 Nanyang, which means “South Seas” in Mandarin, refers Road, 1950s. The Cantonese believe that the with two soft-boiled eggs drizzled with soya helping to preserve a little of Singapore’s to Southeast Asia. An interesting practice that was popular and at the foot of a hill or mountain as 3 The pipa, or Chinese lute, is a pear-shaped four-stringed ritual would ward off evil and banish negativity sauce and a dash of pepper, all accompa- heritage in my sharing about a street that among the Chinese community of Keong these places were generally perceived in one’s life. In the background is the Sri Layan musical instrument made of wood. Pipa tsai were girls Sithi Vinayagar Temple before it was renovated nied by hot coffee or tea – remains popular. was once my home. trained to play various musical instruments and sing to Saik Road and Chinatown was to go to a to have bad fengshui and thus prone to entertain men in clubs and brothels in Singapore. In some into the current structure. Photo by Yip Cheong wall near the Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar the influence of evil spirits. instances, the girls were forced into prostitution. Fun. Courtesy of Andrew Yip. Temple to “beat the little people” 打小人( ; Shophouses on Keong Saik Road, 1997. Joanne Lee Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. 4 A “mama shop” or “mamak shop” (from Tamil word mama meaning “uncle” or “elder”) is a convenience store or da xiao ren in Mandarin). The term “little sundry shop selling a wide variety of goods and provisions. people” in the Chinese language is syn- 5 The Punar Pusam procession takes place the day before onymous with evil people and negativity. Thaipusam, which is an annual festival dedicated to Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Murugan, the Hindu The ritual involved using either a clog god of war. During Thaipusam in Singapore, devotees will or a shoe to repeatedly hit human-shaped carry a kavadi (which means “burden” or “load”) from paper figurines that symbolised the nega- the Sri Srinivasan Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road. For more tivity in one’s life. An auspicious piece of information about Thaipusam, see National Library Board. red paper would be placed on top of the (2016). Thaipusam written by Bonny Tan. Retrieved from Singapore Infopedia website. For more information on beaten figurines and the figurines pasted Punar Pusam, see Ng, M. (2017, Oct–Dec). Micro India: on the wall. Incense was then offered. The Chettiars of Market Street. BiblioAsia, 13 (3): 10–17. The Chinese believed that the Retrieved from BiblioAsia website. 6 Jiak Chuan Road – named after Tan Jiak Chuan, grandson ritual was effective in warding off evil of the philanthropist Tan Kim Seng – links Keong Saik Road and dispelling negativity in one’s life. to Teck Lim Road. It is home to several budget hotels and It was commonly observed among the eateries today. The road was formerly part of the Keong Saik Road red-light district. Cantonese communities of Hong Kong 7 Kaya is a type of jam made from coconut, eggs and sugar, and is typically spread on toast. It is popular in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. 30 31 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

Edward Stokes is an Australian photographer and Significantly, Marjorie Doggett’s an album comprising her favourite town writer. He has a special interest in the photographic history of Asia. The founder and publisher of The photos are the first seriously published and landscape photos of England, images Photographic Heritage Foundation, Edward’s many visual record of Singapore’s urban land- taken by a keen, self-taught amateur. books about Hong Kong and Australia have been scape to have superbly captured many of Almost seven years after starting widely praised for blending photographs with the island’s grand structures as well as its work on this album, Marjorie, who had illuminating historical texts. He was educated at more modest vernacular buildings. In the trained as a nurse and midwife during Magdalen College, Oxford. Urban Redevelopment Authority’s book, World War II, arrived in Singapore with Conserving the Past, Creating the Future: her then fiancé Victor Doggett. Victor was Urban Heritage in Singapore (2011), geog- two years her senior and had served in rapher Lily Kong noted that ­Marjorie’s Singapore with the Royal Air Force from book “sought to record the beauty of the 1945 to 1946. After his return to Britain, pre-war buildings at a time of impending demobilisation and subsequent reunion change” and was an early example of a with Marjorie, the couple began planning “stirring consciousness of the value of for their future. Singapore’s architectural heritage and In January 1947, the young couple historic districts”.4 left England on the RMS Andes and Besides being the first photo book arrived in Singapore on 9 February after on Singapore’s buildings, Characters of a three-week journey. Light is also notable because it was rare Victor had hoped to set up a busi- In 1957, a slender book titled Charac- at the time for women to produce photo ness in Singapore importing war surplus ters of Light: A Guide to the Buildings books, particularly outside the publish- materials from Britain but the plans fell of Singapore was published.1 The book ing centres of the United States, Britain through. Thankfully he soon found a new ihad been photographed and written by and continental Europe. In Asia, the few vocation – teaching music. Over time, the Marjorie Doggett, a 36-year-old English women who did create photo books were income from The Music Studio that he woman living in Singapore.2 virtually unknown, with Marjorie Doggett opened would enable Marjorie to give up The production was modest: 92 blazing the path. her job as a post-natal advisor for Nestlé pages on low-quality wood-free paper, and pursue her passion. and in a relatively small format. With 79 Her Early Years In the 1950s, Marjorie set out to cre- photos accompanied by short captions, Born in 1921, Marjorie Joyce Millest grew ate a photographic record of Singapore’s the work presents a loosely arranged up in Sutton, a large town located south urban setting. In this, she was advised and selection of local buildings. However, in of London. She was introduced to photog- urged on by two architects, Lincoln Page the coming years, the book would have raphy by a local chemist, who also taught and T.H.H. Hancock, and a curator at the a significant impact on the burgeoning her the basic skills in film development Raffles Museum, the polymath and pho- awareness of local heritage, and the and printing. tographer Dr Carl Alexander Gibson-Hill. value of preserving the best of the city’s In April 1940, Marjorie, then 19, began Later, her energetic and equally demanding architecture from an earlier era.3 to compile her first photographic record: publisher Donald Moore took the lead.

(Facing page) Montage showing the important logbook that Marjorie Doggett used to document her negatives (featuring two pages from the year 1955). The three portraits are of Marjorie at different stages of her life. The camera pictured – a medium-format MARJORIE Rolleicord – is similar to the one that Marjorie used to capture the images of Singapore for her 1957 photo book, Characters DOGGETT of Light. (Right) There are two editions of Characters Photographer of of Light. The first in 1957 (left) features the Cathedral of the Good Singapore Shepherd on the cover. The cover of the second Edward Stokes reflects on Characters of Light by Marjorie Doggett, first edition (right), published published in 1957, and on his own recent book, Marjorie Doggett’s Singapore, in 1985, shows “Joshua”, a mansion in Katong that which portrays her life and work here. was built around 1890.

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Characters of Light Marjorie recorded Singapore on jorie foresaw the risks to heritage Marjorie shot most of the photographs the cusp of its physical transforma- conservation that such progress in Characters of Light in 1955 and 1956, tion. Geographer Victor Savage sees would inevitably bring. using a medium-format Rolleicord camera 1959, two years after the publication In addition to being a pioneer- mounted on a tripod. She then developed of Characters of Light and the year ing work, Characters of Light also the photos using a bedroom in her home Singapore was accorded self-govern- stands out for Marjorie’s in-depth on Amber Road as an improvised dark- ment, as a watershed between “old” research into her subjects. Virtually room. The room was blacked out so that and “modern” Singapore. Thereafter, alone among photographers of the the prints could be developed and then the gradual urban evolution that had time, she enriched her photographs with washed in the nearby bathroom. Her son marked the colonial era was replaced thoroughly researched and detailed Nicholas recalls that she would “develop by rapid, planning-led development.6 captions. Thus, in later years, the and print in the mornings, then open all Much of this aimed at remedying book came to be valued by advo- the windows and doors to ventilate the the housing shortage and the grim cates for architectural conservation. bedroom”.5 living conditions. Nonetheless, Mar- Marjorie's steady gaze made Characters of Light almost unique. Indeed, it was the aesthetic qualityand the usefulness of the publication that helped mould tion which encourages its partners THE MARJORIE DOGGETT her legacy. to donate such materials to public COLLECTION AT THE NAS After it was published, The archives. The items are now being Straits Times wrote that Characters Besides Characters of Light, the key source catalogued by the NAS and will be of Light was “exactly the book of for this essay and Marjorie Doggett’s Sin- available for public access in 2022. its kind that unknowingly we have gapore is the Marjorie Doggett Collection Two Doggett oral history been waiting for”.7 Meanwhile the at the National Archives of Singapore recordings are also held by the NAS. Sunday Standard described the book (NAS) – a treasure trove of photos and These are the recollections of Victor as a “highly distinguished picture documents. Marjorie Doggett’s care and Doggett, recorded in June 1990 with chronicle with clarity and simplic- discipline in keeping her photographic Daniel Chew, for the archives’ Oral ity”. The paper also suggested that, and other records effectively, if unknow- History Centre; and the memories perhaps, Penang and Melaka should ingly, built the collection. of Nick Doggett, primarily con- consider asking Marjorie to record The Marjorie Doggett Collection cerning his parents, recorded in their buildings as well.8 was donated to the NAS by her son, November 2018 by Edward Stokes. Nicholas Doggett. This was advised by The former is available online at The Photographic Heritage Founda- www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/. Marjorie and Victor Doggett at their Amber Road home in 1956, a year before the publication of Characters of Light.

This photo of St Andrew’s Cathedral was taken in 1956 from a point near Coleman Street. Completed in 1861, the Anglican cathedral was designed by Ronald MacPherson and built by Indian convict labour. The original church on this site was designed by George D. Coleman and was completed in 1836. However, after two lightning strikes, it was demolished and replaced by this neo-Gothic structure. St Andrew’s Cathedral was gazetted as a national monument in 1973.

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Later Life and Legacy all its dynamic modern environment and Marjorie Doggett had taken her pho- recreational activity, there is no place for tographs none too soon. Between the thinkers and ‘dreamers of dreams’.”9 1947, when she and Victor arrived in Unfortunately, the school building was Singapore, and 1961 when they became torn down in 1972. citizens, the population had doubled. By the mid-1980s however, while The overcrowding that the colonial gov- Marjorie continued to maintain an interest ernment’s urban redevelopment office, in the preservation of historic buildings, the Singapore Improvement Trust, had her main focus was animal welfare work. sought to remedy, albeit with insufficient She was a founding member of the Royal finances and speed, was a primary – if Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ani- not central – concern of the People’s mals in 1954 (today known as the Society Action Party, which formed the govern- for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ment in 1959. From then onwards, the Singapore). In 1982, she became an advisor pace of urban redevelopment escalated to the World Society for the Protection of dramatically. Animals and the secretary of the Interna- Following the 1966 Land Acquisi- tional Primate Protection League. tion Act, Marjorie took a leading role in Marjorie and her family also made various architectural heritage debates. countless butterfly collecting trips to Noting Singapore’s recent achievements, Malaysia. By the 1990s, the trips had in 1968 she wrote with genuine sympa- resulted in a Lepidoptera collection of thy to The Straits Times concerning the significant value. Today, this collection planned demolition of the former Raffles is held by the Lee Kong Chian Natural Institution building in Bras Basah. Not- History Museum. withstanding the anti-British sentiments Her husband Victor, who taught of the time, Margaret foresaw that later music and was also a music journalist generations of Singaporeans would come and critic, died in 2005. Marjorie herself to cherish the city’s colonial-era buildings. passed away peacefully at home on 15 She ended the letter with these words: August 2010 at the age of 89. Her son “Our city will be poor indeed if, amongst Nicholas was with her, as was Fina, her

The former Raffles Institution in Bras Basah, 1955. The building was originally designed by Lieutenant Philip Jackson with later extensions designed by George D. Coleman. It was demolished in 1972 and the site is currently occupied by the Raffles City complex. In 1968, Marjorie Doggett wrote to The Straits Times unsuccessfully calling for the school building to be preserved.

Taken in 1957 from Clifford Pier, Marjorie Doggett frames the Fullerton Building within one of the arches of the pier. The Fullerton Building was designed by government architects Major Percy Hubert Keys and Frank Dowdeswell. It was completed in 1928 and became synonymous with the General Post Office, a major and long- time tenant. Other tenants occupied the building for a time until its reopening in 2001 as The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. The restoration saw its Palladian-style architecture and grand Doric columns preserved and the introduction of modern interiors. In 2015 , the building was gazetted as a national monument.

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loyal helper. Seven years later, in rec- Soon after, I sought out Marjorie’s the next goal was to prepare and publish The heart of Marjorie Doggett’s ognition of her contributions to animal son Nick by telephone and we met in Marjorie Doggett’s Singapore. Singapore are the photographs from welfare, Marjorie was inducted into the January 2011. Nick told me that his The selection of photos and docu- Characters of Light, categorised and Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame. mother’s photographs and documents mentary research for the book were car- rearranged into completely different were safely stored in his home. My first ried out between late 2017 and 2018. In a sections from the earlier editions. The How “Marjorie Doggett’s visit to Nick’s Changi bungalow in July small room at the National Library, I spent book is also accompanied by a number Singapore” Came to Be 2011 was a poignant moment. In han- three months immersed in the materials: of previously unpublished photographs, I first seriously studied Characters of dling negatives, prints and documents negatives, prints, photo notebooks, let- both taken by her, as well as photo- Light at the National Library of Singa- unseen for decades, I saw first-hand the ters, diaries, newspaper cuttings, invita- graphs of her and her family. In putting pore. From its pages, photo after photo depth and breadth of Marjorie’s work. tions and much more. But one particular together this book, I hope to introduce leapt up of 1950s Singapore, though Sorting through boxes dating back to the item was of exceptional value; indeed it readers to Marjorie Doggett’s life and with poor reproduction. The potential 1950s, Singapore, as it then was, came became a virtual bible for much of my work, and to Singapore in the 1950s. was intriguing. Might her negatives still to life. The image quality in the nega- research. From 1952 until the early 1970s, exist? If so, what was their quality like? tives and prints was vastly superior to Marjorie kept a logbook of her negatives. All photos by and of Marjorie Doggett © And, equally important, what was their the reproductions found in the 1957 and It records, with method and care almost National Archives of Singapore. present physical condition? And what the 1985 editions ofCharacters of Light. beyond imagination, every photograph about her life story? Did any personal Nick and I developed a shared that she took during those years. Each is or perhaps professional records exist? resolve: to create a record of Marjorie’s meticulously identified by year and place. My photographer’s instinct – that no one life and work in book form and to have By checking off the original negatives, we with Marjorie’s method and dedication her materials donated to the National know that not once did Marjorie err. Thus, would lose or abandon her negatives – Archives of Singapore. With the dona- her photos can be given precise years as urged me on. tion to the archives completed in 2016, to when they were taken.

