REPORT ON THE ISLAND OF BANKA, 
325 
Banka, and even the Rayads, probably from the same cause, dimi¬ 
nished the frequency of their visits. But a new species of vexation 
now originated, likewise from Linga, Rhio and their dependencies, 
which, by diverting tbe produce from its proper channel, affects di¬ 
rectly the interest of the sovereign. Numerous small prows infest 
the coast under the pretence of fishing ; these are chiefly manned 
by Chinese, who when not observed ascend the shore and obtain 
from the miners in remote situations on low terms, chiefly by barter, 
the ore of tin they have in store, which in this state is carried off 
to be refined at Linga and the vicinity. The vessels with which it 
is undertaken are called pukats or fishers, and these are often ac¬ 
companied by Rayads who come for the purpose of piracy. 
A retrospect upon the affairs of Banka from the year 1785 pre¬ 
sents, with little variation, a gloomy picture. About 20 years be¬ 
fore this period not only the produce of the mines, but also the con¬ 
dition of the inhabitants in regard to comfort and prosperity, had 
attained its “maximum”; it soon experienced a melancholy reverse. 
But, although all parts were affected by accumulated calamities, they 
did not suffer equally. The great south eastern division of the is¬ 
land was beyond the others desolated ; with the exception of the 
districts of Pangkal-penang and Tubuali, the stockades of which af¬ 
forded a precarious shelter to the Chinese inhabitants, the popula¬ 
tion of this extensive portion of the island was reduced to a few 
straggling fugitives, and the anciently flourishing territories of Koba, 
Paku and Banko-kutto have been converted to a desert; both at 
Pangkal-penang and Tubuali the miners have often, for a consider¬ 
able space of time, been deterred from their work. 
The eastern peninsula of the northern division of the island from 
its more ancient occupation, and more regular means of defence, 
was, at least at the principal settlements, better enabled to resist 
the pirates ; it was also in great measure peopled by Chinese. 
Sungie-liat, Belinyu and Layang though repeatedly attacked were 
never completely overpowered, and Marawang and Lumut though 
temporarily defeated were soon re-established, and the mining ope¬ 
rations were never entirely interrupted. The exposed situations of 
