The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corpn
Hong Kong
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
The fog in UK must have held up the mail - the reports on it sounded horrific and must have been unpleasant for you. Our very cold weather has left us and the present temperature is bearable - however, I have had a cold, as most people have in the office, but the worst of it is over now. The rest of the family have not been bothered with it yet and I hope they miss it. Elisabeth continues her visits to Sandy Bay and is very happy. Susan is bored and we intend to send her to a small nursery we have heard about for a few hours each day. Adrienne is in her school concert next week and insists that Margo see her as an "angel". Caroline is taken up with her friends - the main one having the same name as her own and living nearby. We had two Borneo friends in to dinner last week - he was a CID man in Jesselton and is the same here. We spent some time talking about the old place and the interesting aspects of his job here. Had a game of bridge with a Dr Steven and his wife at the university - we met them on the ship. Last night was the big mess party held in their palatial new building. Certainly a change from my day. Huge crowds there and lots to eat, dancing and talking. We slept in late this morning. After lunch took the children out to the local farm which is quite and attraction. Bears and monkeys and for Elisabeth a large "worm" which in fact was a python, slides, fish in aquarium plus the usual turkeys, geese & hens which comprise the main reason for the farm. The sun was out and a pleasant afternoon was spent there. I played my first game of squash last week and found I was most unfit. It is a very strenuous game. The court is at the top of the bank and it is well to make use of such a handy facility. Despite the general cold, I stood under a cold shower to cool off - most bracing!
Cheerio for now and trust you are well.
Love from us all,
Peter
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
25th November, 1962
The Hongkong and Shanghai BC
Hong Kong.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Margo's mother wrote that you had not heard from us - trust my letter has arrived by now. Adrienne's birthday went well, she was very pleased with your present and card. We managed to obtain a pram for her so she now has her heart's desire. All the children's toys have been unpacked from the Jesselton boxes and more have been given by friends' who have just left, which compensates for those we discarded. Thus the bedroom takes some clearing up each day. We have had E parallel bars made and she can get from end to end on them by herself, though does not lift her feet. Also had the stool made with the casters on so that Margo can sit down and move along. (Am writing this with an interrupting background so must concentrate!) We have seen the professor here who is a specialist in polio and have started 3 times a week physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. It is a longish journey for Margo. Thank goodness she can drive and the car is on the road! It is the most difficult driving that I have ever met, here. The peak roads are steep and twisty. They demand constant alertness and this with one's ears popping make driving other than a pleasure. Wehn I go in to the office in the morning the lower roads are packed with fast moving lanes of cars and one just hopes for the best. The police are very good but are intent on everything keeping on the go. Got stuck in the car park the other night and could not get out for 15 mins - just no gap in the traffic at all. Once away it is stop start in first gear and later when things clear a bit a change into second is a relief - then a crawl to the top. Going down is really thrilling - as Margo found today when she went out for a run by herself. A corner too fast and there is an awfully long drop on the other side! But all went well and I hope we soon become experienced.
The office has been full of interest during this week as the managers have been here for a week's conference, using the inspectors' room in between whiles for general conversation. Very difficult to check returns with such a babble going on.
We have been to one or two parties and have lots more lined up. A chinese dinner tomorrow, which will be our first here, promises to be an event as it is given by a local bank. The children have their first Christmas invitation and so have we. A masked ball at the Chief Manager's - a dance a the mess - and Christmas lunch at the Ogilvy-Stuarts' (My Penang messmate in 1951)
We have a coal fire going in a large fire-place - the screen is 6 feet long and are wearing sweaters, but no snow yet! Understand it has been cold at home.
Cheerio and love from us all
Peter
Hong Kong.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Margo's mother wrote that you had not heard from us - trust my letter has arrived by now. Adrienne's birthday went well, she was very pleased with your present and card. We managed to obtain a pram for her so she now has her heart's desire. All the children's toys have been unpacked from the Jesselton boxes and more have been given by friends' who have just left, which compensates for those we discarded. Thus the bedroom takes some clearing up each day. We have had E parallel bars made and she can get from end to end on them by herself, though does not lift her feet. Also had the stool made with the casters on so that Margo can sit down and move along. (Am writing this with an interrupting background so must concentrate!) We have seen the professor here who is a specialist in polio and have started 3 times a week physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. It is a longish journey for Margo. Thank goodness she can drive and the car is on the road! It is the most difficult driving that I have ever met, here. The peak roads are steep and twisty. They demand constant alertness and this with one's ears popping make driving other than a pleasure. Wehn I go in to the office in the morning the lower roads are packed with fast moving lanes of cars and one just hopes for the best. The police are very good but are intent on everything keeping on the go. Got stuck in the car park the other night and could not get out for 15 mins - just no gap in the traffic at all. Once away it is stop start in first gear and later when things clear a bit a change into second is a relief - then a crawl to the top. Going down is really thrilling - as Margo found today when she went out for a run by herself. A corner too fast and there is an awfully long drop on the other side! But all went well and I hope we soon become experienced.
The office has been full of interest during this week as the managers have been here for a week's conference, using the inspectors' room in between whiles for general conversation. Very difficult to check returns with such a babble going on.
