Singapore in 1911 was debating taxation and municipal government while expanding its schools, medical premises and commercial institutions. An aeroplane flew above the racecourse, the coronation filled public buildings and streets with celebrations, and the Chinese Revolution prompted local flags, queue-cutting and Sun Yat-sen’s December visit. Beneath these memorable events lay a difficult year of disease, engineering problems and disputes over work.
A town arguing about its government
On 24 January, the Victoria Theatre filled for a public protest against the proposed income tax. The next day’s report described boxes, circle, stalls and pit packed with participants. Its headings linked opposition to the tax with demands to reconsider the colony’s military contribution. The Straits Times, 1911-01-25
Opposition also travelled through organised commercial bodies. On 28 January, the newspaper reported the Colonial Secretary’s announcement that petitions against the income tax had arrived, including one from Singapore’s Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The debate was still proceeding towards the resumed second reading. The Straits Times, 1911-01-28
Harcourt explained the military contribution in Parliament on 24 April. The Straits Settlements were required to contribute 20 per cent of revenue after land sales and certain other deductions, with the total capped at the cost of the garrison. He described both imperial and local considerations as influencing the garrison’s size and the colony’s payment. The Federated Malay States maintained the Malay States Guides under the federation agreement, and Harcourt explicitly identified reinforcement of Singapore’s garrison in wartime as their intended role. Hansard, 24 April 1911, Military contributions
Municipal administration faced a separate reckoning. In the Commons on 26 April, Laurence Ginnell asked about officers censured by the Singapore Municipal Inquiry Commission and whether legal proceedings had followed. Hansard, 26 April 1911, Municipal inquiry
Colonial Secretary Lewis Harcourt said he did not yet know whether proceedings had been taken. To his knowledge, the former municipal president was the person connected with the municipality who was or had been a government servant. That officer had transferred to the Federated Malay States. Hansard, 26 April 1911, Municipal inquiry
On 4 May, Ramsay MacDonald raised the inquiry again. His question cited its criticism of house assessment, rate collection, support for public-health work and payments from contractors to officials. Hansard, 4 May 1911, Municipal administration
Harcourt confirmed that he had seen the report. The governor had told him that a complete revision of the Municipal Ordinance was being prepared for the legislature. Hansard, 4 May 1911, Municipal administration
By August the argument had reached a bill. On 3 August, the Straits Times told readers that legislation to reform the constitution of municipal bodies in the Straits Settlements would receive its first reading the next day. The newspaper criticised the handling of information about the text. The Straits Times, 1911-08-03
A report on 22 August confirmed that the Attorney-General had introduced the bill on 4 August and that it had received a first reading. Ratepayers had subsequently met at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. In the correspondence columns, someone identifying himself as a member of the chamber’s committee challenged an earlier article on municipal reform. The Straits Times, 1911-08-22
The following day’s editorial welcomed the fact that the Chinese Chamber and other sections of the community were taking action. Its description of the measure as a municipal “disfranchisement” bill made the paper’s opposition clear. Another letter answered the committee member’s intervention. The Straits Times, 1911-08-23
The issue reached the YMCA’s Parliamentary Debating Society too. A September notice invited all men to an evening discussion of an alternative scheme for municipal affairs. A later report described resolutions on reorganising the municipality. The Straits Times, 1911-09-13 The Straits Times, 1911-09-15
Municipal elections nevertheless took place in December. The Straits Times reported that polling closed on 5 December and that F. J. Hallifax announced the results to a small gathering at the municipal offices. The Echo’s account identified Dr Yin and A. W. Bean as unopposed returns for Tanjong Pagar and Tanglin, while another ward had two candidates. Its language was that of ratepayers and ward representatives, rather than an island-wide popular election. The Straits Times, 1911-12-06 Straits Echo, 1911-12-08
Property owners also disputed the assessments that would apply in 1912. On 15 December, commissioners heard valuation appeals under Hallifax’s presidency; the report described an appeal concerning a Raffles Square property. A week later, an appeal involving Katz Brothers’ new premises produced a reduction. Singapore Free Press And Mercantile Advertiser, 1911-12-16 The Straits Times, 1911-12-23