A side view of Yin Fo Fui Kun with a five-footway, 1955. This is a Hakka clan house located at the junction of Cross Street and Telok Ayer Street. It was built around 1882. Light and shadows cast by the window rain canopies and shelters play off each other on the building’s off-white chunam walls. The building was gazetted as a national monument in 1998.

MARJORIE DOGGETT’S SINGAPORE Marjorie Doggett’s Singapore: A Photographic Record was published in November 2019. It was originated by Marjorie Doggett in the late 1990s with the family’s mongrel Wurst (front) and a neighbour’s dog. In The Photographic Heritage Foundation 1954, she became a founding member of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. and co-published with Ridge Books, an In some ways, Marjorie's advocacy work for animal rights has eclipsed her career as a photographer. imprint of NUS Press. The work was supported by funding from Ng Teng of light: Early buildings of Singapore. Singapore: Fong Charitable Foundation. NOTES Times Books International. (Call no.: RSING The book and this essay were 1 The Marjorie Doggett Collection, with negatives, 722.4095957 DOG) prints and documents, provided the primary 4 Kong, L. (2011). Conserving the past, creating put together based on the Marjo- research foundation for Marjorie Doggett’s the future: Urban heritage in Singapore (p. 30). rie Doggett Collection held by the Singapore and this essay. The materials were Singapore: Urban Redevelopment Authority. (Call National Archives of Singapore. The arranged in detail by Edward Stokes for his research no.: RSING 363.69095957 KON) needs. However, as the collection is currently being 5 Stokes, E. (2019). Marjorie Doggett’s Singapore: A photos in the collection portray Mar- formally catalogued by the National Archives of photographic record (p. 25). Singapore: Ridge Books: jorie Doggett’s life and work, as well Singapore, it is not possible here to give specific text The Photographic Heritage Foundation. (Call no.: as Singapore’s urban setting and references. RSING 959.5704 DOG-[HIS]) 2 Doggett, M. (1957). Characters of light: A guide 6 Teo, S.E., & Savage, V.R. (1991). Singapore architecture in the 1950s. to the buildings of Singapore. Singapore: Donald landscape: A historical overview of housing image Marjorie Doggett’s Singapore is Moore. (Call no.: RCLOS 725.4095957 DOG) (p. 336). In E.C.T. Chew & E. Lee (Eds), A history of available for reference at the Lee Kong 3 Characters of Light was reissued in 1985 as an Singapore. Singapore: Oxford University Press. (Call expanded edition by Times Books International no.: RSING 959.57 HIS-[HIS]) Chian Reference Library and for loan with 138 pages and 107 photos. It used glossy 7 Enduring epitaphs. (1957, June 3). The Straits Times, at selected public libraries (Call nos.: paper and kept most of the images featured in p. 8. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. RSING 959.5704 DOG-[HIS] and SING the 1957 publication, with the addition of 38 new 8 A picture chronicle of S’pore buildings. (1957, photos. The captions were lengthened as well. June 30). Sunday Standard, p. 23. Retrieved from 959.5704 DOG-[HIS]). It also retails at Notably, given Singapore’s urban transformation NewspaperSG. major bookshops in Singapore. since 1957, Marjorie Doggett’s texts made 9 Doggett, M. (1968, July 13). Preserving Singapore stronger comments on heritage and architectural history. The Straits Times, p. 10. Retrieved from preservation. See Doggett, M. (1985). Characters NewspaperSG.

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Suriati Sani is an Assistant Archivist with the National Archives of Singapore where she handles reference enquiries and helps researchers navigate archival materials. This essay combines her interests in history and theatre arts.

Seletar Airport and the land around it is RAF Seletar Theatre Club of the main challenges was the transi- now a part of the Seletar Aerospace Park, The RAF Seletar Theatre Club was set tory nature of servicemen stationed at THE THESPIANS OF an industrial hub focused on aerospace up on 22 August 1949 to provide RAF the airbase. “The main difficulty which sactivities. Before this, it was called Seletar personnel with live entertainment. Club Service amateur groups have to face is Airbase and was used by the Republic of members put up plays, revues and pan- that of the constant movement of their Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The RSAF, tomimes on-site or as part of a touring members,” noted the programme book- in turn, inherited the airbase from the company to other airbases and military let for the 1955 production of Lover’s British. Between 1928 and 1971, it was sites in Singapore. The club also arranged Leap. “Fortunately, Seletar Theatre Club known as Royal Air Force (RAF) Seletar – for theatre groups from visiting units or has never suffered seriously enough in RAF SELETAR Britain’s largest airbase in the Far East. services to perform in Seletar airbase.2 this direction to become inactive, but RAF SELETAR RAF Seletar airbase was a self- Membership to the theatre club was they have always done their utmost to contained town with homes, shops and opened to all service personnel and their encourage actors, or would be actors, recreational facilities. On their day off, family members stationed at Seletar. carpenters, painters, dress-makers and the people who lived and worked in the The monthly membership fee was $2 for anybody interested, to come forward and airbase would hang out together. Some male personnel, $1 for servicewomen join the ‘family’.” New members were of them joined clubs based around a and $2.50 for their spouses. On average, always welcome, the programme noted.4 common interest like cycling, rowing the club staged a new play every two Some of these challenges were and golf. While most of the clubs were months while play-reading sessions were resolved when the inaugural theatre outdoor-oriented, there was at least one held weekly. Although it was billed as a committee decided to open a clubhouse club whose activities were decidedly “working” club, the theatre committee equipped with a bar, a rehearsal room indoors – the RAF Seletar Theatre Club. also organised regular social events, and proper furnishings. “From that deci- Set up in 1949, the club ran for two dances and outings to various theatres sion came the result that most members decades and staged over 100 productions in Singapore for its members.3 would spend the greater percentage of until the curtains descended for the final In the beginning, the club faced their spare time and interest whilst in time in 1970. The club, which saw a fire typical teething issues such as the lack Singapore, at the Theatre Club, living in devastating its in-house theatre only a of funds, resources and facilities. One almost a ‘family’ atmosphere.”5 few years after its construction, success- fully nurtured talented writers and actors (Below) The main entrance of RAF Seletar airbase, 1930s. RAFSA Collection, courtesy of National despite its short but eventful history, and Archives of Singapore. went on to take part in the first drama festival held in Singapore.1 (Facing page) Seletar Theatre Club’s production of Meet Mr. Callaghan in October 1954. RAFSA Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.

The RAF Seletar Theatre Club was a highly regarded amateur drama group in Singapore for more than 20 years. Suriati Sani provides a snapshot of the club’s history.

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shop and storage space, as well as new posted to RAF Brampton in Huntingdon- This spurred Ayres to start writing a mechanic but later became a member stage lighting and fans for ventilation.9 shire, England. She was later deployed her own material, leading to her first of the wartime entertainment troupe In July 1963, the club completed to RAF Seletar where she worked as an poem titled “Foolish Brother Luke” about that toured military bases. a major reconstruction of the theatre’s air photography plotter at the Joint Air a shaky love affair; this was the first of In the WAAF, she met and married stage and proscenium, which were closely Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre, Far many poems she would eventually write Ken Goss, an engine fitter, and became a modelled after the Mermaid Theatre in East (JARIC FE).13 and perform.17 service wife. They moved to Singapore London. The new theatre was reportedly Ayres found Singapore to be an Ayres left the WRAF in 1969 and when Ken was posted to RAF Seletar in the first of its kind in the Far East. Unfor- eye-opener. The Singapore River back received her big break in 1974 when 1960. She joined the RAF Seletar Theatre tunately, disaster struck barely a month then was “evil-looking” as it “rolled she was asked to read her poem “The Club and used her RADA credentials to later on 6 August. At around 3 pm, a fire black, viscous and stinking under the Battery Hen” on BBC Radio. It was an conduct classes. She also acted in and broke out in a backstage storeroom that bridge”, while in the city there were instant hit with the audience, who called produced several major productions, almost completely gutted the theatre. “eating stalls to sit at and Nasi Goreng the radio station to ask for copies of her such as Charley’s Aunt, Roar like a Dove Nothing was left but the walls. The stage to tackle with chopsticks. There were poems. In 1976, Ayres published her first and Archibald MacLeish’s J.B., which was auditorium, workshop, foyer and lighting beggars, prostitutes and transsexuals. book of verses, Some of Me Poems, and the winner of the Inter-Services Drama box were destroyed, leaving only the It was a long way from eating a paper- in 1978, her second book, Thoughts of Festival in 1962.20 clubroom and dressing rooms intact.10 wrapped sausage at 6.22 am waiting for a Late-Night Knitter. Together, the two After three years in Singapore, Noted The Straits Times: the bus to Bicester”.14 publications have sold almost two mil- the Gosses left on 19 April 1963 when Ayres joined the Seletar Theatre lion copies.18 Ken was posted to RAF Lyneham in “By a completely undeserved piece Club and appeared in several produc- Ayres, who lives in England today, Wiltshire, England. At RAF Lyneham, of misfortune, the RAF Seletar tions.15 She noted that it was the Friday performed in the Royal Variety show Goss joined the Lyneham Stage Club Theatre Club has just lost its night get-togethers at the club that at the London Palladium in 1977 and where she managed to persuade suc- excellent bijou theatre at the RAF kickstarted her writing career. She said: starred in a 13-part series on British cessive station commanders to agree base in a disastrous fire which television.19 to a purpose-built theatre for the club. left almost nothing but the walls. “On these occasions members of the A less well-known actor associ- It was constructed in 1969 and named Very little of the club’s properties club would get up on stage to do an ated with the club is Julianna Goss (née The New Theatre. Following her death in and wardrobe was saved, and the impromptu ‘turn’. I wanted to do a Francis). Goss trained as an actress at 1977, the theatre was renamed Juliana hard-working amateurs now face turn as well, but I could find nothing the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Goss Theatre in her honour. The club the tremendous task of starting to declaim which corresponded (RADA) in London before enlisting in continued to stage three shows a year all over again the building up of with my own sense of humour the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) until its closure in 2012 when the RAF a theatre which had taken them or that, saddled with my country during World War II. She started out as withdrew from Lyneham.21 (Above) Lady Wheeler (centre), wife of the 11 Commander of Britain’s Far East Air Force Air Marshal nearly a decade of hard work.” accent, I could put over in a way 16 Neil Wheeler, and Mrs Maisner (left), wife of Station that worked.” RAF Seletar Theatre Club’s pantomime performance, 1960s. RAFSA Collection, courtesy of National Commander and Group Captain Alec Maisner, visiting Despite the setback, the club did Archives of Singapore. the RAF Seletar Theatre Club in 1971. They were not give up. Members used a tempo- briefed by R. J. Thompson. RAFSA Collection, courtesy rary stage at the Junior RAF School in of National Archives of Singapore. Seletar airbase to present Tennessee (Left) Pam Ayres in a scene from The Poker Secession, Williams' Orpheus Descending at the 1968. Retrieved from Seletar Theatre Club website. 1963 Inter-Services Drama Festival. The club also performed The Laboratory and 1955 when a CinemaScope wide screen The Dear Departed in February 1964 on was installed in the cinema. The screen that same stage to raise funds for a new was so huge that it reduced the size of theatre. This money – along with the the stage and made it unsuitable for insurance payout, donations from the theatre productions.8 Nuffield Foundation12 and funds from Forced by circumstances, the other service stations – was used to club decided to construct a purpose- construct a new theatre which opened built ­theatre. On 26 February 1957, a in June 1964. 150-seat theatre designed by a junior technician was opened by the station A Crucible commander, Group Captain D.D. Rog- During the two decades of its existence, ers. The $20,000-facility featured the the Seletar Theatre Club staged a total of The club got its wish when its club- first concrete stage in Singapore, an 118 productions. As a result, the club was house was officially opened on 17 Novem- auditorium, a lighting and sound box, also a crucible for talent, giving aspiring ber 1949. It took over an old Nissen hut6 a box office and, later, a club room and actors, writers, producers, directors and that was previously part of the Malcolm dressing rooms. backstage crew a platform to hone their Club, a well-patronised social club at With income generated from ticket craft on a regular basis. Seletar airbase.7 sales, the club carried out minor improve- Pam Ayres, a writer, poet, broad- Rehearsals and preparations were ments and renovations to the theatre’s caster and entertainer, is one of those held in the dilapidated Nissen hut while facilities over the years. This included who attributes her success to the RAF productions were staged at the Astra the installation of raised and staggered Seletar Theatre Club. Cinema located beside the clubhouse. seating, which was a rarity for an amateur Ayres joined the Women’s Royal Unfortunately, the club lost this space in theatre group at the time, a new work- Air Force (WRAF) in April 1965 and was 42 43 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE Award-winning Feats NOËL COWARD’S SELETAR He had just five days to prepare for stayed for a week in a house in RAF Sele- The club’s offerings were a class act, 8 CONNECTION his role as Captain Stanhope in the three- tar before leaving for Java on 29 April. clinching the first prize in the Inter-Ser- night performance that ran at the Victoria Coward made another stopover in vices Drama Festival not once but three The renowned playwright Noël Coward, Theatre from 2 to 4 April. The near sold- Singapore on 19 May, where he again times – for its productions of Archibald known for his plays such as Present out shows received mixed reviews though, stayed at RAF Seletar, before setting MacLeish’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Laughter, Design for Living, Hay Fever with some critics saying that Coward was sail for Europe on 24 May.9 Alas, his J.B. in 1962, Keith Waterhouse’s Billy Liar and Blithe Spirit, was associated with RAF miscast in the role while others felt he gave two sojourns in 1935 did not involve in 1966 and Trevor Peacock’s Collapse of Seletar although not with the RAF Seletar an almost flawless and rich portrayal of any impromptu turns on the stage. Stout Party in 1967. Theatre Club. the character.4 In 1969, the Far East Land Forces While on a stopover in Singapore One critic was the wife of Sir Cecil NOTES organised the first open Festival of Drama in in 1930, Coward ended up extending his Clementi, the British Governor, although 1 A famous visitor. (1930, March 22). The Malaya which all English-language dramatic societ- stay for several weeks after his travelling her beef with him did not involve his acting Tribune, p. 8; Notes of the day. (1930, November ies in Singapore were eligible to take part. 26). The Straits Times, p. 10; Noel Coward and the partner fell ill. During his stay, Coward ability. At a dinner with the governor and censors. (1930, March 22). The Straits Times, p. 12. (The Inter-Services Drama Festival, which became acquainted with Air Commodore Lady Clementi, the latter rebuked Coward Mr Noel Coward here. (1935, April 23). The Malaya first started running in 1961, had only been Tribune, p. 11. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. S.W. Smith, Air Officer Commanding Far for his involvement in the play as she felt open to British services group). Plays for the (Above) The souvenir programme 1 2 Mr Noel Coward. (1930, March 26). The Malaya East, and the commodore’s wife. the play was critical of British soldiers Tribune, p. 8. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Festival of Drama were presented in one- for Juliana Goss’ production of Despite being on holiday “as a com- during World War I.5 3 Noel Coward in Journey’s End. (1930, April 3). The act performances – each lasting between Archibald MacLeish’s J.B., winner plete rest from the strain of continually Coward also had a brief cameo Straits Times, p. 12. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 30 and 50 minutes – on any topic, although of the Inter-Services Drama 4 The Quaints. (1930, March 30). The Malaya Tribune, catering for other people’s amusement”,2 in the company’s production of When themes on societal issues or relating to Festival in 1962. Retrieved from p. 8; Mr Noel Coward. (1930, April 3). The Malaya Seletar Theatre Club website. the pull of the theatre proved too strong. Knights Were Bold as one of the ladies- Tribune, p. 8. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Singapore were preferred.22 When the opportunity came for him to in-waiting, before leaving Singapore on 6 5 Coward, N. (2007). The letters of Noel Coward(pp. The week-long festival, which was (Left) Programme booklet for 174–175). New York: Alfred A. Knopf. (Call no.: take to the stage, Coward seized it. April 1930 to continue on his trip around held at the Cultural Centre Theatre in Wanted One Body, a Seletar 822.912 COW) Theatre Club production in 6 6 Victoria Theatre. (1930, April 7). The Straits Times, A visiting English theatrical group the Far East. Canning Rise, was organised to promote August 1967 starring Pam Ayres. p. 12. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. was in Singapore to perform R.C. Sher- In 1935, Coward visited Singapore 7 No yachting for Noel Coward. (1935, April 23). The friendly rivalry, goodwill and understand- RAFSA Collection, courtesy of riff’s Journey’s End. However, when the twice. As part of an extensive world tour Straits Times, p. 12; The Malaya Tribune, 23 Apr ing among amateur theatre groups in National Archives of Singapore. lead actor lost his voice at the last minute, travelling from Hollywood in America to 1935, p. 11. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Singapore. The plays were judged on the 8 Shorrick, N. (1968). Lion in the sky (p. 43). Coward agreed to replace him ­as a favour Japan and China, he arrived in Singapore Singapore: Federal Publications. (Call no.: RSING performance of the actors, production 3 7 to the theatre company. from Hong Kong on 22 April 1935. He 358.4095957 SHO); The Malaya Tribune, 23 Apr presentation and efficiency of the crew In 1970, during a meeting involv- The second edition of the Fes- 1935, p. 11; Chat aboard. (1935, April 29). The in erecting and dismantling the sets.23 ing participating groups, it was decided tival of Drama was organised by the Straits Times, p. 6. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 9 Noel Coward. (1935, May 19). The Sunday Tribune RAF Seletar Theatre Club’s produc- that such events should be organised University of Singapore Society in Noël Coward (back row, fifth from the right) at the RAF Seletar Yacht Club with RAF personnel in 1935. (Singapore), p. 1; Social & personal. (1935, May 25). The tion of Ladislas Fodor’sThe Vigil was the by Singaporeans and that the Festival 1971.26 The Seletar Theatre Club did RAFSA Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. Straits Times, p. 13. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. first-prize winner at the inaugural festi- of Drama would take on a non-compet- not participate as it had been shuttered val, while second place went to Theatre itive format. Unfortunately, the initial the year before. The club closed its World Association’s original local play enthusiasm generated by the meeting doors for the last time on 30 October This Time Different. Rowcroft Theatre ultimately fizzled out and, coupled with 1970. Interestingly, for its final curtain Club’s Sganarelle by Moliere rounded financial problems, the festival ended call, the club staged Noël Coward’s up the top three.24 up not being staged that year.25 Blithe Spirit.

