Magazine 1959

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VOL. Ill jt1u111g jf rcc ~cbool ~ aga2int Sub-Editors : 1'Vu11g Peng Chee Oh Hm,y Cho011 Mui Siew Lian General Advisers : illr. Ong Teng Ke011u lifr. U. JJ. Howe Mr. G. S. Reutens President : 'J'/1 c Jfrndmaste.r Hon. Secretary : 1Jia11a om: EDITOR : Kh oo Soo Keat CONTENTS Asst. Secretary : fle,i Az111an Business Manager : Che Oi Men A sst. Business M anagers : Lim Say Chong Ooi Cheng Hnr CJ,eah Eok L im Photographer : Kong Ki11g Clto11a Artist: Ishak bin Hashim EDITORIAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND BOARD OF GOVERNORS SCHOOL REPORTS : School Notes Achievements of the School 1959 - Academic, A thletics and Games, Scouting, Art, Music and Drama Speech Day 1958 The Officia l Opening of the New Wing and the School Exhibition Sports Day 1959 The Bangkok Trip The Kubang Pasu Irrigation Scheme SCHOOL STAFF ROLL OF HONOUR : Higher School Certi ficate Resul ts, 1958 Cambridge School Certificate Results 1958 Successful Candidates i n the 1958 Sixth Form Entrance Exami nation Scholarship Awards, 1958 Prize Winners 1958 W inners of Games Competitions 1958 Annual A th letic Sports Results 1959 LITERARY CONTRIBUTIONS : My Dream .... A Trip to Pulau Jerejak Island An Encounter with the Terrorists "Ang Pow" and the " Nian " Travel - V erse An Early Bi rd Kil ler Shark! M an -Eater! The Beginning of the End A Most M em orable Camping Hol iday .... False Alarm .... Are We Li v ing inside the Earth? The Question - Verse .... The Death of the Sun - Verse The Future .... NO. 5 Pag.::! 1 4 5 9 13 14 15 16 19 25 26 27 27 28 28 29 30 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 3 6 37 38 40 40 42 43 43

Thoughts of an Invalid - Verse At the Turn of the Day - Verse To Mr. Saunderson - An Acrostic The Art of Drowning a Duck On a Malayan Vi llage - Verse They were a Rowdy Group - V erse The " Taboo " of Science .... National language Section : Gajah M engapa Kita Belaj ar? .... Penuntut-Penuntut M e lay u Di-London Padangan O rang-Orang M e lay u Terhadap Pelajaran 'Adat Mandi Safar REPORTS FROM SCHOOL DEPARTMENTS : Board of Prefects 1959 School Societies : The Parnassus Society The Aristotel ian Society The Science Society The P.F.S. Debating Committee The Geographical Society The Histori cal Society The Art Club The Craft Department The Photog raphic Society The Chess Club The Musica l and Dramatic Society The Stamp C!ub Recreational Activities : 1st. Georgetown Senior Troop 7th. Georgetown (S) Boy Scout Troop .... 8th. Georgetown Group .... 8th. Georgetown (P.F.S.) Rov~r Crew Federation of M alaya Air Training Corp s No. 2 (Penang) Squadro n .... Penang Free School A rmy Cadet Corps P.F.S. Athletic Club Physica I Recreation Dep artment School Gardening Club .... Extra Games Department The Judo Club The Boxing Club Th e Gymnastic Squ ad School Games : The Gam es Club Committee Soccer Badminton Cricket Hockey Rugby Football Tennis Swimming HOUSE REPORTS : Cheeseman House Hamilton House Hargreaves House Pinhorn House Wu Lien Teh Hou se NEWS FROM OLD FREES : The O .F.A. Report .... Letter from the University of Malaya SUAMAT DAT ANG : List o f new boys and g irls admitted in 1959 SHAMAT B~RPISAH : List o f boys and girls who left in 1958 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Page 4 .d 46 46 47 48 49 49 52 5 2 53 55 56 58 60 61 62 62 6 3 6 4 65 66 66 6 7 68 69 70 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 7 8 78 79 79 80 80 82 83 8 5 86 87 88 89 90 9 1 92 93 9 4 9 7 98 100 105

SCHOOL ~ ,,. Sitting (L. to R.):-Mr. Lim San Hoe, Miss Grace Wong, Messrs. Tan Teik Headmaster, Mr. J. M. B. Hughes, Messrs. Ong Teng Keong, C. Ponniah. Second Row (L. to R.):-Messrs. Rajendra Nath, Abdul Rash id b. Md. HuKheng Chooi, Eddy Chung, Benedict Fa ir, lskandar Ismail, GohThird Row (L. to R.):-Messrs. P. Nadarajah, Quah Seng Chye, Beh Tei Krishnasamy (Clerical Service), Lye Tong Weng, G. M. Thomasz

STAFF 1959 .1 . - - ' ~ I - l H ~ Hock, Lee Eng Leong, Md. Noor b. Mohammed, D. H. Howe, C. Ganasalingam, Ong Teong Guan, Tan Ah Fee, R. W. S. Davies, W. Williams, Teoh Cheng Hai, ussein, Goon Fatt Chee, Lim Boon Hor, Tan Beng Theam, Tan Boon Soon, Teh h Teong Chye, Khoo Tiang Lim and M. S. R. Ambrose. k Chooi, Surjit Singh Sid!iu, lbrdhim D. Noordin, Hwang Hong Shi, Cheng Hin, z, Moey Chee Khuan, Lim Teng Sun and Ch'ng Eng Kee.

P.F.S. EDITORIAL BOARD 1959 Sitting (L. to R.):-Oh Hong Choon, Khoo Soo Keat (Editor), Mr. D. H. Howe, the Headmaster, Mr. Ong Teng Keong, Mr. G. S. Reutens, Wong Peng Chee, Mui Siew Li.:;n. Standing (L. to R.):-Lim Say Chong, Ben Azman, Ishak Hashim, Diana Ooi, Ooi Cheng Har, Cheah Eok Lim, Che Oi Men and Kong King Chong. P.F.S. BOARD OF PREFECTS 1959 Sitting (L. to R.):-Ong Eng San, Md. Anis b. Isa, Lim Say Chong, Tan Teng Nam (School Captain), Headmaster, M. J. M. B. Hughes, Khoo Soo Keat (Deputy School Captain), Wong Peng Chee (Secretary), Chan Yim Sin (Girls' Prefect). Standing (L. to R.):-Yeo Khee Nam, Lim Wee Keat, Tan Song Kean, Koc Eng Ghee, Lee Hsing Yong, Ong Tat Hin, Chin Wah Seng, Lim Teong Poh, Thong Kar Lum, Chong Soon Khean, Lee Seng Teik, Oh Hong Choon, Lim Chin Te ik, Chan Peng Lau, Md. Khalil, Khoo Yang Beng.

