Gunong Inas Estate,Selama is at the northern most of Perak.Those days it was a tiny town where you can find someone fishing by its side where there was a huge swamp.
Imagine when I first stepped into that town I noticed a man fishing a big huruan or snake head from that swamp.I was fascinated on how he tackled that big fish which he finally landed with ease.That really inspired me for wanting to take up fishing although I had never taken up of it seriously.
That was a tiny town where everyone knew each other.I also took notice of a group of middle aged men drinking liqueur in board day light in public.They were talking and yearning a loud ignoring all passerby
Just who were they???, I thought.Accordingly these were a group of people who had surrendered to the Police.They were ex-bandits who had taken advantage of the Government's reprieve to surrender with their weapons.They were staying in that town as restricted residences.
They, it seem were paid a monthly allowance of ringgit one hundred and fifty but looked at them drinking daily .Can the allowances they received be substantial to all those heavy drinking? .Nay,never then how can they drink like a fish,everyone of them?.
I am of the opinion that although they had surrendered they were still forces to reckon with.My wild guess were that those town folks especially the well to do were financially supporting them.Pay them to silence their activities.It could have been their own savings which were impossible,having spent so much time in the jungle feeding mosquitoes and leeches.
It was in this small town that I discovered an unearthly thing about "Char Siew Poa". This happened during my return trip from Taiping one early morning before the sun rises.I was back early by taxi and had to wait for my transport from the plantation to take me home.
It was just after 6.00 a.m.and every where were so quiet.It was then that I saw a young man walking into a coffee shop.Before he went into the shop which he had just opened , he approached baskets of "dim sum" in baskets which were being heated over a stove.He opened the cover of top basket which were full of 'Char Siew Poa"or Roasted Pork Dumplings.
With mouth full of water he spewed that mouthful of water over the top of those "Char Siew Poa". That was to induce those dumplings to rise up more and evenly..That to me was very unhealthy way besides nauseating.It was.awfully dirty.A spray of water with a sprayer would be more appropriate or rinsed water over those dumplings with the hand.With that ended my taking of "Char Siew Poa" for ever.
Gunong Inas Estate was actually situated at the extreme end of Perak.We had to travel miles of laterite road to reach it.We had to pass through many other rubber plantations.I think there were at least ten miles of winding road into the interior.
It was bumpy on ordinary days but hell on rainy days.The treacherous road could be extremely slippery on rainy days.Going in and out of estate was by private "sapu" taxi.All bone- shakers or old junk whose tyres were seemingly bald.Thinking of these and the slippery road really frightened us.
No choice need to go out have to endure all those risks.Once going into the plantation on early morning I saw something like an old man squatting by the side of the road.That took the light out of me and I looked straight ahead.Later I found out that that stretch of road was really haunted.
The estate had an old jeep which was used by the Manager.Just an old junk nothing to shout about, because going with the Manager could disastrous.For half way might have to get down to push it to re-start that damn thing.Well,I prefer not to be joined him.,it was safer to be in those private 'sapu"..
Here I stayed with the Senior Conductor in that semi-detached bungalow with each occupying a room on top of a small hill.Next door was the Manager. Another funny thing was the supplying of rice and sugar to the workers.Cost of which to be deducted from their payments.
We had for company a host of pigeons residing in our roof.According to reliable sources they were bred by some staffs who had left the Company.The birds left behind simply multiplied on their own as time went by with no one interfering them.
This was a so because all these areas were Communists invested areas.Although these were over when I went there but the ration of food were still running and would be phased out soon.The Union insisted that should be over but it remained because the estate is so far from town so shopping for them would be quite impossible.
There was a sundry shop within that estate but its goods were limited.Beside the shop its owner operated the private transport.It cost us $ 5/=per trip out or returning..The so called taxi also collected our mails from the post office in town.
My initial job there was to supervise the replanting of budded stumps in a nearby field.Fortunately I already had some experiences doing replanting under the hot and blazing sun.The replanting was walking distance from our bungalow so no big deal.
Here I was taken aback astonished at how tappers could got into the fields to tap in the wee, wee hours of the morning.Just imagine going into the fields at 3.00 a.m.Tappers consisted of very young girls,women and men.All of them Chinese Contract tappers.
Anxious as I was I surprised everyone by going into those areas following them in those hours.The "kapala" took me along seeing all task by task in the fields.All of them had a lighted lamp tightly secured to their forehead..Thus allowing them to see their way around and also provided the lighting for their tapping.
Well they too were caught by surprised that at least a staff had finally gone into the fields at those hours to see them working which never happened before.To me first hand knowledge was indeed very good experience.
Those areas were actually slaughtering fields and due for replanting.To tap so early in the morning were to extract as much latex as possible from the trees.There were no fear of wounding the trees here and those trees were to be fully exploited with a number of tapping cuts.Those areas were due for replanting.
A cook was provided to cook for us.She saw to all our needs.That included washing of our clothes and maintaining the cleanliness of the house.Food was to be paid by us.Should require any things better all we had to do was to request for them.Cost of which would be bore by us.
A RSS smoke sheet store was within our compound.The factory with its sheeting batteries were house at another building behind our bungalow but not within our compound.Our bungalow overlooked the labor lines and as we rested in the front porch we can watch directly what our workers were doing.
Opened air film show were screened once a month for the workers to enjoy.Mostly Indian action films were listed for screening.The workers favorite hero that time was M.G.R.Ramachadran.Should we go near to watch.Chairs would be arranged for us.But I seldom joined them.
I had just been there for a month I received news that I passed the Examination with a second grade and I jumped with joy.Well it sure, very sweet as that was my third attempt with two other failures.
Within my stay there I also met friends from some plantations.The one I remembered was the Manager whose plantation was just before the town.His name was Mr.Chua Seong Hoe.That was a long time ago ,most probably by now he must have forgotten about
It was here that I learned that Senior staffs when purchasing goods for the plantations all received kickbacks.For the first time I understand how corrupted plantation staffs could be.Maybe they were not corrupted but the offerings were so opened.By such even the most honest could be tempted to misbehaved.
I maybe wronged that I kept the Boss informed as I was being transferred out of that estate.I was not proving anything because I do not condoned to such actions.It was simply not right.The amount involved was definitely not worth the risks.
The extras they paid out would also be levied upon the goods we purchased.That definitely not fair to our Company which had entrusted us.Understanding this, at least I would now know how to prevent this happening to me.That was why I always demanded that amount be deducted from the cost of materials I purchased.
That was one of the reasons how I could survived easily in any Malaysian Chinese owned plantations.For many of them had spies in all those estate supplies outlets.Many occasions the Bosses themselves would personally conduct their own investigations.Well,this was one trick of our trade.Always think like the Bosses themselves.
Every month I constantly took a day or two leaves to return home to Teluk Anson just to visit my family and most of all to take a look at the one I left behind.I would steal a fleeting glance into her eyes as we passed each other especially after her schooling period.For sometime we were not on talking terms.
Some how when I was in Church our friend James made us friends once more.I remember a day when we celebrated the moon cake festival at out Auntie's house along Immigration Road.I invited them to join the party at that house.Well I disappointed she and her friends with just a plain eating party not a dancing party which they expected..
At least we did communicated with each other,that was most That was a fresh begin.Those moment as I think back should had been awful wonderful opportunities for had I declared my undying love for her.Perhaps that could had transformed the whole situation for me.I felt however out of pride that would not be right and that it be better if I return later when I am more successful in my career.
So I allowed the matter to take its natural flow in life.Thinking back I think that was rather a stupid move as life was never so rosy as painted in most love stories.Yes,I had forgotten that a beauty such as her would also had many other admirers.So should there be no stake of claim she would never know how much I love her.
I made my follies,God forbids No use crying other split milk.Life have to go on.Not only once had I forgo all my chances .I can sadly relate another incident where the opportunity were so open yet I dashed it similarly away.
It was in June 1962 that I had returned home for my birthday.Our family by then had shifted to a rented house along Changkat Jong Road.Incidentally her family had also shifted into the huge"ghost house" directly behind our rented house.
That evening she came over to my house but we talked only a little then I went along my other business.Had I taken the slightest initiative to take her out that evening and said what I had to tell her ,the whole episode would had been entirely different.
For the same reason I allowed it be.How ridiculous and foolish a man can be.Not only that she was at the birthday dance party at our house,yet I forfeited my chances there again.Having said these who can I blame?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Chapter 6 One Kiss Then Good - bye
I joined the plantation without waiting for the School Certificate Examination results.
The results finally was out in March 1960 and I was saddened by it,because I failed to obtained any good grading.I failed because I got an F8 for my English Language.Failing that penalized me and thus failed the Examination.
My grading in all other subjects were good.In fact I got an A1 for History.Of course that was my favorite subject while all others credits.Had I passed English I would have attained a second grade.That of course would had surprised many.
Having seen the results I went back to work and re-applied from there to repeat the test again as a private candidate.I sat the Examination once again as a private candidate in Nov.1960.
The result was a repeat were identical.I never yielded and repeated again for the Examination in 1961.This was to be my third trail..Once beaten twice shy therefore I went in this time slightly better prepared .
For that I applied for an English course.The course were from Singapore.Come to think of it,it was no big deal.They just gave me some simple lessons.They made sure I learned those simple,simple mistakes by having to write and re-write those mistakes over and over again.
Making me to correct my errors in writing and thereafter I went in for the test and passed.It was like teaching a small boy and that small boy apparently - was me.
I was elated when I finally got a second grade for those extra effort.All the other detailed results were as identical as previously.My A1 in History stood as it was,firm and formidable for three consecutive years.I received my full detailed of my results in early 1962 while I was transferred to Gunong Inas Estate,Selama,Perak.
In Hurst Estate,the labor force consisted of some 80% Indian and the rest Chinese.Chinese were mostly rubber tappers while the Indian served in tapping as well as weeding.All were residential workers.All amenities supplied by the plantation.
