In 1913, Singapore opened King's Dock, revised municipal government and watched aircraft fly over the racecourse. Schools and associations changed premises, launches linked Katong with town, and the medical school acquired a new name. The year's later months also brought falling rubber prices, tight credit and the Kwong Yik Bank crisis. Its history connects those large changes with the working lives, public meetings and entertainments of a busy port.
Harbour government and the opening of King’s Dock
The year opened with the terms of the Tanjong Pagar construction dispute publicly stated in Parliament. On 9 January, Colonial Secretary Lewis Harcourt said the board would pay Aird and Company £325,000 in full settlement. Plant, material and buildings connected with the work would become the board's property; outstanding work certificates were cancelled, and each party would bear its own legal costs. Source: Hansard, 9 January 1913
The reorganisation of Singapore's harbour passed through several stages in 1913. On 1 March, the Straits Times reported that the Secretary of State for the Colonies had notified that the King would not be advised to disallow the ordinances establishing boards to manage and control the ports of Singapore and Penang. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-03-01
A Gazette Extraordinary followed on 30 June. The next day's newspaper reproduced its notice under a heading announcing confirmation of the Ports Ordinance. The notice concerned both Singapore and Penang and referred back to legislation already passed by the Legislative Council. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-07-01
By August, invitations went out in the Singapore Harbour Board's name for the formal opening of King's Dock at Keppel Harbour. They named Governor Sir Arthur Young as the official who would perform the ceremony and fixed it for Tuesday, 26 August, at half past four in the afternoon. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-08-11
The ceremony took place on 26 August. Reporting it the following day, the Straits Times described a large attendance and confirmed that Sir Arthur Young had performed the opening during the previous afternoon. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-08-27
Another account recalled speeches delivered from a small crimson kiosk and the governor pressing a silver button. A correction identified names omitted from the first report of the power-station tablet: consulting engineers Coode, Matthews, Fitzmaurice and Wilson, and contractors Topham, Jones and Railton of London. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-08-28
The change in administration did not remove the earlier dock board from the year's accounting record. In October, the Tanjong Pagar Dock Board's report for the half-year ending 30 June appeared. The newspaper described increases in work and revenue, reporting on the period immediately before the new harbour arrangements. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-10-20
Merchant officers organised alongside the port authorities. A well-attended meeting on 9 July unanimously decided to establish a Merchant Service Guild for Singapore and the Straits Settlements. Its declared purpose was to improve the social and professional standing of members of the mercantile marine. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-07-10
Ships, repair work and waterfront danger
Large passenger vessels continued to make Singapore part of their eastward routes. The North German Lloyd liner Bremen arrived on 19 January, on what the report called its maiden trip to China and Japan. It came alongside during the morning and departed that evening. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-01-20
The Empress of Russia left Singapore on 5 May for Vancouver by way of Hong Kong. The newspaper also noted that private and business messages had reached Singapore during its voyage from Colombo despite the town's lack of a wireless station. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-05-05
Fire had interrupted the P. and O. mail steamer Assaye's voyage. On 20 May, it was preparing to leave Singapore at four in the afternoon and resume its passage to Hong Kong and Shanghai. The report described little damage to the vessel itself and repairs to its woodwork before departure. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-05-20
Other arrivals carried accounts of rough weather. Captain Gardner of the Glenfalloch reported a difficult passage down from Swatow. He had taken the ship westward to avoid the typhoon's full force, while passengers spent twenty-four hours confined below battened hatches. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-08-01
The Heap Eng Moh steamer Ban Poh Guan returned disabled after leaving Singapore for Java ports. The German-Australian line's Hanau had found it with a broken tail shaft. The report of 12 December recorded a voyage interrupted by mechanical failure and the vessel brought back to port. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-12
Rescue could depend on immediate action by passengers and nearby vessels. As the Lama left Singapore on the night of 3 December, Mr Verto of the Verto Company saw a man fall overboard and raised the alarm. Lifebelts were thrown out, the steamer turned, and boats were lowered by the Lama and the Ipoh; the man was rescued. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-05
Industrial work ashore could be fatal. A Chinese worker painting a stone wagon at the Bukit Timah quarries was crushed when another wagon loaded with stone came down on him on 30 January. He was brought into Singapore for treatment and died in hospital the following morning. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-01-31