We have been to one or two parties and have lots more lined up. A chinese dinner tomorrow, which will be our first here, promises to be an event as it is given by a local bank. The children have their first Christmas invitation and so have we. A masked ball at the Chief Manager's - a dance a the mess - and Christmas lunch at the Ogilvy-Stuarts' (My Penang messmate in 1951)
We have a coal fire going in a large fire-place - the screen is 6 feet long and are wearing sweaters, but no snow yet! Understand it has been cold at home.
Cheerio and love from us all
Peter
19th November 1962
Flat 4
"Fung Shui"
50 Plantation Road
Hongkong
My dear Henry & Hilda,
Here we are - beginning to settle down in Hongkong. It is a complete contrast to N. Borneo - none of that quiet peaceful living! - here everything is hustle & hustle. We have a lovely flat on top of the Peak. It is in a Bank block of eight flats and there are nice gardens, sand pit and swings etc for the children to play in. We have a large lounge, dining room, three bedrooms & three bathrooms and each bedroom has a large enclosed balcony which make good playrooms for the girls. The flat is well furnished but I am hoping to get new curtains and covers. The bathrooms are a joy - fully tiled in pastel shades and with sunken baths! In fact the bath attached to our own bedroom is square as well, nice to look at but rather difficult to stretch out in!
Peter is finding his feet in the office - it is a change for him to have to wear a suit instead of whites. We have been to several cocktail parties since we arrived and I am still trying to remember names and faces of the Bank staff!
Caroline & Adrienne have both started school but unfortunately at separate ones, at least until Sept '63. Caroline can walk to her school but I take Adrienne there & back everyday. We have a 15 min walk to the Peak tram - this is a contraption which ascends & descends the sheer face of the hillsides (aren't there these sort of things in Bournemouth?). This journey takes 10 mins and is quite hair raising when you first do it. I am blase about it now after my four trips each day. The trouble is it is very cold up here on the Peak and we have an electric fire is the evenings. Adrienne & I leave in the mornings muffled to the ears and then strip off at the school.
I have given up the idea of sending Susan to kindergarten although she very much wants to go - it would only mean another journey in probably a different direction!
Elisabeth has been examined by a Proffessor Hodgson here - he is rated among the top ten authorities of Polio in children. He says that Elisabeth is still seriously paralysed and will probably never completely recover. However there is still room for improvement & he arranging Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy for her several times a week. We are fortunate in that there is a Polio clinic here and a Hydrotherapy pool has recently been opened - thanks to the J.C.C.
Hongkong is very overwhelming at first and I am still trying to find my way around the shops. We will be sending Xmas presents but we missed the last sea-mail posting date so things will arrive rather late.
Enclosed are photos of the children - you will remember the ones taken in your garden, Hilda. The one of Elisabeth was taken while she was in hospital, hence the rather shaggy hair.
I should have said "your old garden" - how are you settling in the new house? I expect Peter will be writing to you later and he will give a more detailed description of Hongkong. We have a heavenly view from our flat - we overlook the entire harbour and the New Territories and at night it is one mass of sparkling lights. The children call it the "star light land". I must get ready to go our for lunch so,
love from us all
Margo
"Fung Shui"
50 Plantation Road
Hongkong
My dear Henry & Hilda,
Here we are - beginning to settle down in Hongkong. It is a complete contrast to N. Borneo - none of that quiet peaceful living! - here everything is hustle & hustle. We have a lovely flat on top of the Peak. It is in a Bank block of eight flats and there are nice gardens, sand pit and swings etc for the children to play in. We have a large lounge, dining room, three bedrooms & three bathrooms and each bedroom has a large enclosed balcony which make good playrooms for the girls. The flat is well furnished but I am hoping to get new curtains and covers. The bathrooms are a joy - fully tiled in pastel shades and with sunken baths! In fact the bath attached to our own bedroom is square as well, nice to look at but rather difficult to stretch out in!
Peter is finding his feet in the office - it is a change for him to have to wear a suit instead of whites. We have been to several cocktail parties since we arrived and I am still trying to remember names and faces of the Bank staff!
Caroline & Adrienne have both started school but unfortunately at separate ones, at least until Sept '63. Caroline can walk to her school but I take Adrienne there & back everyday. We have a 15 min walk to the Peak tram - this is a contraption which ascends & descends the sheer face of the hillsides (aren't there these sort of things in Bournemouth?). This journey takes 10 mins and is quite hair raising when you first do it. I am blase about it now after my four trips each day. The trouble is it is very cold up here on the Peak and we have an electric fire is the evenings. Adrienne & I leave in the mornings muffled to the ears and then strip off at the school.
I have given up the idea of sending Susan to kindergarten although she very much wants to go - it would only mean another journey in probably a different direction!
Elisabeth has been examined by a Proffessor Hodgson here - he is rated among the top ten authorities of Polio in children. He says that Elisabeth is still seriously paralysed and will probably never completely recover. However there is still room for improvement & he arranging Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy for her several times a week. We are fortunate in that there is a Polio clinic here and a Hydrotherapy pool has recently been opened - thanks to the J.C.C.
