The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank,
Kowloon,
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter. Caroline seems to have recovered from her illness and is very bright once more. She will have an X ray check soon to make sure. The new manager is Macleod, also Ian and I have known him before in Calcutta and Jesselton.
The last two weeks have been taken up with Chinese dinners and cocktail parties. Buchan's farewells have coincided with the cooler weather when people try to catch up on their entertaining. The official party given by the office in the Peninsular Hotel was impressive with 230 people. The top men came over from Hong Kong side to give things a boost and it all resulted, I am sure, in the customers thinking we have a lot of money to spare. It is difficult to know if these things do any good or not. We had ten to dinner in our flat and that went off very well and the cook produced an above average meal. Then a Chinese dinner with a share broker and another one with an Indian tailor and a drinks party on Hong Kong side to meet a few more of the London office staff who are paying us a visit. We are wondering if Ian will come out on one of these visits.
On Friday Margo spent a busy day decorating one of the children's classrooms for Halloween and Caroline went in fancy dress to a party in the afternoon. I cannot remember celebrating this particular event but I suppose it is the American influence. Elisabeth has just come in which is not going to aid my concentration, constant chatter. Took the girls into the countryside this morning and they rides on horseback. There is a riding school here but a little far out so wee have not started them there as it would mean another set of deadlines for Margo with the car. When I remember all the places I used to go to by myself at their age on foot and by bicycle, they lead a restricted life in many ways. There are more cars per road mile in Hong Kong then anywhere else and transport in the form of buses is not extensive enough to get one everywhere. Elisabeth has got the spelling bug now in 3 letter words. She was getting a little lazy at school and now it has caught on. She is trying hard at her reading. Adrienne appears to be on the upgrade as well, much neater and betters marks in arithmetic. Margo has got the brass rubbing Alan mentioned a long time ago that he wanted for the flat. However, it may not be suitable in which case he can keep it for us and we will send another. So please, mention that he should let us know.
Cheerio for now and love from us all
Peter
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
2nd Oct 66
The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank,
Kowloon
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter, we are into October now and it is much cooler, although the weather is fine and dry. The present manager is going on leave in a few weeks time and a new one, an old friend of mine will be taking over soon so will continue to be busy with new ideas that are bound to pop up, as they usually do when there is a change of staff.
Caroline has had a week in hospital with a virus pneumonia and is home now. She has been quite cheerful about it but has lost weight. her chest must be checked on during the next few months and she is on a course of vitamins to build her up. With the hot and humid weather over she should recover steadily.
Fiona has done well with the 'o'levels, has she any idea what she wants to do as a career?
We had a day's holiday last week and took the bank launch with some friends to an island near here for a swim and a walk. Everything was just right, the sea not too cool and the sun not too hot. We have been lucky with most of our launch picnics this year and it certainly is the best way to spend the day with the children. They are all behind me at the moment, having tea and watching television. The programmes, mostly American, are pretty pointless and seem to make up for their lack of substance by a surplus of noise.
The shares are a bit sad at the moment and it is world wide. New York has gone into a big slide and it is obvious that no one can see where it will bottom out. I think things will find a steady level soon and stay fairly dull during next year. It will take another year to see what the effect of SET and the corporation tax have on ordinary shares and whether they can recover to former levels under the present system. The Hongkong market is pretty dull as well, but could brighten a lot if some settlement were found in Vietnam, but no doubt some other problem would present itself. We have not had any trouble with 1st Oct, the communist day of celebration and now have the 10th Oct for the nationalist's annual "do" to see if any riot or disturbance presents itself. If this passes off quietly, money might start to flow again. It is all a matter of confidence and the slightest thing makes the big people nervous.
Cheerio for now and love from us all
Peter.
Kowloon
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter, we are into October now and it is much cooler, although the weather is fine and dry. The present manager is going on leave in a few weeks time and a new one, an old friend of mine will be taking over soon so will continue to be busy with new ideas that are bound to pop up, as they usually do when there is a change of staff.
Caroline has had a week in hospital with a virus pneumonia and is home now. She has been quite cheerful about it but has lost weight. her chest must be checked on during the next few months and she is on a course of vitamins to build her up. With the hot and humid weather over she should recover steadily.