A larger accident struck the dock works on 27 November. Staging collapsed in Topham, Jones and Railton's block-yard near East Wharf, Tanjong Pagar, where cement blocks for dock construction were made. The next day's report recorded three deaths and several injuries. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-28
Railways, motor haulage and the Katong launches
The year began with a railway collision between Singapore and Woodlands on 2 January. A ballast train heading towards Woodlands and a passenger train travelling in the opposite direction collided on that section of the line. The initial newspaper report attributed the encounter to a signalling mistake and described its consequences as not very serious. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-01-02
Interrupted railway traffic could stop work beyond Singapore. In January, the prolonged break in through communication with Kuala Lumpur held up coal supplies to a mine belonging to Cheeng Khay. The report said he had been obliged to close the mine while the fuel remained stranded on the railway. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-01-20
Plans for a new Singapore terminus were advancing under the Federated Malay States railway administration. An April report identified the rejection of the Fort Canning site. It discussed a station still being planned, rather than a completed new terminal or an immediate replacement of the existing passenger station. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-04-10
In August, the railway discussion turned towards Mount Wallich. Reporting the government's acquisition of Mount Erskine, the newspaper considered it increasingly likely that Mount Wallich would be chosen for the intended station. The account nevertheless described the choice as unresolved. Land acquisition and selection of a final railway site were separate matters. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-08-25
Railway legislation was also being prepared. In November, a bill had been drafted to bring provisions governing the Singapore Government Railway closer to those of the FMS Railways Enactment of 1912. The announcement followed the FMS government's purchase of the railway and said the measure would shortly be introduced. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-15
Road freight gained a new operator. The Singapore Express Company started a motor-haulage and transport business with offices in Bras Basah Road and garages in Beach Road. Its fleet combined steam vans and motor lorries, advertised as capable of carrying more than fifty tons of merchandise in a trip. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-04-25
On 1 July, a motor-launch service began between Tanjong Katong and Johnston's Pier. Seaside residents made the first trip from the Seaview pier that morning. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-07-01
The timetable was adjusted within days to suit passengers. By 5 July, departures from the Sea View Hotel were advertised for eight and 8.45 in the morning, with return launches leaving Johnston's Pier at 5.10 and 6.45 in the evening. Saturdays had an additional departure from town at 1.15 in the afternoon. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-07-05
The service also required work on its landing place. Later in July, an extension of the Seaview Hotel pier was proposed so that launches could approach at every state of the tide. Katong residents were asked to indicate convenient departure times for the timetable. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-07-21
Aviation at the racecourse
Marc Pourpe and his fellow aviator Verminck came to Singapore after a flying display in Calcutta. By 25 January, a local exhibition was being discussed. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-01-25
The machines arrived by sea. On 29 January, Verminck spent much of the day landing large cases at Tanjong Pagar containing the Blériot aircraft. They had come from Rangoon aboard the British India steamer Ellenga, which reached Singapore that morning. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-01-30
An early demonstration followed at the racecourse on 1 February. A small gathering watched the morning flights, which the newspaper reported later that day. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-02-01
On 7 February, the organisers announced that promised public support was sufficient to justify the exhibition. Pourpe was to fly at the racecourse the next day. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-02-07
The public display took place on Saturday, 8 February. The Straits Times review published on Monday called Pourpe's exhibition successful and expressed the view that the audience would gladly have watched more. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-02-10
Municipal powers, streets and property
Municipal reform was already before the Legislative Council in January. The meeting of 24 January, presided over by Sir Arthur Young, debated the Municipal Bill under the competing claims of property rights and public duties. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-01-25
A. Huttenbach placed his objections on record. The Government Gazette published his protest against the passage of clauses of the Municipal Bill, especially those concerning compensation. The newspaper's account also identified his objection to the official vote, alongside the compensation dispute. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-03-10
The new Municipal Ordinance was announced to come into force on 1 June throughout the Straits Settlements. The contemporary explanation stressed borrowing powers: immediate application would allow the municipality to use the ordinance's new financial provisions without delay. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-05-31
Singapore's newly constituted Municipal Board held its first meeting on 13 June. Deputy president R. J. Farrer presided. Those attending included A. W. Bean, Chia Keng Chin and assistant Protector of Chinese W. Peacock, alongside engineer R. Peirce, secretary J. Polglase and health officer Dr Middleton. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-06-14
