30th May 61

HSBC, Jesselton, BNB Dear Mum, Dad and Alan, Thank you for your letter which once again was full of news. Donald's pending marriage seems to have collected complications alread - it is a pity a compromise cannot be arranged. We have known people with similar problems and it is upsetting. We would like to give a wedding present which is another job for you - unless cash would be in order, in which case how much? I must also have the date of the wedding in order to send a telegram. The dinner at G.H. was very pleasant. We were first met by the ADC who showed us the seating plan and told me who to take into dinner and Margo who the person was who would take her, then we went forward to be introduced to everyone - about 14 in all. A drink & then dinner and passing the port after the ladies had left. When we joined the ladies we split into two groups, one with Lady Goode & the other with HE for half and hour or so and then off. We left for Ranau the next day taking C & A who enjoyed the plane ride leave S & E behind with Mrs Ingham. It was very quiet up there with nothing to do except walk for a little way. We went along a jeep track to about 4000ft but it was very bumpy riding and nothing very special when we got to Kandasan as the big mountain was shrouded in mist. However, it made a change for a couple of days. The bank's Power of Attorney allows me to sign legal documents & do anything short of selling the bank. It is only usually given to persons with appointments and the main use of it is that it is registered here and I can make use of it in registering mortgages etc when the Accountant is away. Although it may be returned to H.O. when I am doing another job it will exist until I leave the bank and in itself it is a valuable document. I am now back in the office and being kept busy on many fiddling jobs. Just as I was about to leave this evening a main water pipe burst and as far as can be seen it will be a major job to replace. Typically there is only one water cock for the whole building & and toilets for a few hundred people will be out of action tomorrow. Tomorrow being 31st! Oh well! It will solve itself I hope in time for the next problem. Cheerio and love Peter.