Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra13141884roya).pdf/389

 some tin mines at Jělûndong, which have been worked on a small scale for 17 years by a Sungei Ujong Chinaman.

The tin deposit at this spot is the richest I have seen, being quite 100 per cent. better than in any mine at present working in Sungei Ujong, but even with this natural advantage the miner's struggle for existence is a very hard one. He is dependent for every mouthful of food upon Pahang or Sungei Ujong, and rice delivered at the mines is costly food indeed. When I was there, a dollar purchased only 2 3/4 gantangs of rice, as against 7 gantangs in Sungei Ujong, and 10 gantangs at Kuala Triang.

An arrangement has been entered into by which a bridle-track will be constructed from Pantei in Sungei Ujong to these mines early in the coming year, and other roads will be made later on. A shop in connection with the mines will be opened next year, so that I hope that they may progress as they ought to do.

With regard to the country generally, I see nothing in the way of its prosperity but the absence of population, and people are sure to come in when the proposed roads have become an established fact.

H. A. O'BRIEN.

P. S.—At the present tine (September, 1885) the road alluded to above has been completed, and a Collector (Mr. ) has been appointed, who took up his duties in June last. I understand that the old residents are gradually returning to the country, and that there is every prospect of an early development of the mineral resources of the State.

The Pahang boundary has been definitely fixed at Sungei Dua on the Triang, and the Collector's quarters, together with a Custom House, Court, and Police Station, have been erected at Kuâla Klawang.

H. A. O'B.