Elgin Nursing Home
Calcutta
(One of the few letters written by my Mum)
My dear Mum & Dad,
Many thanks for your telegram which arrived on Friday morning. We were beginning to think that this baby was never coming! However, I went for a long walk on Tuesday afternoon & about midnight started slight pains. I was determined not to go to the nursing home during the night! When Wednesday came I knew that the baby was on the way but was obviously taking its' time. I eventually rang the doctor at 4pm & he told me to go straight into the nursing home. My servants were having their 'siesta' but I managed to find the cook who went for a taxi. When the Ayah & bearer returned to the flat they were very peeved to find that I had gone without their knowledge! At 7pm I went into the labour room & had injections which made me wonderfully drowsy & eventually I had to have an anaesthetic. When I came too it was 12.30 & the nurse said 'You know that it's over - you have a girl, 6llbs 11 1/2ozs born at 10.30. Adrienne was a forceps delivery as both hands were crossed over her head. It took about 12 hours for the effects of the gas to wear off - my eyes refused to focus & I kept seeing double! I was also disappointed that I couldn't see the baby straight away but apparently forceps babies have to rest for 24 hrs. When she eventually came in the marks had nearly faded & although her poor little nose was flattened it has improved with the days. It's difficult to say who she favours - she isn't like Caroline - her hair (very little) is dark. After handling Caroline, Adrienne looks like a baby doll - I'm sure that's what Caroline thinks she is!
Excuse the scrawl but I am reclining in bed as best I can - unfortunately I had to have stitches again but with the cooler weather they aren't nearly as sore as last time. The Elgin is full as Oct, Nov, Dec is the busiest time for producing babies. Col Fisher (my doctor) delivered 40 babies last month apart from his other work!
I am lucky to have one of the pleasanter rooms here - it's very bright & cheery & I'm surrounded by lovely flowers which friends have sent. The chrysanthemums are beautiful this year - lovely shaggy golden ones & some of a delicate shade of pink.
Peter is looking very well these days - his holiday really did him good & he relaxed a great deal during the Bank strike. Now that the cooler weather is arriving he should improve even more. It's a pity that he has to go through the hot weather but at least we know that he will be home at the beginning of June. I am looking forward so much to coming home & seeing you all again - it doesn't seem possible that it's only 3 months away. I expect you're anxious to see the babies. Caroline still doesn't say much other than 'Daddy' & 'Gee-gee' - even less than she did at a year. However, she understands a lot & will probably surprise us one day. She is a real 'Daddys' girl - yesterday Peter was up at 6.30am to take Caroline to the Zoo. I believe they had a lovely time - Caroline is crazy about animals & very fearless. Peter is hoping that he has some good snaps. Have you received the cine -film? - My friend's husband had a brief trip home on business & very kindly offered to take the film for us. It isn't as good as the previous ones - the bright sun & sand were rather against us.
This is the longest part of the day for me as we are awakened at 5am, washed - Adrienne is fed & then I have until 8am to wait for breakfast - & I have an enormous appetite! Peter comes at 8.30am-9 & again in the evening. Caroline came on Saturday at 4.30 & was very shy at first & then decide to explore the Elgin!
I expect Margaret's girls will seem very grown up when we get home. Mary was just crawling when we last saw her. It's amazing how quickly children grown - I can hardly remember Caroline as a baby.
Must say good-bye now as I want Peter to post this letter today.
Fondest love from us all & an especially big kiss from Adrienne & Caroline
Margo & Peter
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
11, November, 1957
Typed on HSBC, Calcutta headed airmail letter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter. I have missed replying due to good weather instead of bad. Its getting chilly now and we have found energy to go out and about. Went to Maxim's with a customer on Friday and enjoyed an excellent meal and cabaret, normally outside our pockets in these times. Margo was in very good form and though we up till past twelve was not overtired but had a very solid night's sleep. Saturday, the due date, produced nothing out of the ordinary and we are still waiting the event. Caroline has had two double teeth over the last two weeks. Her teeth are big ones and cause her a lot of bother, however with the cool weather her rosy cheeks have returned and she is full of beans. Played a spot of golf yesterday and hope to keep it up for the winter, it is really glorious at Tollygunge just now. Phillips are having a new issue here and I am hoping to pick up a few for immediate resale. It will pay for the new suit I am having made from material offered me by a customer at cost price. Light weight dark grey, it should do well for the summer at home. Ian Purslow has arrived, the first of a series of changes that we are going to have up until the time I come home. My relief has been announced to arrive here on 27th May which means I should be home at the middle of June, latest, if all goes well. I am handing over my department on Febrary and will then take on a light job whcih I will combine with general supervision of the old one. This is a pleasing way to do things as normally a "take over" is such a last minute rush. Saw the beginning of the eclipse of the moon last week. A very clear sky for it. Caroline takes me out nightly for a "ss saw" on the swing in the garden and knows where to look for the moon. Margo has made her some pyjamas with feet in and the effect is that of a baby Panda, must get a photo one of these days.
