MUZIUM SEJARAH / HISTORY MUSEUM
PERAHU JALUR
Perahu Jalur is believed to be among the earliest water transport built by men for transportation purposes. When men’s knowledge on the use of stone and sharp tools became more advanced they began to build water transport using dugout logs. Normally, this type of boat is made of strong light wood that floats in water and is easy to dig, such as Meranti wood. At present, the Perahu Jalur is still very much in use especially by the people in inland areas or those living upstream.
TRANSPORTATION IN MELAKA
but not much are known about the transportation modes used then, other than walking and using animals such as horses and elephants to move from place to place. Before land transport forms existed, rivers were the main thoroughfares connecting two destinations. Various types of small boats, dugouts and rafts were invented for river travel.
When the Melaka government gained prominence in the region, communication between Melaka and the other states needed the improvement of land transport other than the river. Animals such as horses and elephants were still used and special modes of transport were also introduced to carrying commercial products. Carts pulled by buffaloes and cows were used. Western influence saw the introduction of the horse carts. Several places were used to train these animals. These, especially the bullock and cow carts, became the main forms of transport within the state until the late 1950s.
Motorcars, bicycles and motorcycles were introduced into Melaka at the end of the
19th century. The growth of the rubber industry allowed travel to be done in comfort. This led to new forms of transport such as the rickshaw, the trishaw as well as goods carts. With better roads, heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and cars increased in number. These developments affected the popularity of rivers as transport channels. Railways were used from 1905 but service was interrupted during the Second World War.
Today, the road system in Melaka is one of the best in Malaysia. With modern facilities, old forms of transport are no longer viable.
THE DUTCH WELL
This is another well that was found during the restoration of the Stadthuys Complex. Although in the old map stated there were two wells in this section, but the exact location of those wells could not be correctly verified until the restoration project was carried out.
The removal of the cement pathway of recent origin and clearance of the top soil revealed bricks arrangement.
Careful expose and exaration revealed the bricks floor, an old drainage system, a circular hole and a circular laterite drain.
Further excavation, exposed the well togehter with the water table of the well. Although refer as a Dutch well, this well might have been there earlier and the Dutch possibly modified and strengthen the well with the erection brick.
The daily usage of this well came to an end soon after Melaka High School moved to the newly erected brick building in 1884, where court house were allocated later.
The vented of the school activity resulted in the erection of the adjoining building and the usage of this enclosure later, resulted in the closure of this well.
This well depth is 18 ½ feet. Although water resources easily available, but it is considered unsafe to dig deeper than the water level now. Because it has become part of the complex Stadthuys, then the well is maintained to serve as historical material.
