6th June 1951

Hongkong Bank
Penang

Dear Mum Dad and Alan,

Thanks very much for your letter of ? you certainly had a fine birthday and I hope that you can buy something that you really want.

Why see a French film. I would have thought it to be the last thing that Dad wanted to see. Suggest the new "Hornblower" film - all about the sea.

I enjoyed reading about Ian's job and found it interesting. I ought to write to him but as usual I am busy. So the Australian parcel has arrived. Good. You can put those tins away if you dont want to use them at the moment. You never know I may well be moved to a place where it is difficult to send them. Have sent another parcel. Fruit, meat and raisons. Now you have an idea of what can be got why not make up your own list for me and proportion the various items. It will save me time looking at all the labels in the shop.

Have taken over a new job- and kept my old one so am i/c current Accounts and Cash. This commenced over the first of the month and has given 10 hr days all this week. Its quite hectic but ought to be all right once July is past. The half year is going to be fun. On top of this one of my ledger clerks died last week with tummy trouble and with two learners to take his place and the place of a senior one who has left me to look after Safe Deposit, I have nothing to do but send back incorrect work.

The small girl next door had her 3rd birthday yesterday. There were about twenty children playing on seesaws and roundabouts in the garden. It was a fine day and they all enjoyed themselves immensely - but everyone who helped organize were a little weary at the end of it all.

The Agent invited us over to his place to play tennis last week and having a private court to play on was grand. Had some good games and a pleasant evening.

The bank had ordered 1/2 doz ducks for the opening but as at the last moment they used pheasant and they cant sell the ducks we are all having one each. Huge fat ones (they are called "walkie -walkie" as opposed to "fly fly" as they have been specially bred for raosting and restricted from flying. The "fly fly" would be much cheaper.) and I have mine on the menu for tomorrow with green peas and apple sauce.

Our meat is good here and the new boy is an excellent cook. The mess - the two of us eat 10 pounds of meant last month. We are having most of tiffins in the mess now so that has put it up a bit. Total messing comes to approx 40 pounds a month each all in and is not too bad at that.

Must close off now - am sending some more photos and hope you like them.

Love Peter.