Enforcing sanitary requirements could end in court. In April, the municipality proceeded against Low Peng Yam and Low Kum Yi of Boat Quay under notices requiring three ponds to be filled or properly drained. The newspaper reported that the prosecution failed. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-04-30
In August, municipal accountant Marsh applied for orders requiring landowners to pay the cost of filling ponds. The commissioners had undertaken the work after the owners failed to do so, treating it as necessary for public health. The dispute now concerned recovery of the municipality's expenditure. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-08-15
Road widening also brought property before the courts. A land-acquisition case concerning land needed to widen Thomson Road ended with the Chief Justice endorsing the Collector of Land Revenue's offer. The judgment was reported on 20 November. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-20
The Governor in Council created a Rural Board for territory beyond Singapore's municipal limits. The notice published on 29 November covered the remainder of Singapore Island and named Pulau Ubin, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Brani and Pulau Bukum Besar. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-29
Residents also faced a prospective increase in house assessment. A correspondent discussing rents and rates referred to the commissioners' resolution to raise the assessment rate by two per cent for 1914. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-29
A December correspondent complained about construction in Owen Road. The letter asked the municipal authorities to investigate alleged breaches of the building by-laws, describing attap huts erected behind other premises. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-16
Public health, passenger illness and medical care
At the beginning of March, unexplained deaths aboard the Gregory Apcar alarmed Singapore's port authorities and police. The newspaper's initial report described a mysterious illness and the concern it caused while the vessel was in port, before the subsequent account supplied a diagnosis. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-03-01
By 3 March, the Straits Times reported that cholera had been identified among the Chinese soldiers on board. It described an unusual form that had made diagnosis difficult. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-03-03
The case reached the House of Commons on 22 April. MacCallum Scott described 563 passengers, chiefly Chinese soldiers and their wives returning from Tibet to China. He asked about deaths during the voyage and at Singapore, and about the medical attendant's qualifications. Under-Secretary Edwin Montagu said telegraphic inquiries had been made, but a fuller investigation awaited the ship's return to Calcutta, expected about 30 April. Source: Hansard, 22 April 1913
Montagu could confirm that a medical attendant had been aboard. His qualifications were said to be those of a military assistant surgeon and had been accepted by Calcutta's port health officer. The answer did not itself confirm all the death figures or the suggested cause contained in the question. Source: Hansard, 22 April 1913
Quarantine regulations were enforced against shipmasters as well as passengers. Captain Henneke of the German steamer Spezia appeared in court after arriving from Hong Kong, then declared an infected port, without displaying a quarantine flag. Acting Port Health Officer Dr Matheson prosecuted; the report's heading recorded that the captain was fined. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-04-30
Emergency transport became a recurring public concern. In April, a doctor newly arrived in Singapore wrote to the newspaper urging provision of a motor ambulance. He presented it as an urgent practical need encountered by the medical profession. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-04-08
In November, the newspaper returned to the ambulance question. It recalled an earlier claim that a vehicle had arrived and described the improvised attempt to suspend a hammock in a vehicle with solid tyres. The newspaper still considered proper ambulance provision lacking. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-28
St Andrew's Medical Mission in Bencoolen Street was formally opened on Saturday, 18 October, by Lady Evelyn Young. Those present included the mission's honorary physicians Mrs Ferguson Davie, Mrs Bartlett and Mrs Lyall, together with Bishop Ferguson Davie, Archdeacon Izard and Tan Jiak Kim. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-10-20
The Chinese Christian Association discussed another aspect of medical provision on 27 November: whether government should require midwives to be licensed. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-28
Schools, training and the medical school’s new name
The Singapore Chinese Girls' School held its annual prize distribution at Victoria Memorial Hall on 31 January. Lady Evelyn Young presented the awards, and the newspaper reported a well-attended gathering. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-02-01
A March notice reported a change in school hours. A short contemporary notice stated that afternoon sessions had been abolished in Singapore, Taiping and several other centres in the peninsula, while Penang schools retained them. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-03-10
Technical training produced work for examination overseas. On 3 May, pupils from the YMCA's electric-wiremen classes took practical tests for the City and Guilds of London Institute. Their completed work was to be sent to London for marking. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-05-05
