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Bruas at the close of the year. The arrest of these thieves is a matter of great diffi- 
culty, owing to the nature of the country in that district and to the remarkable line 
followed by the Perak frontier, which renders it an easy task for the offenders to 
slip back beyond Colonial jurisdiction on the approach of our Guards. A glance at 
the sketch plan which accompanies this will explain the position, and, as I have already 
drawn attention to the matter both in my Annual Report and in separate correspond- 
ence, it is needless to go further into details here. I trust that my suggestion for 
the erection of a hut for the Forest Guards at Sungei Panchor, and the building of a 
sampan for their use, will be sanctioned with as little delay as possible. 
7. A hut was constructed during tPe year on the Eastern boundary line for 
the use of the Guards, and has been utilized periodically by them when patrolling in 
the neighbourhood. 
-8. At the beginning ol the year, there were 16 timber kongsis working in the 
district, of which 9 were “plank ” kongsis , where the felled timber was squared and 
sawn before export, and 6 were simple firewood-splitting houses, one charcoal factory 
completing the total. In October, however, immediately after the introduction of 
the new licence fees on sawyers and wood -cutters, one of the largest of the “plank ” 
kongsis, viz., Wong Ah Tip's, at Bruas, ceased to work, and the same employer 
has also recently closed his second and smaller business at Telok Semangin. The 
Tanjong Burong firewood (b arm) kongsi was also closed during the year, as stated, 
The positions of the different kongsis are indicated on the plan. 
9. The total Revenue accruing from Timber Royalty during 1897 realized 
$9,824.67, as compared with I7, 179.52 in 1896. 
10. The kongsis throughout the District have been visited at frequent intervals 
during the year by the Forest Ranger, the Forest Inspector, and the Guards, 
and surprise visits of inspection have been paid from time to time by the District 
Officer. 
Lumut, 29th March, 1898. 
R. P. GIBBES, 
Acting District Officer, Bindings. 
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