Within the plantation was also an Indian Temple where the Hindus worshiped and a sundry shop.I rarely go into the labor lines but all were maintained by a sweeper.On the whole the workers there were an obedient lot although marred by a bad incidence of protest.
Initially I was the only young recruit at that plantation later they added in a few one at a time but none could stayed thee long before leaving. The thought the plantation life wee beds of roses only to disheartened by the throngs of mosquitoes.The absolute solitude of estate life too boring for them.
The other staffs consisted of a clerk and an old conductor.I at times went to their bungalow for a chit chat.These old staffs had many tales to tell.The old conductor should had retired but stayed on as he had no where to go.The Boss provided sometime to do,even though there was no much he could do.
This conductor and the clerk were old staffs from the old company.We had another senior conductor and he had a bungalow at the entrance of the plantation.He resided there with his wife and small daughter.
For entertainment had to go to town which was miles away.We ventured out together with the Manager once in a week or once in two weeks.As we were residing with the Manager our food problem were taken care of.Having not many friends to talk to could be lonely.
Once during my stay I came to befriend a lovely girl.Initially I was infatuated by her beauty and charm.We had a date where we became quite closed and I kissed her sweet lips passionately.It was our first kiss in our dear lives.
The kiss made me extremely confused for I felt having betrayed her and the one I always had in mind.You cannot be loving one while kissing another,that was utterly wrong.I felt very ashamed of myself and was definitely cheating that nice little beauty.
So I stopped seeing her because I could not faced her.I feared should that happened I might had compassion and pity for her and repeat what I should not do all over again.It would therefore be more disastrous.So it was one kiss and then goodbye.I never meant to hurt her any further.Did I do the right thing?.
To her a big "no" for she loved me dearly.She was obviously very hurt.To prolong the affair would had caused her more harm which I do not want.There was nothing I could do to rectify our dilemma..
She may cursed me as she had every right to so.I dared not blame her nor processed the guts to face her ever again.So I just lied low and shy away from all for sometime.No one would understand my feelings or could accept my explanation.Soon I got a transfer away from Taiping.
This was however not the only girl that had come into my life those days.There were others but none more serious as that.It was difficult to fall deeply in love with another when there was some one in the mind.The some one that always lingered within my memory.
It was then my beginning of my career and I was far off target.The Examination which mean so much to my advancing my career was still hanging on a thin string.Without it I cannot advance any further that was for sure .
A pass would mean a lot as applying for a better job in the same field. That was why I kept my fingers crossed,even I had to repeat that Examination ten times I would had carried until I really got the passed.
Our Plantation Manager was transferred off to Bentong Estate,Bentong,Pahang.He was replaced by a big fat man,said to be a relative of the Boss.He was never a Plantation Manager at anytime just walked in from some failed business.
Just because he was a gutton and likes to eat chicken he forced all the rest to share his ego.Had he paid for the chicken would be alright but he forced all to work for teir meal.Of all thing he made them load RSS sheets to a lorry,directly in front of all our laborers.
I refused to follow that instruction and stayed away as they loaded the lorry.Neither did I joined them when they were enjoying their chicken although invited to.I just simply replied them that I did not worked for it therefore not entitled to join them.That Manager never liked me anyway..
When I was transferred to Gunong Inas, Selama, I left with a heavy heart.I had hurt some one badly and to run away from that seemingly cowardly.What should she had done something foolish?. Then my heart would forever bear that guilty conscious.
Anyway I was glad she did nothing of that sort and got along fine with her life.May God keep her and bless her.I hold no grudge should she continued to curse me.
The results finally was out in March 1960 and I was saddened by it,because I failed to obtained any good grading.I failed because I got an F8 for my English Language.Failing that penalized me and thus failed the Examination.
My grading in all other subjects were good.In fact I got an A1 for History.Of course that was my favorite subject while all others credits.Had I passed English I would have attained a second grade.That of course would had surprised many.
Having seen the results I went back to work and re-applied from there to repeat the test again as a private candidate.I sat the Examination once again as a private candidate in Nov.1960.
The result was a repeat were identical.I never yielded and repeated again for the Examination in 1961.This was to be my third trail..Once beaten twice shy therefore I went in this time slightly better prepared .
For that I applied for an English course.The course were from Singapore.Come to think of it,it was no big deal.They just gave me some simple lessons.They made sure I learned those simple,simple mistakes by having to write and re-write those mistakes over and over again.
Making me to correct my errors in writing and thereafter I went in for the test and passed.It was like teaching a small boy and that small boy apparently - was me.
I was elated when I finally got a second grade for those extra effort.All the other detailed results were as identical as previously.My A1 in History stood as it was,firm and formidable for three consecutive years.I received my full detailed of my results in early 1962 while I was transferred to Gunong Inas Estate,Selama,Perak.
In Hurst Estate,the labor force consisted of some 80% Indian and the rest Chinese.Chinese were mostly rubber tappers while the Indian served in tapping as well as weeding.All were residential workers.All amenities supplied by the plantation.
Within the plantation was also an Indian Temple where the Hindus worshiped and a sundry shop.I rarely go into the labor lines but all were maintained by a sweeper.On the whole the workers there were an obedient lot although marred by a bad incidence of protest.
Initially I was the only young recruit at that plantation later they added in a few one at a time but none could stayed thee long before leaving. The thought the plantation life wee beds of roses only to disheartened by the throngs of mosquitoes.The absolute solitude of estate life too boring for them.
The other staffs consisted of a clerk and an old conductor.I at times went to their bungalow for a chit chat.These old staffs had many tales to tell.The old conductor should had retired but stayed on as he had no where to go.The Boss provided sometime to do,even though there was no much he could do.
This conductor and the clerk were old staffs from the old company.We had another senior conductor and he had a bungalow at the entrance of the plantation.He resided there with his wife and small daughter.
For entertainment had to go to town which was miles away.We ventured out together with the Manager once in a week or once in two weeks.As we were residing with the Manager our food problem were taken care of.Having not many friends to talk to could be lonely.
Once during my stay I came to befriend a lovely girl.Initially I was infatuated by her beauty and charm.We had a date where we became quite closed and I kissed her sweet lips passionately.It was our first kiss in our dear lives.
The kiss made me extremely confused for I felt having betrayed her and the one I always had in mind.You cannot be loving one while kissing another,that was utterly wrong.I felt very ashamed of myself and was definitely cheating that nice little beauty.
So I stopped seeing her because I could not faced her.I feared should that happened I might had compassion and pity for her and repeat what I should not do all over again.It would therefore be more disastrous.So it was one kiss and then goodbye.I never meant to hurt her any further.Did I do the right thing?.
To her a big "no" for she loved me dearly.She was obviously very hurt.To prolong the affair would had caused her more harm which I do not want.There was nothing I could do to rectify our dilemma..
She may cursed me as she had every right to so.I dared not blame her nor processed the guts to face her ever again.So I just lied low and shy away from all for sometime.No one would understand my feelings or could accept my explanation.Soon I got a transfer away from Taiping.
This was however not the only girl that had come into my life those days.There were others but none more serious as that.It was difficult to fall deeply in love with another when there was some one in the mind.The some one that always lingered within my memory.
It was then my beginning of my career and I was far off target.The Examination which mean so much to my advancing my career was still hanging on a thin string.Without it I cannot advance any further that was for sure .
A pass would mean a lot as applying for a better job in the same field. That was why I kept my fingers crossed,even I had to repeat that Examination ten times I would had carried until I really got the passed.
Our Plantation Manager was transferred off to Bentong Estate,Bentong,Pahang.He was replaced by a big fat man,said to be a relative of the Boss.He was never a Plantation Manager at anytime just walked in from some failed business.
Just because he was a gutton and likes to eat chicken he forced all the rest to share his ego.Had he paid for the chicken would be alright but he forced all to work for teir meal.Of all thing he made them load RSS sheets to a lorry,directly in front of all our laborers.
I refused to follow that instruction and stayed away as they loaded the lorry.Neither did I joined them when they were enjoying their chicken although invited to.I just simply replied them that I did not worked for it therefore not entitled to join them.That Manager never liked me anyway..
When I was transferred to Gunong Inas, Selama, I left with a heavy heart.I had hurt some one badly and to run away from that seemingly cowardly.What should she had done something foolish?. Then my heart would forever bear that guilty conscious.
Anyway I was glad she did nothing of that sort and got along fine with her life.May God keep her and bless her.I hold no grudge should she continued to curse me.
Chapter 5 Hurst Estate,Ulu Sapetang,Taiping
Hurst Estate was initially a European owned concerned which was sold away just before our Independence.Hurst I was informed mean a land full of trees.Wonderful name at least it was named after some one else.
The plantation was a piece of estate shaft away in the interior.Extremely undulating.It was fully established with rubber.During my stay there the main clone appeared to be the seedlings plants of PBIC,TJ 1 and GT 1.RRIM clones like RRIM 600 was then slowly gaining popularity with our replanting going into it.
The plantation had its own rubber factory,producing own rubber smoked sheets.While I was there was a rather bad incidence happened,where the smoke house was completely demolished by over heating.
That happened because of the mistakes of our drunken smoke house watch man.He overloaded the fire place with wood with intention to keep the fire burning a long long time.It backfire for that was never how it worked.
The loss were a total lost all the rubber within for curing.That was why when employing a smoke house watchman it was imperative he be a sober man never a drunkard.When a smoke house was over heated there were no ways to lower its temperature.
When over heated rubber combusted easily should the main door were opened (to cool down the heat within???) and the fresh air rushing in would only feed the burning fire,making it burned more fiercely.By the time the fire engines arrived all would have been completely destroyed.In fact their arrival offered no help.Maybe just to out out the burning ambles.
Our drinking water in the estate those days were from or own catchment area which were only a short distance from our sheeting factory.Water from a nearby swamp were diverted into that catchment especially during rainy seasons.
Clear as it was to be,the water was never safe for drinking.It definitely had to be boiled before drinking.Thinking back brought back much scary moments for at times we had seen tiny red worms lurking in those water and we had been drinking it.