Docks, shipping agreements and the rubber market
Tanjong Pagar’s dock works attracted sharp criticism early in the year. A January letter to the Straits Times challenged construction plans and questioned the usefulness of the Keppel Harbour dry dock. It responded to remarks at a Chamber of Commerce meeting about extensions and improvements. The Straits Times, 1911-01-23
At Westminster on 26 April, Ginnell pressed Harcourt about the government’s acquisition of the Tanjong Pagar Dock Company and subsequent expenditure. Harcourt gave the compensation award as 27,929,177 dollars, approximately 740 dollars a share. The works were unfinished, so he could not give their final cost. He said engineering difficulties had produced a disagreement with the contractors and suspended work. Hansard, 26 April 1911, Tanjong Pagar docks
Harcourt also rejected two assumptions embedded in the question: he knew of no foundation for the claim that steamers would be unable to enter the docks, or that traders preferred rival ports to Singapore. He said the work had been undertaken on advice from consulting engineers of high standing. Hansard, 26 April 1911, Tanjong Pagar docks
The shipping conference dispute followed a different route through colonial and metropolitan authority. The Straits Budget of 1 June reported that Governor Sir John Anderson had left for Britain on 7 April in connection with shipping-ring legislation introduced in the Legislative Council. Its account described a meeting with conference representatives and announced that cargo bookings were to proceed. The Straits Budget, 1911-06-01
A separate report published on 2 June described merchants and chamber representatives taking their concerns to Sydney Buxton, president of the Board of Trade. It reproduced a London report dated 12 May about the previous afternoon’s deputation, and explicitly identified Straits trade as represented. The Straits Times, 1911-06-02
News of a settlement did not immediately supply a clear public explanation. On 9 June, the Straits Times asked for its precise terms. On 10 June it published an official communication dated the previous day from the Acting Colonial Secretary, alongside an editorial about the conference compromise. The Straits Times, 1911-06-09 The Straits Times, 1911-06-10
Commercial organisation was also changing in the produce market. In April, the newspaper announced a new exchange established by Chinese produce brokers in Singapore. The Straits Times, 1911-04-13
The Rubber Association held its first auction in the Exchange Room on 12 September. The next day, its secretary, Down, supplied the newspaper with prices realised at the sale, including a category for fine pale crepe. The Straits Times, 1911-09-13
Preparations for a second auction were reported on 18 September: 113 cases, about seven tons, were to be offered the next day. By October, the series was continuing. The sixth auction, held on 17 October, brought five firms forward as sellers and attracted buyers, but its report said prices were somewhat below the preceding week. The Straits Times, 1911-09-18 The Straits Times, 1911-10-18
The fifteenth auction took place on 19 December. The report distinguished the cases offered from those actually sold and said that the remainder had been held for higher limits. The Straits Times, 1911-12-20
Singapore’s import needs extended beyond industrial commodities. In January, reports linked demand for poultry here with increasing shipments from Surabaya and rising prices at that Java port. In August, the Bangkok Times reported a special charter of the Natuna to carry fish to Singapore from Taku and Langsuen, supplementing a weekly service. The Straits Times, 1911-01-13 The Straits Times, 1911-08-28
Overseas industrial unrest could also appear as a shortage on Singapore shop counters. On 3 October, the newspaper reported that labour troubles in Britain had prevented normal consignments of popular cigarette brands from reaching eastern markets. It described scarcity in Singapore and an increase in prices. The Straits Times, 1911-10-03
Naval vessels used Singapore’s coal and wharves. The armoured cruiser Minotaur arrived from Penang on 13 January shortly before seven in the morning and went directly to Tanjong Pagar to coal. She left Singapore eastward on 21 January. The Straits Times, 1911-01-13 The Straits Times, 1911-01-23
The port also received people displaced by neighbouring governments. The deposed Sultan of Riau-Lingga arrived in Singapore with his family on 12 February. The next day’s report said that he would remain while negotiations with the Netherlands Indies government continued. It placed his arrival after official notification of his deposition at Penyengat. The Straits Times, 1911-02-13
Taking flight and getting across town
