PORTUGUESE TIMOR

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 59, 27 July 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)

PORTUGUESE TIMOR

WHERE REBELLION RAGED. Mr. John Cameron, in the Sydney Daily Telegraph, describes a recent visit to Portuguese Timor:—

The country, he writes, is .simply glorious; magnificent climate, scenery, water and grasses, and will grow anything. The whole mountain-sides are a series of small farms under maize and potatoes, while paspahim is growing wild at 4300 feet. Our stay at Maubisse was most enjoyable and interesting. We witnessed a few scraps with the revolters who occupy the ranges to the south of Maubisse —about a mile from the fort. On one occasion about 4000 of them came down to the maize fields within half a mile of the fort; but a few hours' shooting had them in full retreat. The same evening, we were called to arms, the outposts having got in touch with the enemy, who probably were on a stealing expedition, for it is very unlikely they would attack the camp at night. The following morning we journeyed some six miles over the ranges to the Governor's camp, and, though the mountain was hard travelling, the vegetation continued still to impress us as to its grazing and agricultural possibilities. In his Excellency we found the same courteous, hospitable welcome that had been extended to us throughout our trip. A man thoroughly acquainted with every detail, he has the progress of Portuguese Timor at heart. From the first he has had to face many difficulties, starting with a mere handful of men to face some 20,000 revolters, secure in their many mountainous, natural strongholds. He has within a few months made the country from Dilly to Aiaubisse practically safe. Every position has been carefully and thoroughly cleaned up, and since we left Bonaventua, the chief of the Manifia has been surrounded, and made overtures to surrender, so that the revolt is practically over. This tribe is responsible for all the trouble, and should be taught a severe lesson, otherwise other tribes will consider leniency as weakness, and serious trouble will from time to time threaten the settler, whom this land so badly needs. The Portuguese have laid the foundation of secure settlement in establishing military stations throughout the island, all of which are connected by telephone; but these will require to be materially added to to cope with the extent of good lands and immense native population—an outlay that will amply repay itself; for within a few years, with its liberal land laws and cheap labor, Timor should be one of Portugal's most productive possessions.

The natives, when regularly fed and reasonably considered, readily seek employment and quickly realise its advantages and protection. They are a healthy, sturdy race, and, though wanting in initiative, they quickly follow instruction, and make good workers, and have a good knowledge of plantation work. For dairying, cultivation and grazing, I know of no lands so wonderfully rich in all that Nature can provide. There is also evidence of extensive mineral wealth, besides the presence of oil wells. The climate on the coast is certainly tropical, but within a few miles on the ranges one can find a very pleasant temperature. The Portuguese officials are extremely courteous and obliging, and every assistance is given to suitable settlers, who will promote and develop the resources of this wonderful land.