Nostalgia Padang Awam TPG

Salam buat semua. Apa khabar teman-teman blogku, juga kengkawan dan saudara maraku di TPG. Semoga kalian dirahmati Allah Taala. Amin. Minggu lepas aku balik ke Taman Dato' Hormat, ziarah kakak aku. Dah sebulan lebih aku tak balik. rindu aku kat dia, bapa dan emak-emak sedara mara aku di Batu 11. Dari Seremban, aku ikut PLUS dan kemudian exit kat Saujana Putra sebelum sambung perjalanan aku di SKVE dan keluar kat interchange TPG. Bila terpandang jer signboard TELOK PANGLIMA GARANG, aku terharu. Gembira bercampur sedih. Apa tidaknya, aku kini kembali berada di tempat aku dilahirkan, kemudian dibesarkan, sebelum aku menghabiskan 35 tahun daripada usiaku merantau ke Melaka, Amerika Syarikat, Sarawak dan kini di Seremban.

Setiap tempat di Telok, mengingatkan aku kenangan lama suka dan duka bersama kawan-kawan sebaya aku membesar bersama. Ketika aku melintas pekan Telok, sebelum membelok ke Taman Dato' Hormat, pandanganku tertumpu ke arah padang awam Telok yang bersebelahan sekolah Cina itu. Di situlah, di padang itulah satu-satunya pusat rekreasi dan sukan orang kampungku. Di situ jugalah aku, Seman, Faizal, Badrul, Ajis, Hanapiah anak Pakcik Leman dan budak-budak Telok serta Simpang Batu 11 bermain bola sepak, boleh dikatakan hampir setiap petang dan cuti sekolah. 

Padang Awam Telok

Tapi yang paling ditunggu-tunggu oleh penduduk Telok ialah perlawanan persahabatan antara kelab bola sepak di mukim TPG, biasanya pada hari Sabtu atau Ahad. Tidak ada pengumuman atau banner tentang  game hari itu, tapi semua orang Telok macam dah tahu ada friendly match bila jaring gol dan bendera tepi line dipasang. Tahu-tahu lepas Asar dah penuh dah orang menunggu kat tepi padang itu. Ada yang menenggek atas motor tepi jalan, ada yang duduk tepi parit, siap dengan air minuman, bungkus ikat tepi lagi. Makin lama makin ramai orang berkumpul. Berapa ramai penonton bergantung kepada populariti team-team yang main. Tak payah tunggu lama, datang dah apek jual aiskrim naik motor menebeng tepi padang sambil bunyikan loceng.

Warung Pak Atip di tepi pasar ikan lama dan Gerai Poklong Lias serta Mak Yah (Sebelum itu arwah Brother Mus berniaga) di bawah pokok tepi jalan depan rumah Ontu (Orang Tua) Rahim dan Ontu Mansor itu penuh dengan pelanggan yang order makan mee goreng dan pekena teh sebelum dan selepas perlawanan bola itu. Apabila masuk jer team feveret diorang, ramai yang bertepuk sorak, terutama team Kg. Simpang Batu 11, yang dikenali dengan nama Simpang United dan juga team Telok, Telok FC. Ramai anak-anak Telok yang hebat dalam kedua-dua team. Faizal Timah Lawa, abang Atan Cikgu Zainuddin, abang Atan anak Mat Burung, Abang Tapa anak Makcik Seri merupakan pemain-pemain pilihan orang kat Telok. Ada yang terpilih sehingga mewakili Kuala Langat dan PKNS dalam Liga Selangor.

Kat padang itu jugalah orang Telok berkumpul untuk menonton wayang pacak. Wayang pacak ini merupakan program Jabatan Penerangan untuk hiburkan orang kampung disamping menyebarkan mesej-mesej kerajaan masa itu. Sejak awal petang sebelum malam tayangan itu, land rover dan van Jabatan Penerangan heboh mengajak orang-orang kampung supaya keluar dan turun ke pekan Telok. Aku tak ingat berapa kerap diorang adakan tayangan kat padang itu. Mungkin sebulan sekali atau dua tiga bulan sekali kot. Memang aku tak ingat. Yang aku ingat, petang-petang sebelum Maghrib dah ramai orang datang , siap bawa tikar mengkuang untuk duduk anak beranak. Solat Maghrib hilang entah ke mana dan di mana aku pun tak tahu. Tapi tayangannya lepas Isyak karang. 

Ada filem Melayu dan ada filem Inggeris. Aku dengar diorang kata sekali-sekala ada filem hindustan. Entahlah, tapi yang pasti masa tengah syok-syok tengok diorang potong stim, berhenti untuk kempen dan mesej kerajaan. Aku tak ambil port (endah) pasal mesej itu. Yang aku ingat aku dan ramai orang kat padang itu ambil kesempatan time itu beli kacang rebus, kacang goreng dan apa jua makanan dan minuman yang dijual penjaja malam itu. Itu jer lah hiburan orang Telok selain tengok wayang Cina kat Tokong Simpang tu. Yang muda mungkin panjang langkah diorang ke Klang untuk berhibur tengok wayang dan ke Kelab Malam El Dino atas Great Wall itu. Keesokan harinya, penat pekerja town board kutip kertas surat khabar pelapik punggung dan plastik bekas minuman. Aku rasa kalau penuh sebakul sampah sarap, sebakul juga sumpah seranah orang yang buat sampah itu dapat. Lantak korang ler.

Di sini jugalah temasya sukan belia dan pelajar sekolah diadakan. Dahulu, temasya sukan sekolah merupakan temasya sosial untuk masyarakat setempat. Habis keluar semua orang Telok, keluar untuk meramaikan majlis sukan tersebut. Majlis itu juga dihadiri oleh orang-orang kenamaan, wakil rakyat, menteri, pegawai daerah, penghulu dan ketua kampung. Yang pasti,  Allahyarham Tuan Haji Talib b. Bulat , ketua kampung aku yang dah berkhidmat selama 25 tahun (1968-1994) gerenti ada. Aku seronok dengan sikapnya yang peramah, mesra dengan budak-budak sebaya aku. Pasal itu Tok Talib a.k.a Tok Onn (panggilan hormat orang kampung aku kepada beliau kerana kepetahannya berucap tanpa teks, macam Dato' Onn Jaafar) merupakan orang paling popular dan berpengaruh di Telok. 