<Ebe ;tRaga~itte of at lJ t Jf r £ £ ~rl1ool Vol. III PENANG, 21st OCTOBER, 1959 No. 5 EDITORIAL Malaya has just entered its third year of independence. Though much has been achieved in these crucial years, more has to be attained before Malaya can proudly say that it has gained recognition in the eyes of the world as a great nation. Vivid memories may still linger in our minds of the momentous occasion when Malaya was acclaimed as the newest independent nation with the accorded pomp and splendour. But to-day we are faced with the more realistic task of national development. We are fully aware that the destiny of Malaya lies in the hands of the elected Government and the heterogeneous population. The main responsibility of the Government is to inculcate into the people a sense of loyalty and national pride; and the duty of the people is to create a harmon£ous working of the machinery of daily life. The government has now assumer! the role of guiding the nation, with a stable and peaceful Malaya as its destination; but the success of such a venture depends on the contributions of every true citizen. Therefore, it should be the salient aim of everyone to work towards the peaceful existence and stability of our young and growing nation. It is undeniably true that th e best initial training grounds for this young generation are the schools and colleges. We, in the Penang Free School, are conscious of the part we shall play in Malaya's future. It is our firm belief that the real meaning of education does not confine itself within the four walls of a classroom. Education, in fact, embraces all the training that is responsible for the mu·turing of 'mens sana in corpore sano'. It is with this idea in mind that the Penang Free School has adopted the principle of playing hard and working hard. The variety of extra-mural activities and games may astound a visitor to the school, but we can assure him that only such a wide range of activities can cater for the diverse tastes of the pupils. The main aim behind such recreational activities is to cultivate in the pupils a spirit of comradeship and sportsmanship, and to keep them away from the gates of gangsterism. Furthermore, the various school societies under the jurisdiction of a newly-formed Society Committee help to bring forth the innate qualities

2 The Penang Free School Magazine ~-----------------------------+- of leadership and integrity in the pupils. The much-improved Ho~se system plays no small part in sowing the seeds of loyalty and a devotion to duty. It is our fervent hope that all this training which is a 'sine qua non' for the development of the personality will stand the pupils in good stead when they leave school for the outside world. We feel certain that with all the facilities provided for the development of the individual, the P.enang Free School can look back and say, in the years to come, that many of the future leaders of Malaya in all walks of life have passed through its portals. The achievements of our predecessors bear testimony to th-e fact that the school is going along the right lines in educating its pupils. The year 1959 brings with it new additions both to the building and to the enrolment, and new laurels to our achievements in the academic as well as in the sporting field. Th-e school has expanded with the opening of the New Extension for Sixth Form education. At present, the New Extension equipped with modern laboratories and an acousticallycorrected lecture theatre accommodates two Upper Six and three Lower Six classes. It seems right to mention at this juncture that the Pinhorn Memorial Library--for the exclusive use of the Sixth Form-housed in the old Art Room is steadily growing and we take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to those people who have, in one way or other, helped with gifts and donations. We can say with pride that the banner of 'the school has been kept flying in the sporting field. We have achieved the very creditable feat of annexing the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Cup for the champion school in the Federation in badminton. A new page has been opened in the histo1·y of the school by the introduction of drama. It has long been felt that drama has not found much popularity in schools. It is with the object of stimulating greater interest in the finer arts of drama that the school has undertaken the task of staging a number of plays; the first production making its debut in mid-September. No efforts have been spared in the production and we await with eager expectation the impact the play has on the public. We hope that it will be met with the approval of many and that the appreciation shown may serve as an impetus to spur us on to greate1· efforts. We feel that drama will find its place among the varied interests of the people eventually, and that the enjoyment and satisfaction derived from drama will take root among the younger generation. This year we are changing the colour of the cover of the magazine itself to a more tranquil blue. It will also be noticed

The Penang Free School Magazine 3 that we have included a brief survey of the students of the Upper Six forms in 1958, as it serves as an easy reference on the activ;ties of the students. We have not reduced th·e number of literary contributions, despite some financial complications, as we feel that this magazine, being the official organ of expression, should arouse more literary aspirations among the pupils. We have devoted a section to contributions in Bahasa Kebangsaan to encourage the use of our National Language. The Penang Free School has a long and glorious history; and the history of the school in 1959 lies in our hands. We shall always bear in mind our bounden duty to uphold the fine ideals, and honour the great name of the school in all spheres of activity. Let ·us strive to maintain the high esteem the school has won, and, if possible, to emulate the feats of the past years. We are indeed fortunate to have as Headmaster, Mr. J. M. B. Hughes, whose tireless energies are a happy augury of greater achievements and successes. We cannot fail in our endeavour if we perform whatever we have to perform with determination and perseverance and in a spirit that is worthy of our motto: ' Fortis atque Fidelis'

4 The Penang Free School Magazine ------------------ --+- PENANG FREE SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1959 Chairman: Memi.ers: The Chief Minister, Penang, the Hon. Dato Wong Pow Nee, P.M.N. Mr. Khoo Sian Ewe, C.B.E., O.B.E., J.P. Dr. Ong Huck Chye, M.B.B.S., M.C.H., J.P. Sir Hussein H. Abdoolcader, Kt. C.B.E. Mr. Koh Sin Hock, O.B.E., J.P. Enche Mohd. Isma il b. Che Mat. The Chief Education Officer, Penang, Mr. W. Burton. The Stdfe Treasurer, Penang, Mr. Khoo Kheam Chuan. Hon. Secretary: The Headmaster, Penang Free School, Mr. J . M. B. Hughe,, M.A. BOARD OF GOVERNORS. 19fi9 Chairman: Mr. Khoo Sian Ewe, C.B.E., O .B.E., J.P. Members: Board of Trustees Representatives Enche Mohd. Ismail b . Che M.it. Sir Hussein H. Abdoolcader, Kt. C.B.E. Old Frees' Association Representatives Dr. Ooi Kee Wan, M.B.B.S. Mr. Yeap Choong Kong. Mr. Saw Choo Theng. Parents' Representatives Mr. Lim Eow Thoon, J.P. Tuan Haji G. M. Yusof. Mr. C. 0 . Lim, M.A., B.Com. Penang Government Representatives The Hon. Mr. Lim Kean Siew, M.A. The Hon. Enche Nyiil< Hashim b . Nyak Puteh, A.M.N. Nominees of the Minister of Education and the Chief Minister, Penang Dr. Lim Chong Eu, M.B., Ch. B. Hon. Secretary Dr. Oh Kim Seng, M.D., M.B.B.S. , F.C.C.P. (U.S.A.), T.D.D., D.C.H .. (Lond .. ) .. The Hon'ble Enche Aziz Ibrahim, J.P. The Headmaster, Penang Free School, Mr. J. M. B. Hughes, M.A.

Pa Chow Hin , inting by Liew Form V ,, STREET ST A LL " / · \~~ , • l I l -~. ~ >~ ~~ .-.e ,,:~ ~ --:i:--- _ - ng Eng, _ _. Pa intin. g b Y Tan Teo Form V

" STILL LIFE " Drawing b y Toh Peng Ewe, Fo rm "HAWKERS" Painting by Ishak b. Hashim, Lower VI Arts.

The Pcnang Free School Magazine :5 ➔--------------------------------------:~ SCHOOL REPORTS SCHOOL NOTES THIRD TERM 1958 Sept. Sth.-Surjit Singh was promoted Senior Prefect and Lim Poh Sim was appointed Girls' Representative. Sept. 1 0th.-Mr. 8. Smith assumed office as Headmaster in place of Mr. J. M. 8. Hughes who acted as Chief Education Officer, Penang. Sept. 26th.-Holiday-Birthday of Prophet Mohammed. Oct. 4th.-Twenty-six volunteers from the school sold flags in aid of the Social Welfare Fund. Oct. Sth .- Elocution Contest: Margaret Lim U6A and Mustapha Shariff 5A tied for first place. Tan Teng Nam L6S was highly commended. The judges were Mr. Dunnill, Principal of the Malayan Teachers' College, Mr. Hughes, Chief Education Officer, Penang, and Miss Wainwright, Principal of the St. George's Girls' School. Oct. 1 1 th.-Prefects' Garr.':!s Day at the St. Xaviers Institution. Oct. l 4th.-The Rotary Club Panel of professional men kindly answered questions on careers and qualifications for jobs. Oct. l 7th.-lnler-House Debate Final: Motion: Money is the root of all evil. Cheeseman beat Hargreaves. lnter-schoo! Hockey at Taiping . School 1st. XI beat King Edward VII School 1-0. Oct. 21 st.-142nd. Anniversary-Annual Speech Opening of the New Extension by Tengku Abdul Rahman. (for report please refer to later pages). Deciding Hockey Match Cup. Old Frees' Association beat the Present Boys. Day. Declaration of the School Annual Exhibition for the Cheah Inn Kiong's Oct. 22nd.- Holiday-given by the Governor. Varie ty Concert presented by the School Drama & Music Group at the School Hall. Items ranged from Pop Hits to humorous sketches. Oct. 2°4th.-lnter-school Hockey. School 1st. XI lost lo Malay College, Kuala Kangsar 1-0. Nov. 3rd.- Lower Cerlific.Jte of Educa1io:, Examination began. Boys from Forms 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 attended the screening of "Sev::n Years in Tibet" at Rex. Nov. 4th.-Eighteen boys from Form 4 were selected to act as temporary Prefects. Nov. 6th.-Nominations Day for the City Council Elections was held in the school.