Hongkong is very overwhelming at first and I am still trying to find my way around the shops. We will be sending Xmas presents but we missed the last sea-mail posting date so things will arrive rather late.
Enclosed are photos of the children - you will remember the ones taken in your garden, Hilda. The one of Elisabeth was taken while she was in hospital, hence the rather shaggy hair.
I should have said "your old garden" - how are you settling in the new house? I expect Peter will be writing to you later and he will give a more detailed description of Hongkong. We have a heavenly view from our flat - we overlook the entire harbour and the New Territories and at night it is one mass of sparkling lights. The children call it the "star light land". I must get ready to go our for lunch so,
love from us all
Margo
Monday, October 8, 2012
Sunday 11th November, 1962
The Hongkong and Shanghai BC
Hongkong
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your first letter of this new tour. The sea trip ended well. Susan had two days in the ship's hospital with suspected measles, but it was only a chest infection which cleared up neatly before arrival. We were met by friends who had everything arranged and got off the Chusan on the mainland quay and stepped on to the bank launch, "Wayfoong" to cross to Hong Kong island. Then by large American car up and up, 1400 feet to our flat in a block known as "Fung Shui". We are on the second floor by lift and find it to be large enough for our needs with three bedroom, three bathrooms, three wardrobe rooms with dehumidifing dryers, large lounge, dining room, kitchen, service space, very long hallway and extensive verander balconies. We are in no way cramped and the children have settle happily form the word 'go'. Caroline is already at school nearby but Adrienne could not get in and starts this coming week down below. A nuisance this as Margo will have to take her by Peak Tram. Time and money consuming - but there is a chance for her to join the Peak School at the end of next year. They have plenty of playroom outside in the garden where a big firework display was held for them last week. The weather is cold a the moment and cloud is down obscuring our magnificent view. We are immediately above the bank and can see the harbour, mainland and the airdrome runway and at night this is a fabulous glitter of lights. One can sit and watch fifty or more ships - planes taking off and landing - naval craft coming and going. The place itself is crowded and there is much traffic. Shops are not easy to get to but there are so many of them once there it is dazing and expensive. Margo has been very busy with the schooling arrangements and has even managed most of the Christmas cards. I have finally had the photos developed and one or two fo the children are OK; apart from sending you a set I will send the negatives to Alan so that if any are good enough he may like to enlarge. I have only been "around town" twice so far and have seen very little - it is tiring on the feet as ones has to walk most places and there are streets on streets and arcades in between, there are crowns and crowds of people jostling about - a far cry from Borneo. Caroline has just had her first telephone call from a boy friend and forgot to find out who it was. Luckily he came to collect her and she has gone out to play. My office work has not been too strenuous as this has been a slack time between returns. Everyone is very friendly but is is obviously necessary to be on ones' toes. Have been to one party and met a lot of old friends. However, there are many in the bank here who I do not know - there are so very many of them in the main office. The building itself is very bis as you know and I still get lost if I take the wrong turning. An extra floor is being built in and another lift, all dusing normal working hours. It is lucky I am in H.O. out of the clamour. Two of the inspectors are off on a tour of Calcutta and Saigon shortly. I expect I shall be on the next one but where to and when I do not know. They normally take two to three weeks and apart from the work involved can be quite pleasant. Elisabeth is very well and during the sea trip and now is noticeably stronger, presumably through use of calipers. I have ordered the 'walking bars' for her and mobile stood for Margo to sit on, through the bank property department who have been very helpful.
The car is due on 16th when traveling should be easier. The driving on the Peak is a serious affair of steepness and tight corners. Again the roads are numerous and my sense of direction is hard put to know the way. One's ears pop on the way up and down, it is no mean climb and I just hope my small car can manage.
So! we are here with a lot to do and I hope, enjoy. No hot weather for at least a couple of months - a manager's conference in HO in a week's time - a series of Christmas parties for which invitations have already arrived. Will let you know how we make out.
