12 VISIT TO PUKET, ETC. 



to Sim Bee's house'and bathed. He mentioned Yong Setar the 

 chief place in Pelian and I asked what 'Yong' was. He said it 

 was the Siamese contraction of Tanjong. I think there is no 

 doubt that Junk Ceylon is a corruption of Yong- (Tanjong) 

 Phaldng or Sailing. Phaliing was the great mining place before 

 Tongkah mines were worked at the end of the promontory or 

 island which we call Junk Ceylon. I never quite believed in 

 the 'Ujong Salang' derivation. There is no town at Kantan 

 which is the seat of Government. The former town of Kuan- 

 tani was demolished about 10 years ago. It is about 6 miles 

 higher up the river. On the opposite side of the road facing the 

 wharf at Kantan is a row of about half a dozen Chinese shops 

 an this constitutes the town. The houses of the Officials are 

 built along a country road and the Government Offices (still in 

 course of construction) stand on a low hill above the river and 

 road. After lunch we went on board the launch with the Gov- 

 ernor up the river which winds about till we got to the landing 

 place near the site of the abandoned town. We might have 

 driven the whole way but carriages were sent on. Along the 

 banks is a fringe of jungle with padi land beyond. The site of 

 the old town appeared to be a good one, high ground with fine 

 old Miisana trees. Only a Wat and a few attap huts remain among 

 fruit trees. We stopped at one place near to see 33 big cannons 

 taken from Kedah when it was overrun by the Siamese. They are 

 piled up among brushwood. The road is a good one. We drove 

 from Kuantani. It is simply a red earth broad road and in dry 

 weather dusty. There is hardly any wheel traffic but it is 

 largely used by people walking from place to place. It would 

 be excellent for bicycling. We crossed several streams on timber 

 bridges, gium a hard wood being used for supports and 

 planking. The village of Bong Kat was passed. Padi fields 

 cultivated by Siamese extended on either side where the land 

 was low. A drive of about 5 miles brought us to the town of 

 Tap Tiang. Along the main street are brick shop houses and 

 there is a considerable Chinese population. A great Market is 

 held every three days. It has been held that morning and I 

 was sorry to miss it for it must be an interesting sight. The 

 Market which is farmed for $100 a month is held in a large 

 square building. Long attap sheds open at the side extend 



Jour. Straits Branch 



