"Chinese Secret Societies in Singapore"

A volume issued by the Government of the Colony of Singapore, in 1958, with the title "Chinese Secret Societies in Singapore".

In the introduction to the volume, B W F Goodrich (Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, Singapore) notes: "Chinese secret societies have exercised an evil influence over their fellow-countrymen in Singapore ever since its foundation ... Much of the violent crime which takes place in Singapore is rooted in secret society activity. It is necessary therefore that Routine Officers making the original classification of reports and Detective Officers investigating offences should have a sound knowledge of the methods used by secret societies, the type of persons protected and the area in which each society operates. This booklet is designed to assist officers to 'know their enemy' and to identify members of secret societies quickly. Officers should make themselves thoroughly familiar with the contents of the booklet in order to brief patrols and beats operating in their Divisions."

The volume includes many photographs of typical weapons, membership badges, tattoo marks, and other identifying symbols.

Pasted inside the front cover is a letter from B W F Goodrich to W L Blythe, sent with the book. Blythe's signature is on the front fly-leaf.

The volume was donated by Dennis J Duncanson, OBE (Honorary Secretary to the Society, 1977-94), whose name is stamped on the front cover and to the title-page.