20.3.51

H. & S. B. C.
Penang

Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,

Thanks for you letter of 16th received to-day - very swift service or did you get the date wrong? No - I see it is stamped the 18th!

Sungei Patani is well past now and Penang much the same as ever. Don't think you can have much idea of my work here. I don't actually handle cash except when checking the treasury at night. By "paying out planters" I meant the respective increase in volume of work therefrom. Once their cash is paid they can then pay clubs bills, food, rental, remittances home etc. etc. and the work for a few days merely snowballs itself into circles until it is finally smooths away to normality.

The radio is quite good here though I don't seem to be listening to it much lately. Funny you should mention it though as I may do a short broadcast soon - one of those half hour choice of records or something - its a pity I can never remember the names of things but no doubt shall get round it somehow.

Hope Alan's spot of dentistry has passed off alright. Am having three stoppings done myself. Quite a good dentist Chinese and probably trained in America.

Hope that there is nothing seriously wrong with Henry and that the incident is favourable. Its as well to have a thorough check up though and should anything be wrong it can be put right.

Had a letter from Mrs Shewan, Saigon, yesterday and learn that it is really hot there and more to come. They evidently spend most of the day in bed coming to life in the early evening and early morning.

Am now swimming on my back - a thing I had not done before coming here. Unfortunately I tend to go off to sleep every now and again swallowing any amount of water in the process. Children seem to live in the water here and appear to have no fear of it al all. They dive and jump and splash without respect for hight or deep end - its fun to watch them.

Singapore have evidently realized that cost of living has gone up and (with the Government) have increased our allowance by 25% of the basic - about $1200 per year. As this will cover my payments for the car it is welcome and I won't notice the deductions.

Couldn't get Canadian nylons - but sent Margaret 1pr American for approval and on receipt of further instructions shall be pleased to dispatch more. Think I can send them one at a time through the mail packet and a pair per month should be easily accomplished.

Plans are being laid for the opening of the new office in May and evidently most of Penang will be invited. The No 1 from Singapore will be down to open it and champagne will flow from the strong room. Only hope they manage to complete it in time as the finishing date has altered time without number.

My friend here Peter Ogilvy-Stuart has bought a half share in a sailing dinghy and expect some sport from some. Its not good sailing in these waters but it will provide lots of interest.

The bank's annual report was very good and heard that it had a big write up in the Financial Times - expect Dad saw it. Imagine the profits will not be so large this coming year as the American Hongkong trade has virtually ceased. Tin and Rubber are the mainstay in Malaya of course and with luck they won't go under just yet. Jute market seems to be springing up in Calcutta and Japan trade is still go ahead.

By the time you receive this I shall have been out cast a good six months - the fastest spot of time I've known - where it goes to is hard to imagine the weeks just seem to flit by.

Hope your Spring has really arrived and your Easter holiday is a good one,

Best wishes and love,
Peter