Flying demonstrations had been discussed before an aircraft rose above the racecourse. On 18 January, a correspondent complained of obstacles after making progress in arranging an aviation meeting and being promised official patronage. A February report expected the Dutch aviator Kuller to arrive with two Antoinette aeroplanes while negotiations continued. The Straits Times, 1911-01-18 The Straits Times, 1911-02-13
The flight commemorated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore took place on 16 March 1911. Joseph Christiaens lifted a Bristol Boxkite from the old racecourse, now Farrer Park, at about 5.30 pm. The machine had arrived by sea in crates, been assembled with Royal Engineers’ help, and used a prepared strip for demonstration flying. Over three days, the display included short passenger flights for a fee. CAAS, Aviation centenary
Contemporary coverage confirms that the demonstrations became a paid spectacle. The Straits Times of 18 March described people paying for admission to the racecourse area and lawn for the previous day’s flying. Its report on 20 March reviewed the third and final day, when Christiaens made several circuits of the course. The Straits Times, 1911-03-18 The Straits Times, 1911-03-20
On the ground, Singapore Electric Tramways announced another change to a familiar means of travel. Its notice of 3 February said cars would start using the New Keppel Road between Tanjong Pagar and Borneo Wharf on Sunday, 5 February. Existing fares were to continue. The Straits Times, 1911-02-03
Public time signals helped regulate daily activity. A January notice said the time-balls at Fort Canning and Mount Faber dropped at 1 pm Singapore standard time, corresponding to 6 am Greenwich mean time. The gun normally sounded at noon, with a different Sunday time. The Straits Times, 1911-01-13
Singapore Electric Tramways and the municipality were also in court over royalties. A March report described a special case between the Municipal Commissioners and Singapore Electric Tramways. By June the commissioners were appealing against a decision that had non-suited their claim. The report called it a friendly action and identified a disputed definition of profits. The Straits Times, 1911-03-08 The Straits Times, 1911-06-28
In July, first-class passengers on the night express between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore were told they could reserve sleeping-car berths without an additional reservation charge. Notice had to reach a stationmaster by 5 pm. The Straits Times, 1911-07-18
The railway suffered a serious mishap on the morning of 28 September. An embankment between Tank Road and Newton stations collapsed, carrying an engine and several goods trucks with it. The newspaper located the subsidence near Orchard Road and emphasised the narrow escape of officials. The Straits Times, 1911-09-28
Smaller transport hazards also required attention. On 13 July, the Straits Times corrected its earlier assumption that a troublesome trolley line near Pasir Panjang railway station fell within municipal jurisdiction. It lay outside the municipal limits, and had since been put in order. The Straits Times, 1911-07-13
In October, about 300 feet at the Newton end of Scotts Road was being tried out with a surface of granite and pitch-tar. The newspaper considered its sound and appearance an improvement, while describing it as an experiment watched by government and municipal officials. The Straits Times, 1911-10-13
Reclamation off Telok Blangah Road suffered a mishap in December. During filling work at a swamp, heavy rain caused part of a light railway to subside, toppling a travelling crane and trucks. The newspaper reported the accident while describing the filling as progressing rapidly. The Straits Times, 1911-12-16
The municipality also dealt with damage from engineering work. Blasting at Mount Wallich appeared in the report of its meeting of 17 February, presided over by Hallifax. At another special meeting later that month, the listed subjects included importing cattle from Australia and new tramway regulations. The Straits Times, 1911-02-18 The Straits Times, 1911-02-28
Schools, medical training and a year of illness
Chung Hwa Girls’ School opened on 15 September. The school’s own history credits Tay Peng Teng, Puan Yeow Pang and members of the Chinese community with establishing it. Its initial purpose was basic primary education for Chinese girls. Zhonghua Secondary School, Our Story
Medical education acquired a new building at Sepoy Lines on 23 June. The Straits Times reported the opening the next day, identifying Tan Chay Yan as the person who had erected the Tan Teck Guan Building. The Straits Times, 1911-06-24
The Free Press added that Acting Governor E. L. Brockman, accompanied by Mrs Brockman, opened the building and presented diplomas. Students and other guests assembled for the occasion. Singapore Free Press And Mercantile Advertiser, 1911-06-26