Biasanya kejohanan sukan ini diadakan pada hari Sabtu sebelah petang, mulai 2 petang. Selain daripada bebudak sekolah bersaing dalam acara sukan, ada juga diselitkan acara sukan untuk ibu bapa, guru, dan orang kampung. Memang meriah sungguh. Makin petang makin ramai penonton. Tak ada yang balik sehingga tiba acara kemuncak temasya sukan itu, iaitu majlis penyampaian hadiah untuk pemenang. Biasanya pemenang dapat piala perak, medal dan juga hadiah sampingan. Isyy...tidak ler sampai beri TV atau motosikal! Biasanya dapat ler hamper makanan dan bekas-bekas plastik. Itupun budak-budak dan orang kampung seronok sangat. Kalau korang tengok masa itu, macam kat pesta Jom Heboh, gerai segera makanan dan minuman sibuk melayan pelanggan. Tapi tak ada ler gerai tudung bagai! Adik aku pun ambil kesempatan jual aiskrim kat situ, habis...maklumlah cuaca panas mengerlip. Pendek kata, semua orang happy.

Di padang inilah juga pernah berlangsung acara lumba jalan kaki dari Telok ke Klang. Ramai juga peserta yang mengambil bahagian. Rata-rata peserta dari kaum India. Dekat satu sudut padang ini juga didirikan taman rekreasi untuk anak-anak kecil bermain. Di situ ada papan gelongsor dan jongkang jongkit. Tapi sayang, tak ada  pokok rendang untuk ibu bapa berteduh. Lama kelamaan, padang mainan bebudak ini terbiar reput dan berkarat begitu sahaja.

Itu masa dulu, tahun-tahun 1960-an sehingga pertengahan 1980-an. Masa itu penduduk Telok tak seramai sekarang. Taman perumahan yang ada masa itu hanyalah Taman Telok yang dibina PKNS. Memanglah keperluan rakyat dan orang kampung itu yang rata-rata golongan pekerja bawahan dan pekebun tak banyak. Mereka terima jer apa sahaja pembangunan kat Telok. Tapi kini ,dalam tahun 2015,  Penduduk Kampung Telok Panglima Garang sahaja sudah seramai 14,408 orang iaitu 7,924 lelaki dan 6,484 perempuan, di kampung dan di 9 buah taman perumahan yang terdiri daripada:

1.Taman Panglima

2.Taman Dato’ Hormat

3.Taman Telok

4.Taman Jaya Utama

5.Taman Halijahton

6.Taman Indah Jaya

7.Taman Perkasa

8.Taman Pertiwi

9.Taman Aman

Lokasi kemudahan sukan dan rekreasi di TPG

Belum campur lagi jumlah keseluruhan penduduk mukim TPG yang sudah lebih daripada 63,726 orang (statistik tahun 2010). Daripada bilangan itu, hampir 50,000 orang merupakan penduduk di bawah usia 40 tahun. Sudah pasti golongan ini aktif dan masih aktif bersukan dan berekreasi. Banyak rungutan dan sungutan golongan ini yang mendesak dibina kawasan riadah di TPG untuk orang awam seperti taman permainan, kawasan jogging dan sebagainya. Kemudahan sukan rekreasi yang sedia ada seperti Gelanggang Futsal Taman Dato’ Hormat dan Gelanggang Bola Sepak Pekan Telok Panglima Garang, masih tidak memenuhi tuntutan mereka. Sudah tiba masanya kerajaan negeri melalui Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Langat mendengar dan merealisasikan impian dan hajat majoriti penduduk TPG ini, sekurang-kurangnya satu taman rekreasi seperti yang ada di pekan Banting itu dalam perancangan pembangunan induk mereka. Aku cuma menyampaikan jer. Semoga TPG terus membangun dan sentiasa dalam rahmat Allah Subhana wa taala. Amin.

Rujukan:

 http://paritmahang.pi1m.com.my/index.php/maklumat-setempat/maklumat-am

 

Suasana Ketika Perasmian Jambatan Bellfield, Klang

The Federated Engineering Company won the contract to build the first road bridge across the river Klang, (see right) which was completed in 1908. George with James Craig was in charge of the construction. It had four spans with a total length of 560 feet and cost $143.633 when it was completed in September. "The spot where the opening ceremony was to take place was also lavishly decorated and surmounted by a red awning and the bright garments of the native spectators added to the picturesqueness of the scene. 

His Excellency the High Commissioner and party, which included Mr. Claud Severn, Private Secretary, Capt. Gay, A.D.C., Col. Nelson, Commanding R.G.A. Major Ford, Army Service Corps and Mr. T.H. Reid of the Straits Times, travelled up by the Seamew. They were met at Port Swettenham by the Resident-General, Sir William Taylor, K.C.M.G., Mr. H.C. Belfield, British Resident, Selangor, Mr. C.E. Spooner, C.M.G., and Mrs. Spooner, who had arrived there by special train. His Excellency was met at Klang station by Mr. J. Scott Mason, D.O., Klang, and Mr. G.D. Russell, and the party proceeded by motor to the bridge. Here a guard of Honour of 50 police was stationed under Mr. W.W. Douglas and a large crowd had assembled, including a detachment of 200 Klang schoolboys. A feature was the large number of Malay ladies present decked out in brilliant attire. 

His Excellency was met at the bridge by His Highness the Sultan of Selangor, C.M.G. who had previously arrived by motor, and others present were Mr. M.S.H. McArthur, Acting Federal Secretary, Mr. J. Trump, Director of Public Works, F.M.S., Mr. E.R. Stokoe, State Engineer, Selangor, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mason, Mr. R.W. Harrison, Mr. H.M. Darby, Dr and Mrs. Gerrard, Mr. and Mrs. L.U. Stafford, Mr. and Mrs. W. Towgood, Mr. J. Gibson, Mr. A. Irving, Mr. E.F. Townley, Mr. C.T. Hamerton and Miss Hamerton, Mr. W.R.G. Hickey, Mr. F.O. Sander, Mr. Sydney Smith, Capt. Douglas of the Waterwitch and many others". The bridge was probably demolished during the war by the retreating British.For more on the bridge click here.

George was responsible for the design and construction of many bridges, roads and other works. He also designed the first rubber machinery.

Indeks Halaman Utama

Apa lagi Klang mau? Kami mahu KIRR dan KORR !

