PHT Newsletter Issue 94

Site Visit Report
Taiping - Town of Everlasting Peace

By Gertrude Soong
Edited by L.A.K. James

Participants in the visit on 7th September to Taiping and adjacent historic sites of Perak included some 40 persons, members of the PHT as well as members of the International Women's Association (IWA). Interest in the places visited was enhanced by the various individuals who briefed us on such topics as (a) the Lake Gardens, still lovely although the Pagoda seems to have disappeared; (b) the making of charcoal, an extraordinarily long process before it is ready for use; (c) the mangrove forest, the source of wood for the making of charcoal; and (d) Ngah Ibrahim, the Mentri of Larut, whose residence ("fort") is a museum depicting his life story and influence in Malaysian history during the Larut Wars of the 1860s and 1870s. These conflicts led to British intervention and the Pangkor Treaty of 1874, restoring peace in the tin-mining areas and providing for the introduction of the British Residency system. Most interesting was the collection of well preserved and well documented artifacts associated with Ngah Ibrahim. Also of interest were the exhibits and information about Captain Speedy, Superintendent of Police in Penang who was recruited by Ngah Ibrahim to form the Perak Armed Police in 1873 to maintain order among the feuding Chinese miners and who later was appointed British Assistant Resident in Perak. Unfortunately a visit to his Residence was not possible because it was closed.

Not to be forgotten, of course, was the stop at the Fishing Village where a sumptuous sea-food lunch was enjoyed.

Extended site visits such as this not only strengthen our appreciation of historical places many of us have not been to before but also provide an opportunity for PHT members to get to know each other. The sharing of ideas and enjoyment of fellowship were most valuable. Special thanks are due to PHT members Brian and Penny Coomber for their work in organizing this trip, and to Penny in particular for her personal insights regarding her hometown Taiping and the role of her grandfather Ng Boo Bee alias Ng Ah Boo in the building of Malaysia's first railway, the Taiping - Port Weld Railway.