Mother's Stories : The Head Man's Rifle

Household Security at the Lau Mansion, Ensurai.

In the 1930's my Grand Uncle Lau Kah Tii was a powerful Foochow headman in the Rajang. He was recogized by the Rajah and was considered a River Chief (Kang Chu) second man to be recognize as such after Wong Nai Siong. However it was not a salaried or official post.

The photo of the rifle is just representative of the rifle our Grand Uncle had to protect his household in Ensurai.

My mother's uncle, Lau Heng Chiew came to Sarawak when he was already married with 8 children, to be the "security chief" of my grand uncle and to protect the Lau Mansion which was the grandest house in the whole of Rajang at that time.

As chief security, my grand uncle Heng Chiew carried and looked after the peace and security of  the house and area for many years. Children like my mother, her siblings and cousis were terrified of the Security Chief who went around doing his work very seriously. No running on the plank walks was allowed for example. And very importantly no running on the stair cases to go up stairs or downstairs.

In those days, Grand Uncle Heng Chiew was the only Foochow security guard who carried a rifle. So he was very committed to his role. He would station himself by the main entrance to keep every one quiet for example when my Grand Uncle Kah Tii was having his afternoon nap.

That was the " No Disturbance" time. And kids kept their social distance at that time.

The rifle also deterred many robbers and unwelcomed visitors.

Grand Uncle Heng Chiew decided to retire in 6Du (Fujian) when he became older. And Grand Uncle Kah Tii gave him a handsome retirement gift for his old age. It was very typical of Grand Uncle Kah Tii because he loved his siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces very much.