Salam kembali...lama bebenor rasanya tak menulis di sini..bukan apa..terasa rindu kat kengkawan di sekitar TPG dan Klang..Ada tak ada, teman ada gak balik ke Telok untuk PRU 13 baru-baru ini...Teman balik ikut Hiway yang baru tu,SKVE yang tembus ke Pulau Carey bawa ke Westport (bahagian tu belum siap lagi)..Nasib baik lalu situ, kalu ikut Klang... rasa-rasa teman mau patah balik..tak payah mengundi pun tak apa..bila memikirkan tentang jemnya...maksud teman trafik jamnya lah!

Teman tak tahu ler apa yang MPK nak buat atau rancang untuk kurangkan jam tu...rasa-rasanya camtu jugak ler... penat dan letih nak mengharungnya..Teman pernah rasa masa duduk kat Telok berulang kerja ke Subang Jaya  dulu...Kalu tak sampai Klang sebelum pukul 7 pagi, memang sangkut punya..gerenti. Itu belah pagi ok juga. kalu balik belah petang,terutamanya time bulan Ramadhan, alamat berbuka dalam kereta atau bas ler (memang dah standby air dan kurma pun). HAMPEH punya MPK..! Ijazah cap ayam kot?

Jadi kat sini, saat ini, kesempatan ini, biar aku yang jadi engineernya. Korang jangan gelak dulu...walaupun aku takda master dalam Urban and Regional Planning, tapi aku pernah ambil Urban Studies masa kat U dulu..(bukan nak bangga, tapi takut korang tak percaya). Jadi aku dah siapkan planning camne nak kasi hilang problem orang Telok ke Klang atau sebaliknya...Jawapannya...KIRR dan KORR

Woi, korang gelakkan aku ya? Aku bukan panggil ayam!.. KIRR maksudnya Klang Inner Ring Road dan KORR tu pulak Klang Outer Ring Road. Bila kita sebut nama panjang, tak sedap bunyinya...baik panggil saja KIRR dan KORR. senang citer.

Kat bawah ni peta Klang. Kalu korang tengok nampak dua bulatan: bulatan yang kecil tu, KIRR dan yang besar tu pulak KORR...Yang garis macam jejari tu jalan raya yang menyambungkan kedua-dua bulatan.

Korang nak dengar tak plan aku ni? Dengarlah ya...kesianlah kat aku,penat tau?. OK. mula-mula  buat KORR dulu. Radius atau jejari bulatan ini kira-kira 8 km dari pusat bandar Klang. So, kalau dari Telok, KORR bermula kat Johan Setia, kalu kat Klang Utara dari  Taman Klang Utama. Poin aku..Korang tak payah redah masuk bandar Klang kalu korang memang tak nak masuk bandar. Ambil saja KORR. Takda jam. Oh ya..lupa nak bagitahu korang...KORR ni macam MRR2 kat KL. Macam Hiway (memang pun) tapi tak kena tol! Korang pusing ler sesuka hati korang sampai ke destinasi yang korang nak pergi..atau kalu korang nak cruising jer, pusing 360 darjah untuk turun balik ke jalan Klang-Banting untuk ke Telok. Disebabkan Klang ni tepi sungai, mestilah akan dibina jambatan untuk laluan ini. Tiga jambatan, satu kat Taman Sri Muda..lagi satu kat Bandar Sultan Sulaiman, Port Klang, sebiji lagi kat Kg.Sementa. Banyaknya Jambatan! Memey ler..dah sungai..besar pulak tu..takkan nak buat titi? Selangor kan kaya!

Lagi satu pulak, KIRR.bukan sempena nama bekas Menteri Besar yang kontroversi tu! Yang ini saiz bulatannya lagi kecil. Menyambungkan taman-taman perumahan tanpa perlu masuk pusat bandar. Kalau aku orang Klang, berjoget aku tengah jalan pasal tak perlu bersesak-sesak berjam-jam hanya nak keluar makan kat KFC atau McD. 10 minit kira dah terlalu lama ler tu! Kalau dari selatan, KIRR bermula dari Taman Klang Jaya dan kalau dari utara pulak kat Mutiara Bukit Raja. Jambatan? 2 bijik jer...tapi nampak gayanya KIRR ni banyak kena bina jejantas pasal merentasi laluan-laluan sibuk sedia ada. Sekali lagi, apa ada hal, Selangor Kaya!

Jadi kalau korang campurkan jambatan yang dah ada kat Klang sekarang...3+3+2...Wow, kat Klang jer akan ada 8 jambatan! Boleh masuk Guiness Stout Book of Record...Boleh mabuk pujian kita semua..

OK, itu jer lah idea aku yang aku pasti takde sapa kesah! Aku takda hal, pasal aku tak duduk kat sana..koranglah yang kena hadapi semua tu..At the end of the day..ADA AKU KESAH? (Hahahaha)
Sorry guys...bergurau jer. Assalamualaikum. Jumpa lagi.

Jambatan Gantung Terapung di Klang?

Salam Idul Adha buat teman-teman,sedara mara,kaum kerabat dan pembaca sekalian. Raya haji tahun ni aku raya sakan. Dah cuti sampai lima hari gomen beri,  Khamis sampai Ahad, aku sapu ler. Satu Selangor aku rayau. Dari Sungai Buaya, Ulu Selangor sampailah ke KL, Shah Alam dan Telok sebelum balik semula ke Seremban. Campur, tolak, darab, bagi, aku rasa dah lebih 500km aku dera Exora aku. Kalau orang dah lama menjerit. Aku seboleh-bolehnya nak elak masuk Klang.Bukannya aku lupa diri,atau lupa daratan, tapi tak sanggup aku nak mengharung trafik jem terutama kat Jambatan Kota, bawa ke Hospital TAR.untuk ke Telok. Rimas, lemas aku dengan jem di Klang. Aku rela pusing jauh menyeberang  Jambatan Connaught kat Sg. Kandis daripada masuk bandar. Klang bagi aku dah macam bohsia, dah tak boleh nak dipulihkan lagi.Dah BARAI! Korang bina ler sepuluh jambatan... makin teruk jemnya... KECUALI jambatan/jejantas bertingkat macam kat kolumpo! Cerita pasal jambatan, aku dapat input baru mengenai sejarah jambatan di Klang. Sebenarnya bukan 2 tapi dah 4 buah jambatan dibina sejak Jambatan Belfield pada tahun 1908! Kisah jambatan itu korang bacalah dalam entri aku yang lepas..terperinci...Tapi lepas aku buat research sikit kat internet, rupanya ada 2 lagi jambatan yang dibina selepas tentera British letupkan Jambatan Belfield semasa mereka berundur daripada serangan Jepun semasa Perang Dunia Kedua.


