Sec 1 History -> A recollection by a dock worker in Singapore in the 19th century.

In 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles first strutted onto our shores with his high hopes and fancy hat, the Port of Singapore was nothing more than a humble fishing village.

We had a few jetties, a handful of sampans, and a whole lot of fish. The port was as peaceful as a cat napping in the afternoon sun. But, as we all know, you should never disturb a sleeping cat.

By the 1850s, it was as if someone had nudged that cat awake with a stick. The port was suddenly teeming with activity. Ships from all corners of the globe were docking at our quays, unloading all sorts of exotic goods. We had spices from the East Indies that could make you sneeze from a mile away, silk from China smoother than a baby's bottom, and even the occasional tin of biscuits from England. (I must confess, I might have 'accidentally' pocketed a biscuit or two during my shifts.)

And us dock workers? We were right there in the thick of it, hoisting crates, hauling sacks, and generally building muscles that would make a bodybuilder green with envy. Who needs a gym membership when you're lifting barrels of spices all day?

By the time the 1900s rolled around, our 'little' port had become one of the busiest in the world. It was like watching a kitten grow into a majestic, albeit very busy, tiger. Sure, the work was hard, and yes, I still can't look at a crate of spices without feeling a twinge in my back. But there was a sense of pride in seeing how far we'd come.

What can you say about the lives of dock workers in the 19th century?

1. Worked in tough, demanding jobs - having to hoist crates, haul sacks,...

2. They were proud of their work as they witnessed the transformation of Singapore into a bustling port from a humble village.