6 The Penang Free School Magazine Nov. l 0th.-Holiday-Deepavali. Nov. l 3th.-Annual Hockey Match. The Staff drew with the Prefects 2-2. Nov. l 5th.-20th.-Higher School Certificate Science Practical Examinations. Nov. 24th.-Higher School Certificate and Cambridge School Certificate Examinations began. Dec. Sth.-School closed for the December Holidays. Dec. 6th.-Prefects' Day at the Georgetown Secondary SchooL Dec. 8th.-P.F.S. Vth Form Annual Dance. Dec. 11 th.-Two representatives from the school attended the Junior Chamber of Commerce Barbecue Party. FIRST TERM 1959 Jan. l 2th.-School began a new term. Mr. Hughes resumed office as Headmasler. Mr. Smith was transferred to the Georgetown Secondary School. Mrs. Chew Kit Lin, Messrs. Hwang Hong Shi, lskandar Ismail, Ibrahim Noordin, and Benedict Fair joined the staff. Tan Teng Nam was appointed School Captain . Jan. l Sth.-Khoo Soo Kea: was appointed De p. School Captain. The following boys were promoted Senior Prefects:- Khoo Soo Keat, Lim Say Chong, Md. Anis b. Isa, Wong Peng Chee and Ong Eng San. The following boys were installed as Prefecls:-Koe Eng Ghee, Tan Song Kean, Thong Kar Lum, Lim Wee Ke at, Chong Soon Khean, Yeo Khee Nam, Chin Wah Seng, Khoo Yang Seng, Oh Hong Choen, Lim Teong Poh, Lee Hsing Yong, Lim Chin Teik, Ong Tat Hin, Lee Seng Teik and Md. Khalil. Jan. 19th.-House Meeting for the election of House Officials for 1959. Feb. 9th & 1 0th.-Chinese New Year Holidays. Feb. 27th.-Arrival of the Higher School Certificate Results. Mar. 6th.-Annual Cup Match in Soccer. School 1st. XI beat Malay College, Kuala Kangsar 3-2. 3-2. Mar. 7th.-6verseas School Certificate Results were announced. Mar. 25th.-Half holiday for Lower Six in view of the Cambridge results. Mar. 27th.-Holiday-Good Friday. Mar. 30th.-Holiday-Easter Monday. Mar. 31 st.- North Zone Badminton Final. School beat St. Michael Inst. lpoh Apr. 1 st.- Half holiday because of the school's victory at badminton.

The Penang Free School Magazine 7 Apr. 11 th.-North vs. East Zone Badminton Final at Kuala Lumpur. School beat Sultan Mahmud College, Kelantan 5-0. Apr. l 2th.-Agong's Cup Badminton Final. School beat M.B.S., Kuala Lumpur 4-1. May l st.-Penang Novices (under 14) Badminton Tournament. Lim Say Lay took the Boys' Singles Title and partnered Kung Beng Hong to take the Boys' Doubles. Lim Say Chong and Koe Eng Ghee were selected for training in conjunction with the Junior Asian Cup Soccer Tournament. Lee Chong Hoe was selected for centralised trainir,g in preparation for the Thomas Cup Badminton Series. SECOND TERM 1959 May 4th.-School reopened for the Second Term. Mr. Tan Chong Bee retire d to participate in politics. Mr. Ong Teng Keong joined the staff as Economics Master in place of Mr. Ong Poh Kee who w as transferred to the Federal capital. May Sth.-Death of the Sultan of Johore. May l 4th.- l 50 boys from the school attended the Grand Finale of the Rotary Club at S.X.I. Auditorium. May l Sth.-Two boys, Lee Seng Teik and Lim Jin Chua, qualified for the Pengakap Raja Badge (the equivalent of the former Queen's Scout Badge). May 15th & l 6th.-The scfiool Music and Drama Group participated in the Festival of Music and Drama. May 15th & l 9th.-Additional Sports. The following are the final placings in the Sports: 1. Pinhorn & Hamilton, 2 . Wu Lien Teh. May 22nd.- Holiday-Wesak Day. Grand Public Performance given by the various schools. Khoo Soo Ghee was awarded the Arts Council Medal for Merit in the Arts. May 26th & 27th.-Heats for the Annual Athletic Sports. May 30th.-Annual Athletic Sports. 11 records were broken. are the placings of the Houses: 1. Wu Lien Teh, 2. Hamilton, 3. The following Cheeseman. Jun. 1 sl.-Holiday- given by the Governor after the success of the Sports. Jun. Sth.-Vaccination against smallpox was given to the boys and girls. Jun. 11 th.-A Book Exhibition by Donald Moore was held in the school. Jun. l 3th.-Mr. P. Nadarajah joined the staff. Jun. l Sth.-Mrs. Chew went on leave and Miss Grace Wong took her place. Jun. 22nd.-The School Mid-Year Trial Ex.Jminations began. Jun. 23rd.-An officer from tne Federation Military College gave a lecture to those boys interested in joining the Boys and Cadet Wings of the College. Jul. 4th.-The following boys, Lee Chong Hoe, Md. Anis b . Isa and Chi n Wah Seng, represented the Penang Combined Schools against Kedah in Badminton.

8 The Penang Free School Magazine Jul. 7th.-Holiday-First Day of Muharam. Jul. 8th-l 0th.-Penang & P.W. Schools' Sports Council Athletic Meet at the City Stadium. Jul. 1 0th.-Holiday-given by the Headmaster •o celebrate the school's victory in badminton, in the Agong's Cup tournament. Jul. l 3th.-Twelve Indonesian students from Medan paid a visit to our School. Oh Hong Choen and Khatijah Ahmad had lunch with the Medan students and were guests at a reception given by the Indonesian Consul, Penang. Jul. 23rd.-The Cheah Inn Kiong Annual Soccer Match. The School Team beat the Old Frees' Association 5-1 . Jul. 24th-25th.-P.A.A.A. Championships. The School Relay team was second in the 4 x l 10 yards Relay (Schools). Aug. 4th.-Sth.-Special Science Scholarship Examinations for the Upper Six Science boys began. Aug. 6th.-A lecture on 'the Value of Athletics' was given by Prof. H. Shenks of Kansas University to those interested in athletics. A 'Variety Concert' staged by a Malay troupe was performed to the school. Aug. 7th.-School closed for the August holidays. Aug. l 0th.-Federation of Malaya Schools' Sports Council Championships. The following, Baharom Ahmad, Syed Mohd., Goh Hock Swee, Noordin, Hussain Yunus and Ong Eng San, were chosen to represent Pcnang. Aug. 23rd.-D'Arcy Irvine Cup Tournament for Cricket. The School Team emerged champions by beating High School, B.M. THIRD TERM 1959 Aug. 24th.- This was the first day of the Third Term. Aug . 25th.-At the Penang Badminton Championships, Chin Wah Seng & Md. Anis became Junior Doubles runners-up . Aug. 31 st.-Holiday--Merdeka Anniversary. The School wa s represente d in the Garden Party given for children. Sept. l st.-Dato Wong Pow Nee, the Chief Minister, visited the School to speak at the morning Assembly on the significance of Merdeka. The Rotary Club Panel of Professional Men and Women visi!ed the school to help boys and girls in their choice of a career. Sept. 4th.-The First Pe nang Combined Schools Parliamentary Debate at M.G.$. Oh Hong Choon and Shirley Tan represented the School as principal speaker~. Sept. 7th & 8th.-Penang & P.W. Schools' Sports Council Swimming Competitions. Tay Lee Kheng of the School was judged the Class 4 champion. Szpt. 9th.- Tan Teng Nam and Khoo Soo Keat were invited to attend the Rotary Club Luncheon at the E. & 0 . Hotel. Khoo Soo Keat, Editor.

