2nd July 1963

The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank
Hong Kong

Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,

We are in heavy cloud again and have had a downpour today - 1 inch, but for all the cloud one would expect a lot more water.  Typhoon TMX, which was coming straight at us veered off to meet the China coast 150 miles east of here.  Storm warning No 3 went up for all day Sunday and precautions were taken.  All vessels that could went into the typhoon shelter and the big fellows went to typhoon anchorages and got up steam.  We shut all windows and hammered down the catches and got very hot and sticky.  After all that it did not come and we did not get the 10 or so inches of rain a typhoon might have brought to us.

Margo has met another snake.  Bringing a crowd of children back from school, there it was on the drive.  8 feet long and pretty thick, chasing birds.  She did not wish to run over it because it might have run up into the car.  Whilst she was thinking about it the snake ran off into a grating.  It was not seen by anyone else and has not returned.

You do not mention how long you intend to spend in Ross but assume a week or so.  Richard engaged is news and shall be interested to know details.

Alan has got the right idea although to go one better, why not take both girls along at the same time?

Having a film developed - it has been in the camera for ages so hope it comes out.  It is black and white as I need the copies to send around.

This writing on wet paper with thick pen is not easy so will not try anymore.

Cheerio and Love,
Peter