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The History of Brooke Dockyard
Brooke Dockyard, A Heritage In
Perspective
By Ir
Zuraimi Haji Sabki
CEO/General Manager
It almost seems ironic that
Brooke Dockyard was formed in the same year as the Titanic
sunk, may be an earlier realisation on the Importance of
having repair facilities for the white Rajah’s boats.
Records stated that Brooke
Dockyard was planned in 1907 at about the same time as the
Railway. Excavations commenced in 1907 but was brought to a
halt in 1909 when the contractor absconded (nothing new
here!). Work was finally completed in 1912 and the Dock
Declared open by the Ranee Muda on 31st May that year.
The delightful account of the
function, which follows, was given by the Ranee Sylvia in her
autobiography “ Sylvia of Sarawak”.
We had not been in Sarawak long
when I was asked to perform the ceremony of opening the new
Drydock.I shall never forget the ceremony as long as I live.
It has been announced in pamphlets and the Sarawak Gazette as
one of the most important events in the history of the Sarawak
Public Works Department. This did not tend to encouragement,
help me to feel at my ease. Vyner was nervous. He has always
been stricken by any public ceremony and his restless timidity
infected me, so that 1 was already in a bath of perspiration.
We all three sallied forth at 5 p.m and proceeded in a boat
upriver, until we arrived at he entrance to the dock. A bugle
call from the boat heralded our arrival and the gate of the
dock was flung open.We were than paddled To the steps inside
the gate, up which was ascended to the Hias prepared for our
reception.
After having been presented
with an enormous bouquet of wild orchids which was smothered
in ants, I was then invited to declare the new Dock open . I
can remember so well stepping forward and saying in a voice
that sounded like a hinge wanted oiling. I declare this dock
now open and name it Vyner Brooke.
Hubbub that ensured was
incredible. Vyner had prepared a magnificent speech, which he
endeavored to deliver. But in the meantime, the Chinese and
Malays had gone crazy with excitement and activity. They
plunged into the water with ropes between their feet, they
swarmed upon the platform laughing and screaming to one
another instruction and wishes of good will. Vyner’s speech
was spoken but unheard. He did not dare to look at one
another, we were on the borders of hysterics”
Many years since then, a lot
has happened to Brooke Dockyard. It has to change and
metamorphise itself to withstand the test of time amidst a
fast changing business environment. Nevertheless is is a
Sarawakian heritage that has endeared the passage of time. We
are sure in so many years, it has many stories to tell. It can
be a story of as the Ranee Muda implied, a source of joy for
the local populace for Brooke Dockyard may be the earliest
form of industrial employment in Kuching. Apprentices were
recruited from the nearby kampongs. There are many examples of
people employed from grand father to grand son, a continuing
line of employment heritage.
Another story was also relating
to Brooke Dockyard’s involvement during the confrontation
years in early 1960s. The dry dock played an important role as
a focal point in repairing all type of military vessels.
From its humble beginnings at
Market Street, Brooke Dockyard has now embraced new challenges
at its Sejingkat Yard.The landscape may differ but certain
similarities still remain. It must still become the pride of
the Kampung people here and also provide the employment
opportunities for the eager and able from the Kampung. That
heritage should not be forgotten for a symbiotic relation
between an organization and its outlying social structure is
an essence of survival, a survival that must stem for the time
tested virtues of hard work, willingness to adapt changes and
mutual respect for each other.
I am sure with that in mind, we
can look forward to an exciting future ...
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