Loading a boat in Singapore harbour in the early 1960s

A picture of a traditional boat being loaded in Singapore harbour in the early 1960s.

The picture is a little bit blurry, possibly because it was taken from another boat, but it’s possible to see there is a ‘chain gang’ set up on the boat being loaded, with goods being passed down the line to fill the boat from the back to the front. I wonder if all the goods were going to the same destination, or if the order they were packed was important?

Along the waterfront is a range of huts setup with their back leading directly out over the water – I think I’d be very worried working in that situation – I’d never want to walk too close to the back of the shop for fear of falling in!