The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

«HA^-J] LINGET KIVER.—MALA.CCA. 89
15 fathoms extends from 8 to 10 miles in a north-west direction from
Ealeigh shoal.
MALACCA is a free port. The town is built on either side of a
small river of that name, and is the seat of government of the British
settlement of Malacca. The river is spanned by several bridges. The
country a few miles inland is formed of undulating hills, moderately
elevated, named Malacca hills, and 20 miles E.N.E. of them is Gunong
Ledang or Mount Ophir, having a triple peak, 3,840 feet high ; the coast
and land adjacent to the town are low and wooded.
On the left bank of the river is St. Paul hill, surrounded by the remains
of an old fort. On the summit of the hill stand the ruins of the ancient
church of Our Lady del Monte, erected by Albuquerque, and the scene of
the labours of St. Francis Xavier ; also the lighthouse and flagstaff.
Around the base of the hill lie the barracks, court house, church, hospitals',
post office, harbour master's office, aad other public buildings.
A little to (he south rises the hill of St. John's, and in the rear of it
that of St. Francis; on these eminences are the remains of batteries
erected by the Portuguese and Dutch ; smaller knolls intervetie covered
with extensive Chinese cemeteries.
The larger part of the town, including the bazaars, are situated on the
right bank of the river. The principal public institution in Malacca is the
Anglo-Chinese college, established for the instruction chiefly of Chinese
and Malays ; there are also many schools for Chinese and Hindus.
The lighthouse flagstaff is in lat. 2° 11' 30" N., long. 102° 15' 33" E.
Population.—The population of the settlement of Malacca in 1381
was as follows: Europeans, 40; Malays, 67,513; Chinese, 19,741 ; natives
of India, 1,891, a total of 93,579.
The town is reported to be healthy. There is a government hospital
for all classes.
Trade.—The chief exports comprise tin, rice, tapioca, pepper, nutmegs,
mace, sago, rice, buffalo bides, and horns, rattans, gutta, gum, coffee, and
opium. The united value of the exports and imports of Malacca in 1883
was about 1,500,000^. The number of vessels that entered the port in
1884 was 857, with a tonnage of 180,000.
Supplies.—Malacca is convenient for vessels requiring water and
supplies. Water is obtained on application to the harbour master ; and
fish, yams, grain, sago, and a variety of fruits maybe obtained at moderate
prices ; also poultry, hogs, buffialoes. Poon spars from Siak river suitable
for masts may be procured. A small quantity of coal is kept for the-
goverment steam launch only.
Communication.—Malacca is in connection with Singapore and
Penang by submarine cable. There is constant steam communication with
the other Strait Settlements.