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Leader Magazine
DECEMBER 1960.
POSSIBLE POSTINGS I.
SINGAPORE
Many of you will doubtless visit the overseas station of Singapore in the next few years. You will find that Singapore is a small island at the foot of the Malay peninsula. In size it resembles the Isle of Wight, for it is about twenty-seven miles long and fourteen miles wide. Into this small space are crammed people of many races. Malays and Chinese predominate, but there are also quite considerable groups of Indians and Europeans.
The economy of Singapore depends upon the trade which passes through its port, which stands at the crossroads between East and West. All types of goods, such as spices, cameras, materials, light machinery, jewels, and cars pass through the port en route for distant lands.
The control of trade is mainly in the hands of the Chinese. About twenty-six Chinese millionaires live in Singapore. The majority of the Indians are labourers in the docks, and the Malays are fishermen or workers in the villages.
The climate is a wonderful contrast to that of Wales. The sun beats down all day, and is only relieved by rain, which comes in torrents (in this, the contrast with Wales is less marked). The sun and heavy rain produces ideal conditions for the main crop of the island: coconuts and pineapples.
Food is plentiful, but very expensive, although the stranger will find delight in sampling the many curries, mah mee, and fried crab that can be bought from road-side stalls. However, it is comforting that egg and chips can be obtained at the Servicemen's Club in Singapore.
It is essential to keep fit, and all sport is played in the cool of the evening, but swimming can be enjoyed at any time of day, on the beaches, or in the Britannia Club pool. The Club, built by the Nuffield Trust, has a fine swimming pool and restaurant.
The soldier in Singapore has the important job of maintaining good relations with the local population. If treated properly, they are very friendly, and Singapore is a splendid posting which you will leave reluctantly.
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