 Tapi aku masih belum ada maklumat tentang apa tentera Jepun buat lepas tu. Aku yakin mesti Jepun buat something untuk melintas/menyeberang selama 3 tahun 8 bulan  kependudukan mereka di Tanah Melayu. Paling haprak pun aku rasa diorang buat jambatan pontoon (yang terapung) atas tapak jambatan yang diletupkan itu. Mungkin jambatan di bawah ini asalnya jambatan buatan Jepun masa itu. Pada tahun 1950an, aku dengar ada jambatan gantung didirikan.
Jambatan gantung ini menggantikan jambatan Belfied yang diletupkan oleh Jabatan Keretapi sebelum tenters Jepun tiba. Aku tak pasti sama ada jambatan gantung itu khas untuk kenderaan ringan (basikal,beca) atau pejalan kaki. Kereta, lori boleh lalu atau tidak? Aku tak yakin. Nama pun jambatan gantung. Yang pasti. lori dan kenderaan berat menggunakan jambatan pontoon di sebelahnya
Ianya satu projek yang gagal dan memalukan penjajah British

untuk membina jambatan gantung bagi pejalan kaki yang berulang alik daripada kedua-dua tebingSungai Klang.Rekabentuk jambatan itu yang boleh berayun apabila angin kuat bertiup di tengah sungai dan akan mengancam nyawa manusia yang melaluinya.Kemungkinan kerana kegagalan tersebut, maka dibuat laluan paip air daripada Klang Utara ke Klang Selatan. Jambatan Gantung ini runtuh kedalam sungai Klang kerana putus tali penggantungannya kerana karat pada tahun 70an.

 
Kemudian,barulah dibina jambatan Kota.   Korang bacalah maklumat budak skema yang aku jumpa dalam internet ini:
"Jambatan Kota di Klang, jambatan dua tingkat yang popular dan antara jambatan tertua di Malaysia, dibina pada bulan Mei 1957 oleh sebuah Syarikat British, Dorman Long Bridge and Engineering Ltd.( Korang tengok sifat penjajah. Negara di ambang kemerdekaan pun diorang nakkan juga kontrak last minute. Dasar penjajah bagero!) Jambatan dua tingkat sepanjang 500 meter itu dibina dengan menggunakan struktur besi merentasi Sungai Klang bagi menjadi penghubung utama antara Bandar Klang Utara dan Klang Selatan. Ia pernah ditutup daripada digunakan orang ramai pada 21 Januari 1992. Jambatan Kota Lama itu diserahkan kepada MPK pada 1992. Pada tahun 1995 MPK telah membelanjakan sebanyak RM750,000 untuk menguatkan dan mengukuhkan struktur jambatan Kota Lama ini. Pada 20 November 1996, MPK telah membina 58 buah gerai cenderamata bagi menempatkan lebih ramai bumiputera berniaga di pusat bandar, Pengubahsuaian itu siap sepenuhnya pada 17 Julai 1997 lantas menjadikan kewujudannya sebagai tarikan pelancongan di Klang."

Tentang jambatan terbaru yang keempat pernah wujud di Klang dan berhampiran stesen kereta api  ini namanya jambatan Raja Muda Musaeddin,  kalau tak silap aku. Bila dibina? Entahlah... aku tak berapa nak ingat.. mungkin awal 1980an kot? Korang tanyalah JKR. Jambatan ni biasa jer, macam jambatan-jambatan lain cuma ada awning sepanjang jambatan untuk pejalan kaki. Hah..begitulah cerita teman seadanya. Kalau  kengkawan ada maklumat baru atau nak betulkan maklumat yang saya terima,saya berfikiran terbuka dan sedia menerima tempahan....Kah,kah,kah.

1908: THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF KLANG BRIDGE

extracted from the website: 

http://www.clairegrey.co.uk/rd_grandchildren/george/klang_bri.html

The Construction of the Klang Bridge. The Federated Engineering Company won the contract to build the first road bridge across the river Klang, which was completed in 1908. The engineers in charge of the work were George Russell and James Craig.

Add caption

THE MALAY MAIL. THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 1908

 THE KLANG BRIDGE. SOME PARTICULARS OF ITS CONSTRUCTION.

As the official opening of the Klang Bridge takes place on Saturday, some particulars of the new structure may be of interest. Owing to the development of the rubber planting industry in that part of Selangor which lies between the rivers Klang and Selangor, and the consequent increase in the traffic crossing the river where the town of Klang is situated on the southern bank, the Government decided that it was imperative that the river should be bridged. The bridge which has been erected by the Federated Engineering Company, as contractors to the Government is of the Linville type in four spans of 140 ft. carried on five piers; each pier consisting of two iron cylinders at 22 ft. centres, and braced to each other by horizontal and diagonal steel bracing. The river at the point bridged is tidal, is 560 ft. wide, and has a rise and fall of 17 ft. at spring tides and a current of 6 knots. The contractors commenced work on July 27th, 1907, by building a temporary bridge. It was at first intended to erect this on the screw pile principle, but the plan was abandoned owing to the soft nature of the soil, and, instead, solid drawn flanged steel piles, 8 in. in diameter were driven in from shear legs erected on two barges. These piles were furnished with earth plates 10 ft. from the points. Owing to the “spring” in the blue clay, the piles had to be weighted as well as driven. The spans were 25 ft. centres and the piers were connected at the top by hard wood laid longitudinally upon which were placed sleepers. At the positions for cylinders, special outside piles were driven, both up and down stream. Both the piers and the piles at the positions for cylinders were securely braced. The whole of the temporary bridge was built with Tamil and Malay labour and was designed by Mr. G. D. Russell, manager of the Federated Engineering Co.