Cheerio for now and love,
Margo, Peter and Caroline
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter. I have missed replying due to good weather instead of bad. Its getting chilly now and we have found energy to go out and about. Went to Maxim's with a customer on Friday and enjoyed an excellent meal and cabaret, normally outside our pockets in these times. Margo was in very good form and though we up till past twelve was not overtired but had a very solid night's sleep. Saturday, the due date, produced nothing out of the ordinary and we are still waiting the event. Caroline has had two double teeth over the last two weeks. Her teeth are big ones and cause her a lot of bother, however with the cool weather her rosy cheeks have returned and she is full of beans. Played a spot of golf yesterday and hope to keep it up for the winter, it is really glorious at Tollygunge just now. Phillips are having a new issue here and I am hoping to pick up a few for immediate resale. It will pay for the new suit I am having made from material offered me by a customer at cost price. Light weight dark grey, it should do well for the summer at home. Ian Purslow has arrived, the first of a series of changes that we are going to have up until the time I come home. My relief has been announced to arrive here on 27th May which means I should be home at the middle of June, latest, if all goes well. I am handing over my department on Febrary and will then take on a light job whcih I will combine with general supervision of the old one. This is a pleasing way to do things as normally a "take over" is such a last minute rush. Saw the beginning of the eclipse of the moon last week. A very clear sky for it. Caroline takes me out nightly for a "ss saw" on the swing in the garden and knows where to look for the moon. Margo has made her some pyjamas with feet in and the effect is that of a baby Panda, must get a photo one of these days.
Cheerio for now and love,
Margo, Peter and Caroline
20th Oct 1957
Written on HSBC Calcutta headed airmail letter. Addressed to Mr & Mrs L.V.C. Briggs, 65 Tamworth Park, Mitcham, Surrey from P.H. Briggs at 31 Dalhousie Square.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter which arrived a day before our strike ended. Yes, it is all over after 31 days and in retrospect was very interesting and though I say it we did very well and I believe maintained a better service than any other bank. Most places maintained a cash service but our bill departments also operated. Of course the clearing hasn't opened yet and hundreds of cheques will block proper working for two or more weeks yet, but nevertheless without unforseen difficulties my own department will be on a properly running basis before the end of next week. My ordinary work was further complicated with the arrival of many ships and a few railway goods in transit but these including Rs 2000000 worth of steel have been cared for in almost a normal manner. Unfortunately, the settlement terms were not what we wished for owing to the usual lack of assistance or understanding by government and I think they can expect another attempt at wrecking their own economy in the New Year. Our phone, luckily is free! It has been very useful in the last two weeks as Margo was very ill with a tummy upset first though to be dysentry. The doctor had 3 tries at presenting the right medicine and finally fixed things. Very worrying as Margo lost a stone in weight - but is OK now and I am confident that she will be very fit by 9th Nov. especially as a cool breeze has sprung up heralding the winter's approach. I have a complete weekend off and a holiday on Tuesday which I am going to use so we shall go out into the sun and try to receive our holiday good looks. Caroline continues her odd teething series and has produced a double tooth before completing her singles. It came through without the slightest bother and she is in so fine a form that she continues to put on weight at an age when slackening off would be expected. Borneo would be pleasant to go to but I believe there is little work there. My name is still down for Shanghai and with planned expansion of business in China a posting there next tour might be productive. My special regards to Mr & Mrs Smith when you see them and our love to you all,
Margo, Caroline and Peter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter which arrived a day before our strike ended. Yes, it is all over after 31 days and in retrospect was very interesting and though I say it we did very well and I believe maintained a better service than any other bank. Most places maintained a cash service but our bill departments also operated. Of course the clearing hasn't opened yet and hundreds of cheques will block proper working for two or more weeks yet, but nevertheless without unforseen difficulties my own department will be on a properly running basis before the end of next week. My ordinary work was further complicated with the arrival of many ships and a few railway goods in transit but these including Rs 2000000 worth of steel have been cared for in almost a normal manner. Unfortunately, the settlement terms were not what we wished for owing to the usual lack of assistance or understanding by government and I think they can expect