Preparing examinations also required cooperation among education officials. Inspectors E. A. Pringle of Penang, H. L. Sumner of Negri Sembilan and R. J. Bartlett of Singapore and Malacca met as a committee to formulate papers for higher-standard examinations in English schools. Their work was reported in August. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-08-27
Teachers in training faced practical examinations of their own. During the last week of August, senior normal-class students from Singapore schools were examined in teaching. The board included the Director of Education, the Inspector of Schools, Miss Kent of the Anglo-Chinese School and J. Cunningham of Raffles Institution. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-09-01
The medical school published mid-term examination results in September under its existing Straits and FMS Government Medical School name. Dr T. D. Kennedy forwarded the results, which included the hospital-assistant course and elementary anatomy and physiology. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-09-05
NUS Libraries dates the amendment renaming the institution King Edward VII Medical School to Council passage on 31 October and gubernatorial assent on 18 November. Source: NUS Libraries
The seventh-standard examinations then being conducted in Malacca were to be completed in Singapore by 12 December. The Cambridge Local examinations would begin on 15 December. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-28
By 17 December, the newspaper was reporting the closure of Cross Street Infants School and the opening of the new building on Pearl's Hill. It described the transfer as an improvement in provision for infants. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-17
Milk, food supply and small businesses
The Singapore Poultry and Dairy Farm began March amid disagreement. At its adjourned statutory meeting, chaired by A. Robertson at Down and Company's offices in the Arcade, differences between directors and the secretary came before shareholders. The report identified liquidation as a matter for discussion. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-03-01
A separate enterprise, the Singapore Model Dairy, held its first annual meeting at the Exchange Rooms on 8 March, with Captain Pahnke in the chair. Shareholders considered a proposal to reduce its share capital. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-03-10
The Poultry and Dairy Farm nevertheless advertised additional cows expected from Australia in July. It said the arrivals would allow it to supply existing customers adequately and accept a limited number of new ones. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-07-01
At an extraordinary meeting on 15 August, the Poultry and Dairy Farm's shareholders expressed confidence in their current directors. Meeting at the company's Malacca Street offices, they authorised the board to issue additional shares. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-08-15
The farm returned to the question of funding at its December annual meeting. Albert C. Davis, its managing director, presided at 5 Malacca Street. The report described improved prospects but a shortage of capital, with preference shares proposed as a means of obtaining more money for the business. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-03
Imported food also arrived through smaller coastal trades. In June, exports of dried platoo and other fish from Siam to Singapore were said to be running at about a thousand cases a week. Chumpon was among the principal shipping points named for that seasonal traffic. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-06-25
For street traders, municipal regulation could mean prosecution. On 10 July, the newspaper reported a deliberate effort to clear hawkers from the streets. Thirty-six men brought before the third magistrate that morning were fined three dollars each. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-07-10
The handling of street refuse produced another prosecution. Police Inspector John Frayne brought eleven men before the third court for searching municipal refuse bins and scattering their contents on the road. They admitted the offence. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-02-25
Rubber sales and the contraction of credit
Singapore's Chamber of Commerce Rubber Association continued its weekly auctions through the year. At its eighty-seventh sale on 14 May, 757 cases were offered and 677 sold. The report recorded about 102,017 pounds offered and 89,626 pounds sold, distinguishing the quantity brought to auction from the smaller quantity bought. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-05-15
By September, local brokers described a sharp fall in rubber shares. Lyall and Evatt's report dated 19 September recorded heavy depreciation during the week and attributed it to liquidation prompted by weakness in the price of rubber itself. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-09-20
The market did not move in one direction every week. Lyall and Evatt's report of 31 October described a firmer rubber-share market, with some favoured stocks closing ten to fifteen per cent above the previous week's levels. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-01
Rubber was also sold by tender. The Singapore Venture Syndicate's sale of 5 December quoted smoked sheet at $118.10 to $121 per picul and unsmoked sheet at $109.25 to $116.30. Separate prices were recorded for scrap crepe, bark crepe and other lower grades. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-06
A contemporary export return put Singapore's rubber shipments from 1 January to 8 December at 26,053,023 pounds. These were exports through Singapore, not a figure for rubber grown on the island. The report listed Port Swettenham and Penang separately, placing the Singapore traffic within a multi-port trading system. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-19