of comic verse. The Straits Times, p. 12. Retrieved from NOTES NewspaperSG; Ayres, P. (1998). With these hands: 1 Singapore’s air base. (1928, February 17). The A collection of work(p. 5). Orion Publishing Co. (Not THE RAFSA COLLECTION AT Straits Times, p. 9. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; available in NLB holdings) THE NAS Shorrick, N. (1968). Lion in the sky (p. 26). Singapore: 14 Ayres, 1998, p. 6. Federal Publications. (Call no.: RSING 358.4095957 15 Seletar Theatre Club, 2020. SHO); Taylor, D. (2002). Seletar: Crowning glory (p. 16 Ayres, 1998, p. 6. The Royal Air Force Seletar Associa- 177). West Sussex: Woodfield Pub. (Call no.: RSING 17 Ayres, 1998, p. 6. tion (RAFSA) (www.rafseletar.co.uk), 358.40095957 TAY) 18 Ayres, 1998, p. 7; The Straits Times, 27 Oct 1979, p. 12. based in the United Kingdom, was 2 Seletar Theatre Club. (2020). Retrieved from the RAF 19 The Straits Times, 27 Oct 1979, p. 12; Clef, V. (1981, January Seletar Theatre Club website. 27). Sparkling items provide something for everyone. The formed in late 1997 with the objective 3 Seletar Theatre Club, 2020. Straits Times, p. 4. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. of reuniting an estimated 80,000 to 4 Seletar Theatre Club, 2020. 20 RAF Seletar Theatre Club. (n.d.). Juliana (Julie) Goss. 5 Seletar Theatre Club, 2020. Retrieved from the RAF Seletar Theatre Club website. 100,000 personnel who had served 6 A Nissen hut is a prefabricated semi-circular structure 21 Seletar Theatre Club, 2020; The Royal Air Force at RAF Seletar from 1928 to 1971, and made out of corrugated steel usually used by the Theatrical Association. (May/June 2012). Noises Off, The to keep their memories alive. military as temporary housing. RAFTA Newsletter. Retrieved from RAFTA website. 7 Seletar Theatre Club, 2020. 22 Plans to make festival of drama annual event. (1969, The association donated 8 Seletar Theatre Club, 2020; Stage door. (1955, May 29). The Straits Times, p. 8; First open drama festival approximately 4,300 items com- September 17). Singapore Standard, p. 10. Retrieved makes its impact. (1969, November 12). The Straits Times, prising photographs, posters, slides, from NewspaperSG. p. 11. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 9 Seletar Theatre Club, 2020. 23 The Straits Times, 12 Nov 1969, p. 11. booklets and documents to the 10 Seletar Theatre Club, 2020; Taylor, 2002, p. 167; The 24 Seletar’s 'Vigil' wins top award in festival. (1969, National Archives of Singapore in theatre. (1963, July 7). The Straits Times, p. 9; The November 17). The Straits Times, p. 6. Retrieved from 2016. To access the RAFSA Col- theatre. (1963, August 11). The Straits Times, p. 9. NewspaperSG. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 25 Local drama groups inactive. (1971, January 29). The lection, visit www.nas.gov.sg/ 11 The theatre. (1963, August 11). The Straits Times, p. 9. Straits Times, p. 7. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. archivesonline/ 12 Based in London, the Nuffield Foundation is a charitable 26 8 amateur clubs rehearsing for festival of drama. (1971, trust established in 1943 to improve social well-being. February 24). The Straits Times, p. 6. Retrieved from 13 Cowley, D. (1979, October 27). Meet England’s queen NewspaperSG. 44 45 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

operations against the Japanese during World War II. In addition, they provide insights into Feng’s military life and his contributions as the Chief Delegate to the SEAC. Because of his role with the SEAC and this connection with Singapore, Feng’s family decided to donate these materials to the National Library. Through the donation, Feng’s personal documents and letters will be made publicly available to researchers. Early Military Career Born on 11 January 1908 in Nantong, Jiangsu province (江苏省南通县) in China, Feng graduated from the Central Military Academy in Nanking (Nanjing) (南京中 央军校)8 in 1927 and was posted to the 47th Division as second lieutenant. The Major-General Feng Yee’s handwritten résumé in Chinese, along with the accompanying English following year, he was promoted to first translation in typescript, regarding his appointment as Chief Delegate to the South East Asia Command lieutenant and became a platoon leader. in 1944. Documents of Major-General Feng Yee (冯衍将军珍藏资料). Collection of the National Library, Singapore (Accession no.: B34450839C). Feng had been involved in China’s resistance against the Japanese since the Major-General Feng Yee was China’s representative at 1930s. In 1934, he served in the 4th Regi- the Japanese surrender ceremony held in Singapore in On 12 September 1945, one of the dark- “The representative of the great ment in the “taxation police regiment”, September 1945. Seow Peck Ngiam provides highlights est chapters of Singapore’s history offi- Republic of China, Major-General a special service brigade which was part cially came to a close when the Japanese Feng Yee, produced in the middle of the 87th Division. In September 1937, of his military life and contributions. formally surrendered to the Allies in of the Ceremony a Leica camera this division came under the newly formed Singapore. The ceremony took place 10 which he actually proceeded to 71st Army. Shortly after, the 71st Army days after General Douglas MacArthur, focus on the Japanese in turn. was regrouped with several other armies Supreme Commander of the Allied Pow- The Japanese delegates looked to form the 9th Army Corps to fight in the ers, formally accepted Japan’s surrender absolutely furious…”5 three-month-long Battle of Shanghai (13 in a similar event held onboard the USS August–26 November 1937) which took Missouri in Tokyo Bay.1 In March 2019, 74 years after that place at the beginning of the Second In Singapore, the surrender cer- event, the National Library of Singapore Sino-Japanese war.9 In December 1937, emony was held in the Council Chamber received a donation of 82 items from Feng graduated from the Military College of the Municipal Building, later renamed Feng’s family.6 The items are mainly in Nanking.10 The next year, Feng was City Hall.2 General Seishiro Itagaki of documents in Chinese that date between involved in the Battle of Taierzhuang (24 Japan’s Seventh Area Army signed the 1937 and 1946. They consist of Feng’s March–7 April 1938), where China scored surrender document on behalf of Japan military accreditations and appointments, its first victory over the Japanese and dealt while the Allies were represented by Louis his military correspondence and letters, a significant blow to the Japanese military. Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander working papers and newspaper clippings. Feng distinguished himself in battle of the South East Asia Command (SEAC).3 Among the materials donated were and in 1941, he was promoted to Major- The proceedings were solemn, but four photographs, though none of the sur- General, Chief of Staff of the 71st Army. there was a moment mid-way when render ceremony in Singapore. One of the In May 1942, the 71st Army was one of Japanese feathers were ruffled. This photos shows Feng in Singapore. The photo the troops deployed as reinforcements happened when China’s representative is not dated so it is unclear exactly when for the Chinese Expeditionary Force to the SEAC, Major-General Feng Yee it was taken. Feng had visited Singapore (中国远征军) which had been recalled back (冯衍) (1908–47)4 whipped out a camera twice: in May 1941 when he was part of a to Yunnan, China.11 The force had earlier and pointed it at the Japanese delegation. Chinese military mission and toured British been dispatched to Burma and India to This action was particularly noticeable military facilities,7 and in September 1945 support Allied efforts against the Imperial because Feng was seated in the first to attend the surrender ceremony. Japanese Army as well as to protect the row, directly facing them. In an entry in Taken together, these materials docu- land routes that were critical for transport- Mountbatten’s personal diary, he records: ment China’s contributions to the Allied ing essential war supplies to China.12 In 1943, the 71st Army was absorbed into the 11th Army Corps, which together with Seow Peck Ngiam is a Senior Librarian with the (Facing page top) Portrait of Major-General Feng Yee, taken in the 1940s. Documents of Major-General other corps and divisions, became part of 13 National Library, Singapore. Her main responsi- Feng Yee (冯衍将军珍藏资料). Collection of the National Library, Singapore (Accession no.: B34450839C). the Chinese Expeditionary Force. In the bilities include developing the Chinese Collection, same year, Feng was appointed Deputy and providing research and reference services. (Facing page bottom) Major-General Feng Yee is seated third from the extreme right in the photo, holding 14 his Leica camera during the Japanese Surrender Ceremony held in the Municipal Building on 12 September Chief of Staff in the headquarters of She is interested in the history of the Chinese com- the Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese munity in Singapore. 1945. Image reproduced from Mountbatten, L. (1979). Mountbatten: Eighty Years in Pictures (p. 161). London: Macmillan. (Call no.: RSING 941.0820924 MOU) Expeditionary Force. 46 47 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