By December the Medical School was preparing its next admission examinations. Candidates hoping to enter the March 1912 session were told to attend Raffles Institution on 14 and 15 February. The Straits Times, 1911-12-18
Other schools raised money for their premises through performances. On 18 December, a concert in the YMCA Lecture Hall supported the Methodist Girls’ School. The report explained that recent additions to its buildings had created the expense the concert was intended to help meet, and noted participation by pupils. The Straits Times, 1911-12-19
School occasions also occupied outdoor spaces. Outram Road School held athletic sports on 2 June, with the band of the 3rd Brahmans contributing music and refreshments served during an interval. Later in the year, football reports placed school teams in competition with local clubs: on 27 December, Bukit Bahru Football Club defeated the St Joseph’s school team by two goals to nil. The Straits Times, 1911-06-03 The Straits Times, 1911-12-28
At the end of December, the newspaper printed the Medical School’s recent examination passes, arranged by year of subjects, and carried an editorial on surgery and teaching. The editorial described Dr Keith as an energetic worker for the school while questioning whether the institution had achieved the standard the colony needed. The Straits Times, 1911-12-27
A new Chinese Free Hospital opened on 2 May in the old Tan Tock Seng Hospital premises on Serangoon Road. The following day’s brief report noted a large Chinese attendance. The Straits Times, 1911-05-03
The census was taken on 10 March. The Medical Department’s annual report used 303,321 as its Singapore population figure for 1911, separately listing Labuan, Penang, Province Wellesley, Dindings and Malacca. It also explicitly excluded Christmas Island and the Cocos Keeling Islands from that health table. Medical Report 1911, pp. 1, 15, 19
The General Hospital’s report describes severe pressure in its section labelled “Native Wards”. Between April and July they were overcrowded, reaching 233 patients on 13 June against 160 beds available without crowding. At different times, 147 convalescent patients were transferred to the beriberi hospital at Pasir Panjang. Malaria was prominent among admissions; the report also recorded patients contracting it during their hospital stay. Six additional bedrooms, with bathing and lavatory facilities, were provided for probationer nurses during the year. Medical Report 1911, pp. 1, 15, 19
The census required household paperwork before it produced statistics. On 9 March, a notice told householders who had not received a schedule, or had mislaid one, how to obtain a replacement through the municipal authorities. On 10 March, another reminder said enumerators would start collecting forms the following day. The Straits Times, 1911-03-09 The Straits Times, 1911-03-10
The strain of illness was visible during the year itself. A weekly mortality return published on 8 July recorded 491 deaths for the week ending 1 July, including 57 on St John’s Island. It supplied rates both including and excluding that island. The Straits Times, 1911-07-08
On 29 April, the newspaper reported that commissioners had adopted Municipal Engineer Peirce’s sewage-disposal scheme. Copies of his sewerage report were available from the Municipal Secretary’s office in June. In July, advertised commission business included appointing assistant engineers for the scheme. The Straits Times, 1911-04-29 The Straits Times, 1911-06-08 The Straits Times, 1911-07-18
Dry weather had caused a different difficulty earlier in the year. On 13 March, the newspaper described six weeks with scarcely any rain and concern over failing water supplies. By July, mosquito breeding in a stagnant reservoir featured in reporting of the commissioners’ meeting. The Straits Times, 1911-03-13 The Straits Times, 1911-07-22
Other public-health proposals remained under discussion. The municipal meeting reported on 11 March included a proposed isolation hospital at Moulmein Road. A June correspondent urged health officers to pay more attention to temporary labourers’ quarters erected at building sites. The letter described these rough dwellings as an overlooked sanitary problem. The Straits Times, 1911-03-11 The Straits Times, 1911-06-01
Health administration also involved enforcing notification and isolation. In August, municipal sanitary authorities brought smallpox cases before the senior magistrate, including a man accused of exposing himself in public while suffering from the disease. In October, a Malay man and his mother from Kampong Koko faced a charge of failing to report cholera. Assistant Municipal Health Officer Dr Campbell conducted the latter prosecution. The Straits Times, 1911-08-08 The Straits Times, 1911-10-28
