Chapter XIX: Appendix: VI

Extracts from letters from T. Church, Esq., Resident Councillor, Singapore, addressed to the Honourable the Governor of the Straits.

15th September, 1849. Transmits copy of letter from Captain
Man, dated August, 1849, forwarding account of value of labour
of the convicts for the year ending 30th April last.

In my last report I adverted to the efficient state of this
department, and the importance of the work performed by
convicts under the zealous and active supervision of the
Superintendent. The accompanying papers will, I think,
satisfy your Honour, and distant authorities likewise, that
the value of the labour of the convicts, particularly the
artificers, is annually becoming developed; and even now
the skill of the men is quite equal, if not superior, to
the free labourers generally employed by the Superintending
Engineer; in fact, Major Faber has on more than one
occasion expressed his professional opinion on the
superiority of the masonry and other works executed by the
convict body. I trust the period is not far distant when
the Government will allow all repairs and minor works to be
done by the Superintendent of Convicts, a measure much to
be desired, and vastly more economical than the present
system.

The annexed statement has no pretensions to accuracy, and
I am rather disposed to place on record Captain Man's
estimate than my own; but whichever is adopted, the result
is most satisfactory, as showing that the labour of the
convicts is equivalent to all expenses incurred in their
maintenance at this station.

August, 1850. A cursory view of the papers submitted by Captain
Man will show how much the community are indebted to the
convict body for the cleanliness of the streets in town, and
the extensive and admirable roads in the country, which elicit
the praise and even the astonishment of sojourners from the
continent of India, and the Colonies.

10th August, 1852. Captain Man's report is exceedingly
gratifying, and demonstrates how admirably adapted the existing
rules and regulations are to preserve order and discipline
among a large body of probably the most vicious and demoralized
characters from the presidencies, and at the same time render
their labour of considerable importance to the place of
transportation.

Extracts from the letters of the Governor of the Straits Settlements to the Resident Councillor, Singapore:--

29th August, 1850. The management of the convict body at
Singapore reflects great credit on Captain Man, whose energy
and zeal in the execution of his duties have always been very
conspicuous; and I notice with extreme satisfaction the
eulogium passed on that officer in the concluding paragraphs of
your communication.

The observations of the Superintendent of Convicts and Roads at
this station, as well as at Penang, on the aforesaid rules and
regulations, coupled with your notice of the same, have
afforded me unqualified gratification, seeing that they were
drawn up by me so far back as 1845 in the face of much
opposition to the entire abolition of free men as petty
officers, in which, however, as in all matters connected with
the welfare of this station, I acknowledge your cordial support
and assistance.