Come to think of it those "orang putih"who first started the plantation wrote so much about how t bring a clean and holdsome water were utter rubbish.They do not walk the talk.
No need to go far,this Hurst Estate for example.The catchment area was so near the factory but also the line sires.Worst still most the workers were Indians who were not used to toilets.Most eased themselves in the fields,day or nights,snakes or no snakes. Men and females alike they would prefer to perform those rituals in the fields.
The swamp which supplied the catchment with water was later drained for planting of rubber.It had an acreages of roughly about fifteen acres I was of the opinion that draining the swamp would deplete our catchment of water supply.I think the Boss's differed in that.
Another fifteen acres pf rubber would definitely bring in more revenue for the plantation.The water supply would be down where would come from thereafter?.Well,not for me to say or it would not be my problem as I was transferred off in due course.
While there the Manager put me in charged of the far division some three hundred an fifty acres,sufficient for a green horn like me.Most of the tappers were Chinese tappers both males and females.Assisting me was a "kapala". Chinese tappers were a noisy lot especially the females.
Production was not high because the clone was PBIG seedlings.It was here that I learned how to tap rubber.There were two types of tapping knives used.Whatever it was I learned them all.Not difficult but to to tap about 600 trees would be tiresome for me.
To supervise others I believe that we ourselves should know what we be taking about not referring to books etc.Another thing with these seedlings trees there would be much untapped trees.Tappers would just simply ignored them by declaring them as brown blast even not so because of low yielding.
To find out it ought to tested by tapping.So should we be ignorant then how are we to test it?. Should you request the tapper to test it .He or she could easily proved to you that it was not yielding bu shallow tapping but if you know how to tap they could never play you out.
Tapping rubber were an art.To be able tap to extract a good yield, the tapper had to be very artistic.Tapping to the required depths sufficiently which were near the cambium to bring out most of the latex from latex vessels without wounding the tapping panels.A tapper was considered bad should there be many wounds on its tapping panel.Of course these were the old.old ways.Presently tapping is more different very modern
It was in this far division that I came across an old old planter that I once knew as a kid.He never did recognized me though but I knew him d from our meeting.However I was just a tiny tot compared to him so I just let it drift away.
It would not had made any difference anyway.In the past post war days this plantation office had been a military out post.They were then fighting with the communists.In fact by the side of the office was a small shed housing the soldiers there.
A railway track cut through part of the plantation.IT was believe that during the Japanese occupation many executions by the Japanese were done along those track.Rumours of headless ghosts very strong over there.Just imagine headless ghosts on the railway track begging for the returned of their heads.
I remember having to cross over there to do some replanting those days ,Thinking back as a young recruit I was damn scared those days whenever crossing there by foot,even on board day light There was another way by vehicle from the main road to reach that replanting.
In the replanting area I had to stand directly under the hot and merciless blazing sun almost the whole day long.Not only that had to move around supervising those replanting of budded stumps.The budded stumps ought to be planted with budding patch facing the correct direction and planted firmly in the ground.
Talking about ghost once I had a bad encounter with a ball of fire on the entrance road back to the bungalow.It was one of those days where I though staying back until late was nothing accept when going home would be a problem.
It was only 10 p.m. not late by any standard but the taxi could only serviced me until our entrance gate.In any case I had no key to that gate either.On arrival thereafter I was to be on my own.I took a deep breath before I continued my journey homeward
The road was pitch dark and I could actually see a short distance as I walked along.Then in fright I surged ahead running slowly then picked up speed a little at a time.Both sides of the rad were darker and nothing can be seen.Then out of no where up front I saw a ball of fire flying (the size of a small ball) floating about three feet above the ground.
Now some might suggest those were lights of rubber tappers tapping the fields with head lamps.No there was no human being near it. At about 10.00 p.m.no body tapped rubber at that hour.That old rubber with its thick inter rows early morning tapping were surely out.
Seeing that I focused my eyes straight ahead , increased my speed in the running.I think I ran the fastest 100 metres in my entire life.The ball of fire was drifting in the inter rows of the old rubber. I dared not even looked side ways as I ran past it.Fortunately that thing did not chased me,otherwise it be the unthinkable
I reached home panting real hard sweating profusely all though.Everyone were in bed then and the lights were still on.I rested a while then retired to my room.Following the lights were out as normal.,anyway I was already dead tired and went on to bed.
There was another incidence where we saw a ball of fire drift floating around the garden of the bungalow.It happened at about midnight when the Manager saw a ball of fire flying about a short distance away from his window.
He called out to see that ball of fire.It floated around for an hour or so before disappearing into the darkness.It was never hostile towards anyone just minding its own business.Later I learned that these were actually little ghosts kept or bred by some "bumoh".
These were released in the late evening to seek their own food.Their food were normally human wastes mostly women's.In days passed women giving birth at home had their wastes hanged out on trees, high so no wild beast could disturbed them.
It was believed that those little ghosts fed on them By day light they returned to their home .Many a time a magical bottle at the "Bomoh" house.These little ghosts used to assist the "bomoh" to locate lost things or maybe healing of those very sick.Many do not believe in them but you be damn wrong should you ignored it.
There were some fly by night "bomoh". But be aware that there are still many powerful ones around.Perhaps many had read of a case where a petty thief was "locked" in a shop he tried to ransack.Having gone round the shop although it was quite small he seem unable to locate his way to out.
Apparently he walked and walked within that shop until he collapsed in total exhaustion..A week later he was saved only when the shop proprietor returned from his leave.The weak thief just simply was too glad to surrender himself.Anyway he was to weak to resist arrest.
That house had been charmed by a :bomoh" although the shop keeper denied it flatly.Otherwise what explanation can anyone suggest?.That really happened in a border town in Kelantan. Some "bomoh" are known for the healing power for those erection malfunction.Believe me some one in Kedah really can.
Talking about ghost I had a scary morning. It was a stormy and rainy morning but I was awoken by the cold wild breezing through my windows Shivering within my blanket I suddenly heard cries of a baby some distance away among those rambutan trees.
The cries were whistling into my ears,I slowly peeped through my blanket lifting my head a little to look at the sight where the cries came.How could I to see it as the whole areas were very dark.Accompanying those cries were the pouring rain.
We knew there were no one residing there.Even there was the couple had no small baby.Thinking of it further my hair begin to stay upright standing on ends.That cries were ghostly 0f a baby ghost.Oh!!! my goodness a baby ghost.Those cries were never heard again thereafter while I was there.
When the Manager was away I stole the opportunity to learn to drive on the plantation's land rover.A college guided me the finer points on how to drive.While learning I nearly ran out of control by wrong stepping on the accelerator heavily.Fortunatey I released the pressure in time to save the day.Failing which would had been fatal.
Beside playing the guitar in our space time we also played badminton and that was where I improve my standard of playing.Those new friends were very good in the game.The badminton court was within the Manager's bungalow compound.Plantation life can be boring and lonely.That was why we had to take some thing to keep busy......
.
The plantation was a piece of estate shaft away in the interior.Extremely undulating.It was fully established with rubber.During my stay there the main clone appeared to be the seedlings plants of PBIC,TJ 1 and GT 1.RRIM clones like RRIM 600 was then slowly gaining popularity with our replanting going into it.
The plantation had its own rubber factory,producing own rubber smoked sheets.While I was there was a rather bad incidence happened,where the smoke house was completely demolished by over heating.
That happened because of the mistakes of our drunken smoke house watch man.He overloaded the fire place with wood with intention to keep the fire burning a long long time.It backfire for that was never how it worked.
The loss were a total lost all the rubber within for curing.That was why when employing a smoke house watchman it was imperative he be a sober man never a drunkard.When a smoke house was over heated there were no ways to lower its temperature.
When over heated rubber combusted easily should the main door were opened (to cool down the heat within???) and the fresh air rushing in would only feed the burning fire,making it burned more fiercely.By the time the fire engines arrived all would have been completely destroyed.In fact their arrival offered no help.Maybe just to out out the burning ambles.
Our drinking water in the estate those days were from or own catchment area which were only a short distance from our sheeting factory.Water from a nearby swamp were diverted into that catchment especially during rainy seasons.
Clear as it was to be,the water was never safe for drinking.It definitely had to be boiled before drinking.Thinking back brought back much scary moments for at times we had seen tiny red worms lurking in those water and we had been drinking it.
Come to think of it those "orang putih"who first started the plantation wrote so much about how t bring a clean and holdsome water were utter rubbish.They do not walk the talk.
No need to go far,this Hurst Estate for example.The catchment area was so near the factory but also the line sires.Worst still most the workers were Indians who were not used to toilets.Most eased themselves in the fields,day or nights,snakes or no snakes. Men and females alike they would prefer to perform those rituals in the fields.
The swamp which supplied the catchment with water was later drained for planting of rubber.It had an acreages of roughly about fifteen acres I was of the opinion that draining the swamp would deplete our catchment of water supply.I think the Boss's differed in that.
Another fifteen acres pf rubber would definitely bring in more revenue for the plantation.The water supply would be down where would come from thereafter?.Well,not for me to say or it would not be my problem as I was transferred off in due course.
While there the Manager put me in charged of the far division some three hundred an fifty acres,sufficient for a green horn like me.Most of the tappers were Chinese tappers both males and females.Assisting me was a "kapala". Chinese tappers were a noisy lot especially the females.
Production was not high because the clone was PBIG seedlings.It was here that I learned how to tap rubber.There were two types of tapping knives used.Whatever it was I learned them all.Not difficult but to to tap about 600 trees would be tiresome for me.
To supervise others I believe that we ourselves should know what we be taking about not referring to books etc.Another thing with these seedlings trees there would be much untapped trees.Tappers would just simply ignored them by declaring them as brown blast even not so because of low yielding.
To find out it ought to tested by tapping.So should we be ignorant then how are we to test it?. Should you request the tapper to test it .He or she could easily proved to you that it was not yielding bu shallow tapping but if you know how to tap they could never play you out.
