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Cigarette Card, Malayan Scenes, The Water Tower, Teluk Anson, Federated Malay States
The picture, part of a 24 card set, shows the Water-Tower, Teluk Anson, Federated Malay States (card No. 14). On the reverse of the card is the description, "Teluk Anson is the port at the mouth of Perak River. This curious water-tower, built on a Chinese model, resembles the famous tower at Pisa in that it has a 'lean' ".
Known these days as the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, this tower is one of the attractions Teluk Anson (now Teluk Intan) offers. It was said to be built around 1892 by a Chinese architect Leong Choon Cheong, and assisted by S. Sabapathy (an engineer for the Public Works Department in Teluk Anson). Although construction took place during the time of the British Administration, the tower boasts a unique Pagoda structure showcasing a strong Chinese influence. Among its other Oriental features include the curved arches and the roof tiles. At a glance, the tower gives the impression of being eight storeys tall; in actual fact, it is only three storeys. Each level is five meters high and each floor has a 1.8 metre wide lane. The walls are 0.6 metres deep and are decorated with green stones. Should you wish to explore this wood and brick tower, you would have to brave through 110 steps to the top!
The tower once functioned as a water storage tank, as well as a clock tower, for the people of the town. Ideally, it stands proudly in the middle of the town square; at the cross roads of Jalan Pasar, Jalan Ah Cheong, Jalan Selat and Jalan Bandar. The steel water tank, which is about 5 meters high and holds up to 18.36 cubic meters of water, sits on the third level. The clock was bought from a London firm (J.W. Benson-Ludgatehill) through generous donations from the locals. The tower began to lean in later years due to soft ground. Another reason being the water load, as it leans towards the south-west.
The pdf link gives more information as well as pictures of the interior.