CYLINDER SINKING

 Ten cylinders, forming the five piers of the permanent bridge, were supplied and sunk by the contractors. The cylinders below river bed are of mild steel, having a bell mouth 9 ft. in diameter, tapering to 7 ft. 7 ¾ in., the sections being 5 ft. deep. Above river bed, the cylinders are of cast iron 7 ft. 7 ¾ in. in diameter tapering to 6 ft., the sections being 4 ft. deep. The sinking of the cylinders was commenced on Sep. 14th, 1907. The excavation in all cylinders was done on the open system by Chinamen digging the inside and filling cane baskets, which were hoisted to the surface by steam winches. The shore cylinders kept fairly free of water in the blue clay but when sand was reached, at a depth of 60 ft., a large amount of water had to be dealt with, a Pulsometer pump being used to keep the water under control. The south shore cylinders, after passing through 50 ft. of blue clay, 10 ft. of white china clay, 4 ft. of sand and 2 ft. of soft rock, finally reached hard rock bed. After the cutting edges had been packed with Portland cement, the cylinders were filled with concrete hearting. The steam cylinders were taken out along the temporary bridge in sections on trucks and built up on a staging at low water spring tides. 25 ft. of each cylinder was put in at once so that the tops should be above low water mark. The first stream south cylinders sank altogether 12 ft. of their own accord, and, on being pumped out, took a further run of 9 ft. The soils gone through in excavating were similar to those experienced in the south shore cylinders. The first stream south cylinders reached hard rock at 77 and the first stream north at 74. All the cylinders when finished were filled with concrete hearting. Owing to the great depth of water in mid-stream it was considered necessary to assemble 40 ft. of section before sinking the mid-stream cylinders. They reached hard stone at 82 ft. Great difficulty was experienced owing to water in the north shore cylinders after a depth of 60 ft. was reached. Four pulsometer pumps were kept going constantly, and approximately 42 million gallons of water were pumped out before hard bed was reached at a depth of 16 ft. Cylinder sinking was commenced in the middle of September, 1907, and completed in June, 1908. The north and south abutments were built entirely of concrete, reinforced at bottom with steel rails placed horizontally and resting on 125 concrete piles.

 THE SUPERSTRUCTURE.

 To carry the superstructure, 10 additional pipe piles were driven at each span at 28 ft centres and weighted with pig iron to carry 6 tons safe load each. The superstructure was supplied through the Crown Agents for the Colonies by the Horsebay Co., Ltd., Shropshire, and was erected by the Federated Engineering Company in situ. The Linville girders are 140 ft. long and the total effective span of the bridge is 560 ft. The girders are 22 ft. centre to centre, and 21 ft. 6 in. deep between centres of intersections. The superstructure, which was assembled and riveted in position on the temporary staging, was designed to carry a live load of 150 tons per girder, equal to 1.200 tons on the whole bridge. The total weight of the superstructure is 560 ½ tons. The erection of the superstructure was started at the end of April and completed by the end of July. The whole of the erection and riveting of the superstructure was done by Chinese workmen under European supervision. The roadway on the bridge is 19 ft. clear, and is 8ft. 8in. above high water at spring tides. The north and south approaches to the bridge are 30 ft. wide; the south approach having a gradient of 1 in 30 and the north of 1 in 40.

http://www.clairegrey.co.uk/rd_grandchildren/george/klang_bri.html

THE MALAY MAIL. MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 1908

http://www.clairegrey.co.uk/rd_grandchildren/george/gdr_sources.html

From the Singapore Press and Mercantile Advertiser 22 May 1929 Page 2 .." photo taken on the occasion of the opening of Belfield Bridge by Sir John Anderson, many years ago. The photo contains, among others H.H. the Sultan of Selangor, Sir John Anderson, Sir. William Taylor, Mr. ( now Sir) Claud Severn, Messrs. H. M. Derby, R. W. Harrison, F.O. Saunders (Whittall and Co.) G. D. Russell (F. E. Co.) C. T. Hammerton, N. Walker, J. S. Mason (D. O. Klang) Conway Belfield ( Resident), Hiedley, Grandgeon, J. Gibson, C. Harley, H Wooten ( Harper and Co.), E. F. Townley (D. O. Kuala Selangor) Irving, Douglas (C.P.O.) Jack Murray and C. E. Spooner.'

THE BELFIELD BRIDGE. OPENING AND CHRISTENING BY THE HIGH COMMISSIONER HIS EXCELLENCY ENTERTAINED BY THE PLANTERS

The town of Klang wore a carnival aspect on Saturday in honour of the visit of His Excellency Sir John Anderson K.C.M.G.; High Commissioner, F.M.S., to open formally the new bridge across the river. Turning to the right on leaving the station into Main St., a profusion of decoration met the eye of the visitor. The whole length of the street was gay with flags and bunting, evergreens, Chinese silk inscribed rolls, purple, red and yellow favours. The whole street was surmounted by a white canopy and the tout ensemble was a very creditable imitation of Pall Mall on the occasion of a Royal wedding or a jubilee. Turning the corner into Market Street, one arrived at the approach to the bridge. Here two arches had been erected, one conveying a welcome to His Excellency from the Hindu community, and the other expressing similar sentiments on behalf of the India Muhammadan Society of Klang. The latter was adorned with pictures borrowed from the local Tamil theatre. The spot where the opening ceremony was to take place was also lavishly decorated and surmounted by a red awning and the bright garments of the native spectators added to the picturesqueness of the scene. His Excellency the High Commissioner and party, which included Mr. Claud Severn, Private Secretary, Capt. Gay, A.D.C., Col. Nelson, Commanding R.G.A. Major Ford, Army Service Corps and Mr. T.H. Reid of the Straits Times, travelled up by the Seamew. They were met at Port Swettenham by the Resident-General, Sir William Taylor, K.C.M.G., Mr. H.C. Belfield, British Resident, Selangor, Mr. C.E. Spooner, C.M.G., and Mrs. Spooner, who had arrived there by special train. His Excellency was met at Klang station by Mr. J. Scott Mason, D.O., Klang, and Mr. G.D. Russell, and the party proceeded by motor to the bridge. Here a guard of Honour of 50 police was stationed under Mr. W.W. Douglas and a large crowd had assembled, including a detachment of 200 Klang schoolboys. A feature was the large number of Malay ladies present decked out in brilliant attire. His Excellency was met at the bridge by His Highness the Sultan of Selangor, C.M.G. who had previously arrived by motor, and others present were Mr. M.S.H. McArthur, Acting Federal Secretary, Mr. J. Trump, Director of Public Works, F.M.S., Mr. E.R. Stokoe, State Engineer, Selangor, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mason, Mr. R.W. Harrison, Mr. H.M. Darby, Dr and Mrs. Gerrard, Mr. and Mrs. L.U. Stafford, Mr. and Mrs. W. Towgood, Mr. J. Gibson, Mr. A. Irving, Mr. E.F. Townley, Mr. C.T. Hamerton and Miss Hamerton, Mr. W.R.G. Hickey, Mr. F.O. Sander, Mr. Sydney Smith, Capt. Douglas of the Waterwitch and many others.