Tapping rubber were an art.To be able tap to extract a good yield, the tapper had to be very artistic.Tapping to the required depths sufficiently which were near the cambium to bring out most of the latex from latex vessels without wounding the tapping panels.A tapper was considered bad should there be many wounds on its tapping panel.Of course these were the old.old ways.Presently tapping is more different very modern
It was in this far division that I came across an old old planter that I once knew as a kid.He never did recognized me though but I knew him d from our meeting.However I was just a tiny tot compared to him so I just let it drift away.
It would not had made any difference anyway.In the past post war days this plantation office had been a military out post.They were then fighting with the communists.In fact by the side of the office was a small shed housing the soldiers there.
A railway track cut through part of the plantation.IT was believe that during the Japanese occupation many executions by the Japanese were done along those track.Rumours of headless ghosts very strong over there.Just imagine headless ghosts on the railway track begging for the returned of their heads.
I remember having to cross over there to do some replanting those days ,Thinking back as a young recruit I was damn scared those days whenever crossing there by foot,even on board day light There was another way by vehicle from the main road to reach that replanting.
In the replanting area I had to stand directly under the hot and merciless blazing sun almost the whole day long.Not only that had to move around supervising those replanting of budded stumps.The budded stumps ought to be planted with budding patch facing the correct direction and planted firmly in the ground.
Talking about ghost once I had a bad encounter with a ball of fire on the entrance road back to the bungalow.It was one of those days where I though staying back until late was nothing accept when going home would be a problem.
It was only 10 p.m. not late by any standard but the taxi could only serviced me until our entrance gate.In any case I had no key to that gate either.On arrival thereafter I was to be on my own.I took a deep breath before I continued my journey homeward
The road was pitch dark and I could actually see a short distance as I walked along.Then in fright I surged ahead running slowly then picked up speed a little at a time.Both sides of the rad were darker and nothing can be seen.Then out of no where up front I saw a ball of fire flying (the size of a small ball) floating about three feet above the ground.
Now some might suggest those were lights of rubber tappers tapping the fields with head lamps.No there was no human being near it. At about 10.00 p.m.no body tapped rubber at that hour.That old rubber with its thick inter rows early morning tapping were surely out.
Seeing that I focused my eyes straight ahead , increased my speed in the running.I think I ran the fastest 100 metres in my entire life.The ball of fire was drifting in the inter rows of the old rubber. I dared not even looked side ways as I ran past it.Fortunately that thing did not chased me,otherwise it be the unthinkable
I reached home panting real hard sweating profusely all though.Everyone were in bed then and the lights were still on.I rested a while then retired to my room.Following the lights were out as normal.,anyway I was already dead tired and went on to bed.
There was another incidence where we saw a ball of fire drift floating around the garden of the bungalow.It happened at about midnight when the Manager saw a ball of fire flying about a short distance away from his window.
He called out to see that ball of fire.It floated around for an hour or so before disappearing into the darkness.It was never hostile towards anyone just minding its own business.Later I learned that these were actually little ghosts kept or bred by some "bumoh".
These were released in the late evening to seek their own food.Their food were normally human wastes mostly women's.In days passed women giving birth at home had their wastes hanged out on trees, high so no wild beast could disturbed them.
It was believed that those little ghosts fed on them By day light they returned to their home .Many a time a magical bottle at the "Bomoh" house.These little ghosts used to assist the "bomoh" to locate lost things or maybe healing of those very sick.Many do not believe in them but you be damn wrong should you ignored it.
There were some fly by night "bomoh". But be aware that there are still many powerful ones around.Perhaps many had read of a case where a petty thief was "locked" in a shop he tried to ransack.Having gone round the shop although it was quite small he seem unable to locate his way to out.
Apparently he walked and walked within that shop until he collapsed in total exhaustion..A week later he was saved only when the shop proprietor returned from his leave.The weak thief just simply was too glad to surrender himself.Anyway he was to weak to resist arrest.
That house had been charmed by a :bomoh" although the shop keeper denied it flatly.Otherwise what explanation can anyone suggest?.That really happened in a border town in Kelantan. Some "bomoh" are known for the healing power for those erection malfunction.Believe me some one in Kedah really can.
Talking about ghost I had a scary morning. It was a stormy and rainy morning but I was awoken by the cold wild breezing through my windows Shivering within my blanket I suddenly heard cries of a baby some distance away among those rambutan trees.
The cries were whistling into my ears,I slowly peeped through my blanket lifting my head a little to look at the sight where the cries came.How could I to see it as the whole areas were very dark.Accompanying those cries were the pouring rain.
We knew there were no one residing there.Even there was the couple had no small baby.Thinking of it further my hair begin to stay upright standing on ends.That cries were ghostly 0f a baby ghost.Oh!!! my goodness a baby ghost.Those cries were never heard again thereafter while I was there.
When the Manager was away I stole the opportunity to learn to drive on the plantation's land rover.A college guided me the finer points on how to drive.While learning I nearly ran out of control by wrong stepping on the accelerator heavily.Fortunatey I released the pressure in time to save the day.Failing which would had been fatal.
Beside playing the guitar in our space time we also played badminton and that was where I improve my standard of playing.Those new friends were very good in the game.The badminton court was within the Manager's bungalow compound.Plantation life can be boring and lonely.That was why we had to take some thing to keep busy......
.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Chapter 4 Taiping Here I Come
I was filled anxiety to join the Plantation in Taiping.For one I know very well that I could never afford to continue any further studies.
Not that I cannot study it was that I need to prove that I can be somebody fast and quick even without tertiary education..Armed with success I could only come back to court Linda.. no other way out.And I got to do it fast,real fast.
My mind was fully committed to succeed.Another thing was jobs were difficult to come by those days and I have to grab the first opportunity that came along. This job came easily,no need to apply.It was offered to me.
I actually had little time left before I leave for greener pasture. A last fling with my buddies before I leave was the best option.With little money I treated them to some "kopi O' at the "kopi korek".
While there we met with a form teacher.His teacher was Mr Eric Rodi."Hey,Kok Hin,what the hell are you doing here?",he shouted at me."Drinking coffee,sir",I replied."Well,drink your coffee but do not try any thing funny here",he said."Yes sir",I replied.
He was with two other teachers,all old men.For me I was leaving school and would not be returning to continue my studies.Results of my examination would only be known after March or so.Meanwhile I stay with that plantation.
That time the People Progressive Party was canvesing for votes.It was going to be voting time.Those days Seenivasagam were very strong contender in Perak.I and friends were always standing around to listen to those powerful speeches.
Thereafter we left to roam the town until late hours.My days with them were limited and thereafter should I leave I would not be returning to join them ever again. I got my future to think of. I must perform well in what ever endeavor I had and keep clear from all those rowdy days.
Very soon all those days were over and I left for Taiping by Taxi.I was to report at my uncle's sister's house.Her husband was an Estate Suppliers.My future Boss was informed of my arrival and he was to pick me up the following mornin.
That evening I was introduced to their children The eldest two were in secondary school and bot accomplish guitar players and can sing too.That night they entertained me with a variety of top hit.I had quite pleasant time with them.
Early the following morning after breakfast my Boss came to fetch me to his plantation.He came in his Mercedes I stupidly went into the back seat with my big bag. An astonished Boss asked incredibly,"What?You sitting at the back?'.
Sensing my ignorance he further said,"Ah!!! never mind just sit there".I was so raw I think more like a country bumpkin,so simple minded.That time how was I to know instead I thought that was out of respect.How dreadfully wrong I was?.
We traveled eight miles north wards The rubber plantation seem quite far off. Nearly an hour thereafter we arrived at the entrance of the plantation as he turned left onto some laterite road.
There was a railway gate blocking our continuing our journey.A railway guard opened its gate,saluting the Boss.The Boss told me that he was employed by the estate.I though we had arrived at the rubber plantation but no we had to pass through a stretch of old rubber holding whose inter-rows were extremely over grown with thick "belukar"
.I think that was about two miles from the main road.Then we finally reached some rubber trees which were better maintained and after a 100 meters or so we arrived at a huge bungalow.We went into the bungalow to wait as the Manager had gone into the fields.
We need not wait very long and the Manager was back.I was shown my rooms of which I had two choices.A large room by its side and a smaller one direct in front facing the main road.All the rooms were upstairs.
I selected the smaller room as its was very airy with windows all round I ignored the bigger room with bathroom attached because I find it slightly scary.I had an awful feeling,a cold atmosphere not welcoming me as I entered it so I refrained from occupying it.Thereafter the Boss went round the plantation with the Manager while I rested and unpacked.
This was my first stinct at a rubber plantation.Oh,no definitely no.Maybe this was the first time I had to stay at a big bungalow in the wild.It was to be a lonely life I know.That time no TV yet only the radio to keep us company which provided at the bungalow.
That was why I took up playing guitar.Lessons were provided by that distant auntie's sons.I also met up with an old friend from Teluk Anson.He was working for his relative at a spectacle shop along the main road of Taiping.
He was an accomplished guitarist and he too guided me with several lessons.I brought a second hand guitar from one f his friends.While seeing him we went to have tea/coffee and some "Char Koey Teow" at a coffee shop there.It was there we saw that young Rocky Teoh an aspiring Elvis Presley impersonator in the making.
He was still unknown then.He was extremely cocky walking around with unbuttoned shirt like Elvis in films.My friend would would teased him,"Hey,if you are looking for trouble Look straight into my face"..On hearing the challenged he and his friends bolted away.
Our place was too far from town that wa why I went out only once in a fourth night or so. Many a times I tagged along with the Manager when he went out to town to do some shopping.At times we went out for dinner for a changed.
The plantation was not very big about one thousand six hundred acres .It had a clerk and a senior conductor,the Manager then myself.In the early morning I had to attend muster at 5.30 a.m. in the morning. So early even the ghosts h`a not all gone to sleep.