another attempt at wrecking their own economy in the New Year. Our phone, luckily is free! It has been very useful in the last two weeks as Margo was very ill with a tummy upset first though to be dysentry. The doctor had 3 tries at presenting the right medicine and finally fixed things. Very worrying as Margo lost a stone in weight - but is OK now and I am confident that she will be very fit by 9th Nov. especially as a cool breeze has sprung up heralding the winter's approach. I have a complete weekend off and a holiday on Tuesday which I am going to use so we shall go out into the sun and try to receive our holiday good looks. Caroline continues her odd teething series and has produced a double tooth before completing her singles. It came through without the slightest bother and she is in so fine a form that she continues to put on weight at an age when slackening off would be expected. Borneo would be pleasant to go to but I believe there is little work there. My name is still down for Shanghai and with planned expansion of business in China a posting there next tour might be productive. My special regards to Mr & Mrs Smith when you see them and our love to you all,
Margo, Caroline and Peter.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
1.10.57
Hongkong Bank,
31 Dalhousie Square,
PO Box 158 Calcutta.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter from Richmond and also the one before which I did not answer. Biddy Sawtell unfortunately lost her baby girl at birth - even more unfortunate because it was a girl which they wanted and also because she has a rh-neg blood group as she ought not to have a third child. Do not worry about sending anything at the moment. Firstly because we do not like to ask people who offer, to do too much and secondly because it is more simple for Margo to put the details in her letter home. Margo hasn't written to you for the same reason that I have not written to Sydenham. The effort required is just too much (the pen I am using is slipping from perspiration) and we do well to write our own individual letters. Perhaps the cold weather will revive us but this third year in Calcutta is telling - thank goodness we do not have to complete a fourth. Our lives are pretty dull too which gives less incentive to write and my own past record has been badly spoilt - I ought to have written to Jan, Reg & Henry, Douglas and half a dozen others - but my mind has been to concerned with the office which just never settles down - I haven't had a moments peace since March, always something new to worry about and all problems seem to have to remain pending, which I detest - I always like to clear things up and I am just trying to adjust my ideas and accepting things as they come. I look forward to inspecting your new decorations which must have changed things considerably - our newest piece of furniture is a telephone which was installed this morning. We have been waiting long enough and are the last in the bank to have one put in. Just in time too for Margo is leaving the office in two weeks time and I shall be able to phone her at home. The baby, due in November, is according to the doctor, to be another girl so it looks as though I can have (?) future waited on hand and foot by my daughters. Names, provisionally, will be Michael John or Adrienne Elisabeth. I think numbers would be much simpler, names take a lot of working out and we have only just agreed on these - I think.
Our famous Puja holidays which would have given us from Saturday to Thursday next have been wrecked by the strike which started on 18th. You cannot imagine the chaos. Clearing of cheques has stopped. Some banks have no one in them. We have the foreign staff and local girls working and have been able to do an hours cash pay out and in daily. Without any assistance I have been endeavouring to handle bills, receive cash and pass entries grant loans & trust receipts even issued some letters of credit and organised deliveries of goods from the godown. Balanced my major accounts on Sunday with surprising success and hope to get some bills ready for payment in the next two days but it will be pretty hopeless if it keeps going. Each transaction involves so many slips, stamps, keys, registers and searching for documents, exchange control licences and contracts - using cupboards, drawers and safes handled by two dozen clerks that the backlog of untouched incoming mail is already of large proportions. Still we have achieved a great deal - more than many other branches, some of which have just not bother to try. The annoying thing is the intimidation of clerks who would normally come in. My supervisor has put in an appearance for the last two days and I am hoping he will last. two other clerks who would be invaluable have phoned to say the are just too scared to come in - maddening as with them I could really get cracking. Still it is all experience and odd to do all the donkey work on entries which on a normal busy day one just has time to initial. We have taken to-day off by the manager's instruction, thus you are receiving this letter - but if there is a long gap you will know that I am occupied fully. There are indications that it will spread to other parts of India as Bombay, Delhi and Patna have had demonstrations.
