There is one part of the scheme of work we planned for ourselves last year which has not begun to be accomplished. I mean the formation of a collection of Malay literature. When I think of the dangers which so many of the few Malay MSS. and books that exist are now running, I feel that there is no time to be lost in setting about this business in earnest. Think of these precious volumes in the keeping of native owners who have no idea of their value. Think of them also even when they are in the hands of appreciative European collectors; of one precious, unique MS. in a bachelor residence somewhere in the interior of Perak: another perhaps in a Singapore hotel: another here, another there, scattered everywhere, in danger of white ants, of fire, of careless servants, encountering daily one or all of these risks. When I think of it I tremble for them, and most heartily wish they were safe under lock and key, in the possession of our Society.
There are three ways in which possession of them may be acquired by gift, by loan for copying, or by purchase. Surely we ought to be able either to beg, borrow, or buy them. I think while we have money it would be a most useful way of spending some of it, if we were either to purchase such Malay books as are to be bought, or pay for having copies made of such as may be entrusted to us for that purpose.—But of course it would be better still to receive them as gifts; and as example is more forcible than precept. I here and now offer for the acceptance of the Society my own much valued copy of the Hikayat Abdullah.
We may thankfully record the fact that the Society has had no losses by death, and few by departure during the year. One serious loss was that of the Hon. John Douglas, the late Colonial Secretary of this Colony. He was a most valuable member of the Council, and was much interested in the welfare and progress of the Society. But as the loss to us was a gain to him we perhaps ought not to regret it. The timely return of Mr. Hervey to Singapore gave the Council an opportunity of filling up the vacancy in their body by appointing another of the original promoters of the Society to succeed Mr. Douglas.
And now, gentlemen, it only remains for me and the other members of the Council to lay down the charge with which you have entrusted us, and ask you to proceed to the election of our successors.