Cheerio and lots of love
from us all
Peter
Hongkong
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your first letter of this new tour. The sea trip ended well. Susan had two days in the ship's hospital with suspected measles, but it was only a chest infection which cleared up neatly before arrival. We were met by friends who had everything arranged and got off the Chusan on the mainland quay and stepped on to the bank launch, "Wayfoong" to cross to Hong Kong island. Then by large American car up and up, 1400 feet to our flat in a block known as "Fung Shui". We are on the second floor by lift and find it to be large enough for our needs with three bedroom, three bathrooms, three wardrobe rooms with dehumidifing dryers, large lounge, dining room, kitchen, service space, very long hallway and extensive verander balconies. We are in no way cramped and the children have settle happily form the word 'go'. Caroline is already at school nearby but Adrienne could not get in and starts this coming week down below. A nuisance this as Margo will have to take her by Peak Tram. Time and money consuming - but there is a chance for her to join the Peak School at the end of next year. They have plenty of playroom outside in the garden where a big firework display was held for them last week. The weather is cold a the moment and cloud is down obscuring our magnificent view. We are immediately above the bank and can see the harbour, mainland and the airdrome runway and at night this is a fabulous glitter of lights. One can sit and watch fifty or more ships - planes taking off and landing - naval craft coming and going. The place itself is crowded and there is much traffic. Shops are not easy to get to but there are so many of them once there it is dazing and expensive. Margo has been very busy with the schooling arrangements and has even managed most of the Christmas cards. I have finally had the photos developed and one or two fo the children are OK; apart from sending you a set I will send the negatives to Alan so that if any are good enough he may like to enlarge. I have only been "around town" twice so far and have seen very little - it is tiring on the feet as ones has to walk most places and there are streets on streets and arcades in between, there are crowns and crowds of people jostling about - a far cry from Borneo. Caroline has just had her first telephone call from a boy friend and forgot to find out who it was. Luckily he came to collect her and she has gone out to play. My office work has not been too strenuous as this has been a slack time between returns. Everyone is very friendly but is is obviously necessary to be on ones' toes. Have been to one party and met a lot of old friends. However, there are many in the bank here who I do not know - there are so very many of them in the main office. The building itself is very bis as you know and I still get lost if I take the wrong turning. An extra floor is being built in and another lift, all dusing normal working hours. It is lucky I am in H.O. out of the clamour. Two of the inspectors are off on a tour of Calcutta and Saigon shortly. I expect I shall be on the next one but where to and when I do not know. They normally take two to three weeks and apart from the work involved can be quite pleasant. Elisabeth is very well and during the sea trip and now is noticeably stronger, presumably through use of calipers. I have ordered the 'walking bars' for her and mobile stood for Margo to sit on, through the bank property department who have been very helpful.
The car is due on 16th when traveling should be easier. The driving on the Peak is a serious affair of steepness and tight corners. Again the roads are numerous and my sense of direction is hard put to know the way. One's ears pop on the way up and down, it is no mean climb and I just hope my small car can manage.
So! we are here with a lot to do and I hope, enjoy. No hot weather for at least a couple of months - a manager's conference in HO in a week's time - a series of Christmas parties for which invitations have already arrived. Will let you know how we make out.
Cheerio and lots of love
from us all
Peter
3rd March 1962
Written on HSBC airmail letter.
Jesselton
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
I don't know wheter a letter of mine has gone astray but I have not received one from you for some time. My relief has been here for two weeks now and I have handed over most my desk and am myself relieving in Books for two weeks. Meanwhile, a series of farewell parties have commenced and tonight we are giving a cocktail party which will be our last big do. A dinner at Government House on 12th has also suitably cropped up and a week afterwards I shall be off to Labnan. Susan went to school for the first time on 1st M. and enjoyed herself. With 3 at school it will leave Margo relatively clear in the mornings to do the many things that have to be done. We have been inoculated & injected this week which alas brings the great event nearer still. Our next door neighbours have recently bought a new motor boat and we were all (all) taken out on Sunday for a glorious picnic on the island opposite our house. The children had a grand time and I caught a fish length 30 1/2" which is of the mackerel family, about 6 to 7 llbs. We had part for lunch next day and the owners of the boat had the rest for dinner. It was very good but like mackerel, very filling. The other people in the boat at the time thought I had caught a bunch of seaweed at first!
Well there is not much more to write about that I won't be telling you soon in more details but Elisabeth is now a non-stop chatter-box, more so than I can remember the others being. She goes on and on and is most insistent that she has attention.
Cheerio for now and love,
Peter.
Jesselton
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
I don't know wheter a letter of mine has gone astray but I have not received one from you for some time. My relief has been here for two weeks now and I have handed over most my desk and am myself relieving in Books for two weeks. Meanwhile, a series of farewell parties have commenced and tonight we are giving a cocktail party which will be our last big do. A dinner at Government House on 12th has also suitably cropped up and a week afterwards I shall be off to Labnan. Susan went to school for the first time on 1st M. and enjoyed herself. With 3 at school it will leave Margo relatively clear in the mornings to do the many things that have to be done. We have been inoculated & injected this week which alas brings the great event nearer still. Our next door neighbours have recently bought a new motor boat and we were all (all) taken out on Sunday for a glorious picnic on the island opposite our house. The children had a grand time and I caught a fish length 30 1/2" which is of the mackerel family, about 6 to 7 llbs. We had part for lunch next day and the owners of the boat had the rest for dinner. It was very good but like mackerel, very filling. The other people in the boat at the time thought I had caught a bunch of seaweed at first!
Well there is not much more to write about that I won't be telling you soon in more details but Elisabeth is now a non-stop chatter-box, more so than I can remember the others being. She goes on and on and is most insistent that she has attention.
Cheerio for now and love,
Peter.
6th Feb 1962
The Hongkong Bank,
Jesselton
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter and also thank Mr Martin for his help. The item he indicated is just the thing I want but not Sanderstead. I have several items on enquiry near Rye Sussex and I do want this or Kent if possible. I thought I had the perfect one and cabled but it had just been let. Am in contact with 6 agents! We now know that Mrs A can puts us all up and this will be the best arrangement in the beginning and I can come to you for a few days after the first one. Our only thought will be, at first, to get E to Gt Ormond St and arrange for her treatment and everything else. We will fit in from there. Later on you might like to take say any 2 out of the 3 eldest for short times so you can get to know them. They have recently had a haircut and I am constantly calling them by the wrong names! Especially in the car I can never be sure of the voices, because C can lapse into baby talk and A & S can put on adult talk and its all a bit difficult. We have shipped home a lot of toys received at Xmas. E&S no seem attracted to Dinky toy type cars, planes etc. But once home may need clothes.