The Chinese Commercial Bank issued its first annual report in November. It covered operations from 2 December 1912 to 18 October 1913 and referred to commercial depression and the initial difficulties of starting business. The report belonged to a separate institution from the Kwong Yik Bank whose suspension soon dominated local financial news. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-20
Early in December, the newspaper reported that several small Chinese commercial firms, described as chops, had suspended business because money was tight. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-03
Uneasiness about locally registered Chinese banks affected where merchants kept their business. A report on 13 December stated that many Chinese merchants had transferred a substantial part of their banking to European institutions, where they felt more secure. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-13
The brokers' report dated 19 December still found the local share market very quiet. Some prices were slightly below the previous week's levels, monetary conditions had not improved, and speculators were inactive. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-20
The Kwong Yik Bank crisis
After the Kwong Yik Bank suspended payment, several directors went to Kuala Lumpur in search of assistance. A report relayed from the Malay Mail said they hoped to secure Loke Yew's help in reconstructing the company. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-04
A meeting concerning the bank's affairs took place at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, 6 December. A large crowd attended, and the receiver's report addressed the financial position at the date of suspension. The newspaper reported that the crowded meeting produced little result. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-08
The public account of the bank's condition was contested. Welsh and Company wrote to the newspaper after the report of the creditors' meeting, responding to the receiver. Their letter appeared on 10 December. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-10
The receiver answered on 11 December, referring specifically to Welsh and Company's statement about typewritten accounts bearing their signatures. The correspondence demonstrates an unresolved dispute over the accounts; it does not by itself establish criminal wrongdoing by any participant. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-11
Creditors organised through community institutions as well. On 14 December, Hokkien creditors met at the Chinese temple in Telok Ayer Street. They unanimously approved two resolutions concerning proposed voluntary liquidation, which were due to be placed before the shareholders on the following Thursday. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-15
Shareholders met in the bank's Kling Street premises on 18 December and adopted voluntary liquidation. The extraordinary meeting had been called specifically to pass the necessary resolutions. This was a decision to wind up the company, following the earlier search for reconstruction and the creditors' discussions. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-19
The shareholder vote did not conclude the legal process. On 22 December, the newspaper reported that it would have to await the Supreme Court's decision on an application for compulsory liquidation expected the following month. Voluntary liquidation had been approved by shareholders, while a different court procedure remained pending as 1913 ended. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-22
Reading, science and public discussion
Singapore gained a new guide to its commercial geography in January. The Chicago Advertising Company, operating from 21 the Arcade, put a business-map directory on sale. Its plan divided the business quarters into lettered sections and numbered locations, allowing readers to connect firms and addresses with a map of the town. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-01-06
Raffles Library announced new books for issue on 8 February. Among the titles listed were John Ayscough's Faustula, Marjorie Bowen's God's Playthings and Yarns from a Captain's Log by J. Bowling and R. K. C. Gregory. The notice offered borrowers a mixture of fiction and maritime reading. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-02-07
Art prompted public discussion beyond exhibitions. On 31 March, Dr Lim Boon Keng lectured on religion's influence on art at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Hill Street. The Amateur Drawing Association arranged the event, and the chamber lent its premises. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-04-01
The Amateur Drawing Association moved into new premises in Tank Road by July. The contemporary account described support among young Straits-born Chinese and an influential group of patrons and honorary members. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-07-05
Painter A. J. Watson was producing scenes of Singapore life. In June, one newly completed canvas depicted the five o'clock homeward traffic in Battery Road, with motorcars, carriages and rickshaws. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-06-14
The Chinese Christian Association hosted S. Fung, a barrister, for a talk about British Guiana. President Ong Siang introduced him at the Prinsep Street meeting on 21 August. The subsequent report emphasised education. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-08-25
Another public address required translation across languages. H. S. MacKenzie, acting general secretary of Singapore's YMCA and formerly of Amoy, spoke on citizenship at Su Po Sia on 11 September. The report described a full attendance and stated that his address was rendered into two dialects for the audience. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-09-15
