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leaving it to time to so modify the administration of the community that after a lapse 
of many years the good of the two countries — that from which they came and that in 
which they were — might be found assimilated. 
Any introduction of new observances and new customs that are possible to avoid 
are to be deprecated, as in inducing the raiat to look round and not only change his 
location, as i-n coming here, they would also tend to induce a feeling of unrest, 
eventuating in his changing his means of livelihood, no difficult matter in rich mineral 
countries like these. 1 am of opinion that not less than 300 (preferably 500) people 
would soon be absorbed in various ways. 
The inducements that these countries to such a community could hold out would 
be great, and I am of opinion that it would eventually^ be financially successful, 
provided that preliminaries were well arranged. But who is there that will inaugurate 
such a policy? for if it fails the obloquy goes to the man who started it, and, if 
successful, the merit to his successor. 
I have, &c., 
THOS. H. HILL. 
XIV. Nebong Tebal, 
24 th February , 1892. 
To W. H. Treacher Esq., C.M.G., 
Acting British Resident, Perak. 
Sir, — In reply to your memorandum of January 15th, enclosing a copy of a 
letter from the Hon. Colonial Secretary on the subject of the extension of the culti- 
vation of padi and other grain food and asking for suggestions on the subject, I have 
the honour to make the following observations. 
I think the first consideration is to obtain complete control over the drainage of 
any padi district, so that the necessary amount of water may be retained on the^land 
during the planting season, and effectually removed as the crop ripens and after it has 
been gathered in, thus bringing the soil into a condition to receive the full benefit of 
the action of the sun and air in sweetening it and rendering it fit for future cultivation. 
I am aware that in the Krian district (with which I am more immediately acquain- 
ted) a certain, number of water-gates have been recently erected, but these appear to 
be of a somewhat impracticable construction, and the drains in connection with them 
arc in many cases so much silted up that it is impossible to obtain satisfactory results. 
Should there be an exceptional rainfall during the planting season it is very necessary 
to get rid of the superfluous water quickly, as four days is c sufficient to kill the yoiing 
plants if they are entirely submerged during that period. ' & 
I think the Government might expend some money wisely in making experimental 
planting of other grains in different districts, and, &here the results are satisfactory 
should make arrangements to enable the natives to procure seed cheaply, and issue 
simple instructions as to best season for planting, treatment of growing crop, &c. By 
means such as these, much might be done to improve the general condition of agri- 
culture m the country, to the equal benefit of the people and the Government. 
I have, &c., 
KHO BU ANN. 
AV - Government House, 
Sandakan j $th Dece 7 nber, 1801. 
To W. H. Treacher, Esq., C.M.G. 
Dear Sir,— As you are aware, I was not in Borneo when the Hakka settlement 
was opened, but I have obtained some information upon it from Mr. Henry Walker 
which I _ have pleasure in forwarding to you. I am sending this open to Mr G L 
Davies, in order that he may add anything he may think likely to be useful to you. 
That the people are happy and prosperous now I have no doubt whatever and 
the fruit and vegetables they grow are excellent. In fact, the production must now be 
in excess of the local requirements, and I am casting about to find a market for them 
the people are reported as industrious and well behaved, and on the occasion of a visit 
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