.I was weary of those cold,cold morning.Field work consisted of going round the tapping area,to see tappers performing their tasks.Fortunately my food were prepared by the Manager's cook.At least I had decent meals while I stayed there.Rounding the field were big deal as I was given a bicycle to ride around.
Later I was allotted the far division to take charged of and what a distance away.I dread not the wprk but the mosquitoes were at no mercy for my presence.They attacked in drove in all directions..A bang with my palm would easily killed off nothing less than five bloody of them.
To ward them off I tried to smoke them away by smoking.It never worked but fortunately I did learned to smoke properly and slowly dropped that habit.It never worked that was why.Cigarrites were cheap then and only few brand to select from.
To stay on were to get accustomed to its presence.I tried walking slightly fast to avoid them but this of course was of little used as these pests continued their attacks following me every where I go.
On top of that I was aware of the snakes in the plantation especially the black copra.I saw them mostly by the rad side or worst under the rubber trees.Fortunately these snake just stood up a little then slipped away.
This where I learned how to kill a snake.To render a snake harmless the best method was to strike its mid section first breaking its center bone.That should stopped it from escaping.Following smashed its head.
It was believe that the eyes of snake can record the images of whoever killed it .When its mate came along would know who killed it and it can seek revenged on who killed it.Maybe that was a tall tale and no absolute truth of it.
Raw as I was,sleeping alone in the cold cold night in a strange environment initially were scary.With the cold wind breezing through the mosquitoes netting accompanying it a host of insects cries.The hooting of an owl would add up to further t the errie feelings of impending coming of a ghost.
Then many uncanny tales of no truth would creepy my feeble brain.The first few things this were almost sleepless but fully covered with blanket over head,shivering within.No choice I got to stay back and perform well in my position whatever there be installed for me.It surely was going to be a long long road ahead.
Those were long lonely nights before the sound of mypies singing their morning calls,signalling the beginning another beautiful day to come.These were slowly followed by other smaller birds.That would be the hour I rise up from my bed and off to the muster ground.
Rubber tappers and weeders would had gathered there by the time we arrived.All of them ready to go into their respective fields to perform their duties after the roll call.Soon the Conductor in charged would called out their names individually and leaving as soon as their names had been registered. The weeders had to stay until they received instruction what their duties would be.
Actually everything were always orderly.I remembered an incidence when I was away on leave,where on that faithful day a host of workers attacked all the staffs present with their 'kandal" sticks etc.Fortunately non of the staffs were hurt accept the Conductor who was beaten up by a number of strokes of the sticks.
A Police report was made and the main culprits arrested and later sacked.It was a minor protest against the Conductor's was of conducting his duties.I was told the Conductor resigned later to go into business.No more such happened ever again while I was there.
Not that I cannot study it was that I need to prove that I can be somebody fast and quick even without tertiary education..Armed with success I could only come back to court Linda.. no other way out.And I got to do it fast,real fast.
My mind was fully committed to succeed.Another thing was jobs were difficult to come by those days and I have to grab the first opportunity that came along. This job came easily,no need to apply.It was offered to me.
I actually had little time left before I leave for greener pasture. A last fling with my buddies before I leave was the best option.With little money I treated them to some "kopi O' at the "kopi korek".
While there we met with a form teacher.His teacher was Mr Eric Rodi."Hey,Kok Hin,what the hell are you doing here?",he shouted at me."Drinking coffee,sir",I replied."Well,drink your coffee but do not try any thing funny here",he said."Yes sir",I replied.
He was with two other teachers,all old men.For me I was leaving school and would not be returning to continue my studies.Results of my examination would only be known after March or so.Meanwhile I stay with that plantation.
That time the People Progressive Party was canvesing for votes.It was going to be voting time.Those days Seenivasagam were very strong contender in Perak.I and friends were always standing around to listen to those powerful speeches.
Thereafter we left to roam the town until late hours.My days with them were limited and thereafter should I leave I would not be returning to join them ever again. I got my future to think of. I must perform well in what ever endeavor I had and keep clear from all those rowdy days.
Very soon all those days were over and I left for Taiping by Taxi.I was to report at my uncle's sister's house.Her husband was an Estate Suppliers.My future Boss was informed of my arrival and he was to pick me up the following mornin.
That evening I was introduced to their children The eldest two were in secondary school and bot accomplish guitar players and can sing too.That night they entertained me with a variety of top hit.I had quite pleasant time with them.
Early the following morning after breakfast my Boss came to fetch me to his plantation.He came in his Mercedes I stupidly went into the back seat with my big bag. An astonished Boss asked incredibly,"What?You sitting at the back?'.
Sensing my ignorance he further said,"Ah!!! never mind just sit there".I was so raw I think more like a country bumpkin,so simple minded.That time how was I to know instead I thought that was out of respect.How dreadfully wrong I was?.
We traveled eight miles north wards The rubber plantation seem quite far off. Nearly an hour thereafter we arrived at the entrance of the plantation as he turned left onto some laterite road.
There was a railway gate blocking our continuing our journey.A railway guard opened its gate,saluting the Boss.The Boss told me that he was employed by the estate.I though we had arrived at the rubber plantation but no we had to pass through a stretch of old rubber holding whose inter-rows were extremely over grown with thick "belukar"
.I think that was about two miles from the main road.Then we finally reached some rubber trees which were better maintained and after a 100 meters or so we arrived at a huge bungalow.We went into the bungalow to wait as the Manager had gone into the fields.
We need not wait very long and the Manager was back.I was shown my rooms of which I had two choices.A large room by its side and a smaller one direct in front facing the main road.All the rooms were upstairs.
I selected the smaller room as its was very airy with windows all round I ignored the bigger room with bathroom attached because I find it slightly scary.I had an awful feeling,a cold atmosphere not welcoming me as I entered it so I refrained from occupying it.Thereafter the Boss went round the plantation with the Manager while I rested and unpacked.
This was my first stinct at a rubber plantation.Oh,no definitely no.Maybe this was the first time I had to stay at a big bungalow in the wild.It was to be a lonely life I know.That time no TV yet only the radio to keep us company which provided at the bungalow.
That was why I took up playing guitar.Lessons were provided by that distant auntie's sons.I also met up with an old friend from Teluk Anson.He was working for his relative at a spectacle shop along the main road of Taiping.
He was an accomplished guitarist and he too guided me with several lessons.I brought a second hand guitar from one f his friends.While seeing him we went to have tea/coffee and some "Char Koey Teow" at a coffee shop there.It was there we saw that young Rocky Teoh an aspiring Elvis Presley impersonator in the making.
He was still unknown then.He was extremely cocky walking around with unbuttoned shirt like Elvis in films.My friend would would teased him,"Hey,if you are looking for trouble Look straight into my face"..On hearing the challenged he and his friends bolted away.
Our place was too far from town that wa why I went out only once in a fourth night or so. Many a times I tagged along with the Manager when he went out to town to do some shopping.At times we went out for dinner for a changed.
The plantation was not very big about one thousand six hundred acres .It had a clerk and a senior conductor,the Manager then myself.In the early morning I had to attend muster at 5.30 a.m. in the morning. So early even the ghosts h`a not all gone to sleep.
.I was weary of those cold,cold morning.Field work consisted of going round the tapping area,to see tappers performing their tasks.Fortunately my food were prepared by the Manager's cook.At least I had decent meals while I stayed there.Rounding the field were big deal as I was given a bicycle to ride around.
Later I was allotted the far division to take charged of and what a distance away.I dread not the wprk but the mosquitoes were at no mercy for my presence.They attacked in drove in all directions..A bang with my palm would easily killed off nothing less than five bloody of them.
To ward them off I tried to smoke them away by smoking.It never worked but fortunately I did learned to smoke properly and slowly dropped that habit.It never worked that was why.Cigarrites were cheap then and only few brand to select from.
To stay on were to get accustomed to its presence.I tried walking slightly fast to avoid them but this of course was of little used as these pests continued their attacks following me every where I go.
On top of that I was aware of the snakes in the plantation especially the black copra.I saw them mostly by the rad side or worst under the rubber trees.Fortunately these snake just stood up a little then slipped away.
This where I learned how to kill a snake.To render a snake harmless the best method was to strike its mid section first breaking its center bone.That should stopped it from escaping.Following smashed its head.
It was believe that the eyes of snake can record the images of whoever killed it .When its mate came along would know who killed it and it can seek revenged on who killed it.Maybe that was a tall tale and no absolute truth of it.
Raw as I was,sleeping alone in the cold cold night in a strange environment initially were scary.With the cold wind breezing through the mosquitoes netting accompanying it a host of insects cries.The hooting of an owl would add up to further t the errie feelings of impending coming of a ghost.
Then many uncanny tales of no truth would creepy my feeble brain.The first few things this were almost sleepless but fully covered with blanket over head,shivering within.No choice I got to stay back and perform well in my position whatever there be installed for me.It surely was going to be a long long road ahead.
Those were long lonely nights before the sound of mypies singing their morning calls,signalling the beginning another beautiful day to come.These were slowly followed by other smaller birds.That would be the hour I rise up from my bed and off to the muster ground.
Rubber tappers and weeders would had gathered there by the time we arrived.All of them ready to go into their respective fields to perform their duties after the roll call.Soon the Conductor in charged would called out their names individually and leaving as soon as their names had been registered. The weeders had to stay until they received instruction what their duties would be.
Actually everything were always orderly.I remembered an incidence when I was away on leave,where on that faithful day a host of workers attacked all the staffs present with their 'kandal" sticks etc.Fortunately non of the staffs were hurt accept the Conductor who was beaten up by a number of strokes of the sticks.
A Police report was made and the main culprits arrested and later sacked.It was a minor protest against the Conductor's was of conducting his duties.I was told the Conductor resigned later to go into business.No more such happened ever again while I was there.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Chapter 3 The Long Hoildays
,We were now residing in a room of a wooden house at Pasir Pedamar Road.Many families dwelt there and we occupied a room.
For food we were eating at our Auntie's place.We have the bicycles to cycle to school.That was why we were always indebted to our Auntie.True our mother did pay her but those payments were insufficient,I know.
