D'COTTA, Christopher
Communities of Singapore (Part 1),
Accession Number 000500
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 16
Total Reels
- Pitt Kuan Wah
Interviewer
- 07:18:57
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 2 of 16
Metadata
- 15 Nov 1984
Recording Date
- 00:27:24
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Relationship with neighbours. His schooling in St Joseph's School. No school uniform. Went to school by trolley bus; later mosquito bus. Fares paid. His activities. Type of clothing worn. Felt that children were more obedient to parents then. How he helped his younger brothers. Caning as form of punishment. Sat for Cambridge exam in 1931. Recommended to work in Dutch bank.Training given.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 16
Metadata
- 15 Nov 1984
Recording Date
- 00:25:58
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Staff in Dutch bank. Worked in Current Accounts Department. Nature of work.Type of clients they had. Formality in opening current account. His initial pay of $50 and increment of $10. How he spent his money. Other working conditions: bonus, medical expenses, vacation leave. No overtime pay but given meal allowance. Had to make up when discrepancy occurred.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 16
Metadata
- 6 Dec 1984
Recording Date
- 00:27:04
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Subsequent increments. Inflation set in later. Sister also started working. Relationship with his Dutch boss. Eurasian friends in bank left for better paying jobs. Dutch expatriates had bigger salary and given accommodation. By 1941 his pay was $110 as assistant to Chief Ledger. Work load increased. Reasons for joining Singapore Volunteer Corps (SVC). Mobilised in 1940. Posted to pay section, not combat unit. Little weapon training. Pay given.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 16
Metadata
- 6 Dec 1984
Recording Date
- 00:27:32
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Camped in Chinese High School. How he was informed of mobilisation. Heard bombing on 8 December and next day sinking of battleships. Morale affected. Chinese volunteers left in civilian clothes. His officer convinced him to be prisoner of war (POW) instead. Marched to Beach Road Headquarters. Sent to Changi Camp. Organised work party. Why he volunteered to join River Valley Road Camp. Managed short meeting with family.
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Reel/Disc 8 of 16
Metadata
- 30 Jan 1985
Recording Date
- 00:27:36
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Dutch bank re-opened. Bank records not destroyed. End of 1945 life back to normal. Employees given compensation. Still in current accounts department. Work increased gradually. Singapore Bank Employees Union started in early1950s. Became committee member of own branch. Reaction of bank to union. Chase Manhattan bought over Dutch bank in 1962. Retirement in 1967. Unemployed; then found job in Mindef.
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Reel/Disc 9 of 16
Metadata
- 28 Feb 1985
Recording Date
- 00:30:01
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Nature of his job. His view on establishment of an army in Singapore. Why some resented IQ tests. His salary. Left after 4 years. How he got job in a new German bank. Posted to Current Accounts Department again. No more ledger books. His salary before retirement. Unemployed again. His part-time jobs and welfare work.
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Reel/Disc 10 of 16
Metadata
- 28 Feb 1985
Recording Date
- 00:25:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
His church work. Chosen to be funeral minister of his church. Criteria for choosing funeral minister. His involvement in Eurasian Association in education committee. Financial support given to Eurasian students requiring assistance. Committee members of Eurasian Association meeting only once a month. Few activities.
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