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