Poor Auntie had to suffer the blunt of the Uncle for entertaining us.He was a good man though just grumbling slightly whenever there were some problems.Just a show of a little anger nothing serious.Anyway I was there only two months or so.
The house where we stayed was also another lovely girl.Tall,slim and beautiful.We very often crossed each other. When we meet we only agreed each other only nothing more nothing less.Apparently she was interested in me but unfortunately my mind was filled with only a certain girl.
My mind was also concentrating on only my studies with the examination drawing near.I had to do well That was why I was burning midnight oil. That girl apparently knew that I was studying very hard despite my roaming around town with my friends.For when I went down stairs to ease myself she seem to be awake in her room.
The one I loved was then not talking to me although I still saw her at Church services. I really do missed her.In desperation I would ride the opposite as she ride home with her school mates.When we crossed each other I would looked straight into her eyes.
That certain glance was all that mattered.at least I got the consolation and inspirations to continue studying hard.The examination came and I sat for it.As expected I did badly in the maths papers but reasonably well in all other subjects.
I knew I would performed badly in Mathematics yet I offered it as a subject.That was out of grudge for that Mathematics master Loh Swee Kee.Undoubtedly he was a very good in maths but that does not give the right to abuse poor students like me with filthy languages and physically.
Agreed,I do not deny that I was a slow learner or just dumb and could not grasped that subject as most students do.In short his teachings were too fast for me to understand him.It was his duty to teach me slowly not shouting at me or threw chalk or duster at me.
To me he was the worst teacher in the whole school and should not be one.I took the subject to pull down the percentage of good grades among the students.That would mean he was no bloody good.
The only thing good about him was that he had a lovely daughter.Diana was her name and I was positively sure most students of that school agreed with me wholly.Anyway there was no interest in me for her that was for sure.
My friend James encouraged me to join all the Church services at the Protestant Church.Linda was also there most of the time.The Pastor was than Padre Fostor and assisting him was his wife.Later we had another Pastor,a Padre Hilliet.We were also members of their youth group.
As soon as the examination our auntie sent for us even though our grandmother had now passed away.Most obviously memories of her dear mother still lingered on within her mind.It was the third term holiday therefore it was to be a long one.
One of our distance cousin was around at that time.This rich kid was always a big show off.Showing off in front of us.I hate to confront him whatsoever.Studying in Victoria Institution and think he was hell lot smart.Maybe smarter than all of us then because his father was a rich contractor.
He would throw his things around carelessly.so I found a way to make fun of him.One day he threw his purse about and I just picked out fifty dollars and hid it in my dirty pair of shoes.
He came back from swimming in school the following day on finding his money missing.In panic he looked high and low for it.Our auntie questioned us about it and both deny any knowledge of it.
When we were out of the house our auntie's servant went through our belongings to find nothing.We knew because our things were wrong replaced after her searched.How would she knew it was in my dirty pair of shoes.That was never the last place she would find or ever anyone would?.
True, I was bad and had a criminal mind.For the first time I was a thief.My auntuie was equally smart she knew I was the culprit but could not proved it nor maybe she never intended to dispose me.What was fifty ringgit to a rich man anyway.Sparing it to a poor relative was surely nothing big - no big deal?.
For days that note was left in my smelly shoes an excellent hiding place.Even when we went out I wore those shoes with the note within,walking and running as if nothing in them.I only removed it when we were about to go home weeks later.
Meanwhile a confidence tricter came into my auntie's house one day claiming to be from Taiping,Perak.He said he was coming in just to say "hello".Our uncle, he claimed was his long time friend and that he was one of the son of a rich family from Taiping.
He was talking with much confidence claiming this and that.Our auntie seem impressed by his yearning.Then they touched whom and whom he knew - actually all bluff.Our Auntie was interested in getting me fixed with a job.This man promised her on the spot that he could easily fixed that and can take me immediately to see those big shots concerned.
He also convinced our Auntie that he could get her premium rice cheaply from Taiping and our auntie thinking that he was genuine and honest gave him some money to purchase them. Then he left with me purporting to see some big shot in the Arm Forces to get me a job.
He left me at a coffee shop in Setapak and bolted, never to be seen again.I returned home empty handed.Only then our auntie knew we had been cheated.I felt extremely bad because she was very anxious trying to help me secure a job.
Few weeks later the real guy from the Taiping came a calling after hearing of our auntie's plight.He was coming to clarify himself that no others from that family came to cheat our auntie.
A good look at him really bore some familiarities The confidence man looked and actually talked almost like him but it was not him.Seeing me our auntie asked him whether he had any position for me in his plantation.He offered me a job on the spot and I was to report to him in Taiping the following month after the Chinese New Year.
The holiday was soon going to be over and we needed to return home.Before that we went out to town by bus.Now that I had some cash in hand a cheap shirt for myself from Globe Silk Store,ate something nice and returned home.Then finally we were homeward bound.
Once back home in Teluk Anson I gave some of my pals a treat now that I had the money.I always wanted a nice pair of shoes and therefore I brought a pair of Apache shoes.The tyoe "Elvis Presley"wore on film.The pair of black shoes with white topping.The fashion that time.My brother was never aware of what I did.
With me going to Taiping,my brother was shifted to stay with our Teluk Anson Auntie.In Feb.1960 I joined Synn Lee & Co,m and was employed in their plantation namely Hurst Esate,Ulu Sapetang,Taiping,Perak.
For food we were eating at our Auntie's place.We have the bicycles to cycle to school.That was why we were always indebted to our Auntie.True our mother did pay her but those payments were insufficient,I know.
Poor Auntie had to suffer the blunt of the Uncle for entertaining us.He was a good man though just grumbling slightly whenever there were some problems.Just a show of a little anger nothing serious.Anyway I was there only two months or so.
The house where we stayed was also another lovely girl.Tall,slim and beautiful.We very often crossed each other. When we meet we only agreed each other only nothing more nothing less.Apparently she was interested in me but unfortunately my mind was filled with only a certain girl.
My mind was also concentrating on only my studies with the examination drawing near.I had to do well That was why I was burning midnight oil. That girl apparently knew that I was studying very hard despite my roaming around town with my friends.For when I went down stairs to ease myself she seem to be awake in her room.
The one I loved was then not talking to me although I still saw her at Church services. I really do missed her.In desperation I would ride the opposite as she ride home with her school mates.When we crossed each other I would looked straight into her eyes.
That certain glance was all that mattered.at least I got the consolation and inspirations to continue studying hard.The examination came and I sat for it.As expected I did badly in the maths papers but reasonably well in all other subjects.
I knew I would performed badly in Mathematics yet I offered it as a subject.That was out of grudge for that Mathematics master Loh Swee Kee.Undoubtedly he was a very good in maths but that does not give the right to abuse poor students like me with filthy languages and physically.
Agreed,I do not deny that I was a slow learner or just dumb and could not grasped that subject as most students do.In short his teachings were too fast for me to understand him.It was his duty to teach me slowly not shouting at me or threw chalk or duster at me.
To me he was the worst teacher in the whole school and should not be one.I took the subject to pull down the percentage of good grades among the students.That would mean he was no bloody good.
The only thing good about him was that he had a lovely daughter.Diana was her name and I was positively sure most students of that school agreed with me wholly.Anyway there was no interest in me for her that was for sure.
My friend James encouraged me to join all the Church services at the Protestant Church.Linda was also there most of the time.The Pastor was than Padre Fostor and assisting him was his wife.Later we had another Pastor,a Padre Hilliet.We were also members of their youth group.
As soon as the examination our auntie sent for us even though our grandmother had now passed away.Most obviously memories of her dear mother still lingered on within her mind.It was the third term holiday therefore it was to be a long one.
One of our distance cousin was around at that time.This rich kid was always a big show off.Showing off in front of us.I hate to confront him whatsoever.Studying in Victoria Institution and think he was hell lot smart.Maybe smarter than all of us then because his father was a rich contractor.
He would throw his things around carelessly.so I found a way to make fun of him.One day he threw his purse about and I just picked out fifty dollars and hid it in my dirty pair of shoes.
He came back from swimming in school the following day on finding his money missing.In panic he looked high and low for it.Our auntie questioned us about it and both deny any knowledge of it.
When we were out of the house our auntie's servant went through our belongings to find nothing.We knew because our things were wrong replaced after her searched.How would she knew it was in my dirty pair of shoes.That was never the last place she would find or ever anyone would?.
True, I was bad and had a criminal mind.For the first time I was a thief.My auntuie was equally smart she knew I was the culprit but could not proved it nor maybe she never intended to dispose me.What was fifty ringgit to a rich man anyway.Sparing it to a poor relative was surely nothing big - no big deal?.
For days that note was left in my smelly shoes an excellent hiding place.Even when we went out I wore those shoes with the note within,walking and running as if nothing in them.I only removed it when we were about to go home weeks later.
Meanwhile a confidence tricter came into my auntie's house one day claiming to be from Taiping,Perak.He said he was coming in just to say "hello".Our uncle, he claimed was his long time friend and that he was one of the son of a rich family from Taiping.
He was talking with much confidence claiming this and that.Our auntie seem impressed by his yearning.Then they touched whom and whom he knew - actually all bluff.Our Auntie was interested in getting me fixed with a job.This man promised her on the spot that he could easily fixed that and can take me immediately to see those big shots concerned.
He also convinced our Auntie that he could get her premium rice cheaply from Taiping and our auntie thinking that he was genuine and honest gave him some money to purchase them. Then he left with me purporting to see some big shot in the Arm Forces to get me a job.
He left me at a coffee shop in Setapak and bolted, never to be seen again.I returned home empty handed.Only then our auntie knew we had been cheated.I felt extremely bad because she was very anxious trying to help me secure a job.
Few weeks later the real guy from the Taiping came a calling after hearing of our auntie's plight.He was coming to clarify himself that no others from that family came to cheat our auntie.