The Penang Free School Magazine 9 ~--------------------------------------~ ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SCHOOL 1959 ACADEMIC Federal Provisional Sixth Form Entrance Examinations 30 of o~r boys were selected for Arts and 21 were selected for Science in the Sixth Form 1959-60 .. Category A Category B Arts Final Placings in the State of Penang Science 2nd 3rd Lee Hsing Yong Tham Cham Kwong Colombo Plan Scholarships 1958 14 16 Category A Category B Science 6th Arts Oh Hong Choon 15 16 The following seven students were awarded Colombo Plan Scholarships in January this year. Ang Thoon Seng-Mechanical Engineering N.Z. Khoo Kay Sar-Mechanical Engineering New Zealand. Lim Kean Huat-Science (Education) New Zealand. Lim Kim Boon-Matriculation leading to Mec!ia_nical Engineering-Australia. Oo Khaik CheangScience (Education) New Zealand. Tan K!ieng Huat-Mechanical Engineering, New Zealand. Thong Kar Cheong-Soil Agriculture, Canada. U.S. I.S. Scholarship Miss Margaret Julia Lim was awarded a U.S.I.S. Scholarship for an Arts Course in the United States. Central Electricity Board Scholarship Lim Ching Hwa was awarded a C.E.B. Scholarship to study Electrical Engineering in the United Kingdom. Federal Scholarships and Bursaries Syed Hashim was awarded a Federal Scholarship for an Economics (Aris) course in the United Kingdom. The following were also awarded Federal Bursaries and Scholarships. Miss Anne Johnson-Arts-University of N,alaya. Miss Lim Poh Sim-Arts-University of Malaya. Rashid E. Mamajiwalla-Arts-University of Malaya. Cambridge School Certificate Examination 1958 passes. The School came out second among the boy's schools in Penang with 74% 22 boys received Division one certificates 46 boys received Division two certificates 37 boys received Division three certificates Pre-University Awards for Malay Boys 14 Malay boys received Pre-Uriiversity S:!-.::ilarships Higher School Certificate Examination 1958 The following students received outstandinJ results:

10 Margaret Julia Lim Lim Poh Sim Oo Khaik Cheang Lim Ching Hwa Further Studies Overseas The Penang Free School Magazine ----·------------!~· Arts (3 Distinctions--1 Credit) (2 Distinctions-1 Credit) Science (2 Distinctions-2 Credits) (2 Distinctions-2 Credits) The following students went at their own expense for further studies abroad. Ponnudurai Jeyasingam intends to pursue an engineering course in the United Kingdom. Chin Pe Leong is taking up Medicine in the United Kingdom. ATHLETICS & GAMES The Penilng & P.W. Vlth Combined Schools' Sports The following boys won certificates: Class I High Jump: 1st. Baharom Ahmad Class II 880 Yards: 3rd Md. Anwar Hurdles: 1st. Syed Mohd. 3rd. Khoo. Har San Long Jump: 1st. Goh Hock Swee Javelin: 3rd. Chin Wah Seng Class Ill 100 Yards Hurdles: 1st. Wong Tuck Meng 2nd. Selvendren 3rd. Ahmad Bakri 4 x 110 Yards Relay: 1st. P.F-.S. team Class IV 50 Yards: 1st. Ridwan 110 Yards Hurdles: 3rd. Ridwan 75 Yards Hurdles: 1st. Lim Boon Check 3rd. Ahmad Fath il Hop, Step & Jump: 2nd. Baharom Ahmad 3rd. Noordin Hassan 4 x 110 Yards Relay: 1st. P.F.S. team 3rd. P.F.S. team 100 Yards: 3rd. Khoo Soc Keat 440 Yards: 3rd. Md. Anwar 440 Yards Hurdles: 3rd. Syed Mohd. Discus: 3rd. Lee Chong San Long Jump: 2nd. Abu Bakar Hop, Step & Jump: 3rd. Loo Hock Guan 4 x 110 Yards Relay: 2nd P.F.S. team 8 x 55 Yards Relay: 2nd P.F.S. team Long Jump: 1st. Ridwan 2nd. Lim Boon Check 220 Yards: 2nd. Mydin Sidek

The Penang Free School Magazine 11 ----------------------------------------:·- SOCCER Combined Schools Soccer Team The following boys were selected to represent the Pcnang Combined Schools:- Lim Say Chong, Md. Anis bin Isa, Koe Eng Ghee, Khoo Yang Beng and lzaham. 1st. Asian Junior Soccer Competition Lim Say Chong and Koe Eng Ghee were selected lo join the Junior Malayan Team in the First Asian Junior Soccer Competition at Kuala Lumpur for the Rahman Gold Cup. Schoolboys Match: North Malaya vs. South Malaya The following boys represented North Malaya:- Lim Say Chong, Koe Eng Ghee and lzaham. Lim Say Chong also played for the Penang State Team against the Japanese National Team. BADMINTON The Agong's Cup Competition The Penang Free School was awarded the Governor's Trophy for being the best school in badminton in Penang. In the final of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Cup the Free School defeated the Methodist Boys' School, Kuala Lumpur, by 4-1 to annex the King's Cup for the best school in badminton in the Federation of Malaya. B.A.M.'s Ceniralised Training Scheme Lee Chong Hoe was selected to attend the B.A.M.'s Centralised Training Scheme al Penang. Penang Combined Schools' Team The following boys represented the Penang Combined Schools in the Heah Joo Seang Challenge Cup:-Lee Chong Hoe, Md. Anis bin Isa and Chin Wah Seng. Novices' Competition Lim Say Lay won the Singles title. Lim Say Lay and Kung Beng Hong emerged the Doubles Champions. Penang School Boys and School Girls Badminton Championships Boys' Doubles: Khor Cheng Chye and Phoon Chek Hoong emerged as runnersup. Girls' Doubles: Tan Kim Huah and Ng Kim Chew were also runners-up. C!UCKET Ong Eng San ond Chong Soon Khean w~re awarded the Richardson's bats. They were selected for the Penang Stale Cricket Trial.

