174 SARAWAK TO MERI. 
lst May.—The Resident De C- came over to call on me in the 
morning, and I walked round with him to see the new buildings 
which are being erected. I found Oya improved since I last visited 
it. The new Court House has been built, and I attended De C 
holding Court in the afternoon. W and C-——— have now got 
their stores up, and the engines in working order for sago-washing. 
They speak very hopefully of their prospects if they can only once 
get fairly started, but their difficulties are great in opening in sach 
a new place as Oya. DeC dined with us in the evening. 
Ind May.—Left Oya at 3 v.w. Weather fearfully hot, with a 
light breeze. Steered North for Bintulu. 
3rd May.—Still steering for Bintulu, making a slow passage, 
wind and tide against us; the heat intense. Reached Bintulu at 
1.30 p.m., and found S- inthe Fort. I walked through the bazaar 
with § , which L found had considerably extended, but was not 
so clean and smart as when I last visited this place. J found my 
friends Gantean and Pangéran Bunrar still alive and well. 
The conversation at night turned on Brunei and Borneo polities. 
Orders have been given to clear Kidurong point for a light-house, 
and it is hoped a settlement will be formed here, but I question 
if it will ever come to anything. Where is the trade to come 
from ?P 
4th May.—We were delayed getting away till 3.30 v.at., C 
having a case in the Malay Court against a man named Binion 
Rato, which cost a great deal of wrangling and disputing. 
We left with the ebb tide in a squall of wind and rain, and 
nearly came to grief on the bar at the mouth of the river, there 
being only five feet of water. I can see very well C 
much of a skipper. 
Sailed a N.E. course, enjoyed a fine evening with astrong breeze, 
which, however, died down at sunset. 
5th May.—Passed Soubise mountain and later a high mountain 
could be perceived in the interior, the name of which I could not 
learn. The weather very fine, but the heat intense. The coast- 
line hilly, covered with jungle. with what appears to be limestone 
cliffs occasionally showing. 
We made the mouth of the Meri river at 4 P.., and not 
knowing the channel grounded, eventually anchoring in two 
is not 