A good look at him really bore some familiarities The confidence man looked and actually talked almost like him but it was not him.Seeing me our auntie asked him whether he had any position for me in his plantation.He offered me a job on the spot and I was to report to him in Taiping the following month after the Chinese New Year.
The holiday was soon going to be over and we needed to return home.Before that we went out to town by bus.Now that I had some cash in hand a cheap shirt for myself from Globe Silk Store,ate something nice and returned home.Then finally we were homeward bound.
Once back home in Teluk Anson I gave some of my pals a treat now that I had the money.I always wanted a nice pair of shoes and therefore I brought a pair of Apache shoes.The tyoe "Elvis Presley"wore on film.The pair of black shoes with white topping.The fashion that time.My brother was never aware of what I did.
With me going to Taiping,my brother was shifted to stay with our Teluk Anson Auntie.In Feb.1960 I joined Synn Lee & Co,m and was employed in their plantation namely Hurst Esate,Ulu Sapetang,Taiping,Perak.
Chapter 2 A beautiful Girl called Linda
I was not a Christian then but the school I attended was a initially a missionary ran school.That was why I became involved with Christianity.
In that school every Friday afternoon we all had to attend chapel services before school over.Muslim students cannot join us and were released to go to their Mosque to pray.
That was why I was exposed to the Bible and the hyms.In fact I offered Scripture (St.Luke) as one of my subjects for the Scholol Certificate Examination.Easy to score in this subject,of course,in fact a certain credit from it.
I was in form 5 then when I met James Ong.He and his family were staunch Christian.Very often he invited me to visit him at his house.It was he who first introduced me to the Church.
We attended the evening services as well as the other one on Sunday morning.One morning I surprisingly dropped into his house and there she was a very,very lovely girl.She was so charming and attractive so much so I could not lift my eyes away from her.
She was simply stunningly beautiful Immediately I fell in love with her at first sight.James introduced her to me and teased me and her.What said were the truth because I actually fell for her that very instant.
We spoke a little sheepishly but got along fine.James invite her to Church which she agreed immediately and I was to escort her.It was an excellent start for us.That evening I escorted her to Church.We had a lovely outing although we were just going to Church.
That was to be the best part of my life although I was so young then.I was sixteen,perhaps too young for love or was it????.No never it was a love forever.I knew it from the very start that that was the girl in my life.True enough it adhered to me for life even there were no good ending.All good things never ended well in many cases.
There is a God and He has his ways of doing things.Who then were I to question it?.
Every moment of my escorting her to school in the morning and back in the afternoon.To Church services etc.were all treasured by me.All very happy memories.But life were never a bed of roses,at least not for me.
For before long another handsome tall youth had an eye on her.He was seen waiting and looking at affectionately at her as we passed by every morning.I was mindful of him but just ignored him because she was a beautiful girl surely there were many admirer.Most important he was from a wealthy family.That family was a famous coffee merchant.
During those time her mother also requested me to tuition her and brother in their lessons especially maths.Now how awful was that,because I myself was never good at it neither was I was I a top grade student.As it was I myself needed tuition . In short I was just simply not a good sudent myself..
Observing that their mother and with the new rich boy after their daughter the mother just told me off in a nice and politely way to get lost.Got lost I did,but as I left the house that morning,the tears flowed down my face drenching it non-stopped.
The tears kept pouring out even when I reached the main road and cycled on and on.Linda sensing some thing drastically wrong did called out to me as her young brother looked on.I was badly hurt that day.In sorrow and in tears which I did not wish her to see me in that position just simply waved to her without turning around and walked on.
That was the saddest day of my dear life. I cycled and cycled for miles,until I reached the far end of Selaba Estate some five miles away.My tears were then drying up.Then only I did turned back to ride home ward.Thereafter I went back to fish in a secluded place where no one could locate me that day.
After much deep thoughts I now know that poor boys should not fall in love.There were no place for them there.I became angry and frustrated at my predicaments I turned bad,real bad.An angry young man hunger for any fights that may come along.THere was nothing to prove but to vent my anger whosoever cross my path.
For from that day on I joined another group of boys.Together we made a fearful foursome.There were Wei Sang and the two brothers.Hardly into a week of moving with them most people knew us.None dared challenged us to any fight because they know we would all fight together.
Should there be trouble we were the one to question them,"If you are looking for trouble.You have come to the right place".Once we were almost involved in a gang fight near the rice mill of Teluk Anson.We were to assist another gang in their fight against another gang whom non of us knew.
We went there at the appointed time but we were smart in taking another route to that spot.However before we reached that spot we notice the police in full force lying around.It was a Police trap set for all of us.
As we noticed that we broke up and ran away in two groups.Those two brothers cycled towards town and I took Wei Sang to run off the other way.We escaped that dragnet.Wei Sang stayed with me at the Plantation.
Next morning I attended school as normal but was pointed out by a Police Officer to the Principal in class from out side the class.No arrest was made as they had no prove against me.From then I knew I was a marked man.My friend I sent him fishing while I went to school.
A few days after I split from escorting that girl.that girl confronted me after Church service for starring fiercely at her new friend,the coffee boy.That really stunned me and I replied,"Well I only looked at him as he at me.Noting more". No threats whatsoever..
However,from that day on ward that boy stopped at escorting her. Apparently he considered myself a threat to his well being. Cannot blamed him because I was already a well known thug.
Just imagine even a murderer who absconded from Ipoh when hiding in Teluk Anson also seek us out .Maybe he thought we could protect him from others.We relaxed and just allowed things be as we became friends.
So I turned bad and my worst enemy those days were members of the Horse Shoe Gang of which Loke Weng Cheong was a member.They never dared dreamed of going round town alone because they know I would fight them anytime any place.I can now fight my own battles . At last I had left the shell of the protection of Suan Leng.
The School Certificate Examination was drawing near and in the eyes of all others I was bound to fail - no way I could passed,I wanted to prove all of them wrong.I studied after my roaming in town nightly.Yes,I was burning midnight oil studying in silence until 5.00 a.m daily.Could I still failed?..
By then we had shifted house again.We moved to a room upstairs in a wooden house along Pasir Pedamar.We moved in with our father while our mother went to tap rubber at another small holder some distance away from town.She only comes back to see us during her off days.
Soon the examination was over and almost immediately we left for Kuala LumpurThis was the third term holidays and it was longer.
In that school every Friday afternoon we all had to attend chapel services before school over.Muslim students cannot join us and were released to go to their Mosque to pray.
That was why I was exposed to the Bible and the hyms.In fact I offered Scripture (St.Luke) as one of my subjects for the Scholol Certificate Examination.Easy to score in this subject,of course,in fact a certain credit from it.
I was in form 5 then when I met James Ong.He and his family were staunch Christian.Very often he invited me to visit him at his house.It was he who first introduced me to the Church.
We attended the evening services as well as the other one on Sunday morning.One morning I surprisingly dropped into his house and there she was a very,very lovely girl.She was so charming and attractive so much so I could not lift my eyes away from her.
She was simply stunningly beautiful Immediately I fell in love with her at first sight.James introduced her to me and teased me and her.What said were the truth because I actually fell for her that very instant.
We spoke a little sheepishly but got along fine.James invite her to Church which she agreed immediately and I was to escort her.It was an excellent start for us.That evening I escorted her to Church.We had a lovely outing although we were just going to Church.
That was to be the best part of my life although I was so young then.I was sixteen,perhaps too young for love or was it????.No never it was a love forever.I knew it from the very start that that was the girl in my life.True enough it adhered to me for life even there were no good ending.All good things never ended well in many cases.
There is a God and He has his ways of doing things.Who then were I to question it?.
Every moment of my escorting her to school in the morning and back in the afternoon.To Church services etc.were all treasured by me.All very happy memories.But life were never a bed of roses,at least not for me.
For before long another handsome tall youth had an eye on her.He was seen waiting and looking at affectionately at her as we passed by every morning.I was mindful of him but just ignored him because she was a beautiful girl surely there were many admirer.Most important he was from a wealthy family.That family was a famous coffee merchant.
During those time her mother also requested me to tuition her and brother in their lessons especially maths.Now how awful was that,because I myself was never good at it neither was I was I a top grade student.As it was I myself needed tuition . In short I was just simply not a good sudent myself..
Observing that their mother and with the new rich boy after their daughter the mother just told me off in a nice and politely way to get lost.Got lost I did,but as I left the house that morning,the tears flowed down my face drenching it non-stopped.
The tears kept pouring out even when I reached the main road and cycled on and on.Linda sensing some thing drastically wrong did called out to me as her young brother looked on.I was badly hurt that day.In sorrow and in tears which I did not wish her to see me in that position just simply waved to her without turning around and walked on.
That was the saddest day of my dear life. I cycled and cycled for miles,until I reached the far end of Selaba Estate some five miles away.My tears were then drying up.Then only I did turned back to ride home ward.Thereafter I went back to fish in a secluded place where no one could locate me that day.
After much deep thoughts I now know that poor boys should not fall in love.There were no place for them there.I became angry and frustrated at my predicaments I turned bad,real bad.An angry young man hunger for any fights that may come along.THere was nothing to prove but to vent my anger whosoever cross my path.
For from that day on I joined another group of boys.Together we made a fearful foursome.There were Wei Sang and the two brothers.Hardly into a week of moving with them most people knew us.None dared challenged us to any fight because they know we would all fight together.
Should there be trouble we were the one to question them,"If you are looking for trouble.You have come to the right place".Once we were almost involved in a gang fight near the rice mill of Teluk Anson.We were to assist another gang in their fight against another gang whom non of us knew.
We went there at the appointed time but we were smart in taking another route to that spot.However before we reached that spot we notice the police in full force lying around.It was a Police trap set for all of us.
As we noticed that we broke up and ran away in two groups.Those two brothers cycled towards town and I took Wei Sang to run off the other way.We escaped that dragnet.Wei Sang stayed with me at the Plantation.