12 TENNIS Tan Song Kean's tennis ad-iievements:- The Penang Free School Magazine 31 . 1 .59 Represented Penang in the Chua Choon Leong Cup. 17.2.59 Participated in the Djakarta International Championships. 7 .3.59 Played for the Federation of Malaya against Singapore. 12.4 .59 S:Jccessfully retained his C.R.C. open singles title for the 3rd. year in succession. Penang lawn Tennis Association Championship Tan Seng Jin captured the Penang Junior Tennis Title. SCOUTING A revival of scouting enthusiasm became manifest when the following scouts were awarded the Pengakap Raja or King's Badge by his Excellency the Governor of Penang. The scouts were:-A.S.M. Lee Se ng Teik, T.L. Lim Jin Chua, P.L. Tong Yew Kee and P.L. Ho Thean Sun. ART Fire Week Art Competition 1st. Prize Tan Teong Er.g. 2nd. Prize Ishak bin Hashim. One of the pictures painted by lsahak bin Hashim has been accepted for an Exhibition in New York. Health Week Poster Competition Secondary Section. The following boys received prizes:- 1 st. Zaino! bin Abdul Rahman. 2nd. Abdul Rahman bin Shariff. MUSIC & DRAMA The Penang Free School Musical and Dramatic Society played a major part in organising the 1st. Penang Festival of Drama, Music and Dancing. Four of our Society's items were specially selected by the panel of judges for the grand p:Jbl!c performance at the St. George's Girls' School Hall on May 22nd. at 8 .00 p .m. Music Drama 1. Piano Solo: "Drum Polonaise" Chopin by Khoo Soo Ghee. 2 . Violin Solo: "Allegro Moderate" (Last Movement from Sonatina in G Minor) Schubert by Lee Ean Hooi. 3 . Penang Free School Choir: (a) "Polly-Wolly-Doodle" ................ Part singing. (b) "Happy Wanderer" ................ Part singing. l . Play: "Pygmalion". An extract from Act Ill. G. B. Shaw's "Pygmalion." Penang Arts Council Medals. Khoo Soo Ghee shared with Miss Cheong Giok Leng (M.G.S.) the honour of being the first two recipients of the Silver meda ls awarded by the Penang Arts Council for outstanding achievements in the artistic field. He was also loudly applauded fo~ executing brilliantly Chopin's " Drum Polonaise." Oh Hong Choon, Editorial Board.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES The Schoo l Choir 1959. A sce ne from " Py gmal ion" i.~ • ( ' ·-: ' ,=.~· ,,:• . -_ ~ ' ' , ~:.,.,; . '·_ ll ....... --.:;i.;,.--~.;,cr:c ¥~,:•: '~~ :::1::~~~ Member s o f rhe Photog rap hic Societ y seen d u rina an outina. , .L Lim Jin Ch ua recei v i ng h is Royal Ce rrificale from H .E. lhe Gov ernor

SCHOOL ANNUAL SPEECH DAY & EXHIBITION 1958 The Geogrnphica l Section at the Exhibition 1958. Raja Uda inspecting the G uard of Honour on Speech Day, 1959. ' !'•I• ~: ~ - -_~.,._ /':.'' "'::-ti{~!; -;f The P.M . Tunku Abdu l Rahman inspecting a Historica l specimen, Speech Day, 1958. t;;-::1! . ··,~,·"."'."'•---- • I The Economics Section at the Exh ibition 19 58. Raja Uda taking the salu te at the MiHd, Pas t, Speech Day, 1958. Tunku Abdul Rahman at the Ex hibition, Speech Day, 1958.

The Penang Free School Magazine 11 SPEECH DA Y-1958 The still morning air was permeated with fresh fragrance of the frangipani flowers from the trees which surround the Northam Road Cemetery. A large gathering of boys and staff bowed reverently for a word of prayer led by the Rev. G. S. Coxon at the tomb of the Rev. R. S. Hutchings who, a hundred and forty-two years ago, founded a school which was to flourish with the passdge of time. The ceremony was simple and meaningful to all those present. At its conclusion the congregation returned to school to participate in the School Annual Speech Day. At 8 .30 a.m. the Guard of Honour, comprising the Army Cadet C.orps, Air Tra:n;ng Corps and Scouts, marched on to the school fi e ld. Rcspiencfont in their cer~mon:al parade uniforms of white, the Army Cadets· were particularly impressive against the verdant background. At 9 .30 a .m . His Excellency, the Governor of Penang, made the insoection which was followed by a very smart march-past. The sile nce inside rhe hall before the honoure d guests cam e in was aweinsp,nng. I sat in quiet contemplation of the fact that through the years thousands upon thousands of boys have walked out of the Free School portals as men and that among us that day were a number of boys who were experiencing with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow their last Spee ch Day as pupils of the Free School. Mr. Khoo Sian Ewe, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, welcomed the honoured guests among whom was a very distinguished personality in whom the Free School has great pride, the Prime Minister, Tengku Abdul Rahman. It is fitting that the first Prime Minister of Malaya should be a son of the oldest school in Malaya . The He admaster, Mr. B. Smith, then gave a very comprehensive report on the School , stressing the necessity for boys with School Certificates to accept posts which were formerly held by people with lower educational standards. Both parents and boys should realize this, he said, and adjust their ambitions accordingly to avoid any sense of frustration. lnche Aziz Ibrahim, speaking a s a re presentative of the Old Frees' Association, g ave a n extre me ly amusing accoun t o f the Free Schoo l as he knew it, including the " ruling terrors" during those "good old days". The Prime Minister in his speech emphasized the dangers of a School growing t;:io vast. The personal touch would be lost and the boys would lose their individuality as a result. He said that Malaya had a great need Jor men of sound education, a mat ure and ba la nce d outlo ok and a hig h sense of duty and p e rsonal integrity and thai the Free School can provide all these qual ities. After the Prime Minister's speech, the wife of the Governor, Sa'adah Y.T.M. Te ngku Pua n No r Sa 'ad a h gave away the prizes and trophie s for academic and field achieve me n ts. The Speech Day addresses were conclude d by the School Captain's customary speech of thanks and appreciation of the distinguished visitors' presence. At 11 .45 a .m . the boys gathered in the quadrangle outside the New Extension to the school where the Prime Minister was presented with a souvenir album of photographs before he uncovered the plague and declared open the New Ex te nsion which provides up-to-date facilities for Sixth Form students. Wong Peng Chee, Editorial Board.

14 THE The Penang Free School Magazine -------------------(- OF THE NEW EXHIBITION OF'FICIA L OPENING AND THE SCHOOL WING When our impressive and colourful Speech Day ceremony came lo a successful conclusion the distinguished platform party proceeded lo the reception rooms for some light refreshments. The boys proceeded to the space in front of our new Sixth Form Wing to prepare for the Official opening ceremony by the Prime Minister, Federation o-i Malaya, Tengku Abdul Rahman Putra, an old boy of the school. All of us were waiting eagerly for that great moment. At last, after al: the excitement and suspense, our guests gathered around the new wing waiting for the Premier. At 11 .30 a.m. Miss Anne Johnson, one of our sixth form students, presented the Prime Minister with a pair of golden scissors with which to cut the ribbon to declare open the new Sixth Form Wing of his Alma Mater. Led by our Head Prefect the boys of the Free School gave the Prime Minister three hearty cheers. Our deputy Head Prefect, on behalf of the school, presented the Premier with a huge photograph album containing photographs of the various aspects of school work. The guests after witnessing the unveiling ceremony went round the new building to see the e xhibition of students' w ork. In conjunction with the official opening of the new Sixth Form Wing, this year's exhibition was on a very grand scale and it showed no doubt a welcome originality. The Science section, traditionally the most popular section in our school annual exhibitions was invaded by students from the main secondary schools in Penang. The science students gave demonstrations ranging from the Van De Graaf Ge nerator to the Preparation of Acetaldehyde and a host of lesser but amusing e x periments. In the biology section there were exhibited collections of sea-creatures preserved in jam bottles and a host of well-displayed dissections. In the arts section the History Department stole the show. The e xhibition depicting a principal Chinese altar in a typical Chinese home was very realistic. The Section on "Malayan Pastimes" displayed a proud array of old Malayan pastimes w hich gave the visitor happy reminiscences of his childhood days. The section on the Islamic Religion created much interest among our guests. The impressive plasticine model of a typical Pharoah's palace occupying the centre of the room became the centre of attraction. The Economics Department exhibited maps and photographs of an e conomic survey held in December 1957 at Tanjong Tokong Village. Maps, which were attractively coloured and beautifully drawn, were ex hibited in the Geography section. However, the main interest of the crowd was focussed on a very well displayed model of Malaya's Chenderoh Dam. We shall now proceed to the old building of the Free School to the Art and Handicraft, F. M. A. T. C., Photographic Society and the School Library Exhibitions. In the Art Section the Art murals, the Fabric and silhouette paintings w ere of a very high standard. The Handwork section did a roaring business selling photograph a I bums, autograph books, files, note-books, baskets etc. The A.T.C. · section displayed the latest models of aerial equ ipment which delighted the young and the old. The members of the Air Training Corps answered cheerfully and with confidence any questions pertaining to aerial activities.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW SIXTH FORM WING New Sixth Form Extension declared opened by the Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman on 21st. October, 1958. Our New Sixt h Form Wing was officially declared open b y the Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, on our Speech Day, 21st. October, 1958. This building w hose constructional cost centres a round $300,000, consists of a Biology laboratory, a Chemistry la boratory a nd a Physics laboratory on the ground floor; a Lecture Theatre, a Geography Room, a History Room, two Class Rooms and a Staff Room on the firs! floor; and a dormitory to accommodate about 60 students, a Resident Master's Room, two Prefects' Rooms, and one Staff Room on the second floor. At present, the Wing is vsed by one Upper Six Science, one Upper Six Arts, two Lower Six Arts and one Lower Six Science Classes. New Extension as seen from the main school entrance. With the opening of the new Sixth Form Extension, the books of the Sixth Form Library, the Pinhorn Memorial Library are housed in the old Art Room. The Library is steadily growing and we are grateful to those people who have helped with book gifts and donations. Tunku Abdul Rahman opening the New School Wing on Speech Day, 1958.

