Mat,**/ Peninsula.] ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



VAl.UK IN DOLLARS. 



Imports by Ships 2,597,976 



}, v Native Vessels 1,012,231 



3,610,20G 



Exports by Ships 2,014.87 1 



hy Native Vessels 1,127,461 



3,172,332 



6,7*2,538 



Not induiki! inofficial returns 1,713,634 



8,496, 1 7 8 



Since that period the trade of the Settlement has much increased. 

 Junks with cargoes of considerable value visit it from Cochin China, Siam, 

 and China; of the latter, two arrived in the beginning of 1824, one from 

 Amoy, and the other from Ampo, in the River Sautao, the cargoes of each 

 valued at .£60,000. 



By recent accounts it appears that a commercial intercourse has been 

 opened between Singapore and the Philippine Islands. 



The imports of Bengal produce are considerable, especially piece-goods 

 and coarse chintz. The Chinese junks bring from their own country, tea 

 and other products, which may be purchased here cheaper than at China ; 

 and carry away opium, pepper, ivory, tortoiseshell, and articles suitable to 

 that market. From Cochin China they bring silks, sugar, ivory, and 

 treasure, in return for opium, iron, and piece-goods. From Siam are brought 

 sugar, rice, salt, ivory, Sec. exchanged for piece-goods, iron, and opium. 

 The Eastern trade brings pepper, gold dust, tin, betel-nut, rattans, spices, 

 and other commodities enumerated under places already mentioned, in ex- 

 change for coarse piece-goods and iron. The articles chiefly in demand this 

 year (1824), have been fire-arms and ammunition, white British cottons, 

 bombasins, light broad cloths, opium, iron, and steel. 



Nine respectable houses, conducted by Europeans, are established here, 

 besides those belonging to Portuguese, Armenians, Arabs, Chinese, and 

 Native traders of the Archipelago. 



Provisions and Refhesiiments.— As may be expected in a rapidly 

 increasing Settlement, all provisions, except fish, are dear. The water is 

 excellent. A river of fresh water lies at a short distance from the bay. 



Coins and Weights. — The currency of Singapore is the Spanish 

 dollar, divided into cents, represented by the copper money of Prince of 

 Wales' Island. The common weight is the pecul of 133! lbs. avoirdupois, 

 divided into 100 catties. Salt, rice, and coarse sago are sold by the koyan 

 of 40 peculs nearly ; and gold by the bunkal, which weighs two dollars, or 

 is equivalent to about 742 grains. 



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