The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

118 SINGAPORE STRAIT. [chap. n.
outer ends of the longest lines of stakes having 3 fathoms water close to
them, increasing at a short distance to 5 and 7 fathoms. .Having rounded
Malay spit,, steer- to the westward until the two red beacons on the Tim-
baga rocks are im line, bearing N.W. by W. ^ W., when they may be
steered for.*
To proceed through the North channel, Timbaga rock
beacons in line should be steered for, until abreast the end of the sea wall
of Pagar docks,- when course should be altered to pass between the white
buoys on the east side of Timbaga rocks, and the Pagar wharves. Con-
tinue to the north-westward, according to circumstances, leaving the red
buoy on Timbaga shoal about half a cable on the port hand, and edging
to the westward as convenient when Pulo SUugu, with a bungalow on its
summit, is seen just open of the red cliffs of Tereh point, which mark
clears the north-west extremes of Timbaga and Brani shoals.
To proceed through the Middle channel after having
rounded Malay spit,, and brought the beacons on Timbaga rock in line,
steer about N.W. by W. ^ W. until Mount Paber flagstaff is in line with
the left corner of the white house bearing W. by N. ^ N. which will
lead about half a cable to the westward of the beacons, and also of the
red buoy on Timbaga shoal, and about midway between the latter and
the white buoy on the north-west extreme of Brani shoals, in depths of
6 to 4 fathoms, deepening to 6 and 7 fathoms as Pulo Silugu comes open
of the red cliffs of Tereh point ; when steer West and W-S.W, to pass
mid-channel between the jetties and Tereh point. Vessels may anchor as
convenient off the torpedo stores.
SINGAPORE TOWN AND ROAD.t
SINGAPORE.—The town of Singapore is built on, each side of
the Singapore river, a small stream, only navigable for boats, the entrance
of which lies N. by E. f E., nearly one mile from Malay point. The
commercial part of the town is on the south side of the river, the bank
on that side being lined with quays and godowns for the landing and
reception of merchandise. The river is usually crowded with cargo boats
and many other descriptions of small craft on their way to and from the
ships. in the.harbour, presenting a scene of extraordinary bustle and activity.
Singapore is a free port ; there are no harbour or tonnage dues.
The new post office and master-attendant's office occupy a portion of
the site of Pujlerton battery, on the south point of the river, and
* Staff Commander J. Eichards observes, that owing to the strong tides and to the
hard bottom, the floating beacons frequently break adrift, so that no dependence can
be placed upon them ; he therefore recommends strangers to take a pilot.
t See Admiralty chart:—Singapore road. No. 1,995; scale, m= 6*0 inchf