I shall leave any meeting arrangements for you to make with Mrs A. It has occurred to me that I will not want the whole family in my new car and possibly if Mrs A met us with a car hire they could go in that and I could take someone else in mine to act as a guide. (This is not clear at all - the children & Margo to go in the car hire for a smooth run to the house). Perhaps Alan could bring you both & he could be a help generally. If it is a fine day the airport should provide a lot of attraction & you could have a drink there whilst waiting. There is still almost 2 months to work out the details.
Love Peter
PS. Please move all breakables to high level (roof?)
ACORN SAYS UPWARD TREND IN SIGHT U.K. NOT U.S.A
Jesselton
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter and also thank Mr Martin for his help. The item he indicated is just the thing I want but not Sanderstead. I have several items on enquiry near Rye Sussex and I do want this or Kent if possible. I thought I had the perfect one and cabled but it had just been let. Am in contact with 6 agents! We now know that Mrs A can puts us all up and this will be the best arrangement in the beginning and I can come to you for a few days after the first one. Our only thought will be, at first, to get E to Gt Ormond St and arrange for her treatment and everything else. We will fit in from there. Later on you might like to take say any 2 out of the 3 eldest for short times so you can get to know them. They have recently had a haircut and I am constantly calling them by the wrong names! Especially in the car I can never be sure of the voices, because C can lapse into baby talk and A & S can put on adult talk and its all a bit difficult. We have shipped home a lot of toys received at Xmas. E&S no seem attracted to Dinky toy type cars, planes etc. But once home may need clothes.
I shall leave any meeting arrangements for you to make with Mrs A. It has occurred to me that I will not want the whole family in my new car and possibly if Mrs A met us with a car hire they could go in that and I could take someone else in mine to act as a guide. (This is not clear at all - the children & Margo to go in the car hire for a smooth run to the house). Perhaps Alan could bring you both & he could be a help generally. If it is a fine day the airport should provide a lot of attraction & you could have a drink there whilst waiting. There is still almost 2 months to work out the details.
Love Peter
PS. Please move all breakables to high level (roof?)
ACORN SAYS UPWARD TREND IN SIGHT U.K. NOT U.S.A
22nd Jan 1962
The Hongkong Bank
Jesselton
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter which once again I have lost before answering. We have done some packing and shipped the crates for the UK and commenced on the crockery so it is probably at the bottom of something. It was - I have found it! I don't know yet what the arrangements will be on arrival in UK. We shall all be very tired. I am usually exhausted and this flight will be the longest I have done. For the first night all the children might stay with Margo at Eden Park and afterwards I might stay with you with two of them for a few days if that can be managed, before we move into wherever we are going. I expect Margo will want to take Elisabeth to Gt Ormond Street fairly early on as that is in the forefront of our minds and thereafter things will sort themselves out. The children will be arriving near to their normal bedtime (if you add 71/2 hrs on to 11am) and the excitement, new people and places will be a lot to take at first. I am hoping that they will not be expected to respond to a lot of fuss because it won't work. They wait a bit before coming to new people and react much better if slightly ignored. Especially Susan who does not like being held. They are very amusing to watch and listen to when they do not know they are observed but a certain amount of noise arises when all together.
Its very good for Alan to be organising something and it can provide a lot of interest.
Thank you for sending cardigans. I believe Margo has enough to get home with - we are now in the position of having to be within the weight allowance for anything more we bring home but I will let you know a the end of this letter. The article in the Standard with the lighting was good. Mr Martin sent a local paper too which was interesting.
Cheerio for now and love from us all,
Peter
PS Caroline has just answered the phone properly for the first time and had a conversation with one of her friends.
PPS Margo thanks you for the offer but all is OK at the moment. Also says please hold on to Susan's and Elisabeth's presents and tell everyone not to send anything more out as we will not be able to take it in the plane. P.
Jesselton
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter which once again I have lost before answering. We have done some packing and shipped the crates for the UK and commenced on the crockery so it is probably at the bottom of something. It was - I have found it! I don't know yet what the arrangements will be on arrival in UK. We shall all be very tired. I am usually exhausted and this flight will be the longest I have done. For the first night all the children might stay with Margo at Eden Park and afterwards I might stay with you with two of them for a few days if that can be managed, before we move into wherever we are going. I expect Margo will want to take Elisabeth to Gt Ormond Street fairly early on as that is in the forefront of our minds and thereafter things will sort themselves out. The children will be arriving near to their normal bedtime (if you add 71/2 hrs on to 11am) and the excitement, new people and places will be a lot to take at first. I am hoping that they will not be expected to respond to a lot of fuss because it won't work. They wait a bit before coming to new people and react much better if slightly ignored. Especially Susan who does not like being held. They are very amusing to watch and listen to when they do not know they are observed but a certain amount of noise arises when all together.
