Gabriel Uking

Gabriel Uking, from Long Palai, Baram joined TLS in 1959.

He was a strong boy, very humourous, very humble. And definitely, perhaps because of the Kenyah genes, he was very athletic. As a footballer, he was a star to reckon with in the field.
Unfortunately we were not blessed with capital and great coaches to bring about a leading team of footballers. But nevertheless, Gabriel Uking led a very strong team of footballers. We could not afford the proper boots. Most of us played in our bare feet. As we were too poor to buy football jerseys, it was therefore quite a common sight to see shirtless boys playing football in the hot sun in the 50's and 60's. We did not have Parent Teachers' Association those days to sponsor our sports gear.

Likewise we did not have many material things. One football was all we had to keep us occupied in the evenings. So we played football! Boys from Primary Five to Form Five (and later Form Six) played football, talked football and dreamed of football.

Gabriel Uking and I shared a love for midnight movies. The Miri Theatre put on two shows on week days and five shows at the weekends. Midnight shows were extremely popular. Tickets were $1.50,$1.00,50 cents or 30 cents. Sometimes cheap matinees would be announced to the delight of the public.

We native boys were given the opportunities to work for our teachers for some pocket money , soap or cakes. One particular weekend we need some money, actually 30 cents each only. We went to our respective teachers to ask for work. I was fortunate enough to have some work lined up for me. And I remember Gabriel also got a job and was delighted.

Half way through the afternoon the teacher asked Gabriel, "It is hot, isn't it?"

Gabriel being a very ulu boy where the culture did not include discussing the heat of the day, whispered to me,"Why ask such a stupid question? It is hot...full stop! Why the doubt at the end of it? "This little episode still makes me laugh today.

By evening we had finished our work with a flourish and our excitement and anticipation heightened. But to our disappointment, we were paid in kind! I was given a toothbrush and a cake of soap and Gabriel was given a small towel. In his exasperation, Gabriel exclaimed, "Don't they know that we only wanted 30 cents for our midnight movie!!"

That evening we walked the 5 miles to watch the midnight movie. We sat in the third class seats and had to tilt our heads backwards to watch the big screen, which was almost overhead. But nonetheless, it was a great midnight movie . We would suffer a neck ache for one or two days. But life was fuller and better for it! After the show, we trudged back through the GCM fields, passed the Brighton Beach, trekked up the hill and finally reached the school about 3 in the morning.

Pal, if you are reading this blog, I would like to say thanks. My life has been richer because you have a share in the tapestry.

More stories soon!