ships in the vicinity.20 Fortunately, Feng swayed. Notwithstanding this setback, The Family Man Major-General Feng Yee with his second daughter Xiangzhong (湘钟) on his right and third daughter escaped with only minor injuries, though Mountbatten later managed to get the Feng died leaving behind two wives who, Xuanzhong (漩钟) on his left. Documents of Major- 21 some in his party were not so fortunate. Americans to agree that US transport between them, bore six children. Feng’s first General Feng Yee (冯衍将军珍藏资料). Collection As the liaison between the SEAC and squadrons would leave Burma only after wife was Madam Lu Yun Ruo, with whom he of the National Library, Singapore (Accession no.: China, Feng accompanied Mountbatten to the capture of Rangoon, or on 1 June 1945, had a daughter. During the chaotic period B34450839C). China in March 1945 as the latter attempted whichever came first. The SEAC managed when the Chinese army retreated to Chung­ to persuade Chiang Kai-shek to leave Chi- to capture Rangoon in May that year.24 king from Nanking, Feng became separated two wives settled down in Taiwan and nese troops in northern Burma. Chiang was from his wife and with the ongoing war, they brought up the children together. Today, planning to withdraw all Chinese forces Post-1945 could not find each other. Feng’s descendants – which include 11 and a joint US-China brigade with atten- After the war, Feng returned to China and Although Feng subsequently remar- grandchildren and great-grandchildren dant aircraft from northern Burma back in August 1946, he was appointed Deputy ried, he never stopped looking for Madam – live in Taiwan, the United States and to China. He wanted to re-organise these Director in the office of the Minister for Lu and his efforts finally paid off. He Hong Kong. forces and mobilise them to recapture National Defence based in Nanking. In brought her back to Chungking and she Hunan and Kwangsi (Guangxi) provinces June the following year, he moved on was accepted by his second family. The NOTES from the Japanese. These provinces were to the Land and Building Division in daughter he had with Madam Lu died of 1 The Instrument of Surrender was signed by Supreme Certificate of Major-General Feng Yee’s Commander of the Allied Powers General Douglas appointment in February 1943 as the Deputy Chief important because they dominated the the same ministry and was promoted an illness at the age of 16. MacArthur on behalf of the Allied Powers as well as of Staff in the headquarters of the Commander bulk of China's rice production.22 to Lieutenant-General a month later.25 Feng had a son and four daughters representatives from the United States, Britain, Australia, -in-Chief of the Chinese Expeditionary Force. A Chinese withdrawal from Burma, However, just when things appeared to with his second wife, Madam Han Pei Canada, China, France, the Netherlands, Russia and New Documents of Major-General Feng Yee (冯衍将 Zealand. Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu 军珍藏资料). Collection of the National Library, however, could potentially derail British be going well, disaster struck. Chun. According to the youngest daughter and General Yoshijiro Umezu of the Imperial General Singapore (Accession no.: B34450839C). plans to capture Rangoon (Yangon). The On 23 November 1947, Feng left Patsy, he valued family time very much. Headquarters signed on behalf of Japan. 2 The Municipal Building was renamed City Hall in 1951. SEAC had captured the city of Meiktila in Nanking and transited in Shanghai for Because Feng was devoted to his work Together with the former Supreme Court building, it central Burma in March 1945 and needed an official trip to Linhai city in Zhejiang in the army and often travelled overseas, became the National Gallery Singapore in 2015. Appointment to the South East Asia the help of Chinese forces to hold back the province. Travelling by sea on his way back, he made sure he doted on his children 3 Mountbatten, L. (1988). Personal diary of Admiral the Command Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander, Japanese. The route to the south would the rough waves left Feng nauseated and whenever he was home. South-East Asia, 1943–1946 (pp. 246–248). London: In August 1943, the British and Americans then be free for British forces to advance vomiting profusely, which led to bleeding After Feng’s death in 1947, the fam- Collins. (Call no.: RSING 941.0820924 MOU); Cohen, D., 15 Mountbatten, L. (1951). Report to the Combined Chiefs of formed the SEAC with Louis Mountbatten to Rangoon in southern Burma. The British in his stomach. As soon as the ship docked ily followed the Chinese Nationalist Party & Totani, Y. (2018). The Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal: Law, Staff by the Supreme Allied Commander, South-East Asia, history, and jurisprudence (p. 121). Cambridge, UK; New 1943–1945, Vice Admiral the Earl Mountbatten of Burma as Supreme Allied Commander. His job was also depended heavily on the air transport at Haimen, a city in Jiangsu province, he (Kuomintang) when it retreated to Taiwan York, NY, USA: Cambridge University Press. (Call no.: R (p. 3). London: Her Majesty Stationery Office. (Call no.: to oversee the operations of Allied forces squadrons of the American air force to was rushed to hospital but doctors there during the civil war in China in 1949. His 341.690268 COH) RSEA 940.5425 ALL-[WAR]) in Southeast Asia against the Japanese in transport war supplies and troops, and could could not stanch the bleeding. Feng 4 Singapore Tourist Promotion Board. (1975). Historical 16 Mountbatten, 1951, p. 4. research on the Surrender Ceremony at City Hall on 12th 17 国防研究院第一期结业研究员出国研究及分派服 Burma, Malaya, Sumatra, Ceylon, Siam and not afford for these planes to be diverted decided to continue his journey back to Letter dated 5 March 1945 from Louis Mountbatten September 1945 (p. 7). Singapore: Singapore Tourist 务表 [List of National Defence Research Institute’s first French Indochina.15 To cultivate good rela- to transport Chinese forces back to China.23 Shanghai but by the time he arrived at a to Feng – with the accompanying envelope – Promotion Board. (Call no.: RSING 940.5425 HIS-[WAR]); batch of graduated researchers for overseas study and regarding their impending trip to China. Documents 冯家讣告 [Obituary of Feng family]. (1947, December their service locations]. (Undated). Major-General Feng tions, Mountbatten personally paid a visit Mountbatten and Feng arrived in hospital in the city, he had lost a lot of 南方中央日报 冯衍将 冯衍 of Major-General Feng Yee (冯衍将军珍藏资料). 3). [Southern Central Daily]. In Yee ( ), Chief Delegate to the S.E.A.C (Resume). In to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, Supreme Chungking on 8 March 1945. Mountbatten blood. Three days later, on 3 December 军珍藏资料 [Documents of Major-General Feng Yee]. 冯衍将军珍藏资料 Collection of the National Library, Singapore [Documents of Major-General 26 Collection of the National Library, Singapore. (Accession Feng Yee]. Collection of the National Library, Singapore. Commander of Allied forces in the China war hoped to persuade Chiang to change his 1947, Feng died at the age of 39. He was (Accession no.: B34450839C). zone in Chungking (Chong­qing) in October mind but the generalissimo was not to be buried in his hometown of Nantong.27 no.: B34450839C) (Accession no.: B34450839C) 5 Mountbatten, 1988, p. 249. 18 Mountbatten, 1951, pp. 4–5; Mountbatten, L. (1969).Post 16 1943, after the latter had assumed office. 6 冯家讣告, 3 Dec 1947. surrender tasks: Section E of 'The report to the Combined During the trip, the two men decided 7 中国军事考察团在新加坡 [Chinese Military Mission Chiefs of Staff(p. 321). London: Her Majesty Stationery 良友 to better coordinate efforts between the (Below left)Letter from General Zhang Zhizhong, Commander-in-Chief during the Battle of Shanghai in in Malaya]. (1941). [The Young Companion], 167, 8; Office. (Call no.: RSEA 940.5425 ALL-[WAR]) 1937, to Major-General Feng Yee, dated 13 July (likely 1944). General Zhang asked after Feng’s well-being (Call no.: R Chinese 059.951YC); 冯衍少将演词. (1945, 19 The Bombay docks explosion on 14 April 1944 Southeast Asia and China war theatres. as the latter had suffered minor injuries in the Bombay docks explosion on 14 April 1944. Documents of September 12). 星洲日报总汇报 [Sin Chew Jit Poh Union occurred when the freighter SS Fort Stikine moored 冯衍将军珍藏资料 Following this, Feng was appointed Chief Major-General Feng Yee (冯衍将军珍藏资料). Collection of the National Library, Singapore (Accession Times], p. 1. In [Documents of Major- at Victoria Dock caught fire and was destroyed in two no.: B34450839C). General Feng Yee]. Collection of the National Library, massive explosions. The cargo ship was carrying close Delegate to lead a Chinese Military Mission Singapore. (Accession no.: B34450839C) to 1,400 tons of explosives, including torpedoes, flares, 华人百科 冯衍 based at the SEAC’s headquarters in Kandy, (Below right) A letter dated 9 June (likely 1944) from Wei Lihuang, Commander of the Chinese Expeditionary 8 [Encyclopaedia of Chinese]. [Feng Yee]. mines, shells and ammunition. Also on board were 华人百科 Ceylon (Sri Lanka). He had recently gradu- Force. He expressed concern about Major-General Feng Yee’s injuries sustained during the Bombay docks Retrieved from website. 8,700 bales of raw cotton, 1,000 barrels of lubricating 9 曹剑浪 [Cao, J.L.]. (2004). 国民党军简史上册 [Brief oil, crates of gold bars and a mixed cargo of fish explosion on 14 April 1944. Documents of Major-General Feng Yee (冯衍将军珍藏资料). Collection of the ated from the National Defence Research history of Kuomintang Army volume one] (pp. 176, 295). manure, resin, rice, scrap iron, sulphur and timber. Institute 国防研究( ) in Chungking in 1944 National Library, Singapore (Accession no.: B34450839C). 北京: 解放军出版社 (Call no.: R 951.082 CJL). The Battle 20 Pezarkar, L. (2018, May 20). The explosion that shook before being deployed to this mission.17 of Shanghai (13 August to 26 November 1937) was fought Bombay in 1944. Retrieved from Live History India website. between the National Revolutionary Army of the Republic 21 Mountbatten, 1969, p. 321. The mission’s objective was twofold: to of China and the Imperial Japanese Army at the beginning 22 Pearson, M. (2010). End game Burma 1945: Slim's master improve communications between China of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–45). The battle stroke, Meiktila 1945(p. 52). South Yorkshire: Pen & and the SEAC, and to coordinate Allied took place over three phases and was described as one of Sword Military (Call no.: RSEA 940.5425 PEA-[WAR]) the largest and bloodiest battles of the entire war, resulting 23 Young, E.M. (2004). Meiktila 1945: The battle to liberate operations in Southeast Asia, especially in heavy military as well as civilian casualties. Burma (p. 68). Oxford: Osprey. (Call no.: R 940.542591 when it involved China.18 10 陆军大学校证书 [Certificate of Military College]. (1937, YOU-[WAR]) 冯衍将军珍藏资料 While Feng was not in a frontline December 25). In [Documents of 24 Pearson, 2010, pp. 51–54; Mountbatten, 1951, pp. 7, Major-General Feng Yee]. Collection of the National Library, 132, 134. posting, he was almost killed because of Singapore. (Accession no.: B34450839C) 25 国防训令. 令本部部本部土地及建筑司 [Order of his job. Feng and his team were inspecting 11 曹剑浪, 2004, pp. 625,713. National Defence Ministry. By order of this ministry, 12 Diamond, J. (2014). Stilwell and the Chindits: The Allied Land and Building Division]. (1947, July 21). In 冯衍将 the Victoria Dock in Bombay (Mumbai) campaign for Northern Burma, 1943–1944: Rare 军珍藏资料 [Documents of Major-General Feng Yee]. on 14 April 1944 when a fire set off two photographs from wartime archives (p. 23). England: Collection of the National Library, Singapore. (Accession huge explosions on board the freighter Pen & Sword Military. (Call no.: RSEA 940.5425910222 no.: B34450839C) 19 DIA-[WAR]) 26 由冯衍逝世谈到医药改进问题 [A discussion on the SS Fort Stikine. The explosion is said to 13 曹剑浪, 2004, p. 845. issues in improving medical science arising from Feng be one of the worst fire-related disasters 14 国民政府军事委员会任职令 [Appointment order by Yee’s demise]. (1948, March 3). 平民医药周报 [People in Indian history. It claimed between 800 the Military Commission]. (1943, February 23). In 冯衍 Medical Weekly], p. 3. (Not available in NLB holdings) 将军珍藏资料 [Documents of Major-General Feng Yee]. 27 冯衍和白崇禧 [Feng Yee and Bai Chongxi]. (2014). 江海 and 1,300 lives, rendered 80,000 people Collection of the National Library, Singapore. (Accession 晚报多媒体数字版 [Jianghai Wanbao multimedia digital homeless and also destroyed 13 other no.: B34450839C) edition]. Retrieved from Jianghai Wanbao website. 48 49 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