ANNUAL ATHLETIC SPORTS 1959 V.1.Ps witnessing Sports in progress. Raja Uda and lady Udo arrive for the Annual Sports, 1959. Girls' Event, Sports Day, 1959. Headmaster giving his speech on Sports Day, 1959. The High Jump Event , Sports Day, 1959- The 100 Ya rds Dash , Sports Day, 1959. ,.._ Raja Uda giving away the prizes. -----c - t . \ .. .,-...., . :1., • ..... --=,:~·-,~-,.-;:.""". . ' Raja Uda and lady Uda, arrrvrng on Sports Day, 1959.

The Penang Free School Magazine ----------------~-, The School Photographic Society organised the l st Pan Malayan Junior Photo• graphic Exhibition. The beautiful prints, which were also of a high standard, provided our young visitors with much food for thought. As usual the Library section displayed proudly its impressive array of reference books and works from the various famous authors of the age. So the red letter day of Malaya's oldesr scho0I, cherished by its glorious acad<!mic tradition, climaxed with the annual and traditional d inner at the Old Frees Association that night! SPORTS DAY-1959 Oh Hong Choon, Editorial Board. As a spectator entered the Free School ground on Sports Day he would be met by the familiar sight of tracks, hurdles, the jumping p itch, the scorer's board and tent, the divers:)ly•coloured decorations and the five brightly-coloured tokens, each representing a House and each a defiant symbol of the grim determination of every House to emerge victors of the day in this friendly rivalry. He could feel the pervading atmosphere of excitement <1nd share in the boys' enthusiasm, for the time had come for the test of supreme fitness. Yes, Sports Day holds magic for boys and spectators alike; Sports Day has a special place in the memory of a boy. At 3 .30 p .m. the first crack of the pistol started Penang Free School's " little Olympics." Vociferous cheers greeted the events as they came on. The competitors, providing studies in grace and body co.ordination, the result of months of arduous training, were a ple asure to watch. It was a good day for sports. Eleven records were broken, including some which had stood for a great number of years. This showed the boys' increasing realisation of the need to build up healthy bodies. The Spartan scene was softened somewhat by the feminine touch w hen the girls came on for the Dressing Race. This race established a precedent in the School's long history of 143 years. The race provided a delightful interlude for the ardent House supporters who were able to relax and rest their throats for more yells of encouragement later. Another feature of this year's sports was the breath-taking gymnastic display. The Gymnastic Class was revived ·after a long hibernation and the members certain!~ did credit to the school in their display even though they had only a short time to train Excitement ran high as the sports went on. Wu-lien-teh House was narrowing down Hamilton House's lead. Hamilton House's victory would have made history for Hamilton has yet to w in since Free School moved to its present site. But it was not to be Hamilton House's day. Wu-lien-teh House was able to lead when she showed supremacy in the relay races, and pulled away to emerge Champion House for the fourth year in succession.

16 The Penang Free School Magazine ~-------------------------------+· As the sports came to an end, the boys formed a quadrangle for the Head. master's customary speech of thanks. The trophies were presented and the School accorded three hearty cheers for His Excellency, the Governor, who had so graciousl,• attended the meet. The tired but cheerful expressions registered on Iha faces of the boys, winners and losers alike, were evident of a successful day's athletic competition. THE BANGKOK TRIP Wong Peng Chee, Editorial Board. On the sunny morning of 12th. of December, 1958, a group of 5 teachers and 37 students of the Free School waited impatiently for the launch al the Penang Railway Pier. As the launch began to move off we jubilantly waved farewall to our friends and relatives. The first leg of our long-awaited journey to Thailand had begun! The train journey across the flat rolling country with the typical Malayan landscape was tedious but our subdued spirits were suddenly awakened when wa arrived at Padang Besar, for then, the truth dawned upon ;,s that in the next few moments we would b~ crossing the national frontier into a new country. On arrival ai the Hualampong Station in Bangkok, we were received by Mr. Prasit Tulyathorn, Assistant Lecturer in Thai at Chulalongkorn University, a very amiable, patient, and helpful person. After passing the station portal we were greeted by gaily decorated buses, taxis, tram-cars and motor lrishaws, all engaged in the shifting kaleidoscope of human activity. During our short sojourn in Bangkok we put up at the hostel of a Buddhist temple, the Wat Sam Phya, a ve ry impressive and modern building. The Abbot of the Monastery, who is a very kind person, gave us a warm welcome. Perhaps the most interesting item on our progrnmme was the visit of Ayuthia. Ayuthia, the old capita l of Siam, is about 80 miles from Bangkok. It was founded after the Burmes!! had invaded and burnt Ayuthia in 1767 and traces of the fire caused by that battle can still be_ seen in Ayuthia today. Wat Suwandaranam, one of the b iggest temples in Ayuthia was the first place w e visited. Amongst other places our tour of the former capital included the trinuk Build:ng, a pavilion where the Siamese kings performed ceremonies offering homage to the kings of the past, the Phaniat Building which was used by the king when he watched the capture of wild e le phants. Th a Ayadhya Museum has an interesting historical background. It was previously the Chatunamuk Pavilion, built by King Mongkut a s his residence during his short stays in Ayuthia . later, it was converted into a museum unde r the charge of the Department of Fine Arts. Exhibits, which includes stone and bronze images of the Buddha, wood carvings, proce lain and terra-cotta articles were mostly collected by Phya Boranrajadhanindna. Our heavy schedule concluded with a visit to other places of great historical significance which gave the visitor a reminisce nce of a flourishing Ayuthia in the days of old. The National Assembly, the famous scene of many a heated parliamentary debate bears a great resemblance to St. Peter's in Rome when viewed from a great distance. We were shown round this impressive building by a politician who explained t:, us that the Assembly was having a recess in view of a recent coup d'etat. We were fl a bbergasted to find ii constructed on the lines of Italian Renaisance Architecture. This

