IS VISIT TO PUKET, ETC. 



are made by prisoners. The Offices will be finished " next year." 

 Left Kantan in the Damrong Rat at 5.30. The tide was falling 

 and we touched the first bar or mud flat at the ' Simpang \ 



As we went up the river the serang had ordered firewood 

 to be sent to Kantan for us but it never came so in their usual 

 casual way we began our voyage without fuel. At the fire- 

 wood depot below the bar we had to anchor for two hours 

 while we took in firewood. It was getting dark and there was 

 no one in charge so they requisitioned boats passing down and 

 eventually our men took a sufficent supply. It was very hot 

 lying at anchor and mosquitoes came off. We had to dine there. 

 As we got to sea there were very black clouds and thunder and 

 lightning. There was a bit of a moon but it came on to blow 

 and the rain drove us below. 



Friday, 6th March. — Off the north of Lanka wis early — cool 

 — went very slow. Six tame porp rises came and played within 

 a foot of our bows and kept it up some time. We took hours to 

 pass Kedah Peak and it was 4.0 p.m. before we got to the Penang 

 Jetty. 



Jour. Straits Branch 