Other ports responded to Singapore’s disease outbreaks. By early November, Hong Kong had declared Singapore infected because of cholera. Later that month, a Master Attendant’s notification said the Netherlands Indies government had declared it infected with plague. Ships bound for Netherlands Indies ports were to carry a bill of health endorsed by the Netherlands consul-general. The Straits Times, 1911-11-03 The Straits Times, 1911-11-28
Prevention became a public lecture topic as well. Dr Malcolm Watson spoke on malaria and its prevention at the Victoria Theatre on 13 October. The following day’s account described an exceptionally crowded theatre, with Governor Arthur Young presiding and Lady Evelyn Young attending. The report highlighted Watson’s work at Klang and an estate experiment. The Straits Times, 1911-10-14
A notice in May offered a short hygiene course by Dr Middleton at the C.E.Z.M.S. School on Government Hill. It advertised four Saturday lectures. Later, in November, the governor appointed Singapore’s municipal health officer and assistant municipal health officers as deputy registrars of deaths for the settlement, adding a defined registration responsibility to the work of the health staff. The Straits Times, 1911-05-04 The Straits Times, 1911-11-13
Disease precautions operated on arrivals as well as departures. A Port Health Officer’s circular reported in June required ships from Surabaya carrying Singapore cargo, or intending to berth at the wharves, to undergo detention under new precautions. The notice was addressed to shipping agents by Dr Brooke. The Straits Budget, 1911-06-01
Coronation celebrations across the town
The coronation of George V drew Singapore into preparations months before the June ceremonies. A May notice identified Tan Jiak Kim, together with Hugh Fort, as a representative of the Straits Settlements at the coronation. Tan and his wife were due to leave for Europe aboard the Prinz Ludwig on 8 May. The Straits Times, 1911-05-03
Local preparations altered familiar public places. By 1 June, workers were preparing illuminations for Victoria Memorial Hall and putting poles around the Esplanade to carry banners and shields. A report also described the Spanish steamer C. Lopez y Lopez as fully booked at Manila and Singapore with coronation passengers, leaving no room to take more aboard at Colombo. The Straits Times, 1911-06-01
On 22 June, Singapore held a mass gathering and sent congratulations to the king and queen. The newspaper described participants from different communities and social groups assembling for an outward declaration of loyalty. After the crowd dispersed, many went to St Andrew’s Cathedral, where a special service authorised by the Bishop of Singapore was scheduled for 8.15 am. The congregation was already filling the building before the appointed time. The Straits Times, 1911-06-22
The YMCA’s Parliamentary Debating Society had marked the occasion with a banquet on the preceding evening. The Reverend W. Murray, its speaker, presided in the hall of the new YMCA buildings. Members and guests attended, although the report noted that others had sent apologies. The Straits Times, 1911-06-22
The ceremonies continued after the morning gatherings. The account published on 23 June described people going out in the heat to see the decorations and the town’s appearance by night. That day’s programme paired the medical-school opening with evening balls at Victoria Memorial Hall and the Volunteer Drill Hall, as well as illuminations. The Straits Times, 1911-06-23
The Memorial Hall ball took place on the night of 23 June. The next day’s report dwelt on the decoration and the large assembly of dancers. At the Drill Hall, the Singapore Recreation Club organised another coronation ball that same evening. The Free Press praised its decorated and illuminated surroundings and the condition of the floor for dancing. The Straits Times, 1911-06-24 Singapore Free Press And Mercantile Advertiser, 1911-06-26
Children had their own festival on Saturday, 24 June. Reporting on Monday, the Straits Times described the great assembly of Singapore children and the threatening weather around three in the afternoon. Rain held off sufficiently for the event to proceed. The report’s heading also referred to a message from the king. This local children’s gathering followed the coronation day itself, which fell on Thursday, 22 June. The Straits Times, 1911-06-26
Giving accompanied public display. Members of Maghain Aboth Synagogue in Waterloo Street voted money on coronation day for distribution to Jewish people in need. Malay celebrations included an entertainment on the old gaol site organised under Malay Volunteer Corps auspices. Indian Christians gathered at St Andrew’s Mission School in Stamford Road on the Friday evening, where the illuminated school accommodated their meeting. The Straits Times, 1911-06-26 Singapore Free Press And Mercantile Advertiser, 1911-06-26
By 18 July, the Alhambra cinematograph was attracting audiences to films of the coronation festivities in London. The report said the complete series covering all the events had not yet arrived. The Straits Times, 1911-07-18