Dr Kevin Y.L. Tan is Adjunct Professor at the Fac- history of the Chinese in Singapore and of individuals to be featured in the book. ulty of Law, National University of Singapore, and that these chapters should be written by The two-volume One Hundred Years at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, 4 Nanyang Technological University. He specialises in a Chinese. They had initially approached of Singapore was published by John Mur- Constitutional and Administrative Law, Interna- Dr Lim Boon Keng, but he was too busy ray of London in 1921, but at the time, tional Law and International Human Rights. He has and recommended Song instead. Song’s book was not ready. It was only written and edited over 50 books on the law, history No sooner had Song embarked on in September 1922, while on holiday and politics of Singapore. the work when he realised “the futility in Europe,8 that Song went to England The King’s of attempting to write a historical review to persuade the publisher John Murray or a general survey of the subject which to publish his manuscript. As Song was Ever since it was first published in 1923, would be of any real value to the read- unable to underwrite the cost, he tried to Song Ong Siang’s (1871–1941) One Hundred ers”. 5 It was like, as Song said, “trying fund its publication through subscriptions. Years’ History of the Chinese in Singapore1 to make bricks without straw” and he However, the response was poor and Song ehas been the standard reference text decided that he would instead “compile wrote to inform Reverend William Murray, Chinese on some of Singapore’s early Chinese a chronological history of the Chinese one of his assistants, that there was a likeli- personalities and their contributions. in Singapore”, along the lines of Charles hood the book would not be published.9 Although containing a number of errors Burton Buckley’s An Anecdotal History of Murray then penned an open letter The Life of and not academically referenced with Old Times in Singapore published in 1902.6 to the editor of The Straits Times, urging footnotes, the book is nevertheless used Song saw himself as a compiler rather him to make the book a reality. It is not Sir Song Ong Siang as a primary source of information and than an author. “I do not claim original- clear what happened after this but the was reprinted in facsimile form twice, in ity,” he wrote. His aim, he said, was “to book was eventually published by Novem- 1967 and 1984.2 Although now almost 100 be just a faithful recorder” of events. The ber 1923.10 Each copy was sold for $12, years old, the book is important enough work involved in writing this book took which was more than a month’s wages that an annotated version was published Song and his two research assistants over for most Chinese in Singapore at the time. online in 2016 and in print earlier this year three years. They were also assisted by The Singapore Free Press published by the National Library Board and World members of the Straits Chinese Reading a long, glowing review of the book and Scientific Publishing. Club – especially Lim Seng Kiang, Tay Ah opined that every “European house of Given its significance, it is remarkable Bee, Cheang Peng Moh, Tan Kim Moh and business should possess a copy”. It added, to think that if not for a series of events, Lee Peng Yam – who devoted “their Satur- rather presciently, that it would make a this book might never have come into day afternoons, for many months, at the “unique gift” to “the present generation being at all: Song was not the person Raffles Library, poring over” back issues of Chinese and to generations yet to be originally identified to write the book; of local English-language newspapers.7 born”.11 A review in the Birmingham Post – in fact, it was not meant to be a book in In addition to scouring old newspa- republished in The Singapore Free Press in the first place but a small part of a larger pers, Song also asked a number of individu- January 1924 – was less laudatory, calling book. And even after completing all the als – most notably William Makepeace, the book “not so much history as the raw research and writing – an effort that took John Anderson (of Guthrie & Co), and the material for history”.12 more than three years – financial issues Reverends J.A. Bethune Cook and William For a “compilation” of this scale – threatened to scuttle its publication. For- Murray – to provide character sketches focused as it was on the elite, wealthy, tunately, all the obstacles were eventually overcome, and the book finally saw light of day – much later than planned, much longer than expected but much richer than it would have been otherwise. One Hundred Years’ History of the Chinese in Singapore sprang from an effort to commemorate the centenary of Singapore’s founding with a book. The editors of what would be a two-volume anthology entitledOne Hundred Years of Singapore3 originally thought that the book should have two or three chapters on the

(Facing page) A painting of Song Ong Siang by J. Wentscher, 1936. Courtesy of National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board. (Right) The title page of Song Ong Siang’s One Hundred Years’ History of the Chinese in Singapore (1923). The frontispiece features a photo of Song and his wife, Helen Yeo Hee Neo, after he was conferred Song Ong Siang was the first local-born barrister and the the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order first person in Malaya to receive a knighthood. Kevin Y.L. Tan of the British Empire (KBE) in 1936. The photo was taken by Hills & Saunders in Cambridge during recounts the extraordinary life of this Peranakan luminary. their European vacation.Collection of the National Library, Singapore. (Accession no.: B20048226B).

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An Unconventional Prelude School (later Raffles Institution), and then (or leader) – for the first time in 1883. Song Hoot Kiam, father of Song Ong Siang. Hoot Kiam Road in Singapore is named after him.Image If all that Song had achieved was to pro- became a cashier with the Peninsular and In all, he won the scholarship a record reproduced from Song, O.S. (1923). One Hundred duce this seminal work, his reputation Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) five times at RI. Beyond his academic Years' History of the Chinese in Singapore (p. 78). would be secure. But Song was much for 42 years until his retirement in 1895. talents, Song’s leadership abilities were London: John Murray. Collection of the National more than just the compiler of One In 1870, upon the death of his first wife, apparent and he was made Head Boy (or Library, Singapore. (Accession no.: B20048226B). Hundred Years’ History of the Chinese in Hoot Kiam, then 40, married Phan Fung Head Prefect) in 1886.20 Singapore. He was a man of great talent Lean, who hailed from a Christian family in That year, when he was just 15, Song and intelligence – the first local-born bar- Penang. Their first child, Song Ong Siang, sat for the High Scholarship examination. rister and lawyer, and the first person in was born on 14 June 1871. Song had at This scholarship (renamed the Queen’s Malaya to be knighted. Song was also a least one elder half-brother, Song Ong Scholarship in 1890) had been initiated prominent leader of the Straits Chinese Boo, from his father’s first marriage, of by Cecil Clementi Smith, Governor of the community and the Presbyterian Church which practically nothing is known, and a Straits Settlements, who held the view on Prinsep Street. younger brother, Song Ong Joo. In 1878, that promising local boys be given the Although we do not know when Song entered Raffles Institution (RI),19 opportunity to complete their studies Song’s forebears first arrived in Malaya which, at the time, provided both primary in England. Smith persuaded the govern- from Fujian province in China,17 Walter and secondary education. ment to set aside £400 annually for two Makepeace, who wrote the foreword to When he was 12, Song was awarded Higher Scholarships. Song’s book, mentioned that Song was a the Guthrie Scholarship – given out to the Song topped the list of examinees fifth-generation Straits Chinese.18 Song’s top Chinese pupil of the year, the Dux while J.A. dos Remedios came in second, father, Song Hoot Kiam, was born in 1830 followed by Charles Spence Angus and and had studied in Melaka, Singapore and A group of Queen’s Scholars. Back row from left: James Aitken. Song and dos Remedios Hong Kong before receiving an education James Aitken (1886), Charles Spence Angus (1886), were disqualified as Song was under- in Scotland where the plan was to groom P.V.S. Locke (1887) and Dunstan Alfred Aeria (1888). aged and dos Remedios was not a British him to become a missionary who would Seated on the ground: Lim Boon Keng on the left subject by birth. Instead, Angus and later serve in China. (1887) and Song Ong Siang on the right (1888). Photo Aitken – both also RI students – were by the Straits Photographic Studio in Singapore. Image ­English-educated Straits Chinese This was not to be. On returning awarded the scholarship. Song and dos Members of Prinsep Street Church, c. 1920s. Song Ong Siang is in a dark jacket in the middle of the front row (with reproduced from Song, O.S. (1923). One Hundred his wife on his right). Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. ­community13 – the book has survived to Singapore in 1849, Hoot Kiam briefly Years' History of the Chinese in Singapore (p. 224). Remedios did, however, win the Local remarkably well. As historian Paul Wheat- joined the Singapore Institution Free London: John Murray. Collection of the National Government Scholarships of $180 and ley noted in his review of the 1969 reprint, Library, Singapore. (Accession no.: B20048226B). $120 respectively in 1886.21 of just over £16. As Song had to pay tax worshipped regularly at the Straits Chi- the book is about affluent Chinese with A year later, Song topped the cohort on his scholarship and remit £5 a month nese Presbyterian Church (the former similar backgrounds to Song’s, and “there yet again but was again disqualified for to the Crown Agents who provided the Malay Chapel; present-day Prinsep Street is practically nothing about the tens of being underaged since he was not yet 16 advance of £150 for his Middle Temple Presbyterian Church) and soon took on thousands of coolies who pulled the rick- at the time of the examination. In 1888, entrance fee, he was left with very little the role of a voluntary preacher. At the shas, laboured in the gambier bangsals, Song topped the examination a third time to live on. Relief came from the first end of 1893, the 22-year-old Song was worked on building construction, or served and was finally awarded the scholarship. prize of 100 guineas that he had won in elected President of the Chinese Christian in the shops in Singapore”.14 He had initially wanted to study medicine 1889 for Constitutional Law and Private Association which his father Hoot Kiam That said, social historian James as he was much impressed and inspired International Law at Middle Temple. A had founded in 1889.25 Song served in Warren noted that while one had to by Lim Boon Keng’s accounts of life as a year later, he won another 100 guinea- this capacity until his death almost 50 search through the index carefully “for the medical undergraduate at the University prize for Jurisprudence and Roman Law. years later. fragments of the life stories of ‘faceless’ of Edinburgh (Lim had been awarded With these additional funds, Song Song was later appointed Secretary coolies who did the difficult [and] dirty the scholarship in 1887, in place of the decided he could read for a law degree of the Deacons’ Court and succeeded work of building and binding a nation”, disqualified Song). and enrolled at Downing College at the his father as one of the church’s three Song nonetheless “encyclopaedically However, Song changed his mind University of Cambridge in 1890. There, Elders when Hoot Kiam passed away records more information about ordinary after reading about the exploits of Chan- he received an honourable mention in on 7 October 1900.26 Between 1908 Chinese in Singapore than most earlier Toon, the brilliant Burmese law student the Whewell Scholarship competition in and 1916, Song also edited the church’s works in Chinese”.15 who bagged all eight principal prizes at International Law and topped the Second monthly magazine, Prinsep Street Church In 2016, I completed an annotated Middle Temple. With his £200 scholarship Class of Part I of the Law Tripos in 1892. Messenger.27 Song preached regularly in e-book version of this work,16 which was money, Song headed for Middle Temple But Song won no further prizes after Malay and was a much-loved and hon- subsequently released in print in March in London. Right up to the 20th century, this and his financial position became oured member of the church. this year. As Song did not offer detailed one could qualify as a lawyer without a precarious. His former RI schoolmate, In March 1930, Song laid the foun- references to his sources in his book, university degree. All an aspiring student Robert Frederick McNair Scott, urged dation stone for the church’s new build- the annotations attempted to trace the needed was to read at one of the four his father, Thomas Scott (of Guthrie & ing, which opened in February 1931.28 sources Song used and reference them for Inns of Court22 and pass the Bar exami- Co), to provide Song with some financial He served the church faithfully and the modern reader. With the help of two nations. This was precisely what Song assistance. In June 1893, Song graduated conducted services until a few months other editors and a team of researchers, planned to do. with Second Class in Part II of the Law before his death in 1941. we verified facts, especially dates and After arriving in England in 1888, Tripos, and in the same month was called details, and made notes of discrepancies Song met up with his former RI principal, to the English Bar at Middle Temple.24 His Life as a Lawyer and errors, all of which are recorded in the Richmond William Hullett, who arranged On 20 March 1894, William John Napier, footnotes. These annotations will hopefully for an old friend, W. Douglas Edwards – a Return to the Colony who later became Attorney-General of enhance the book’s value as a research tool property law expert – to tutor Song for Song returned to Singapore in October the Straits Settlements, moved a petition and reference work for future generations a fee of five guineas23 a month. This fee 1893 and immediately became active for Song to be called to the Singapore Bar. of researchers and readers. came out of Song’s monthly allowance in the local scene. Like his father, Song One week later, Song was admitted to the 52 53 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE Advancing Singapore’s Straits 15 Warren, J. (1985, December). Book review: Singapore Bar, the first Chinese barrister Song also helped establish the Committee. He was instrumental in estab- Presbyterian Church on Prinsep Street. One Hundred Years’ History of the Chinese in to do so.29 Chinese Community first Chinese Company of the Singapore lishing the Hullett Memento Fund44 and The Union Jack-draped coffin was then Singapore. The American Historical Review, 90 (5), Song reconnected with his former Beyond his legal and church work, Song Volunteer Infantry in November 1901 the Hullett Memorial Library at Raffles placed on a gun carriage and conveyed 1259–1260, p. 1260. Retrieved from Oxford University Press website. Raffles classmate, James Aitken, and was active in many other civic organisa- and was appointed Sergeant of B Com- Institution (in honour of his former school to Bidadari Cemetery where officers and 16 Song, O.S. (2016). One hundred years’ history of the together they established the law firm of tions and causes. In July 1894, Song and pany. In August 1902, he was among the principal) and in setting up the Friends of non-commissioned officers of the Chinese Chinese in Singapore: The annotated edition (annotated 30 45 by Kevin Y. L. Tan). Singapore: National Library Board. Aitken & Ong Siang. It was a successful his brother-in-law Tan Boon Chin started seven volunteers selected to represent Singapore Society. He was elected as Company formed the guard-of-honour. Retrieved from BookSG. partnership, and both senior partners a daily newspaper in Romanised Malay the Company in the Straits Contingent president of the latter and remained in Three volleys were fired and six regi- 17 According to Lee Guan Kin, Song’s ancestry can be appeared regularly in court represent- called Bintang Timor (“Star of the East”). at the coronation of King Edward VII in office until his death in 1941. mental buglers sounded the last post.49 traced to Nanjing county in Fujian. See Lee, G.K. (2012). Song Ong Siang (p. 1009). In L. Suryadinata ing clients in all sorts of cases, including Unfortunately, this enterprise ran into London. Song eventually rose to the rank For his public service and contribu- (Ed.), Southeast Asian personalities of Chinese 39 criminal matters. It appears that much of financial difficulties and lasted less than of Captain. tions, Song was made Knight Commander descent: A biographical dictionary, (Vol. 1, pp. Song’s own practice concerned Chancery a year.34 During World War I, Song mobilised of the Most Excellent Order of the Brit- 1008–1100). Singapore: Chinese Heritage Centre & Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. (Call no.: RSING work (which deals with trusts, probate, Undaunted, Song teamed up with Chinese volunteers “to do Guard duty at ish Empire in August 1936, the first 959.004951 SOU) real property and tax).31 Lim Boon Keng to start The Straits Chi- various strategical posts on the island”.40 Singapore-born person to be knighted.46 18 Song, 1923, p. vii. On top of his work at the law firm, nese Magazine: A Quarterly Journal of For his services in the Volunteer Infantry, 19 Song, 1923, p. 243. 20 Raffles Institution. (1886, December 23). The Singapore Song was also Assistant Editor of the Oriental and Occidental Culture in March Song was awarded the Volunteer Long Song’s Personal Life Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, p. 5. Retrieved from Straits Settlements Law Reports from 1897; the inaugural issue sold 800 cop- Service Medal in 1922 and the Volunteer On 29 September 1907, when Song NewspaperSG. 1894 to 1899. ies.35 This was the first English-language Officer’s Decoration in 1924. was 36 years old, he married Helen 21 Notes. (1886, October 16). The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, p. 4. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. During Aitken’s absence from Singa- magazine published by the Straits-born Song was also a strong advocate Yeo Hee Neo (the second daughter of 22 The four inns of Court are Middle Temple, Inner Temple, pore between 1914 and 1919, Song ran and targeted at the educated Straits-born of the welfare of women in Singapore. Yeo Poon Seng, a well-known sawmill Gray’s Inn and Lincoln’s Inn. To be called to the English Bar Aitken & Ong Siang single-handedly.32 community who needed “a medium for Through his influence as a member of the owner), who was 16 years his junior.47 It and practise as a barrister in England and Wales, a person must belong to one of these inns. Following Aitken’s death in 1928, Song the discussion of political, social and 1926 Chinese Marriage Committee, he was an arranged marriage and the first 23 At the time, a guinea was equivalent to 1 pound and 1 became the doyen of the Singapore Bar. other matters affecting the Straits people pushed for reforms that resulted in the Chinese military wedding to be held in shilling; 20 shillings made up a pound. 36 24 Song, 1923, pp. 244–245. When he died in September 1941, his generally”. The magazine was in circula- Civil Marriage Ordinance of 1941 which the Straits Settlements. The couple had 25 Chinese Christian Association. (1893, September 9). The wife petitioned to appoint C.H. Koh as tion until December 1907 when it folded imposed monogamy on non-Muslim no children of their own but adopted Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, p. 2. receiver and manager to carry on the due to the “lack of financial support”.37 marriages registered under the law.41 three daughters.48 While his father One Hundred Years’ History of Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 26 Death. (1900, October 8). The Straits Times, p. 14. affairs of the firm until the end of 1941 Song, Lim Boon Keng and two other He also founded the Singapore Chinese Hoot Kiam lived in the heart of town, the Chinese in Singapore: The An- Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 33 when the firm was dissolved. senior Straits Chinese notables – Tan Girls’ School in 1899 with Lim Boon Keng at 60 North Bridge Road, Song and his notated Edition is available for 27 Song, 1923, p. 248. Jiak Kim and Seah Liang Seah – founded and other prominent Chinese leaders.42 family lived at 322 East Coast Road in reference at the Lee Kong Chian 28 Untitled. (1930, March 3). The Malaya Tribune, p. 8. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. the Straits Chinese British Association In November 1919, Song was Katong, the favoured hub of wealthy Reference Library and for loan 29 Roll of Advocates and Solicitors Singapore: 1852–1968 (SCBA; predecessor of today’s Peranakan appointed Acting Chinese Unofficial Straits Chinese families. at selected public libraries (Call (Supreme Court Library, Singapore). Association) on 17 August 1900. Tan Jiak Member of the Straits Settlements After a brief illness, Song died at nos.: RSING 959.27 SON-[HIS] and 30 Song, 1923, p. 245. 31 ‘Knight without fear & without reproach’. Morning Kim was elected the first President of Legislative Council for two months, and home on 29 September 1941 at the age SING 959.57 SON-[HIS]). The book Tribune, p. 6. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. the association, with Song as Secretary.38 then again from February to August 1921. of 70. The funerary church service was also retails at major bookshops in 32 Song, 1923, p. 247. By establishing the SCBA, the Straits When Lim Boon Keng left Singapore conducted by Reverend T. Campbell Singapore. 33 Untitled. (1941, October 2). The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, p. 5. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Chinese would now have a voice as they for China in October 1921 to become Gibson at Song’s beloved Straits Chinese 34 Trocki, C.A. (2006). Singapore: Wealth, power and the demonstrated their loyalty to the British the President of Amoy University, Song culture of control (p. 60). London; New York: Routledge. Crown. Thus they became known as replaced him as Unofficial Member of Tan donated a collection of 43 postcards to the National (Call no.: RSING 959.5705 TRO-[HIS]) NOTES Library Board in memory of their father, Tan Kek Tiam. 35 The National Library of Singapore holds the complete 11 the “King’s Chinese”, distinct from the the Legislative Council. Except for a two- 1 Song, O.S. (1923). One hundred years’ history of Tan was married to Song Siew Lian, the adopted daughter volumes of the magazine, which was published four times rest of their Chinese kin in their dress, year break, Song held this post until his the Chinese in Singapore. London: John Murray. of Mr and Mrs Song Ong Siang. See Ong, E.C. (2017, Oct– a year – in March, June, September and December. language and attitudes. retirement in October 1927.43 (Accession no.: B02956336A) [Note: For the purposes Dec). Mr Song’s European Escapade. BiblioAsia, 13 (3). 36 The “Straits Chinese Magazine”. (1897, March 31). The of this article, references to Song’s classic book will Retrieved from BiblioAsia website. Straits Times, p. 3. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. be to the original version.] 9 Murray, W. (1922, October 11). History of the Chinese 37 Song, 1923, p. 296. Other Public Contributions 2 The first reprint was by the University of Malaya Press in community. The Straits Times, p. 10. Retrieved from 38 Straits Chinese British Association. (1900, August 18). The 1967. The second facsimile reprint was undertaken by NewspaperSG. Straits Times, p. 2. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Song was also President of the Straits Oxford University Press in 1984. 10 Chinese in Singapore. (1923, November 23). The Malaya 39 Song, 1923, p. 246. Chinese Literary Association and the Old 3 Although the book was meant to commemorate Tribune, p. 6. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 40 Song, 1923, p. 247. Boys’ Association of Raffles Institution, Singapore’s centenary in 1919, it was only published 11 The Chinese in Singapore. (1923, November 27). The 41 "One of greatest Straits Chinese". (1941, September 30). two years later in 1921. See Makepeace, W., Brooke, Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, p. 7. The Straits Times, p. 14. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. as well as Honorary Member of the G.E., & Braddell, R.S.J. (Eds.) (1921). One hundred years Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 42 Singapore Chinese Girls’ School. (1899, April 24). The Rotary Club. of Singapore: Being some account of the capital of the 12 The review is reproduced in The Chinese in Singapore. Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, p. 1. He also served on the Raffles Straits Settlements from its foundation by Sir Stamford (1924, January 16). The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Raffles on the 6th February 1819 to the 6th February Advertiser (Weekly), p. 7. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 43 Sir Ong Siang Song dies. (1941, September 29). Morning Museum and Library Committee and the 1919 (Vols. I and II). London: John Murray. (Call no.: 13 The term “Straits Chinese” refers to the Malayan-born Tribune, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Governor’s Straits Chinese Consultative RCLOS 959.51 MAK) Chinese of the 19th and early 20th centuries. They are 44 Presentation to Mr Hullett. (1906, September 28). Eastern 4 Song, 1923, p. vii. also called Peranakan Chinese or Baba, although the Daily Mail and Straits Morning Advertiser, p. 3. Retrieved 5 Song, 1923, p. ix. latter term refers mainly to Peranakan men. Peranakan from NewspaperSG. (Above left)The plaque mounted on the facade of 6 Song, 1923, p. ix; See Buckley, C.B. (1902). An anecdotal women are called nonya. During the colonial era, the 45 “Friends of Singapore” Society. (1937, June 29). Morning the Prinsep Street church states that the foundation history of old times in Singapore: From the foundation Straits Chinese were also known as the King’s Chinese Tribune, p. 8. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. stone was laid by Song Ong Siang on 5 March of the settlement under the honourable the East India in reference to their status as British subjects after the 46 Long and brilliant career of Sir Ong Siang Song. (1936, August 25). The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile 1930. Like his father, Song was a much-loved and Company, on February 6th, 1819, to the transfer of the Straits Settlements became a Crown colony in 1867. The Colonial Office as part of the colonial possessions of the Peranakans speak a version of Malay, called Baba Malay, Advertiser, p. 9; Malaya’s first Chinese knight. (1936, honoured member of the church. Today, the church Crown on April 1st, 1867 (Vols. I and II). Singapore: Fraser which has borrowed many Hokkien words and phrases. January 5). Sunday Tribune (Singapore), p. 2; Mr Small’s is known as the Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church. & Neave. (Call no.: RCLOS 959.57 BUC) Their cuisine also reflect Malay influences. See National address. (1936, August 25). Morning Tribune, p. 1. National Library Board, Singapore. 7 Song, 1923, p. x. Library Board. (August 26, 2013). Peranakan (Straits Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 8 Song Ong Siang and his wife Helen embarked on a Chinese) community written by Jaime Koh. Retrieved from 47 Song, O.S. (1984). One hundred years’ history of the (Left)The Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church with 10-month extended holiday in Europe on 24 March 1922, Singapore Infopedia. Chinese in Singapore (p. xi). Singapore: Oxford University its distinctive red-brick facade and a sloping roof returning only on 25 January 1923. Accompanying them 14 Wheatley, P. (1969, February). Book review: One Hundred Press. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 SON-[HIS]) with a belfry at the front, 2003. The church was were Helen’s sister and her husband, Tan Soo Bin. During Years’ History of the Chinese in Singapore. The Journal 48 Song, 1984, p. xii. previously known as the Straits Chinese Church. their trip, the Songs wrote many postcards to family of Asian Studies, 28 (2), 402–403, p. 403. Retrieved from 49 Funeral service. (1941, October 1). The Morning Tribune, National Library Board, Singapore. members back in Singapore. In 2017, Dorothy and Joyce JSTOR via NLB’s eResources website. p. 15. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.