MR. BELFIELD’S SPEECH.

After His Excellency had inspected the Guard of Honour, while the band played sweet music, the inevitable photograph was taken, and an attempt to place garlands round the necks of the distinguished visitors having been frustrated, Mr. H. Conway Belfield addressed His Excellency as follows:- Your Excellency, This is the second occasion within a few weeks on which you have been good enough to come to Selangor to perform an opening ceremony. We all thank you for your presence here to-day which is the hallmark of your approval of a work which was commenced under your direction and will, we hope, meet with your satisfaction. This structure is according to local standards a work of the first magnitude. It is by far the largest road bridge in the Malay Peninsula, and its dimensions are such that I propose to ask your patience for a few moments while I give you some account of the history of its origin and the details of its construction.

 WHY THE BRIDGE WAS BUILT.

 The first talk about a bridge over the river at Klang started about ten years ago at a time when Mr. Douglas Campbell was District Officer at Klang. At that time progress and development on the northern side of the river was comparatively small, and for some years the proposal was negatived. Three years ago, when the rubber industry had attained larger proportions, Your Excellency paid a personal visit to the spot and decided that a pontoon ferry was sufficient. This having been provided the planters set to work to obtain reliable statistics of the traffic across the river, and the dimensions of the traffic indicated by these statistics convinced Your Excellency and the Resident-General that a permanent bridge was necessary. The contract was therefore arranged.

DETAILS OF THE STRUCTURE

The bridge is of the Linville girder type, and has four spans of 140 feet each, making a total length of 560 feet. The road is 20 feet wide, and the girders are five feet clear above high water level. The weight of the superstructure is 560 tons, or one ton per foot run. The bridge is supported by five pairs of iron cylinders filled with concrete, 522 feet below the river bed, and 204 feet above. The iron weight is 400 tons. The superstructure was sent out from England. The contract provided that the bridge should be completed within 10 months after the arrival of the last span. The last span arrived on June 3rd, and we may say that the bridge has been completed today. Thus the work has been completed 203 days before contract time. The estimate for the bridge, continued Mr. Belfield, was $300,000. The actual cost has been $260,000, so there is a saving of $40,000. This saving has been credited to a variation in the girders, a higher but lighter type having been selected, and also to the fact that no expert engineer has been placed in charge of the bridge-work. I think Your Excellency will be satisfied that the work has been done in a manner careful, efficient and expeditious. I have visited the bridge on many occasions and can offer personal testimony to the perseverance and industry of the contractors’ men and those who supervised them, first of all, Mr. Russell, and then Mr. Craig, who literally lived on the bridge so long as there was a log to sit upon, and had to contend with many unforeseen difficulties in the shape of tide, river traffic, tongkongs etc. It is through his perseverance and energy that the work has been completed so expeditiously and I am sorry he is not with us to-day. The facilities of the bridge, said Mr. Belfield in conclusion, are difficult to sum up in a few words. It brings the estates on the northern side of the river within a fraction of their previous distance from Klang station and town, and I have no doubt they will be spoken to by Mr. Harrison.

MR HARRISON’S SPEECH

Mr. R.W. Harrison said:- Your Excellency. On behalf of the planters of the Kapar and Kuala Selangor districts and the general public of Klang, I thank you for coming to open the bridge. The bridge marks an epoch in the history of Klang, and only those who have had to use sampans and the pontoon ferry with numerous stoppages owing to the breaking of ropes and so on can realise the immense difference which the bridge makes. I believe I am correct in saying that the first step was taken by the planters in 1900, but they did not meet with support from the authorities. Though sundry concessions were made, it was not until August, 1905, that, as the result of a petition, legislation was brought in fixing the charges to be made by sampan-owners, who had previously charged what they liked. Shortly afterwards a pontoon ferry was provided, but this was recognised as being merely a makeshift, and quite inadequate to cope with the growing traffic. Early in 1906 the planters again decided to go into the question and to get statistics. The census taken surpassed all expectations. In ten days the number of foot- passengers was 33,000. Since then the importance of the district on the northern side of the river has greatly increased. In Kuala Selangor 10,000 acres have been placed under cultivation, and the number of immigrant coolies has doubled. The Kapar district last year exported half a million lbs of rubber. If a similar census were taken now, it would prove the foresight of Your Excellency in granting a bridge. In July, 1906, a deputation wanted on Your Excellency, and though it was received most sympathetically, we were in doubt whether our request would be granted. Some months later, however, we heard with gratitude that it had been granted. It gives us great pleasure that Your Excellency should be present at the opening of the bridge. That in so short a time the work should have been completed is marvellous and reflects great credit on all concerned. Mr. Belfield said that a saving of $40,000 had been effected on the bridge. The purpose of the bridge, I take it, is to facilitate transport and the convenience of passengers. I suggest to Your Excellency that, until facilities are provided at Port Swettenham for private sheds, it would be a good thing to pull down those shop-houses over there (on the right approaching the bridge) which, I am told, are, apart from other things, insanitary, and thus allow carts to go direct to the station instead of having to cross the railway twice and pass through the busiest part of town as they do at present. This would benefit Klang and would add the coping-stone to the Klang Bridge.

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER’S REPLY.

His Excellency in reply said:- Your Highness, Mr. Belfield, Mr, Harrison, Ladies and Gentlemen, It has given me great pleasure to be present here to-day, and to hear all these nice things said. It is most gratifying for me to be in a position after so short a time to declare this bridge open. The celerity with which it has been completed reflects the greatest credit on Mr. Russell and his assistants. It must be very gratifying to F.M.S. people that the contract was obtained after competition by a local firm and that the burden of the work has fallen on one whom I may term a local product. Mr. Russell and his family have been connected with the F.M.S. for many years. His father is a respected and valued Government servant and has given not one but many sons to the country. It must be very gratifying to Mr. Russell to have carried the work through so quickly and apparently to the entire satisfaction of those who are concerned with the bridge. I thank you again for the reception you have given me.

