Source-based Practice

Source A

The experiences of a coolie who first arrived in Singapore in the mid-19^th Century

We came on shore and I was sold as a ‘little pig’. This morning I was taken to a boat with others but I didn’t know where they were taking us to. But we heard that the place is 11 or 12 days’ sail from this place, and that we had to work in tin-mines. Of course we refused to go to another country, as we had understood Singapore to be our destination, and I can’t work as a miner. On our way to the boat we refused to proceed, so the towkays (supervisors) threatened and beat us.

Adapted from Travellers’ Tales of Old Singapore

1. Study Source A. How useful is the source in showing the lives of the immigrants after they arrived in early Singapore? Explain your answer. (6m)