The Penang Free School Magazine 1 7 is one obvious example of the fusion of Western and Thai culture. It was built by King Rama V at the cost of 1 ½ million pounds. It is worth noting that the marble temple was built from the marble that was left over after the National Assembly had been completed which just shows what a huge amount of marble had been transported from Italy. Wat Benjamabopitra with its famous seated Buddha and unique interior decorations stood out as one of the most impressive and beautifully designed temples in Bangkok. However, to a student tourist, the most interesting place is the city's major educational institutes. Vajiravudh Secondary School and Chulalongkorn University are noted examples. King Vajiravudh set up the Vajiravudh School on the model of an English Public School. The need of educational advancement led to the founding of Chulalongkorn University in 1917. The buildings of the various faculties of the University, an educational institution of great traditions, were built on the lines of Siamese Architecture. The ruins and monuments of Sanamchandra in Nakorn Pathom were very old, so old that the local inhabitants could only tell us myths and legends about them. Sanamchandra was originally a place designed and built by King Rama VI for his use when he supervised the training and the manoeuvres of that territorial force of "Wild Tiger Volunteers" which he set up after the English model. The buildings have now been turned over to the local administration. The main building called Piman Pathom served as the King's house while to the North is the Governor's office. Buddhism took root in Thailand long before the present day Siamese migrated into the country as is evidenced by the many ancient Buddhist Stupas in many parts of the country. Of the latter, Phra Pathom may be reckoned as the oldest. Its historical past is of great interest. King Mongkut surmised that the Phra Pathom Chedi was the first stupa to be built in Siam after King Asoka who was responsible for spreading Buddhism b?yond the confines of India has distributed Buddha's relics amongst various Buddhist countries. The stupa was a huge one, bigger than those found in Chieng Mai, Loas or Cambodia. According to Luang Boribal Buribendh, curator of the Bangkok National Museum, there were in Nakorn Pathom, antiquities dating back beyond the time of Funan (A.D. 21 7-550) such as the relics made after Asoka's style, Buddha's images and rotive t;iblets made after the style of Amanaradi (A.D. 120-182). It was believed that in A.D. 1457 King Anurutha of Burma came with his army to attack Nakorn Pathom. Anyway, it was re-established in the reign of King Maha Chaknabatcunea A.D. 1548, and known by the name of Nakorn Chaisri. Phra Patho;-n Chedi, however, was left to decay in the jungle without care or attention, although monks came to rest there during King Rama I l's reign. The construction of the new Chedi was L"ndertaken in A.D. 1860 under the orders of King Mongkut. In addition there were built four chapels for housing four images of Buddha in different attitudes at the four card inal points with a circular gallery connecting them.

18 The Penang Free School Magazine Moreover King Mongkut ordered the repair of several structures in the vicinity of the sanctuary including the bot and the belfries and the planting of trees connected with the life of Buddha. The town o f Nakorn Chaisri was moved to its present site in King Chulalongkorn's reign. In King Veij'ravudh's reign its name was changed to Nakorn Pathom. It has been the royal tradition that the reigning king must offer candles and joss sticks whenever he passes Phra Pathom Chedi. The Grand Palace in Bangkok resembles a miniature walled town within the city and is set on the bank of the Chilo Phraya River. Within the enclosed area of the Grand Palace could be noticed the most famous religious buildings in this city-Wat Phra Keo or the Chapel Royal. On its surrounding walls were exuberantly painted the lively scenes and stories from the Ramayana epic. All this decoration is directed towards an image unfamiliar at first to western for deep in the innermost shrine, enthroned on top of a fabulously gilt altar, and surrounded by an array of exotic treasures is the figure of the greatest Buddha of all, the Buddha of green jasper before which the Royal Family makes obeisiance. The gold and jewelled garments of Lord Buddha are changed by the king in private palace ceremony for each of the three seasons of the year. The historical background of Thailand's National Library offers much interest to our members. King Yotfah Chulalok founded the Mandira Dhamma Libra ry in 1783 for the purpose of preserving the Royal Editions of the Sacred Buddhist canon (Tripitaka). In 1900 King Chulalongkorn established the Buddhasasanasangana Library for the preservation of general Buddhist scriptures. However both these libra ries were not real libraries in the strict sense of the term as they were intended only to preserve Buddhist scriptures and manuscripts. · In 1881 King Chulalongkorn established the Vajirayan Library in honour of the religious name of King Mongkut. Later, in 1905, as he wanted to erect a permanent building for public interest as an honoured sourvenir of His Royal Father, Mongkut, he ordered the amalgamation of the three libraries into a permanent public library called the Vajirayan National Library. We had lost count of lime in Bangkok and though we had spent seven days there it seemed as if it was only yesterday that we had arrived. On the last night of our stay we went on a shopping spree with the realisation of leaving Siamese soil the next day. To Bangkok, a land of exotic beauty and oriental charm, full of the wealth of historical reminiscences, we have ventured, seen, •and returned. Oh Hong Choon, Chairman, Historical Society.

The Penang ~ree School Magazine THE KUBANG PASU IRRIGATION SCHEME A survey of the geographical ilSpects of irrigation in N .W. Malaya by Din bin Merican, Khoo Soo Ghee and Khoo Soo Gim. INTRODUCTION. The Ku bang Pasu Irrigation Scheme extends over an area of about 100,000 acres. Although the boundaries of this region are not well-defined, it may be stated that they are formed in the south by the Sungei Kedah, on the west by the Straits of Malacca, to the north by the !<edah-Perl is border and to the ·east by the foothi lls of the Bintang Range. This area constitutes the most important padi-lands of Malaya so that the stability and security of production provided by irrigation assume enhanced importance, and it was in order to estimate the effects o f the scheme in this sphere that the survey was undertaken. Further motives were provided by the desire to establish the prospects of increased production by more inter,sive farming in the form of doublecropping and the introduction of im;,roved types of wet padi such as Sesat Puteh, Radin Mas and Radin Goai, and by the need to enquire into the effects of irrigation on communications and settlement. .J'ITft.f\ K EI> A H I I I ' ' ,• - .,,• \., I, ,_ l ,-" ,, ' > " ., ' I The full understanding of the problems faced by the padi-fa rmers of the area, and the refore the influence irrigatio n has upon them, is possible only by referring to the physical and climatic factors which prevail in the area, and it shou ld therefore be noted that the area can be divided into two main sections on the basis of relief. To the east lies a north-south aliijnrnent of hills, while to the west