THE OPENING CEREMONY.

Before asking His Excellency to declare the bridge open, Mr. G.D. Russell said that they had only carried out the work to the best of their ability. There had been two notable incidents in connection with the work, the first on August 18th when His Excellency visited the bridge and was pleased to express his satisfaction, the second on that day, when His Excellency spoke so well of them. They had received much assistance from the P.W.D., both in men and money, and the latter had helped in many ways. They had also been fortunate in the weather and in local circumstances. The site of the bridge was close to the railway station, and so there was no delay in bringing up materials. He was sorry Mr. Craig was not present to make a better speech than he could. It was above all Mr. Craig to whom credit was due. He had, as Mr. Belfield said, literally lived on the bridge. Mr. Russell then presented His Excellency with a pair of scissors and requested him to cut the red and yellow ribbon who was fastened across the entrance to the main body of the bridge.

TRIBUTE TO MR. BELFIELD.

Before doing this His Excellency said:- I think that it is desirable that this bridge should receive a suitable name. I think it should be called by the name of one who has worked hard in this country for twenty-five years and who in modesty refrained from telling this morning of his own share in the work. I name this bridge “The Belfield Bridge.” (Applause). His Excellency then cut the ribbon and declared the bridge open. Subsequently His Excellency with Mr. Belfield, H.H. the Sultan, Mr. Spooner and Mr. G.D. Russell drove over in motor cars. An adjournment was then made just in time to avoid a heavy downpour of rain, which fortunately kept off just long enough.

A...http://www.clairegrey.co.uk/rd_grandchildren/george/gdr_sources.html

LETTER FROM:-British Resident, Selangor

TO:- The Resident-General F.M.S.

17 September, 1908

 Sir,

Subject Bonus of $5000 to the Contractors of the Klang Bridge in consideration of efficient and Expeditious work

With reference to the recent completion of the bridge over the river at Klang, I have the honour to submit for your consideration copy of a letter from the State Engineer recommending that the Contractors should be paid a bonus of $5,000 from the savings on the vote in consideration of efficient and expeditious work. I also enclose copy of a minute by the Director Of Public Works endorsing that recommendation.

 2. The proposal is one for which no precedent exists, so far as I am aware, and the reasons propounded in support of the recommendation do not appear to me to be strong. At the same time there is no doubt that the Contractors made special and successful efforts in connection with this work, and though I do not find myself able to recommend the payment, I do not propose to offer objection thereto should you be of opinion that their efforts may properly be rewarded in the manner suggested.

3. The fact that a saving on the provision has been effected is not material to the question under consideration, and should not be put forward as an argument in support of the proposal. I have the honour to be,Sir, Your Obedient Servant,

Sd: H.C.B.

British Resident, Selangor

From National Archives of Malaysia (4776/08). Transcribed by P.C

B...http://www.clairegrey.co.uk/rd_grandchildren/george/gdr_sources.html

LETTER FROM :-

The Acting Federal Secretary, F.M.S.

TO :-The Secretary to Resident, Selangor.

6th October, 1908.

Sir,

With reference to the Resident’s letter No. 4776/08 of the 17th September, 1908, I am directed to inform you that His Excellency approves the grant of a bonus of $5,000 to the Contractors for the erection of Belfield Bridge at Klang. The No. of the High Commissioner’s office correspondence conveying his approval is 1474/1908. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Obedient Servant,

S. McArthur Ag:

Federal Secretary, F.M.S

Selangor Government Gazette Sept 25 1908 No. 33 Vol. XIX

Further readings:

http://akubudaktelok64.blogspot.com/2011/06/jambatan-kota-klang.html

Banting Yang Kukenal

Menurut cerita orang-orang dulu-dulu, kawasan Banting ini dahulunya  sebuah hamparan tanah sawah yang sering digenangi air dan dipanggil tanah paya atau lembah. Petani pada masa itu menggunakan bajak atau tenggala yang diheret oleh “banteng” iaitu sejenis kerbau yang memiliki kekuatan tenaga dan garang. Bermula dari nama kerbau itulah kawasan ini diberi nama Banting. Wallahualam.(wah, skema sungguh bunyi intro aku kali ini,kan? Hehehe. Mengikut catatan Inggeris, Banting diwujudkan pada tahun 1916.  Itu cerita dulu.Kini Banting terkenal satu dunia pasal kes pembunuhan jutawan kosmetik Sosilawati dan 3 orang lagi sehingga takut orang luar nak meminang orang Banting....Acah jer.

Cerita aku dengan Banting pulak agak panjang kisah cintanya. Aku kenal Banting sejak sekolah rendah lagi. Masa tu aku bersekolah kat MES Telok Datok..sekolah omputeh termasyhur di Kuala Langat. Jauh tu! Dari Telok ke Telok Datok hampir 10 batu (16km). Kenapa aku bersekolah sejauh itu sedangkan kat Telok ada sekolah kebangsaan? Itu korang kena tanya arwah abah dan atuk aku (Alamat terkini Jalan Pusara a.k.a Alor Pak Datu a.k.a Jalan Kubor). Darjah Satu (tahun 70) , atuk aku yang hantar hari-hari pertama aku bersekolah. Lepas tu, aku  ngan kakak aku naik kereta sewa(prebet sapu) ke sekolah. Darjah 2 aku  seorang jer (akak aku abah aku tukarkan ke SK TPG) naik bas sekolah Cina Botak, Cina Jenjarom tu. Pagi-pagi lagi seawal 5.45 pagi aku, Faizal Timah Lawa dan ramai lagi budak Telok dan Sijangkang dah bertolak menuntut ilmu di sana. Kalau tak silap aku mak aku bayar tambang RM 10 sebulan kat Cina Botak tu. Seronok sekolah kat sana. 

