Necessities
CHEW HEE CHUAN'S
ACCOUNT
Upon arrival, coolies who fell sick were taken to death houses. For those who were healthy and able-bodied, there were certain necessities they would require. These include documentations and places a coolie could belong.
Landing permit
This permit belonged to Chew Hee Chuan, a Chinese coolie who arrived in Singapore in 1935 at the age of 22 via a passenger-cargo ship ‘Cremer’. It was issued out by the Immigration office and it indicated a $5 fee upon landing.
National Museum of Singapore. Landing permit for Chew Hee Chuan. 1935.
Image size: L14.8 x W19.8 cm. Document and paper.
Item from the collection of the National Museum of Singapore.
Certificate of registration
Issued by the Republic of China Embassy in Singapore, the certificate of registration indicates that immigrant Chew Hee Chuan will be residing in Senai, Johor.
National Museum of Singapore. Certificate of registration for Chew Hee Chuan. 1938. Image size: L14 x W9.3 cm. Document and paper.
Item from the collection of the National Museum of Singapore.
Living quarters
Living in shophouses, the coolies often shared common kitchens and bathrooms. Hygiene was not well-handled and their living conditions were undesirable in general. Coolie houses were spread across Singapore, but were clustered around Chinatown and Telok Ayer.
National Museum of Singapore. The living quarters of rickshaw coolies living in Chinatown. 1930. Image size: L9 x W14 cm. Postcard.
Item from the collection of the National Museum of Singapore.
Receipt from
a secret society
This is a receipt issued to a member for their monetary contributions. Chinese coolies usually seeked secret societies for help in attaining jobs and the secret society acts as a mutual aid with monetary fees.
National Museum of Singapore. Receipt issued by a Chinese secret society. Early-mid 20th century. Image size: L31.3 x W14.7 cm. Document and paper.
Item from the William Stirling Collection of the National Museum of Singapore.
Chinese coolies
eating together
Despite the hardships, there are times of peace when the coolies are having meals together in their new homeland.
National Museum of Singapore. Chinese coolies having a meal. 1900s.
Image size: L26.1 x W20.9 cm. Photograph and negative.
Item from the William Stirling Collection of the National Museum of Singapore.