54 55 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE MILESTONES TO THE METRIC SYSTEM Prior to the 1970s, Singapore used three different systems of weights and measures. Shereen Tay traces how we transitioned to the metric system.

A metric information stall set up at Circuit Road Market to educate residents during the Zonal Metric Educational Programme for the MacPherson constituency in 1979.Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.

When people in Singapore reminisce is now commonly used worldwide, it specialised sectors such as engineering also found the metric system easier to “As Singapore’s economy is very LOCAL UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS about a time when life was simpler, it was not the case in Singapore before and science.3 learn compared with other systems of much dependent on developments is unlikely that they would be referring the 1980s when the Imperial System The metric system was first weights and measures. Commercially, outside the country, we must The traditional units of weight in Malaya wto how they measured things. Until the reigned supreme. This meant using adopted in France in the late 18th industries would enjoy cost savings move in step with the metricating were tahil, kati and pikul. 1970s, if you were buying cooking oil, units such as inches, feet and miles century and, over time, gained accep- because they would not have to pack- world… It is impossible to expect for instance, you would be juggling for length; roods and acres for land tance around the world (the United age the same product for different housewives, amahs, or hawkers to 16 tahils = 1 kati three different systems of measure- area; fluid ounces, pints and gallons States being a major exception). In systems.5 change overnight their familiarity 100 katis = 1 pikul ment: metric, Imperial and local. for volume; and ounces, pounds and 1965, the United Kingdom announced In November 1970, the Ministry with customary units of measures... Baey Lian Peck, Chairman of the stones for weight.2 that it would begin metrication, which of Science and Technology submitted There must be a long period of... 1 tahil = 37.8 grams Singapore Metrication Board during its Co-existing with these two systems sparked similar moves from other a White Paper recommending that Sin- education to orientate the public 1 kati = 600 grams (approximate) existence from 1971 to 1981, recalled were local units of measurement such Commonwealth countries such as gapore convert to the metric system in towards the new system.”7 1 pikul = 60 kilograms (approximate) that at one point, “[cooking oil] was… as the kati, tahil and pikul for weight, Australia and New Zealand. “[B]y 1969, carefully planned stages, starting with sold in 36 different sizes and quantities, and chupak and gantang for volume. 90 percent of Singapore’s external government departments, followed by The Singapore Metrication Board was For volume, the traditional units of believe it or not. Rival brands [were] trade was with countries that were the private sector.6 formed on 13 December 1970, with Baey measurement were gantang (equiva- packed in gallons, fluid ounces, pounds, Why Metric? either already using the metric system To “guide, stimulate and co-ordi- as chairman. A businessman who joined lent to 1 Imperial gallon or about 4.5 litres, kilograms, and kati”.1 The British Imperial System was intro- or committed to conversion to the nate the metrication programme, the public service in his late 30s, Baey was litres) and chupak. The metric system, also known as duced during the colonial era when system,” said Baey.4 particularly in the private sector”, the then Chairman of the Trade General Com- the International System of Units (SI), measurements such as gallons, ounces, After Singapore gained indepen- White Paper proposed that a Met- mittee of the Singapore Manufacturers’ 1 gantang = 4 chupak uses units like the metre, the gram pounds, feet, inches and yards were dence in 1965, the government felt rication Board be set up under the Association and a member of several other and the litre. Although this system used in the public and commercial sec- that moving to metric was necessary as auspices of the Ministry of Science boards. The Singapore Metrication Board REFERENCE tors and in the markets. Local units of the market for goods based on metric and Technology. Speaking in parlia- included representatives from major Lim, L. (2018, January 18). How catty and tael entered chupak gantang the English language, along with picul, mace and Shereen Tay is an Associate Librarian with the measurement such as , , measurements would increase over ment while introducing the legislation economic, industrial and professional candareen – Asian weight measurements. South National Library, Singapore. She is part of the tahil, kati and pikul were common in the time. The metric system also had other to implement metrication, Toh Chin organisations to ensure that the decisions China Morning Post. Retrieved from South China team that oversees the statutory functions of the retail trade. The metric system, on the advantages: it was decimal-based and Chye, then Minister for Science and of the board reflected the consensus of all Morning Post website. National Library Board, in particular, web archiving. other hand, was used rarely, mainly in thus made computation easier. Children Technology, said: the organisations represented.8 56 57 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

