2nd PERAK COUNCIL MEETING, 1877

Tues 11th Sept 1877 (2nd Council Meeting) - snippets

Present: Resident (Hugh Low)
             Asst Resident (Capt Speedy)
             Raja Dris
             Orang Kaya Temenggong
             Capt Ah Kwee
             Capt Ah Yam
Absent: Raja Muda Yusuf
             Che Karim of Selama

2. (adapted). Capt Ah Yam explains that the Chinese pay the principal revenues of the country, proposes to substitute a Pork Farm which would be productive. The speculators offering to supply pork at cheaper price at 20 cents/kati which at present 22 cents/lb. Capt Ah Kwee recommended that cattle and buffaloes should be included; the farm would probably produce $500/mo.

3. (adapted). The Council are in favour of this proposition and agree in principle, but the Resident states that having recently taken off the tax on pork it will require full consideration before re-establishing it, is in favour of the creation of the farm. The Resident agrees with the Council and will support before the Government the policy of exempting the Chinese from the head tax.

4. (adapted). Abolition of import duties beginning 1878 except on:
Spirits of all kinds       $1/doz bottles
Tobacco of all kinds     $1.50/pikul
Opium                       $2/ball or $80/chest

5. Export duties for 1878:
Gutta     $3/pikul
Tin         $10/bhara

Perak tin exported from Matang $8.20, all jungle produce or metals other than tin to pay royalty of 10%.     

6. (adapted). With regard to mines it was recommended to grant leases for 21 years subject to royalty $2/bhara 'asil tanah', and subject to proviso that Government has the right of re-entry for failure for one year to work the mines.