The Singapore Hindu community sent congratulations to the king-emperor and queen-empress at Delhi on 12 December. The newspaper printed a copy of the message several days later. The Straits Times, 1911-12-18
Singapore was also a staging point for visitors to the Siamese coronation. The Danish princes Valdemar, Aage, Axel and Erik arrived on the evening of 17 November aboard the P&O Assaye, with a further sea journey to Bangkok ahead of them. Later that month, Grand Duke Boris, representing the Russian emperor, entertained guests at Raffles Hotel, including the captain and officers of the cruiser Aurora. The Straits Times, 1911-11-18 The Straits Times, 1911-11-28
Associations, performances and mutual help
Singapore had welcomed the year with bells, ships’ and shore sirens, crackers and holiday sports. The Straits Times also reported a crowded New Year performance by the Star Opera Company at the Theatre Royal and a well-attended programme at the Marlborough cinematograph despite unpleasant weather. The Straits Times, 1911-01-03
The cinema programme could combine films with a live performer. In February, the Alhambra advertised further appearances by the dancer Mlle Lygie, whose serpentine and fire dances were attracting audiences. The same month, its programme offered a Pathé Animated Gazette with scenes of the Houndsditch policemen’s funeral and the Bolton mining disaster. The Straits Times, 1911-02-03 The Straits Times, 1911-02-08
Recorded sound circulated commercially too. On 28 February, Diethelm and Company announced its appointment as sole agent for Odeon and Jumbo gramophone records in the Straits Settlements, Federated Malay States and British North Borneo. The Straits Times, 1911-02-28
Raffles Library regularly advertised books ready for its subscribers. A February list included The Doctor’s Christmas Eve and novels by Arthur Applin. A June list offered volumes from a collected edition of Balzac, including The Poor Relations and History of the Thirteen. The Straits Times, 1911-02-08 The Straits Times, 1911-06-09
Publishing included books in Romanised Malay. In January, the Straits Times announced that Chan Kim Boon intended to issue the first of twelve volumes of Chrita Kou Chey Thian that week. Its notice discussed the language of the translation and named his earlier works, introducing the planned volume to newspaper readers. The Straits Times, 1911-01-03
Local music had recurring organisers and venues. On 12 June, the Singapore Philharmonic Society presented instrumental and vocal music at the Teutonia Club, with the acting governor and Mrs Brockman among those attending. Another concert was announced for September under Hewett, bandmaster of the Buffs. The Straits Times, 1911-06-13 The Straits Times, 1911-08-28
Malay and Indian religious and social activities occupied other spaces. In June, an Indian Muslim procession described by the paper as a kudoo procession started from the Telok Ayer Street mosque. Its three cars travelled through Tanjong Pagar, Market Street and parts of Kampong Glam before returning at dawn. In July, the Malay company of the Singapore Volunteer Corps invited friends to an open-air ronggeng on its Stamford Road parade ground. The Straits Times, 1911-06-08 The Straits Times, 1911-07-13
Associations also helped organise funerals. The Singapore Catholic Funeral Association met at A. S. Pestana’s Robinson Road residence in February to pass its annual report and accounts, with Robert Jacobs presiding. By August, its hearse had arrived and members were told how to apply to use it. The Straits Times, 1911-02-23 The Straits Times, 1911-08-23
A separate Singapore Chinese Funeral Association, also called Peng Ho Kok, was founded on 1 July and registered under the Societies Ordinance. A September notice gave its membership as 61. In December, the Indian Christian Association advertised a meeting at St Andrew’s Mission School to elect officers and establish a funeral fund for Indian Christians of all denominations. The Straits Times, 1911-09-08 The Straits Times, 1911-12-08
Language communities had their own organisational life within the churches. In September, English-speaking members of the Methodist Episcopal Tamil Church met at the Short Street Girls’ School and formed an Epworth League under the Reverend A. J. Amery’s presidency. The October district conference programme included a reception for Chinese, Tamil and Baba Malay congregations at the Reverend W. T. Cherry’s Mount Sophia residence. The Straits Times, 1911-09-23 The Straits Times, 1911-10-28
Charitable effort could connect schoolrooms to disasters overseas. In October, Seah Liang Seah reported receiving a contribution towards Teochew flood relief from the teachers and boys of the Anglo-Chinese School, passed on through the Reverend F. H. Sullivan. The money was to be remitted onward. The Straits Times, 1911-10-03