Next morning I attended school as normal but was pointed out by a Police Officer to the Principal in class from out side the class.No arrest was made as they had no prove against me.From then I knew I was a marked man.My friend I sent him fishing while I went to school.
A few days after I split from escorting that girl.that girl confronted me after Church service for starring fiercely at her new friend,the coffee boy.That really stunned me and I replied,"Well I only looked at him as he at me.Noting more". No threats whatsoever..
However,from that day on ward that boy stopped at escorting her. Apparently he considered myself a threat to his well being. Cannot blamed him because I was already a well known thug.
Just imagine even a murderer who absconded from Ipoh when hiding in Teluk Anson also seek us out .Maybe he thought we could protect him from others.We relaxed and just allowed things be as we became friends.
So I turned bad and my worst enemy those days were members of the Horse Shoe Gang of which Loke Weng Cheong was a member.They never dared dreamed of going round town alone because they know I would fight them anytime any place.I can now fight my own battles . At last I had left the shell of the protection of Suan Leng.
The School Certificate Examination was drawing near and in the eyes of all others I was bound to fail - no way I could passed,I wanted to prove all of them wrong.I studied after my roaming in town nightly.Yes,I was burning midnight oil studying in silence until 5.00 a.m daily.Could I still failed?..
By then we had shifted house again.We moved to a room upstairs in a wooden house along Pasir Pedamar.We moved in with our father while our mother went to tap rubber at another small holder some distance away from town.She only comes back to see us during her off days.
Soon the examination was over and almost immediately we left for Kuala LumpurThis was the third term holidays and it was longer.
Chapter 1 The Days After The Passing Of Our Grandmother
Our living conditions remained as it was after the demised of our dear grandmother.We still had to reside at the Plantation quarter.
The plantation however had changed hands.Being taken over by a Chinese owned concerned.In place of the Manager they placed a "Kapala"or headman who resided next to us,not in the Manager's bungalow.That was reserved for the Boss to stay whenever they visited the plantation.
Our mother was slightly better off for only a a short while,when our sister was offered a temporary teacher position by the Convent School.That was because she had been the best student most the years.
When the Overseas Cambridge Results came she scored the best results for Lower Perak.Later she was accepted to be trained in Brinsford Lodge,U.K.Of course she went on with that,so we were back to square one.
When "Cheng Beng" came we went to the 9t.mile Cemetery by our Teluk Anson uncle's car. He was kind to do us that favor but we just had to top up his petrol tank,that was all.He was driving a green color Morris Minor then.
As I grew older my days in running around the plantation became lesser.I was developing a little interests in girls.So I began teasing them all round.For example there a beauty living in the plantation's shop.
Trying to get near to her we often hanged around her house,eying her.She was friendly but we found out that she had a boy friend who came in a car.Ah -anyway she was slightly older than us,we lamented.Sour grapes,maybe.
She still had a younger sister,but too young though she might grow up as another beauty.That small girl was eying our younger brother.My brother at that age had no interest in her.
The Yap family had a couple of daughters ,whom we knew more intimately but I for one had no interest in either of them.Their father was a building contractor who had closed connection with the European Plantation Manager.
Their sons were our fishing partners.Much of our tricks were learned from them.Now that I was much older I do not go out fishing or venture into catching spiders and fighting fish with them.
I joined my cousin's group in roaming the town in the early evenings.Just p[lain roaming looking at at beautiful girls,no chasing.This was where I met a guy named Johnnie Tan.This chap can sing very much and I learned how to sing from him.Well he seemed very familiar with many then top hits.We sing along as we cycled round town.This group retired back home by 10 p.m..
Thereafter, I joined another group,a rather timid group.One of the friends was Yusof, a half Bengali/Malay youth while another was P,M.S.Moorthy. There was another Chinese youth who walked with a slight limped.
Most of the time we would loitered around the Great World Park.Should we had sufficient money we would enjoy ourselves eating Assam Laksa at fifteen cents or twenty cents per bowl or we went for "sup kambing" or 'Sup Ayam"or "Sup Lembu".
All very tasty those days and all affordable.Those days those things were very tasty unlike today's.Got money we all enjoyed ourselves together or whoever can afford to give the rest a treat.The treat would be on him.Those days I was always broke.Should all do not have enough money we all just simply go for a plain cup of "kopi O".
We were just want to have a little fun loitering around until midnight.Nor we interested in any girls though some girls might had seco0nd thoughts at our odd behaviors around town.
I admit that at that time I was developing some interest in them.Stealing some fleeting glances at them sometimes.No harboring of bad ideas about them.No anxiety over them just plain adoration.Admiring young girls no harm.
At the bicycle of the Great World Park were a couple of sisters tendering to bicycles parked there.They were eying us and we looked back affectionately.That was all.No attempts were made to contact them.
I thought our trips of holidaying in Kuala Lumpur were finished after our Grandmother's passing away.No how wrong I was.For before long our Auntie requested our presence there.
So we went there during our school holidays.WE tagged our cousin along.While there we were also taken to Port Dickson for a short stay.For the first time we faced the vast sea.
There we spent hours walking in the sand.Those days Port Dickson was very clean unlike today.Broker bottles and rubbish littered along the beaches.The water murky and highly polluted from nearby hotels,restaurants and homes.The water in fact smiled dirty.
Those days we could walked for distance looking for sea shells.Fishing was quite out because we d not know how to fish in sea water.The distance of shallow water seemingly without end.We walked until we got sun burnt.
We actually went in a big group of uncle's relatives and good friends.They also brought along their children.Non interest me what so ever only our cousin was infatuated by a certain girl.A closed friendship developed between them.
I had no interest in all of them as I had something else in mind.My brother was all time near our cousin sister and the other girls.He was then too young to have any interest in any of them,though some girls I think liked him.
We all had a good time there.
When we returned home I told our cousin about it and he was anxious to join us.So the next trip we went we took him along.WE did not pay for his trip,I think his brother-in-law did.
The plantation however had changed hands.Being taken over by a Chinese owned concerned.In place of the Manager they placed a "Kapala"or headman who resided next to us,not in the Manager's bungalow.That was reserved for the Boss to stay whenever they visited the plantation.
Our mother was slightly better off for only a a short while,when our sister was offered a temporary teacher position by the Convent School.That was because she had been the best student most the years.
When the Overseas Cambridge Results came she scored the best results for Lower Perak.Later she was accepted to be trained in Brinsford Lodge,U.K.Of course she went on with that,so we were back to square one.
When "Cheng Beng" came we went to the 9t.mile Cemetery by our Teluk Anson uncle's car. He was kind to do us that favor but we just had to top up his petrol tank,that was all.He was driving a green color Morris Minor then.
As I grew older my days in running around the plantation became lesser.I was developing a little interests in girls.So I began teasing them all round.For example there a beauty living in the plantation's shop.
Trying to get near to her we often hanged around her house,eying her.She was friendly but we found out that she had a boy friend who came in a car.Ah -anyway she was slightly older than us,we lamented.Sour grapes,maybe.
She still had a younger sister,but too young though she might grow up as another beauty.That small girl was eying our younger brother.My brother at that age had no interest in her.
The Yap family had a couple of daughters ,whom we knew more intimately but I for one had no interest in either of them.Their father was a building contractor who had closed connection with the European Plantation Manager.
Their sons were our fishing partners.Much of our tricks were learned from them.Now that I was much older I do not go out fishing or venture into catching spiders and fighting fish with them.
I joined my cousin's group in roaming the town in the early evenings.Just p[lain roaming looking at at beautiful girls,no chasing.This was where I met a guy named Johnnie Tan.This chap can sing very much and I learned how to sing from him.Well he seemed very familiar with many then top hits.We sing along as we cycled round town.This group retired back home by 10 p.m..
Thereafter, I joined another group,a rather timid group.One of the friends was Yusof, a half Bengali/Malay youth while another was P,M.S.Moorthy. There was another Chinese youth who walked with a slight limped.
Most of the time we would loitered around the Great World Park.Should we had sufficient money we would enjoy ourselves eating Assam Laksa at fifteen cents or twenty cents per bowl or we went for "sup kambing" or 'Sup Ayam"or "Sup Lembu".
All very tasty those days and all affordable.Those days those things were very tasty unlike today's.Got money we all enjoyed ourselves together or whoever can afford to give the rest a treat.The treat would be on him.Those days I was always broke.Should all do not have enough money we all just simply go for a plain cup of "kopi O".
We were just want to have a little fun loitering around until midnight.Nor we interested in any girls though some girls might had seco0nd thoughts at our odd behaviors around town.
I admit that at that time I was developing some interest in them.Stealing some fleeting glances at them sometimes.No harboring of bad ideas about them.No anxiety over them just plain adoration.Admiring young girls no harm.
At the bicycle of the Great World Park were a couple of sisters tendering to bicycles parked there.They were eying us and we looked back affectionately.That was all.No attempts were made to contact them.
I thought our trips of holidaying in Kuala Lumpur were finished after our Grandmother's passing away.No how wrong I was.For before long our Auntie requested our presence there.
So we went there during our school holidays.WE tagged our cousin along.While there we were also taken to Port Dickson for a short stay.For the first time we faced the vast sea.
There we spent hours walking in the sand.Those days Port Dickson was very clean unlike today.Broker bottles and rubbish littered along the beaches.The water murky and highly polluted from nearby hotels,restaurants and homes.The water in fact smiled dirty.
Those days we could walked for distance looking for sea shells.Fishing was quite out because we d not know how to fish in sea water.The distance of shallow water seemingly without end.We walked until we got sun burnt.
We actually went in a big group of uncle's relatives and good friends.They also brought along their children.Non interest me what so ever only our cousin was infatuated by a certain girl.A closed friendship developed between them.
I had no interest in all of them as I had something else in mind.My brother was all time near our cousin sister and the other girls.He was then too young to have any interest in any of them,though some girls I think liked him.
We all had a good time there.
When we returned home I told our cousin about it and he was anxious to join us.So the next trip we went we took him along.WE did not pay for his trip,I think his brother-in-law did.
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