The North Borneo Herald. SATURDAY, 16th APRIL, 1898 THE ANNEXATION CEREMONY.

THE NORTH BORNEO HERALD

AND

THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE

EDUCATIONAL SERIES BY BORNEO HISTORY

No. 8 - VOL.XVI. SANDAKAN, SATURDAY, 16th APRIL, 1898

The North Borneo Herald.

SATURDAY, 16th APRIL, 1898

THE ANNEXATION CEREMONY.

As announced in our issue of 1st April, the Pangeran Jeludin has ceded the sovereign rights of Mengkabong and Menggatal to the Government of British North Borneo. On the 5th April the ceremony of hoisting the flag and formally taking over the country was enacted about 10 a. m. A start was made from Gaya, the party consisting of Mr Cowie, Captain S.W.M. Beaumont, R.N., Lieuts. Smyth and Stevenson, R.N. and other officers of the H.M.S. Swift, with Messrs. Wise, Wathen and Pearson of the Company's service.

The G.C. Petrel towing the steam cutter of the Swift arrived off the mouth of the Mengkabong Creek about, 11.30 a.m. A few soundings were then taken, but as the tide was strong it was thought inadvisable to risk taking the Petrel over the bar. Mr. Wise left at once in the steam cutter to announce our arrival to the Pangeran, who came down to the Qualla to meet us. The party then proceeded up the left hand branch of the creek. The scenery of the river was exceptionally beautiful. On either bank was seen the luxuriant foliage, common to Borneo and here and there a picturesque fishing village built out over the water. Brilliantly plumaged birds were seen on both banks and occasionally flitting over our heads, while Kinabalu stood out in all its grandeur as a suitable background to this charming scene.

As the Flotilla proceeded up the creek it was joined by native boats crowded with people from the villages. Unfortunately a shower of rain came on but it cleared again just as the Flotilla arrived at the place where the Pangeran had raised a flag staff ready for the ceremony. The guard of honour, consisting of a company of Blue jackets from H. M. S. Swift under Lieutenants Smyth and Stevenson, was then drawn up on one side, of the flag staff, a guard of the Company's Sikh Police at right angles to them, while the rest of the space was filled in with the natives.

The Pangeran Jaludin then stepped forward and addressed the people. In the course of his speech he informed them that he had made over the country to the Borneo Government and asked them if there any present them who objected. The natives unanimously answered "no, no." He informed them that if they behaved properly they were be well treated and dealt with fairly.

Mr. Cowie, in the regrettable absence of H. E. in answering the Pangeran, confirmed what he had said about the Government and remarked that he was sure that the district  would be one of the most prosperous on the West Coast. The flag was then hoisted and the guard presented arms. Three cheers were then given for the British flag in which the natives heartily joined, and two buffaloes were killed by Mr. Cowie's order to give the natives a feast. Mr. Cowie then took a couple of photographs of the scene and the party returned to the Petrel.

Coming out of the bar soundings were taken, the lowest being 9 feet of water on the bar. When the entrance has been properly surveyed and the channel beaconed off, most of the coal trading steamers will be able to get up the creek.

-/sj