Sampai sekolah jam 6.30 pagi..kitorang mula main galah panjang dan sepak takraw (bawak sendiri ler) sementara tunggu loceng masuk kelas. Apa lebihnya sekolah omputeh ni, aku pun masih blurr..tapi ok pasal semua bangsa ada..lagipun BI aku agak ok berbanding budak SK Telok. itu jer! Walaupun sekolah kristian (aku ingat lagi kat belakang sekolah tu ada gereja kecil dan dewannnya ada piano) tapi aku tak pernah ambil peduli lagipun mana ada father,brother, sister lagi? Ustaz, ustazah,father dan mother, brother,sister aku adalah! Totally Malaysian! Teringat aku masa tu kantin sekolah rendah berkongsi dengan sekolah menengah (sebelah jer).Pengusaha kantinnya berbangsa Cina..Aku telan jer... mana ada fikir-fikir pasal halal haram masa tu ? (Ramai Melayu masih minum dan mencekik di kedai Cina masa tu) Ustazah ngan Ustaz tak cakap apa-apapun....tapi aku sebenarnya tak selalu minum di kantin..pasal aku bawa bekal ke sekolah..maklumlah anak konduktor bas. Aku teringat sampai sekarang kisah prihatin cikgu BI aku (Cina Kristian) tolong jahit seluar aku yang terkoyak masa di kelas, kelantangan dan garangnya Cikgu Singh (berserban) guru darjah 5 aku ketika mengajar BI..Kalau tak siap kerja,maak...berdepik tengah belakang aku kena hantam sama itu Banggali. 
"Kalu saya tembeleng kamu, nanti balik rumah dengar radio ada ngggggg (berdengung telinga)"
Kecut perut aku ngan Benggali tu ..nampak serban dia je..aku dah lari jauh. Takut punya pasal aku lulus penilaian Darjah Lima dengan 1A 4B (A tu English ler).Thank you Sir..

 Masuk Darjah 6 aku dah panjang langkah ke Banting. Banting ke Telok Datok dalam sebatu jer.. Tapi aku sebenarnya tak sampai Pekan Banting lagi, cuma kat library lama tepi sungai. Bangunan tu, masa tu aku tengok pun dah uzur benar. kalau nasib tak baik ditelan Sungai Langat..Pokok bakau belakang bangunan tu jer. Aku  seronok ke sana untuk baca dan pinjam buku cerita novel kanak-kanak Enid Blyton (harap ejaannya betul). Untuk ke Banting aku kena lalu merentas pejabat pertanian dan kebunnya...Sambil lalu sambil merasa buah susu yang sedang masak ranum. Aku rasa masa tu abang Allykalam (orang kampung aku) dah kerja kat situ kot? 

Ini jambatan ketiga Banting di tapak yang sama

Lepas tu.ikut tepi jalan raya melintas Balai Polis Banting lama (kini Giat Mara Banting) dan seberang jambatan untuk ke Banting. Masuk sekolah menengah form 1, aku pakai seluar panjang kaler hijau. Aku batch pertama pakai seluar hijau kerana sebelum tu budak sekolah menengah  masih pakai seluar putih..Aku beli seluar panjang pasal masa tu bulu kaki aku dah mula panjang...geli aku tengok budak-budak India dan Benggali masih pakai seluar pendek dengan bulu-buku kaki terserlah. Bukan ke comel dan hensem kalau tutup aurat!
Time sekolah menengah aku asyik bergaduh jer dengan budak-budak Cina. Maklum ler gangster Banting dah mari tercabar kemelayuan aku..Bukan aku yang mahu tapi terpaksa! Aku bukan jenis campur geng..aku buat hal aku tapi Cina malaun nak tunjuk samseng dengan aku...nasib baik tak mampus aku kerjakan! Member-member gengster Melayu aku tabik spring kat aku...tapi ironinya (peliknya) lepas aku belasah anak cina tu, aku pulak yang menangis!

Masa sukan sekolah aku buat kat padang (kini Stadium Jugra). Masa tu aku masih ingat ada tiga batang pokok mangga besar kat tenggahnya..musim buah aku dan kawan-kawan akulah penunggunya...apa saja dapat aku lesing ke arah mangga-mangga tu. Aku faraidkan mangga-mangga tu kat kengkawan. Time solat Jumaat, aku paling bengang. Bukannya apa. engkau orang bayangkan masjid terdekat di Sungai Manggis. Maka menapaklah aku pergi dan balik di bawah panas terik mentari . Setahun lamanya begitu...mudahan-mudahan Allah ampuni dosa-dosaku kerana kepayahan itu. Amin.
                                           Kengkawan aku ramai, Cina, Melayu, India. Aku survey  dah diorang datang sejauh dari Batu Laut bawa ke Olak Lempit dan Sijangkang, paling jauh 15 batu (hampir 23 km) semata-mata untuk ke MES!  Alhamdulillah ramai yang berjaya dan menjadi. Baru ler aku faham visi arwah atuk dan abah aku. Aku meninggalkan MES dan Telok Datok kerana menyambung pelajaran ke Teknik Bukit Piatu, Melaka pada tahun 1980. Sesekali ada juga aku ke Banting untuk shopping dan tengok wayang walaupun aku lebih banyak ke Klang. Kalau adapun aku ke pekan sehari (kini tapak  Plaza MDKLgt) pada pagi hari Ahad untuk beli kuih dan tengok-tengok gelagat orang ramai terutama anak-anak dara. 

                                                                              Pejabat Pos

                                                                    hospital Banting

                                                                     Panggung Lido

Aku juga jarang ke Morib.Yang aku ingat tahun 1972 aku ikut jiran ke sana tengok Pesta Pantai. Jiran aku ke sana pasal berniaga kain. Orang punyalah ramai. Yang seronoknya ada acara naik tiang licin dan berenang kejar itik. Memang kelakar. Kemudian baru aku tahu pesta pantai tu diadakan sebagai ganti Pesta Mandi Safar yang khurafat itu.. Kemudian tahun 1979, ketika aku dan kengkawan tidur dan berkhemah kat Morib lepas SRP. Seronoknya pengalaman buat unggun tepi pantai dan tidur dalam hujan ribut malam tu.

                                                                     Pantai Morib
Dah mungkin jodoh aku dengan Banting masih kuat.Sementara menunggu kerja kosong, aku menarik (istilah memandu teksi atau kereta sewa) kat Banting ke Klang selama 2 tahun. Tahun 1997,balik sahaja dari Sarawak, aku mula bertugas di Jugra sebagai seorang pendidik. Tujuh tahun aku mengutip nostalgia di sana.

                                                              Kg. Permatang Pasir, Jugra

                                                                        Masjid Bandar Jugra

                                                               Istana Bandar, Jugra