Its very good for Alan to be organising something and it can provide a lot of interest.
Thank you for sending cardigans. I believe Margo has enough to get home with - we are now in the position of having to be within the weight allowance for anything more we bring home but I will let you know a the end of this letter. The article in the Standard with the lighting was good. Mr Martin sent a local paper too which was interesting.
Cheerio for now and love from us all,
Peter
PS Caroline has just answered the phone properly for the first time and had a conversation with one of her friends.
PPS Margo thanks you for the offer but all is OK at the moment. Also says please hold on to Susan's and Elisabeth's presents and tell everyone not to send anything more out as we will not be able to take it in the plane. P.
Monday, May 7, 2012
10th December 1961
Written on HSBC Jesselton headed airmail paper
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
The good news has arrived. We are to go on leave sometime in April and will know the date later. The Manager fixed it whilst in Hongkong on conference and now they are reshuffling to fit us in. We hope to go home by sea as this will give us a chance to relax a bit before commencing the hectic settling in again. This will depend largely on the availability of passages so it may be by air. If so we shall arrive in April otherwise in May. I have written off about houses and cars and as you can guess we are very happy about things and full of plans. Ian Macleod has arrived and we enjoyed a game of golf yesterday. A bit weary today as we have had three late nights running - the silly season having started. All good parties but getting up in the morning is not easy. Your parcel arrived safely and whilst we have only opened the outside cover so far it is obviously full of good things, thank you very much indeed. Hilda and Henrys have also arrived (two) and I shall write after they have been opened. Am going to Beaufort on Tuesday to introduce Ian Mac to the office - shall return the same day. There have bee 3 unexpected resignations above me recently so am moving up the staff list. It will be interesting to find out where the next posting is. Banawan estate manager was in town the other night and he seemed quite cheerful about making a profit even if rubber goes down to the expected 60c a pound. There could always be the chance of a take-over bid so guess the best thing is to forget them until something turns up. Rubber generally is very quiet anyway. The children have a very full month of social engagements - one week they are doing something every day! This includes school plays, Govt.House. Golf club fancy dress and a few odd parties around and about. cheerio for now and love from us all Peter and Margo
Nov 61
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Adrienne's party went off very well with as much noise as you can imagine. The dog facinated them and was an obvious success which she concentrated on for some time before she even looked at the bike.
Enclosed are my first attempts at colour transparencies which on even a very powerful automatic viewer that I borrowed came out very well. Hope you can borrow a viewer so that you can see them properly.
1) Orchid white at entrance to the house
2) House
3)4)5) Caroline Adrienne & Susan (Did not take E at the time because she was teething and would not smile. Well do some more soon)
Series TUARAN SUNDAY MARKET
Note: Sweets, tobacco, egg plant, bananas etc. Dusans & Malays & Chinese, dress, umbrellas sarongs. Look at bare feet and add big toes.
Series River picnic at TAMPARULI
Women in at side of river is washing clothes. Her son is there too. Picture with 3 children and Margo bending down - the long green bamboo is a water carrier and Margo is washing sand off the children's feet. As you can see we had a good picnic.
The shot of Margo & Adrienne shows a lot of background and there are rubber trees in the distant hill.
The background, right, of Susan sitting on milestone 16 rice.
The pictures should enlarge to half the size of your drawing room wall if you can get back 12 to 15 feet and you can then move forward to within 3 feet to see the detail. I hope to do another 20 pictures over Christmas.
Elisabeth can now sit on a rocking horse without holding and rock it herself!
Love from us all
Peter
12th Nov 1961
H.S.B.C Jesselton
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter and also Adriennes parcel. The dog is great fun and all the other odds and ends will thrill her tomorrow, which is the great day. she has been very taken up with her party for the last week. Distributing her invitations at school and then collecting the replies. She has grown out of her baby stage a lot though is still given to crying in temper for very little reason but once on her own can be very amusing. Had a great game with Elisabeth tonight and she can now roll over on her front and then reverse. She has been near doing this for some time but could not move her arms out of the way once she had rolled on top of them. Now she lifts & moves her arms around. In reversing it is necessary to swing one leg over the other and this she can now do and there is definite movement up and down with the bad leg. She is full of fun and conversation but can have Adrienne's sharp temper when things go wrong or she is unable to say what she wants.
Acorn seems to think that the end of the bear market may appear towards the middle of 1962. I have had my eye on BMC at 13/- for some time now but they have shot up too fast to do anything.
Can you give me a quick list of people in Tamworth Park with addresses for Christmas cards. Roger & Pat - Mrs Brooks - Rita & Fred etc as I do not seem to have a note handy from last year.
We have got a good second hand 3 wheeler for A. for her birthday very cheap and have a two wheeler lined up for Caroline at Christmas. This will leave a big 3 wheeler for Susan & the baby one that you bought, for Elisabeth. It will give you an idea how they have all grown. We will be buying them motor scooters in a few years I can see.
The weather has produced an absolutely scorching week. Too hot. I even got burnt to-day, something that hasn't happened in twelve months. But we are coming towards cooler weather and that is something to look forward to.
