Page:Journal Of The Indian Archipelago And Eastern Asia Series.i, Vol.2 (IA in.ernet.dli.2015.107695).pdf/197

 among whom was a man named Haji Amát who went up with 200 Malays about the year 1807, and worked the mines till the year 1824, when he left it, and Sengkong went up in his stead. He left off working on account of the Naning War, after which it was worked again from 1833 to 1840 by Amát bin Ludane. After his death they were often attacked by the Malay Rájás, on which they deserted the place, but since the year 1844 the Panghulu of Johore, having promised to protect them, encouraged their commencing again; still there are very few at present. There are seven hills where gold is found, Gámunchi, Chindras, Tabong, Ládáng, Ayer Kuning, and two others. In Háji Amat's time they brought from 40 to 50 catties to Malacca annually. The distance from town is about 40 miles, and there is a good buggy road as far as the 19th. mile. The present population under Panghulu Mah Japar, consists of about 200 men.

The working of the mines at first was trifling, principally from the want of capital, but lately they have been very successful; the first tin mine that was worked was at Titian Akar about 11 miles from town by a Chinaman, in the year 1793; and in 1807 Dool Syed opened one at Lendeck in Naning. In 1833 I opened several tin mines at Pandoy, Tunguay Balu, and Lendeck in Naning, till 1835 when I left off working. In 1840 I assisted a Chinaman who opened one at Durian Tungal. He made a great profit, and was followed by many other of his countrymen. The principal mine here, I mean in the Company's territory, is at Cassang, at present worked by about 2,200 Chinese which was lately discovered. The quantity of tin brought to town from this mine is from 300 to 350 piculs monthly, which is readily sold at the rate of $16 per picul. More mines have been discovered towards Naning, Gapum, Duyong, during this month, where they have commenced working, and I think there is no doubt they will become equally rich and valuable when largely worked. There are about 1,200 men working in the other mines, at Durian Tungal, Naning and Ayer Párás. These mines are all divided into Kong-ces or companies, each under its respective Towkay. They have each a share in the produce. The quan-