Arissa is South of West Bengal and Golpalput is in the South of Arissa, 350 miles from Calcutta. (Dad has drawn a map on the letter - Editor).
Cannot think of any particular books that you can send - not much help am I? Your last selection were well read but a bit light for my taste. I think the best choice is historical or biographical - you can send me a tie if you can disguise it as a letter but don't worry - Your card is all that is specially looked forward to.
Cheerio for now and all our love,
Caroline, Margo & Peter
Temperature 98F
Humidity 96%
Monsoon has officially ended.
(First mention of my sister Adrienne. Little did Dad know that he would have four daughters to wait on him hand and foot.)
31 Dalhousie Square,
PO Box 158 Calcutta.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter from Richmond and also the one before which I did not answer. Biddy Sawtell unfortunately lost her baby girl at birth - even more unfortunate because it was a girl which they wanted and also because she has a rh-neg blood group as she ought not to have a third child. Do not worry about sending anything at the moment. Firstly because we do not like to ask people who offer, to do too much and secondly because it is more simple for Margo to put the details in her letter home. Margo hasn't written to you for the same reason that I have not written to Sydenham. The effort required is just too much (the pen I am using is slipping from perspiration) and we do well to write our own individual letters. Perhaps the cold weather will revive us but this third year in Calcutta is telling - thank goodness we do not have to complete a fourth. Our lives are pretty dull too which gives less incentive to write and my own past record has been badly spoilt - I ought to have written to Jan, Reg & Henry, Douglas and half a dozen others - but my mind has been to concerned with the office which just never settles down - I haven't had a moments peace since March, always something new to worry about and all problems seem to have to remain pending, which I detest - I always like to clear things up and I am just trying to adjust my ideas and accepting things as they come. I look forward to inspecting your new decorations which must have changed things considerably - our newest piece of furniture is a telephone which was installed this morning. We have been waiting long enough and are the last in the bank to have one put in. Just in time too for Margo is leaving the office in two weeks time and I shall be able to phone her at home. The baby, due in November, is according to the doctor, to be another girl so it looks as though I can have (?) future waited on hand and foot by my daughters. Names, provisionally, will be Michael John or Adrienne Elisabeth. I think numbers would be much simpler, names take a lot of working out and we have only just agreed on these - I think.
Our famous Puja holidays which would have given us from Saturday to Thursday next have been wrecked by the strike which started on 18th. You cannot imagine the chaos. Clearing of cheques has stopped. Some banks have no one in them. We have the foreign staff and local girls working and have been able to do an hours cash pay out and in daily. Without any assistance I have been endeavouring to handle bills, receive cash and pass entries grant loans & trust receipts even issued some letters of credit and organised deliveries of goods from the godown. Balanced my major accounts on Sunday with surprising success and hope to get some bills ready for payment in the next two days but it will be pretty hopeless if it keeps going. Each transaction involves so many slips, stamps, keys, registers and searching for documents, exchange control licences and contracts - using cupboards, drawers and safes handled by two dozen clerks that the backlog of untouched incoming mail is already of large proportions. Still we have achieved a great deal - more than many other branches, some of which have just not bother to try. The annoying thing is the intimidation of clerks who would normally come in. My supervisor has put in an appearance for the last two days and I am hoping he will last. two other clerks who would be invaluable have phoned to say the are just too scared to come in - maddening as with them I could really get cracking. Still it is all experience and odd to do all the donkey work on entries which on a normal busy day one just has time to initial. We have taken to-day off by the manager's instruction, thus you are receiving this letter - but if there is a long gap you will know that I am occupied fully. There are indications that it will spread to other parts of India as Bombay, Delhi and Patna have had demonstrations.
Arissa is South of West Bengal and Golpalput is in the South of Arissa, 350 miles from Calcutta. (Dad has drawn a map on the letter - Editor).
Cannot think of any particular books that you can send - not much help am I? Your last selection were well read but a bit light for my taste. I think the best choice is historical or biographical - you can send me a tie if you can disguise it as a letter but don't worry - Your card is all that is specially looked forward to.
Cheerio for now and all our love,
Caroline, Margo & Peter
Temperature 98F
Humidity 96%
Monsoon has officially ended.
(First mention of my sister Adrienne. Little did Dad know that he would have four daughters to wait on him hand and foot.)
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