20 The Penang Free School Magazine stretch the broad low-lying plains of the coastlands. The slope of the land is therefore from east to west but the gradient is so slight that several miles inland the heigh1 is only thirteen feet above sea-level, but al the borders of the two regions a pronounced increase of slope is noticeable. The plain is therefore badly drained and covered in large areas of swamp with intervening areas of heavy clay lands. The hills are mainly of limestone and are low but steep and are interspersed with broad flat valleys. Climatic conditions in the area strongly favour the cultivation of padi. There are no basic differences from the climate of the rest of Malaya but the relatively high latitude produces minor variations. The annual range of temperature is small (about 3 °F.) and mean monthly temperatures high (Alor Star has a range from about 78.5°F. to 8l .4°F.), but the rainfall regime indicates a dry season which is related to the position of the area towards the margins of the true Equatorial zone. Thus, although there is sufficient rainfall during the planting season (August), the reliability of the rainfall decreases towards the end of the growing season, until, in December the mean monthly quota has fallen to under five inches. Mean conditions (see Table l) obscure, however, the great variability of rainfall during this period, and in fact many years have amounts well below the mean-a factor of some importance in determining the need for irrigation. The harvest period (February-March) has low rainfall with a sharp decrease in the number of rain-days and a corresponding increase in sunshine hourage (about 9 hours per day) which helps in the ripening of the crop. There is also less danger of the crop being destroyed by heavy rains such as are experienced in the planting season. When considered in relation to the relief, climate presents a problem of drainage which results from the fact that water cannot be controlled easily. The lowlying plain with its small gradients h inders the easy flow of water derived both from rivers and from direct rainfall. The water from the catchment area lo the east flows down and accumulates to form swamps on the plains near the coast. No natural direct outlets exist be cause the poorly developed rivers, e .g . the S. Kerpan, S. Jerlun, S. Kuar and S. Dua do not extend far enough inland to serve as effective drainage channels for the accumulated water. Furthermore, the heavy clay soils are highly impermeable and so favour the development of large areas of swamp. The flow of water into the few indigenous channels is again hindered by artificial structures such as the Alor Star-Arau railway line and the Jitra-Perlis road. In the coastal districts sea-water inundates large areas, particularly at high tide, leading to . the formation of salt-water swamps which become permanent in the absence of drainage channels. These areas become sterile because of the resulting high salinity of the soil. To these problems there were formerly no answers, and excess water in times of heavy rain was allowed to flood the land and was not stored for use in times of drought. The large areas of Gelam or fresh-water swamp restricted padi cultivation to areas along the existing canals, and settlement and communications were similarly restricted. The Kubang Pasu irrigation scheme is designe·d to overcome these problems. THE KUBANG PASU DEVELOPMENT SCHEME. The scheme, which is designed both for drainage control and irrigation, centres on the headworks at Sungei Padang Terap and at Sungei Tanjong Pauh and on the system of canals served by them. The Sungei Padang Terap headworks direct water to the Sungei Tunjong Pauh headworks, which in turn direct it into the main canal by means of the Padang Terap 'Feeder' Canal which is four r.iiles long. The slope of the land enables the water lo flow easily into the main canal without the use of a pump. The main canal, designed to cope with 1,500 cubic feet per second, runs through the rubber estates of the foothill belt until it enters

The Penang Free School Magazine :21 the coastal plain. From the fifteenth milestone of the Jitra-Perlis road to th~ 17th. milestone it runs almost parallel to the road and finally meets it at the Lana Bulu headgates. At three points transverse canals, t!1e Alor Changileh, Tunjang and Lani! Bulu canals, discharge excess water to the sea. A further canal, the Sanglang Canal, is joined indirectly to the main canal by a d istri butary from the Lana Bulu Canal. These major waterways feed the distributary canals which are set at one mile int.:!rv11ls along them, and through the distributaries the water nows into feeder canals which le11d into the padi fields; these canals are constructed by the farmers themselves under the supervision of the Department of Drainage and Irrigation. BAN/ o"" ;..,,:....,....,,, ...... s .. ,,:,:,.,< t: A.I" ~•fl. J Regulators are situated along the main canal to help d irect water into the transverse canals, while intermedia te control gates on the transverse canals regulate the water level. To facilitate the free movement of water traffic, mainly sampans and passenger motorboats, these control gates are fitted with locks. At the coastward end of all the canals except the Tunjang Canal, tidal control gates prevent the ingress of sea water and help in the discharge of excess water. During periods of high tides this discharge is made difficult and a balancing canal has been constructed parallel to the coast for some thirteen miles from the Sungei Kubang Rotan to the Sungei Pauh canal in South Perlis. This canal, the Ayer Hitam-Alor Janggus, provides temporary storage space for flood waters which would otherwise inundate the farmlands and also helps to maintain a constant water level in the network of canals. A coastal bund from Alor Melaka to Kuala Jerlun and Kua la Kedah prevents seawater from nooding the coastlands between the canals. A canal running parallel to the bund helps in this work. In all, there are 90 miles of major canals and 70 miles of distributaries.

22 The Penang Free School Magazin~ AGRICULTURAL CHANGES PRODUCED BY THE SCHEME From the outline of the scheme provided above it is possible to estimate the effects on farming within the area, and this is best done by comparing the conditions existing before the inauguration of the scheme with those of the present and of the foreseeable future . The padi lands in the Kubang Pasu district relied almost entirely on direct rainfall for their agricultural water-supply before the scheme was introduced so that farmers were more or less tied to weather conditions, upon which the outcome of their labours depended; bumper crops resulted when rainfall distribution was favourable and serious losses when there were periods of drought or of poor rainfall distribution. Since the growing season is the most prone to wide variations of rainfall this constituted a major agricultural problem-periods of low rainfall resulted in small returns while periods of exceptionally heavy rain led to serious flooding and hindered the reclamation of swamplands for padi cultivation. Thus, although the climate favours padi, a need existed for ensuring greater stability of conditions. Moreover, along the coast, many areas were inundated by salt-water whenever there was a high tide so that large areas were rendered unproductive. With the introduction of the scheme these problems have been mitigated if not overcome. The chief benefit lies in the control of flooding, as lands which were formerly susceptible to flooding by rain, rivers or the sea have been, or can be within a reasonably short time, brought under padi cultivation. Fresh-water swamps are being drained, while the tidal swamps are being protected by the construction of the coastal bunds and the tidal control gates; these areas cannot be brought into immediate use because of residual salinity but after a suitable period of recuperation they w ill provide large areas of new land. In these ways it is calculated that some 20,000 acres of land will be added to the existing 80,000 acres under rice. The extension of padi-land alone is not sufficient, however, especially as it has been shown that reclamation is more expensive than improvement of existing tai ds, and the scheme aims to improve production from •the older areas. This has generally rema ined constant, with slight decline in some areas because of overcropping, but it is hoped that regulation of water supply will lead to a more widespread use of fertilisers and a general improvement in the quality of the grain with the elimination of the former uncertainty ?f water supply. The farmers of the area will have to pay a slightly higher land rate in order to cover the extra cost involved, but the benefits to be gained are disproportionate to this. There has, of course, been no sudden change in agricultural methods largely because existing methods have proved by experience to be suited to the conditions. Mechanisation is not generally practicable with such small field units and the plough drawn by a single buffalo is still commonly used-local farmers claim that imported ploughs are inferior lo the traditiona l ones. The padi cycle is about seven months in length, planting starting in August and harvesting in January. For the rest of the year tne land lies fallow, but it is hoped to introduce double-cropping as the scheme becomes fully operative. Improved types of wet padi like Sesat Puteh, Radin Goai and Radin Mas are still being experimented with at the Agricultural Station and it will probably not be long before these types are employed locally.

The Penang Free School Magazine -> CHANGES IN SETTLEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS. The implementing of large-scale irrigation in the area cannot be said to have brought about drastic changes in the settlement pattern but it can be stated that irrigation on such a scale does indeed affect the extent of habitable land. Linear, or 'ribbon', settlement has long existed along old drainage canals and bunds which were slightly elevated above the land liable to flooding and therefore unhealthy. Such settlements also relied on the canals for water, both for domestic and agricultural purposes. Even in the swamps some isolated settlements could be found, the inhabitants practising a dual economy of fishing and farming. Near the estuaries of the main rivers small nucleated settlements of fishermen could be found . The introduction of drainage control and irrigation has greatly increased the area of habitable land but there has been no appreciable change in the actual pattern of settlement. Linear settlement is being extended along the newly constructed canals so that it now exists inland from the old canals. The improved agricultural conditions have led to an expansion of e xisting settlement also, as in the Kodiang district where there were formerly only a few hundred settlers along the Sanglang Canal. With the building of new canals and distributaries the population has risen to 7,000, and similar increases can be seen in other districts. ' , J ... .... ..... , r--:.'-- .••• I , ' • z Before the construction of the waterw ays associa te d w ith the scheme , the only means of communications were the Alor Star-Arau ra ilway, the Jitra-Perl is main road and bridle-paths alon9 the batas se parating the plots of padi. Communications