Children of Borneo

are against neighbouring tribes. Now I want to tell you of the coming of the White Rajah-James Brooke-to Borneo, and what he did there. I think every Englis

long after his arrival, he was put in command of a regiment of soldiers, and ordered to Burmah, where he took part in the Burmese war. He was badly wounded, and had to return to England on leave. For over four years his health prevented him from rejoining hi

felt sad when he thought of the tribes who inhabited these beautiful islands. They were continually at war with one another, and many of them we

y out his schemes. He bought and equipped a yacht, the Royalist, and for three years he cruised about

d Hope, and reached Singapore in 1839. It took the Royalist five months to reach Singapore, but that was in the days before the

s uncle, Rajah Muda Hassim, was then the greatest power in the island. As he was favourable to English strangers, Mr Brooke paid him a visit and was most kindly received. The Rajah was at this time engaged in war with several fierce Dyak tribes who had revolted against the Sultan, but his efforts to subdue them were vain. He told Mr James Brooke his troubles, and begged him to help him to put down the insurgents, and implored him not to leave him a prey to his enemies. James Brooke consented to help him, and began the difficult task of restoring peace in the country. With his help the rebellion, which the Malay forces were too f

st instincts of the Dyaks, but was a standing danger to European and native traders in those seas. In the suppression of piracy he found a vigorous ally in Captain (afterwards Admiral) Keppel, who, in command of H.M.S. Dido, was summoned from the China Station in 1843 for this p

m off and to fine them heavily. In the event of their having secured human heads, these had to be given up, and the Dyaks were asked to pay a large fine. Some refused to follow the directions of the Government. These were decla

showered on him. He was graciously received at Windsor by Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort. The Bri

e knew that as long as the Dyaks held to their old superstitious beliefs in evil spirits, there would always be a danger of their returning to their evil ways. So he began to think of e

l in Foreign Parts, and the Church Missionary Society-to help him, but none of them were able to do so as they had not the funds. So a new Association, chiefly supported by his friends, was started

rescue, and took up the work, and has ever since been responsible for the Mission Work in Borneo. My father, the Rev. W. H. Gomes, B.D., worked under Bishop M

ah welcomed him kindly, and gave him a large piece of ground. On this site

nt for more helpers from England, and these missionaries went and lived among the Dyaks in the jungles. They built their houses, churches and schools at distant up-country stations, and they won the love and esteem of the Dyaks, who came to them, not only to learn to read and wri