Two bills were subsequently passed when billing consumers for water usage. completely by 1975. By the end of 1973, in February 1971 to formalise the use Similarly, the adoption of the metric most of the public sector had completed of the metric system in Singapore: the system by the Housing and Development its conversion to the metric system, with Metrication Bill (1970), which introduced Board (HDB) would spur the construction the exception of those who had close the International System of Units (SI industry to follow suit.10 workings with the private sector.11 units), and the Weights and Measures The metrication of water usage The private sector generally sup- (Amendment) Bill, which legalised the and gas billing began in 1971. For road ported metrication but there were usage of SI units.9 transport, speed limit signs in metric were challenges. Progress was slower for put up along major expressways in 1972 companies that had overseas parent Public Sector: Miles Ahead and all new cars imported into Singapore headquarters or dealt primarily in inter- The public sector set the pace for adopt- came pre-installed with speedometers in national markets. Among the holdouts ing the metric system because any metric units the following year. were companies in the oil rig building changes implemented by government Postal weight was metricated in industry. Many were headquartered in departments and statutory bodies would 1972. In education, the metric system was the US and were, therefore, still using cause ripple effects in the private sector used exclusively in the Primary School Imperial units. Civil aviation also lagged and among the general population. All Leaving Examination for mathematics behind because it was dependent on households in Singapore, for example, and science from 1973, while plans were the international regulatory bodies to would be affected when the Public Utili- made for secondary schools and tertiary convert to metric first.12 ties Board converted to the metric system institutions to switch to the metric system The most resistant industry was the retail trade which consisted of mul- tiple players such as foreign exporters, importers, wholesalers, retailers and, most importantly, the general public. Because of the challenges, the Singapore Metrication Board decided to implement A fishmonger using adaching , 1960s. The daching was used to weigh items in pikul, kati and tahil. Metrication in Singapore made the traditional measuring the changes in stages starting with a scale obsolete. Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. period of voluntary conversion followed by a mandatory changeover.13 the board produced conversion tables Public Education and Malay were submitted by 28 schools. Very early on, the board realised that rounded downwards instead.16 By The government mounted a public cam- Eventually, six winning plays were recorded that the packaging of commodities had 1978, a survey found that 93 percent paign on metrication. In 1976, the Sin- by Radio and Television Singapore (RTS) and to be addressed. Surveys revealed that of textile sellers were willing to sell in gapore Metrication Board organised an broadcast as a special programme on the for some commodities such as cooking metres when requested by customers. Inter-School Metric Drama Competition eve of National Day in 1976.19 oil, the same item and quantity were Vegetable sellers, however, were for secondary students. The competition Riding on the success of the Inter- sold in various sizes. This was confusing more recalcitrant. The same survey required participating teams to write and School Metric Drama Competition, in for consumers and also uneconomical found that 30 percent of stallholders still produce short plays based on a metric 1977, the board and RTS jointly produced for suppliers since the latter had to refused to sell in kilograms. One of the theme. A total of 31 plays in English, Chinese Telemetric, a bilingual family television carry a wide range of the same stock. To main reasons was the unwillingness to address this, the board worked closely learn, with one vegetable seller complain- with respective industries to adopt a ing, “I am too old to change and I think tion was visible to consumers, and the range of ideal sizes for consumer goods it is easier to use the daching.” Market THE DEATH OF THE DACHING counterweight was immovable. like soft drinks, milk powder, rice, ice- stallholders, in general, also wanted to The introduction of metrication in In 1972, Baey arranged for the cream, bread, instant coffee, shampoo, shift the responsibility of adopting metric Singapore spelt the end of the Chi- importation of 20,000 saucer scales toothpaste and detergent.14 to wholesalers and suppliers; nobody nese daching.1 The daching allowed and announced that retailers had to But not all retail sectors were wanted to be the first to change.17 retailers to cheat easily because either use the saucer scale or the new cooperative. Although the textile sector It was also not easy convincing the they could switch to using a lighter metric daching. “As we expected, most had agreed to use metric from 1972, general public to switch to the metric In the 1970s, the Singapore Metrication Board counterweight. And because the bar of them opted for saucer scale,” he the board noticed that they were still system. A survey conducted in 1975 published a variety of posters with different themes to hung away from customers’ view, the said. “This scale is easier to use than importing and selling fabrics by the showed that 52 percent of homemak- educate the public on the new metric system. Posters buyer would not be able to see if the the cumbersome new metric daching in four languages were displayed at government yard in 1974. This was in part due to ers still had not heard of metres and scale had been correctly calibrated. that had furthermore been stripped departments, schools, offices, factories, bus stops confusion and misinformation in the kilograms. The majority of them were Anticipating major resistance if of all the ‘advantages’ to the retailer. and even in coffee shops to reach out to as many marketplace. In a 1976 news report, a older, not well-educated and did not people as possible. Think Metric, Use Celsius and Think they forced people to switch to the With this, the traditional Chinese dach- stallholder in Tiong Bahru Market said work. To protect the public from being Metric, Metric is International are from the collection spring-based saucer scale, Baey Lian ing died a natural death in Singapore customers believed that textiles sold by scammed by dishonest retailers, the of the National Library, Singapore (Accession nos.: Peck, the Chairman of the Singapore without any legislation.”2 B21228880I; B15913223D). Learn the Metric Volume the metre were more expensive than board and the Ministry of Science and Metrication Board, asked the Engi- is from the Singapore Metrication Board Collection, those sold by the yard so they would Technology agreed to postpone the neering Department at the University courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. rather shop at stalls still using Imperial compulsory metrication of the retail NOTES of Singapore to design a “fool-proof, 1 The daching is a traditional weighing instrument units. The stallholder added, “They do industry, which was initially scheduled consisting of a beam, a pan suspended on one end of non-cheatingdaching ” based on the not realise that one metre is three inches for 1 January 1976. Instead, retailers the beam and a counterweight on the other end. metric system. The metric daching set 2 Ooi, K.B. (2013). Serving a new nation: Baey Lian more than one yard. Since then I’ve were required to sell in metric if custom- the bar horizontal when the correct Peck's Singapore story (p. 52). Singapore: Institute reverted to tagging my goods in imperial ers requested to ensure that the public of Southeast Asian Studies. (Call no.: RSING measure was used so that the calibra- units.”15 To assure the public that metri- had more opportunities to practise using 959.5705092 OOI) cation would not lead to higher prices, the metric system.18 58 59 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

series to teach the metric system using quizzes and games. Twelve teams from The Singapore Metrication Board produced two newsletters about registered societies and organisations took metrication. Metrication Digest part. There were also contests and prizes (1971) was printed primarily for for live audiences and home viewers. the industrial, commercial and From 1977 to 1980, the board con- manufacturing sectors, providing up- ducted the Zonal Metric Educational to-date news on technical aspects such as standards, conversions and Programme where staff visited con- programmes for implementation. stituencies and set up metric information Copies were distributed to teachers, stalls at selected markets to educate the trade associations, professional public.20 The board also produced a free institutes and chambers of commerce. magazine in English and Chinese, Our Our Metric Way (1973–1981) was Metric Way written in a simple and light-hearted (available for reference at manner with pictures, cartoons the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library), and articles to educate the general and distributed it to households in various public on metrication. Copies were housing estates. distributed to residents in housing By 1978, surveys revealed that 79 estates across Singapore. Collection of the National Library, Singapore percent of consumers knew about the It’s Happening in Singapore: Weights and Measures is a 13-minute documentary produced by Radio and (Accession nos.: B28825720A and metric system – a huge improvement Television Singapore in May 1971 introducing the public to metric measurements and the benefits of the B17562025F). compared with previous years. However, metric system. This programme can be viewed on Archives Online. Mediacorp Pte Ltd, courtesy of National only 38 percent used metric measure- Archives of Singapore. ments when shopping.21 To complete the metrication process in Singapore, the board legislated standard The Yardstick of Success conversion might affect the calibration sizes of commodities. This was introduced After 11 years, the Singapore Metrication of herbs required for different uses.26 on 1 July 1979 under the Weights and Board was dissolved on 31 December 1981, Although the metric system is widely drive in markets leaves much to be desired. (1978, NOTES December 1). The Straits Times, p. 31. Retrieved from Measures Act for butter, rice, cooking salt, having converted most of the commercial, used in Singapore today, remnants of the 1 Ooi, K.B. (2013). Serving a new nation: Baey Lian Peck's NewspaperSG. plain wheat flour and granulated white industrial and service sectors in Singapore Imperial System remain. Advertisements Singapore story (p. 50). Singapore: Institute of Southeast 18 Singapore Metrication Board. (1975). Metric sugar. The next year, this was extended to metric. Its functions were taken over for private properties often cite the area Asian Studies. (Call no.: RSING 959.5705092 OOI) postponement likely. Metrication Digest, 4 (12), p. 1. 2 Examples: for length, one foot = 12 inches, 3 feet = one Singapore: Singapore Metrication Board. (Call no.: to edible oil, margarine, milk powder and by the Weights and Measures Office in in square feet rather than square metres yard; for volume, one ounce = 1/20 pint, one quart = two RSING 389.152 MD); Singapore Metrication Board. powdered detergent.22 On 1 April 1981, 1982.24 Today, the Weights and Measures (although HDB flats use square metres). pints; for weight, one ounce = 1/16 of a pound, one stone (1975). Metrication date postponed. Metrication Digest, the Weights and Measures (Sale of Goods Office is managed by Enterprise Singapore, The screen sizes for televisions and laptops = 14 pounds. 5 (1), p. 1. Singapore: Singapore Metrication Board. (Call 3 Ministry of Science and Technology. (1970). Report on no.: RSING 389.152 MD) in Metric Units) Order came into effect, whose job is to ensure that a uniform and are still measured in inches instead of cen- a study of the proposed conversion to the metric system 19 Singapore Metrication Board. (1977). Annual report requiring the loose sale of textiles, grocer- accurate system of weights and measures timetres. Likewise, it is not uncommon to in Singapore (p. 2). Singapore: Printed by Lim Bian Han, 1976/77 (pp. 12–13). Singapore: The Board. (Call no.: ies, bean sprouts, noodles, meat products, is used in Singapore.25 find measurements of clothing expressed Govt. Printers. (Call no.: RSING 389.152 SIN); Singapore RSING 389.1520615957 SMBAR); Singapore Metrication Metrication Board. (1976). 3 years of metrication in Board. (1976). Metric Drama Competition finals at seafood products, fruits and vegetables There were two areas that the Singa- in inches. Meanwhile, bars still serve beer Singapore, 1971–1973 (p. 11). Singapore: Singapore National Theatre in July. Metrication Digest, 5 (7), pp. 1, to be conducted solely in metric.23 pore Metrication Board did not convert to in pints and, occasionally, yard glasses. All Metrication Board. (Call no.: RSING 389.15095957 SIN) 4; Singapore Metrication Board. (1976). Metric plays on 4 Ooi, 2013, p. 45. metric: existing property and land leases these cases, however, are very much the television. Metrication Digest, 5 (8), pp. 1, 4; Singapore 5 Ministry of Science and Technology, 1970, pp. 2–5. Metrication Board. (1976). Drama competition results. as these contracts spanned long periods exception. 6 Ministry of Science and Technology, 1970. Metrication Digest, 5(9), pp. 1, 4. (Call no.: RSING of time, and Chinese medicine as the Looking back, Baey Lian Peck con- 7 Ministry of Science and Technology, 1970, pp. 18–19; 389.152 MD) Toh: Change to metric no excuse for profiteering. (1970, 20 Singapore Metrication Board. (1978). Annual report cluded that the measure of success of November 5). The Straits Times, p. 6. Retrieved from 1977/78 (pp. 26–28). Singapore: The Board. (Call Singapore’s metrication was not whether NewspaperSG. A campaign poster produced in 1980. no.: RSING 389.1520615957 SMBAR); Singapore it was implemented, but whether it caused 8 Singapore Metrication Board, 1976, pp. 15–17; Metrication Board. (1979). Annual report 1978/79 Singapore Metrication Board Collection, Metrication Board: Industrialist Baey is appointed (p. 24). Singapore: The Board. (Call no.: RSING disruptions and whether it brought about courtesy of the National Archives of chairman. (1971, January 6). Singapore Herald, p. 4. 389.1520615957 SMBAR) economic benefits to the country. On that Singapore. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 21 Singapore Metrication Board. (1978). Metric awareness score, he had no doubt. “I can proudly say 9 Ooi, 2013, p. 46. up. Metrication Digest, 7 (2), p. 1. (Call no.: RSING 10 Ooi, 2013, pp. 47–48. 389.152 MD) we were quite successful in both these 11 Singapore Metrication Board, 1976, pp. 21–32; Singapore 22 Singapore Metrication Board. (1980). Annual report respects.”27 FOR FURTHER RESEARCH... Metrication Board. (1974). 3 years along the road. 1979/80 (pp. 2, 5). Singapore: The Board. (Call no.: RSING The National Library and National Metrication Digest, 3 (7), p. 1. (Call no.: RSING 389.152 389.1520615957 SMBAR); Singapore Metrication Board. MD); Singapore Metrication Board. (1972). Annual report (1981). Annual report 1980/81 (p. 4). Singapore: The Archives of Singapore are the cus- 1972 (p. 17). Singapore: The Board. (Call no.: RSING (Far left)Metric Conversion Tables is a handy pocket- Board. (Call no.: RSING 389.1520615957 SMBAR) 389.1520615957 SMBAR) 23 Singapore Metrication Board. (1981). Annual report size booklet providing conversions for a variety of todians of Singapore’s published materials and government records. 12 Ooi, 2013, pp. 48–49. 1980/81 (p. 2). Singapore: The Board. (Call no.: RCLOS measurements, such as inches to millimetres, tahils 13 Ooi, 2013, pp. 49–50. 389.1520615957 SMBAR); Singapore Metrication to grams, gallons to litres, and even Fahrenheit to Primary material such as publicity 14 Ministry of Science and Technology, 1970, pp. 37–41; Ooi, Board. (1981, February 20). Weights and Measures Celsius. (Left) A Metric Guide for Consumers provides posters, educational booklets and 2013, pp. 49–50; Singapore Metrication Board. (1977). (Sale of Goods in Metric Units) Order 1981 [Press Annual report 1976/77 (p. 10). Singapore: The Board. illustrations to help consumers learn and visualise in newsletters produced by the Singa- release]. Retrieved from National Archives of metric. For example, 1 kilogram is equivalent to the (Call no.: RSING 389.1520615957 SMBAR); Singapore Singapore website; Deadlines for going metric... (1981, Metrication Board. (1978). Annual report 1977/78 weight of four blocks of butter, and two normal-size pore Metrication Board have been February 17). The Straits Times, p. 11. Retrieved from (pp. 20–21). Singapore: The Board. (Call no.: RSING tomatoes weigh about 100 grams. It also teaches deposited with the two institutions NewspaperSG. 389.1520615957 SMBAR) 24 Metric board to dissolve in year. (1981, February 13). daching consumers how to read a metric and spring and are available to researchers 15 Traders surprised at metric warning. (1976, October 5). The Straits Times, p. 34. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. scale. Both publications were produced in the 1970s. interested in this aspect of Singa- The Straits Times, p. 13. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 25 Enterprise Singapore. (2019, July 16). Weights and Collection of the National Library, Singapore (Accession pore’s economic history. 16 Ooi, 2013, pp. 50–52. Measures Programme – Frequently asked questions. no.: B15913223D). 17 Metric warning to defiant sellers. (1978, August 18). Retrieved from Enterprise Singapore website. The Straits Times, p. 9; Metric system: 80 pc know it 26 Ooi, 2013, p. 53. but... (1978, September 25). New Nation, p. 3; Metric 27 Ooi, 2013, p. 54. 60 61 BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020 VOL. 16 ISSUE 01 FEATURE