The Chinese Swimming Club celebrated its anniversary with sports on 6 August, drawing members and visitors. Football continued across association teams too: on 20 December, the Singapore Pranakan Club played a semi-final on the Raffles reclamation ground. The Straits Times, 1911-08-08 The Straits Times, 1911-12-21
Christmas entertainments used school halls too. On 26 December, the Indian Christian Association held a children’s celebration at St Andrew’s Mission School, opening with a hymn and prayer despite rainy weather. The next evening, children of the Tamil school at 367 Serangoon Road gathered at their school premises, with teachers, friends and the Reverend W. T. Cherry present. The Straits Times, 1911-12-27 The Straits Times, 1911-12-28
Roller skating brought another form of organised leisure. On 22 September, the Singapore Rinking Syndicate held a fancy-dress carnival attended by skaters and spectators. The evening included waltzing, two-step competitions and races, while the report singled out some of the costumes for their originality. The Straits Times, 1911-09-23
Revolutionary sympathies and disputes at work
The Chinese Revolution became visible in Singapore through local actions. An October report described revolutionary flags with a white sun flying from houses and shops, alongside the Qing dragon flag, on the previous Wednesday, 18 October. Its heading discussed Singapore supporters assisting the revolutionaries with men and money. The Straits Times, 1911-10-23
On 8 November, the Straits Times reported renewed queue-cutting among Chinese residents in Singapore following an unconfirmed report that Peking had fallen. Its sharply varying participation estimates do not establish how many people removed their queues. The Straits Times, 1911-11-08
Information arrived through individuals as well as newspaper agencies. On 13 November, Dr Chen Su Lan of South Bridge Road supplied the newspaper with a telegram received from Foochow the previous evening. It announced the surrender of Manchu troops and the formation of a revolutionary government there. The Straits Times, 1911-11-13
Queue-cutting reached the Singapore Club’s workplace. In a suggestion-book entry dated 12 December, seven members proposed making staff who had removed their queues wear head coverings. The entry, reproduced in the National Library’s account of the collection, records members trying to regulate employees’ appearance. NLB, Singapore Town Club collection
Sun Yat-sen arrived in Singapore on 15 December. The next day’s Straits Times reported that he had spent the night here after reaching port shortly after five aboard the P&O mail steamer Devanha from Europe. Its headings stressed forming a government, attacking Peking and rejecting compromise. The Straits Times, 1911-12-16
Newspaper correspondence disputed the reporting of the revolution. On 15 December, a letter challenged Lew Boon Liung’s earlier contribution about telegrams and the revolutionary cause. The next day, another correspondent warned that people in China lacked reliable information and that messages received in Singapore could be inaccurate. The Straits Times, 1911-12-15 The Straits Times, 1911-12-16
By 18 December, films showing scenes of the revolution had arrived in Singapore and were announced for that evening at Harima Hall. The Straits Times, 1911-12-18
Labour disputes within Singapore had their own immediate settings. In April, a report described workers on the Serangoon Rubber Company’s Pulau Ubin estate stopping work over a grievance concerning water. Its hostile description of the labourers as refractory was the newspaper’s viewpoint. In October, proceedings in the second police court involved Shanghai Chinese associated with a strike of carpenters and laundry workers, who faced rioting charges. The Straits Times, 1911-04-03 The Straits Times, 1911-10-11
Police work had acquired an unusual recruit earlier in the year. In February, the newspaper reported Detective-Sergeant Taylor’s purchase of an Airedale from Major Richardson’s kennels at Harrow for police use. A March arrival notice then recorded the dog reaching Singapore aboard the Glenstrae. The Straits Times, 1911-02-18 The Straits Times, 1911-03-13
European police below superintendent rank confronted the government over employment conditions near Christmas. On 19 December, the newspaper described an officers’ deputation and discontent. On 20 December, it reported rejection of new proposals and a dispute still at a critical stage. It did not report the withdrawal of the entire police force. The Straits Times, 1911-12-19 The Straits Times, 1911-12-20
On 22 December, the newspaper said the police dispute’s position was unchanged. Inspectors had discussed it informally the previous evening but had chosen no new course of action. Its editorial spoke of the guardians of the peace being on the verge of rebellion, an expression of anxiety rather than a report that a rebellion had occurred. The Straits Times, 1911-12-22
Continue to Singapore in 1912. Explore the Singapore history Atlas.