Raffles Institution's A. A. Hintz spoke about New Zealand at the YMCA on 5 December. The report described an unusually large audience for the public lecture. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-06
The botanical department resumed publication of a bulletin of its own in December. Its first issue appeared on 15 December, accompanied by an editorial explanation from the director. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-15
Associations, charity and religious life
The Arya Sangam elected its officers at a general meeting on 5 January. Dr S. N. Bardhan became president, C. K. S. Iyer vice-president and S. Regunath honorary secretary and treasurer. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-01-06
The YWCA welcomed its new secretary, Miss Radford, at a gathering on 29 March. She had arrived in Singapore about a fortnight earlier. The report described an enthusiastic reception by supporters of the association. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-03-31
A fete at Victoria Memorial Hall raised funds for Singapore's Girls' Friendly Society on 7 June. Lady Evelyn Young opened the event, and the newspaper described it as a financial success. The hall was lent for the occasion. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-06-10
The Chinese Anti-Opium Society celebrated its seventh anniversary in its Middle Road hall on 4 July. More than three hundred people were reported present. Almost all were Chinese, with the Reverend J. A. B. Cook among the few exceptions. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-07-05
The Indian Christian Association held a social gathering at its new premises, 18 Prinsep Street, on 9 August. S. Dyriam chaired the evening. Members and friends heard songs, recitations, speeches and music. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-08-11
For its tenth anniversary in November, the Indian Christian Association used the Short Street Girls' School. Members and friends gathered on 8 November, with the Reverend W. Runciman taking part. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-10
In October, the Society of St Vincent de Paul reported that its bazaar at Victoria Memorial Hall on 11 and 12 July had benefited its funds. It publicly thanked those who had helped. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-10-01
Temperance organisers held the first annual meeting of the Singapore Temperance Council at the YMCA on 19 November. Bishop Ferguson Davie's views featured in the report. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-20
Theatre, cinema and contested entertainment
The Municipal Commissioners intervened in a proposed performance of Bernard Shaw's Mrs Warren's Profession at Victoria Theatre. After an announcement that it would be staged on 26 February, they met to consider action. Allan Wilkie decided to withdraw the play; an official letter dated 24 February accompanied the newspaper's account of the dispute. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-02-25
Other performances went ahead before large audiences. Marie Hall and her party gave their final Singapore concert at Victoria Theatre on 8 March. The newspaper described the theatre as almost full and the listeners as enthusiastic. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-03-10
Harima Hall combined film with visiting performers. A Japanese acrobatic troupe arriving in Singapore was announced for the evening programme on 1 May. Tightrope and trapeze feats and a balancing act were offered alongside the cinema's pictures. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-05-01
The Alhambra announced the Edison Kinetophone for 10 December. The apparatus combined moving pictures with a phonograph, and the notice referred to its recent use before Hong Kong audiences. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-10
A review the next day confirmed that the Alhambra performance had taken place. It recalled earlier attempts to present talking or singing pictures in Singapore with uneven success and detected continuing scepticism among cinema-goers. The newspaper described a large audience, although its writer thought the attendance should have been greater. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-11
Quo Vadis filled the Alhambra on Saturday, 20 December. The completed-performance report stated that every seat was occupied for its first Singapore showing. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-12-22
Sport on grounds, ranges and water
Thousands of spectators gathered at the Sepoy Lines parade ground on 9 February to watch Sirdar Singh wrestle Wadava Singh. The two Punjabi competitors began their catch-as-catch-can match at half past two. The contest ended in a draw, with the newspaper praising the quality of the wrestling. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-02-10
Football brought its own crowds to the Raffles reclamation ground. On 29 March, White Star I met Westminster Athletic Club in the Peacock Cup competition. The report singled out Westminster's goalkeeper, Colour-Sergeant Seah Cheng Joo of the Singapore Volunteer Infantry, during the White Star attacks. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-03-31
Organisers had to manage competing demands on grounds and time. In June, congestion among Singapore and garrison football competitions led to a decision that teams would meet one another only once in the league. Grounds were to be arranged mutually. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-06-28
A swimming carnival brought spectators to the Lagoon Dock on 8 November. The report described a successful afternoon and a large gathering at the waterfront. Source: The Straits Times, 1913-11-10
Continue to Singapore in 1914. Explore the Singapore history Atlas.