Am still making boxes and have completed one for the record player and a rough box cum cabinet for the records.
Have had quite an interesting time in the office lately and shall continue to do so now through to Feb. The second junior had a quick posting to Hongkong and I have been teaching the replacement his job. The manager is off on a 3 week business trip and I shall be doing a few extra odd jobs. Ian Macleod will be arriving in December to commence his take over as Acct. I knew him in Calcutta and this will bring in a trip to Beaufort. Then the half year will be upon us and Peter Ingham will be off. As a background there will be a very steady stream of Christmas and New Year parties which owing to our now long residence will claim us even more than before.
Cheerio for now and love from us all.
Peter.
24th Oct 1961
The Hongkong Bank
Jesselton
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter and thank you for buying the present for Donald. I don't remember you telling me it was 14th Oct. although I do remember asking twice but maybe I did not notice. Am enclosing a cheque which should settle my debts to date. have no specific requirements for Christmas so cannot help you there. However, have been very energetic and have ordered presents for everybody including children so you have nothing to do for me this year. Have covered Donald, Dorothy, Hilda & Henry. Pauline & Elaine, Fiona & Mary.
The trip back from Labuan was great and it is certainly the place to sit up front. I was met by the whole family - the four girls putting up a very loud and continuous greeting which could be heard across the airport. It was worth having been away. Found on my return that once again I was to stand in for someone else's job for two weeks, but this is now routine. I only hope it is appreciated but I doubt it. The Labuan trip has done me a lot of good and I have been particularly light hearted since my return. We expect to be airconditioned in the office next year (5 years late) and this will definitely help with my last year of the tour.
Rachael Rice passed through last week on her way to Sandakan and it was good to have a chat. Their last place was Rangoon and it has no attractions at all! even worse than Calcutta.
Have been doing some more box making. Very satisfying banging pieces of wood together although one becomes wetter than from having a shower. The point being of course that it saves a lot of money as packers here are expensive.
I found Elisabeth improved whilst I was away. She is talking now so that one out of three words can be recognised and her teeth troubles are mainly over. The big doubles caused a lot of soreness. She tries to crawl but the one bad leg gets in her way - once that comes back she will have a much wider range of activity. She sits on the swing happily and enjoys sitting on the small bicycle.
Am glad Ian is to be a No 1. It is not bad at 40 with 20 or more years to do on the higher salary bracket. We are getting some very junior appointments on the Foreign Staff just now as a result of the war years. People barely 2 years senior to me are becoming Accountants & Acting Managers, but from the staff list it would appear that things will revert to normal by the time it comes to my turn and I anticipate having to wait for 4 years or so. However, having only done eleven years I must not be impatient.
Cheerio for now and love from us all
Peter.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
10 Oct 1961
Written on HSBC Labuan British North Borneo headed paper
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you very much for your letters especially the one from Alan which made us very envious of his trip through such interesting country. It is something we are storing up to do in the future. Elisabeth has received her rocking chair and loves it am sure it helped her a lot. Margo says that she does not take a chair to the beach at all now as E sits on the sand quite happily and at other times in an adult chair. E has improved so much that the physiotherapist says she cannot do anymore than Margo is doing herself. She said the muscle in the leg which is not working yet is very strong and will come back, but is doubtful about the crooked foot. She & the doctor recommend that E return to UK earlyier than Nov next year for more advanced exercised and I have asked for leave in June. We shall see what happens - I will not know for a month or so.
As you can see I am still in Labuan. Charles Campbell had to have a week more in bed with a further week rest so I will not return till next weekend and will have done a month. This has covered the quarterly results and balance plus the returns, so has given me a bit more experience. Incidently it is the 13th office of the bank that I have actually worked in. London - Hongkong - Penang - Sungei Patani - Teluk Anson - Cameron Highlands - Orchard Rd - Singapore - Calcutta - Jesselton - Brunei town - Beaufort - Labuan! Margo spent 3 days here over the weekend, flown down at bank's expense and I was pleased she could get away for even such a small break. The Campbells' have 3 children so there was a great deal of conversation and comparison between the mothers. We went out to a party on Sat. and played bridge on Fri & Sun. So were very busy & Margo met most of Labuan residents in a short time. The Borneo Airways have their HQ here and the pilots form the basis of the community and are very interesting to know. I am hoping to sit up front on the return journey providing no VIPs are travelling.
Cheerio for now and love from as all.
Peter.
21st Sept 1961
Written on HSBC British North Borneo headed paper.
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Am sitting in a very comfortable air-conditioned office in a delightful little island just south of Jesselton. On Tuesday we had a phone call at 10.45 to say Campbell Lue had to go to bed with a bad cough etc and I was on the 12.40 plane and had taken over the office by two o clock. He is improving now but looked very ill when I arrived.
The house is nicely situated overlooking the sea. The Campbells' have the children a year ahead of ours all very fit and bonny. Mrs Campbell teaches them together with eight others each day as there is not a school available and the boy who is six can read and do simple multiplication, so they are not suffering in anyway.