In 1835, a second English news- of their respective communities. In the early wreaking havoc on a global scale. This can paper called The Singapore Free Press years, Chinese-language newspapers such take a multitude of forms: from dodgy and Mercantile Advertiser3 (see text box as Nanyang Siang Pau and Sin Chew Jit Poh websites and mobile phone text messages below) entered the scene. In response, the were concerned with the affairs of China,5 circulating unfounded rumours to posts on Singapore Chronicle halved its price and while Tamil Murasu was the vanguard Twitter, Instagram and Facebook containing advertising rates, but to no avail. Barely of the social reform movement that was convincing but deceptive images. There are two years later, the Chronicle folded; its last taking place among Indians in Singapore.6 even insidious deepfake videos capable issue was published on 30 September 1837. Similarly, early Malay newspapers such of tricking even news-savvy viewers into Eight years later in 1845, The Straits Times4 as Jawi Peranakkan7 and Utusan Malayu8 believing what they see. The factors that – the newspaper that most Singaporeans championed the causes of the Malay and drive fake news are equally varied – from are familiar with and the longest-running Muslim communities in Singapore. political propaganda, fraud and financial daily broadsheet – was launched. gain, hatred and malice to simply well- This zone of the exhibition also show- The Story Behind the Story meaning but mindless and ignorant sharing cases non-English-language newspapers Fake news is by no means a new phenom- of falsehoods. that were published in Singapore. These enon, but the internet and the new media One highlight of the exhibition is vernacular newspapers addressed and have added to its exponential rise in vol- the “Fact or Fake?” zone which features promoted the issues, concerns and interests ume and enabled it to spread like wildfire, examples of fake news drawn from real

There is more to news than meets the eye. Mazelan Anuar and Faridah Ibrahim The Singapore Free Press remained in The Singapore Free Press was also give us the scoop on the National Library’s latest exhibition. THE SINGAPORE FREE PRESS AND circulation until 1869. It was relaunched notable for its contributions to the Malay MERCANTILE ADVERTISER in 1884 and, in 1946, it was bought over newspaper scene. In 1907, The Singapore While there are a number of English- by The Straits Times in a move to fend Free Press set up Utusan Malayu,6 the language newspapers in Singapore off competition from a newspaper that Malay edition of the newspaper. Utusan today, The Straits Times is, by far, the had been launched in 1914, The Malaya Malayu became the only Malay newspa- dominant paper. However, it was not Tribune.3 In 1962, The Singapore Free per to be circulated in the Straits Settle- always so. In fact, even though it is Press was eventually merged with The ments and Malay Peninsula after its rival, ­Singapore’s longest-running newspa- Malay Mail and the new entity retained Chahaya Pulau Pinang, folded just a few per, The Straits Times was a latecomer the Malay Mail name. months into 1908.7 to the scene. When it first appeared, The Singapore Free Press is asso- Under its first editor, Mohamed the paper had to compete with an ciated with a number of well-known Eunos Abdullah, Utusan Malayu’s mission earlier newspaper: The Singapore Free names. It was originally set up by a group was to provide the Malay community with Press and Mercantile Advertiser. It was that included lawyer William Napier; an intelligent and impartial view of Malaya a tussle that lasted over a century. architect George D. Coleman; Edward and the world. The Singapore Free Press was Boustead, the founder of Boustead In 1921, the newspaper was sued Singapore’s second English-language and Company; and Walter Scott Lor- for libel by Raja Shariman and Che Tak, newspaper and began publishing on 8 rain, head of Lorrain, Sandilands and assistant commissioners of police in October 1835. The Free Press took its Company. It was relaunched in 1884 the Federated Malay States. The heavy name from the abolition of the gag- by Charles Burton Buckley (author of damages awarded against it proved to be ging act. Prior to 1835, every issue of An Anecdotal History of Old Times in financially crippling and Utusan Malayu a publication in Singapore had to be Singapore 1819–1867 4), who was later ceased operations as a result.8 submitted to the government before it joined by John Fraser and David Neave 1 could be published. With the demise (the co-founders of Fraser & Neave). NOTES of the Singapore Chronicle in 1837, Walter Makepeace (later co-editor of 1 National Library Board. (2005, June 15). The Singapore Free The “Behind Every Story” interactive zone The Free Press remained unrivalled One Hundred Years of Singapore5) was Press written by Thulaja Naidu Ratnala. Retrieved from While rumours, falsehoods and hoaxes have of information (and disinformation) people showcases significant events from Singapore’s Singapore Infopedia website. until The Straits Times was launched a reporter with the paper who rose to 2 National Library Board, 15 Jun 2005. been around since time immemorial, the ad- are presented with from both established history to illustrate how news reporting can create 2 in 1845. become its joint proprietor and editor. 3 National Library Board, 15 Jun 2005. vent of the internet and the proliferation of and new sources of media. different versions of reality. 4 Buckley, C.B. (1902). An anecdotal history of old times wsocial media platforms have accelerated the With this in mind, the exhibition “The in Singapore (Vols. I and II). Singapore: Fraser & Neave, speed at which such news is disseminated News Gallery: Beyond Headlines” was lery will encounter, examines the origins Limited. (Accession nos.: B02966444B; B02966440I) 1 5 Makepeace, W., Brooke, G.E., & Braddell, R.S.J. (Eds.) today. The need to sift fact from fiction is launched in March this year by the National of newspaper publishing in Singapore and (1921). One hundred years of Singapore: Being some all the more important given the volume Library Board. The exhibition, on level 11 of the early players in the scene. account of the capital of the Straits Settlements from its the National Library building, contains six The printed newspaper as we know foundation by Sir Stamford Raffles on the 6th February 1819 to the 6th February 1919 (Vols. I and II). London: John zones, each focusing on a different aspect it today began proliferating in the 17th Murray. (Call no.: RCLOS 959.51 MAK) is a Senior Librarian with the Mazelan Anuar of the news landscape, including one on century with the rise of the modern print- 6 National Library Board. (2014). First issue of Utusan Malayu National Library, Singapore. His research interests the history of newspapers in Singapore. ing press. It took another two centuries (1907–1921) is published. Retrieved from HistorySG are in early Malay publishing and digital librarianship. website. He is part of the team that manages the Malay- before Singapore’s first English-language 7 Roff, W.R. (1972). Bibliography of Malay and Arabic language collection and NewspaperSG. Singapore’s First Newspapers newspaper hit the stands when the Singa- periodicals published in the Straits Settlements and The Singapore Free Press was set up by William Napier, a lawyer; George D. Coleman, the first Old newspapers are treasure troves of pore Chronicle and Commercial Register peninsular Malay states 1876–1941: With an annotated Faridah Ibrahim is Head of Reader Services at the superintendent of public works; Edward Boustead, founder of Boustead and Company; and Walter union list of holdings in Malaysia, Singapore and the United information and are a rich resource for rolled off the press on 1 January 1824. Kingdom National Library, Singapore, where she promotes the Scott Lorrain, head of Lorrain, Sandilands and Company. This is the masthead of the issue dated 19 (p. 6). London: Oxford University Press. (Call no.: academics, researchers and anyone with Francis James Bernard, the son-in-law of November 1835. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. RCLOS 016.0599923 ROF) use of credible sources for research. Her research 8 National Library Board, 2014. interests include information-seeking behaviours an interest in history. “Early Editions”, the Singapore’s first Resident, William Farquhar, and pedagogical approaches. first zone that visitors to The News Gal- was its editor.2 62 63 cqp|_^|_äÉÉÇ=RããKéÇÑ

BIBLIOASIA APR - JUN 2020

At the height of the Michael Fay incident in 1994, The Straits Times deliberately published the opinions of US columnists alongside its own to rebut their arguments. The Straits Times, 8 April 1994. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.

life, such as the supposed collapse of Pung- believe, or search for news that best rein- On a Lighter Note gol Waterway Terraces in Singapore, lynch forces their views and perceptions of the Newspapers are not merely about serious mobs in India who were spurred to action external world. news – they also contain advertisements, by rumours of child abductions and organ Look out for the interactive zone entertainment stories, food reviews, harvesting, anti-immigrant disinformation called “Behind Every Story” which high- photographs, recipes, puzzles, comics and during the Brexit referendum in the United lights significant events from Singapore’s even “Aunt Agony” columns. The zone Kingdom, and investment scams featuring history to illustrate how news reporting “Extra! Extra!” showcases other interest- prominent Singaporeans. The content can create different versions of reality for ing aspects of newspapers. The exhibits is presented in a light-hearted manner different readers. Various news articles, will be regularly updated to highlight dif- through an interactive quiz to engage photographs and video footage have been ferent elements found in newspapers, younger audiences, especially students. combined into a multimedia showcase for with the first instalment on games and While most credible journalists aim visitors to learn about these events and to quizzes such as crossword puzzles, spot to report truthfully, the reality is that no see how they were reported at the time. the ball and sudoku. Subsequent exhibits news article – whether from the traditional The events featured include the fall will look at photojournalism, cartoons or non-traditional media – is completely of Singapore in February 1942,9 the Maria and caricatures, and advertisements. ` free from bias. The political affiliations Hertogh riots in 195010 and Singapore’s There is also a digital station fea- of newspaper owners and the personal separation from Malaysia11 in 1965. j turing electronic newspaper resources opinions of journalists and news editors, More recent events include the Michael v available to library users. Visitors can among other factors, come into play. It Fay saga in 199412 and the decision in browse and search past and current `j is common knowledge that in the end, 2005 to develop two integrated resorts news on NewspaperSG, the National jv readers will believe what they want to in Singapore.13 Library’s online archives of Singapore’s `v newspapers dating back to 1831 as well as other databases that provide access `jv to local and international newspapers. h MESSRS LEE KIP LEE &

“The News Gallery: Beyond Head- lines” is located at the Promenade LEE KIP LIN FAMILY ARCHIVES on level 11 of the National Library Building. Opened between 10am and 9pm daily, admission to this Delve into the Lee Kip Lee and Lee Kip Lin Family Archives – a collection permanent exhibition is free. of family papers from a noted Peranakan family – with Senior Librarian Ong Eng Chuan and Peter Lee (pictured left and right above). NOTES 1 Although in recent years, social media networks such 6 Nirmala, M. (2013, February 9). A champion 12 On 3 March 1994, American teenager Michael The latter is the son of the late Lee Kip Lee, who was the former as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram have made of Tamil causes who raised profile of Indians Fay was sentenced to four months’ jail, six strokes concerted efforts to stem the flow of fake news and here. The Straits Times, p. 7. Retrieved from of the cane and fined S$3,000 for vandalism. His president of The Peranakan Association Singapore. misinformation on their sites. NewspaperSG. case was widely covered by the international 2 National Library Board. (2017). Singapore Chronicle 7 National Library Board. (2016). Jawi Peranakkan media, especially in the US, who considered written by Vernon Cornelius-Takahama. Retrieved written by Thulaja Naidu Ratnala. Retrieved from caning an archaic and barbaric act. The number from Singapore Infopedia website. Singapore Infopedia website. of cane strokes was eventually reduced to four. 3 National Library Board. (2005, June 15). The Singapore 8 National Library Board. (2014). First issue of Utusan Singapore-US relations remained strained for a Free Press written by Thulaja Naidu Ratnala. Retrieved Malayu (1907–1921) is published. Retrieved from number of years after the incident. See National from Singapore Infopedia website. HistorySG website. Library Board. (2009). Michael Fay written by 4 National Library Board. (2016, February 28). The 9 See National Library Board. (2013, July 19). Battle Valerie Chew. Retrieved from Singapore Infopedia Straits Times written by Stephanie Ho. Retrieved from of Singapore written by Stephanie Ho. Retrieved website; New defining moments for Singapore Singapore Infopedia website. from Singapore Infopedia website. (2018, September 24). The Straits Times. Retrieved 5 Kennard, A. (1967, October 2). History of Chinese 10 See National Library Board. (2014, September 28). from The Straits Times website. newspapers in Singapore. The Straits Times, p. 12. Maria Hertogh riots. Retrieved from Singapore 13 The two integrated resorts, which opened in 2010, Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Also see Lee, M. Infopedia website. are Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. is a web series featuring (2020, Jan–Mar). From Lat Pau to Zaobao: A history of 11 See National Library Board. (2018, November). See National Library Board. (2011). Marina Bay rare materials of historical significance in the Chinese newspapers. BiblioAsia, 15 (4). Retrieved from Federation of Malaysiawritten by Lee Meiyu. Sands written by Alvin Chua. Retrieved from BiblioAsia website. Retrieved from Singapore Infopedia website. Singapore Infopedia website. National Library Singapore’s collection.

64 Level 11, National Library Building

Explore the fascinating yet bewildering world of news media at our permanent exhibition.

Discover stories of Singapore newspapers in the National Library’s collection dating from the 1820s and learn about significant episodes from Singapore’s history through the perspectives of different media. Gain valuable insights into fake news and differentiate between what’s real and what’s not.

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