Source 11:       An ex-Indian convict's experience as a labourer in colonial Singapore in the late 19th century.

Like many other Indian political prisoners who were arrested for resisting the British Raj*, I was sent to Singapore to work as a convict labourer. We were housed in temporary sheds in town where there was little or no prison control over us. The authorities then divided us into six classes and I was tasked to help out in the government's pulic works programmes. After concluding our workday, we were also allowed to work as hired servants for residents in town who paid us liberal** wages. By the time we were old men, I have amassed savings sufficient to purchase land and live out the remainder of my life in comfort.

*British Raj: British rule in the India.

**liberal: generous in amount.

Source Origin: Singapore:A Biography, Mark R. Frost & Yu-Mei Balasingamchow.

Use Record: Holy Innocents' High School, 2015.