The town is very small but as Labuan is a free port quite a few ships come in and a varity of commodities are dealt in . Copra being of importance as it is smuggled out of the Phillipines and transhipped here free of duty.
It seems to be a healthy place with swimming and sailing available. Other entertainment is in 'ones' own home and I already have a date for bridge tonight to which I am looking forward. Expect to return to Jesselton next week so dont reply here.
Best wishes Peter.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
14th Sept. 1961
H. & S. B. C.
Jesselton
Dear Mum and Dad,
Thank you for your letter, I am not surprised that you are missing a few letters I have been slack lately. There should be one at home for you and I hope this will reach you on the second week of your holiday. Alan's trip will be full of interest and mid-day picnice are most sensible. I am glad Dad has the watch and strap and will send a cheque in another letter in case this goes astray. Am sorry I had not mentioned anything for Adrienne, but it is only recently that she has asked for a golliwog and perhaps you can note this for Christmas.
Re Donald's wedding present - an awful lot comes under the heading of essentials these days and one must be careful what one gives to an artist (the colour could be right out!). A good "Salt Pepper & Mustard" set in silver might be in order and if Dad remembers where "Posterns" is, near where Cannon St used to be you might be able to see something for me.
We had a successful buffet supper at home last night as a farewell to the secretary who has been here three years - a fat turkey & ham which is going to last some time - all the arrangements went well and we were lucky to have a breeze blowing off the sea as it has been very hot lately.
The share market is still on the way down and if it were not for leave next year I would be looking for some cheap purchases. But from all reports it is unlikely that there will be a speedy recovery. A crystal ball would be very useful. Acorn gave Royal Insurance last month at 160/- and they have gone down to 154/-. I too wonder about Roans but N. Rhodesia is still very troubled and no one is optimistic about the copper price. But it is worth watching events.
Nothing else much to write about - the children are in good form and have gone off to sleep with little fuss tonight.
Cheerio and Love from us all,
Peter
6.9.61
Written on an airmail letter which has had something spilled on it and so difficult to read, hence a few question marks on this post.
Dear Mum, Dad & Alan,
I am developing into a shocking correspondent! Have been promising myself that I would write a proper letter instead of my usual scribble but nothing has come of this resolution. I can blame the weather or the whole series of entertainments which have occurred and still are to occur. Of course nothing unusual happens these days to stir one up to energetic writing except that of events with the children. Elisabeth continues her jolly way and a few more words become apparent in her conversation. Peter Hammond who was with me in Calcutta passed through on his way to Taiwan after leave and we are entertaining his wife this evening as she is following by sea. Ken Rice too will be here with us this weekend, going to Saudakan. We also have the Mayors (?) for a day on their way to Kuching. A burst of activity occurred (?) because I had two old Penang friends through recently and they of course necessitated get togethers and a few beers. To list all the social round would be a bore, though I find it pleasant I wish it would spread out a bit more. I have no doubt that in a few weeks we shall be sitting still and wondering what to do until the next round commences. We have even missed our usual bridge evenings which is a pity because we need practice but shall arrange something soon. It must be nearing Donald's wedding and wonder if you have any idea what I should do for a present. I think something ordered from London and delivered direct would be best. Any ideas? Weather is warming up here and I guess it is cooling down ?? The share market looks cool enough and am still hoping for some better showing before leave next year. Saw a report on Roans, profit down quite a bit. The rubber price is up a few cents whilst Berlin etc is on and whilst Bangowan may not show an extraordinary result Malay it should be quite good. Rothman's are making a $1 issue in Malaya at the end of the year and this should be OK on long term provided the political situation remains stable.
Love from us all
Peter.
15th July 1961
Written on HSBC airmail letter Jesselton
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter and the history of Mrs & Miss Webb, I expect I shall forget it again but I do remember that you had told me before. Your card for Caroline arrived quite safely as did the handkerchiefs for Margo, she was very pleased with them indeed. Sorry to hear about Mr & Mrs Loose (editor - not sure about spelling) - give them our regards and hope that an improvement takes place soon. Donald would have returned to Scotland by now and I shall be hearing about his news from you in your next letter. Caroline likes her new school and Adrienne I think enjoys going to her school by herself and has improved being senior to the newcomers this year. Susan is still very much of a personage in her own right and is very self contained. There have been further minor improvements in Elisabeth and she is full of fun and energy. We are trying to obtain a rocker which I think will be very useful for her to sit and play in, from Singapore - they did not have it in Hongkong. The share market once again looks very sad with dismal predictions and I am losing hope for any of my interests unless Carreras pull something out of the hat. Even Premium Bonds have done nothing to compensate though there is always a chance something will come up. Have been continuing with my odd jobs in the office - the latest being to do with the aquiring of an odd strip of land next to our house and writing to the Town Board to complain about the drains. I find it quite tiring now in this stage of a tour and hot weather is flattening in a very hot office, but expect to get my second wind soon and brighten up again. The next three weeks should keep my nose to the grindstone, and put my own work even further behind. I used to pride myself in always being up to date but that seems to be a thing of the past. However, there is always something new happening which is as it should be.
Cheerio for now and love from us all
Peter
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