Fiona has done well with the 'o'levels, has she any idea what she wants to do as a career?
We had a day's holiday last week and took the bank launch with some friends to an island near here for a swim and a walk. Everything was just right, the sea not too cool and the sun not too hot. We have been lucky with most of our launch picnics this year and it certainly is the best way to spend the day with the children. They are all behind me at the moment, having tea and watching television. The programmes, mostly American, are pretty pointless and seem to make up for their lack of substance by a surplus of noise.
The shares are a bit sad at the moment and it is world wide. New York has gone into a big slide and it is obvious that no one can see where it will bottom out. I think things will find a steady level soon and stay fairly dull during next year. It will take another year to see what the effect of SET and the corporation tax have on ordinary shares and whether they can recover to former levels under the present system. The Hongkong market is pretty dull as well, but could brighten a lot if some settlement were found in Vietnam, but no doubt some other problem would present itself. We have not had any trouble with 1st Oct, the communist day of celebration and now have the 10th Oct for the nationalist's annual "do" to see if any riot or disturbance presents itself. If this passes off quietly, money might start to flow again. It is all a matter of confidence and the slightest thing makes the big people nervous.
Cheerio for now and love from us all
Peter.
Monday, September 26, 2016
31st August 66
The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank,
Kowloon
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you very much for your letter, the weather has become a lot dryer and although still as hot it is much more bearable and writing not such a damp business. Frost must be a very capable person to obtain the position he has in Wiggens Teape. As far as I know they do not do business with us out here, thought I could be wrong. Caroline has been in the club races and got into the finals and was last, though we told her she was one but from the end. She swims fast for me but then has not had the continuous swimming that many of the youngsters get here who do not move about all the time. Also she does seem small against the others of her age, whereas Adrienne is larger. That will be an advantage later on. I suppose as girls that grow too quickly seem out of place. Yes, I know just how Dad and Alan are about presents as I am the same way, but it is still enjoyable if I have something on my birthday and the children to open the packets for me. But difficult to buy for, so if you can ever guess what may fit the bill just let me know. I cannot imagine you moving from Mitcham now as you would be leaving so much behind so don't feel you have to do so. It may just be that once the children are in Folkestone and you do pay a visit that you will want to move and it would be best left until then. In this fast changing world they may not get there although once the new year is here arrangement will be in train.
It seems wasteful for you to have to make up a parcel for Christmas when everything is availablehere and we will buy for the children. I would like another plain BIAS tie if you see one as they do look right and go with anything one wears.
Elisabeth can swim four strokes now without a ring, provided she stays flat. With her head out of water she bends so much she cannot swim, so for the moment distance depends on how long she can hold her breath. This is all done in the baby pool where she can put her hands on the bottom if necessary and crawl, so she is quite safe.
This is the end of another month in which it has been the usual mad rush with nothing of much value accomplished. I wish you could see this office at about 11 o'clock at this time of the month, three ? on two floors and one mass of hubbub, it is amazing how anything gets sorted out,. but it does eventually.
Cheerio for now and all our love
Peter
xxxxxx
Kowloon
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you very much for your letter, the weather has become a lot dryer and although still as hot it is much more bearable and writing not such a damp business. Frost must be a very capable person to obtain the position he has in Wiggens Teape. As far as I know they do not do business with us out here, thought I could be wrong. Caroline has been in the club races and got into the finals and was last, though we told her she was one but from the end. She swims fast for me but then has not had the continuous swimming that many of the youngsters get here who do not move about all the time. Also she does seem small against the others of her age, whereas Adrienne is larger. That will be an advantage later on. I suppose as girls that grow too quickly seem out of place. Yes, I know just how Dad and Alan are about presents as I am the same way, but it is still enjoyable if I have something on my birthday and the children to open the packets for me. But difficult to buy for, so if you can ever guess what may fit the bill just let me know. I cannot imagine you moving from Mitcham now as you would be leaving so much behind so don't feel you have to do so. It may just be that once the children are in Folkestone and you do pay a visit that you will want to move and it would be best left until then. In this fast changing world they may not get there although once the new year is here arrangement will be in train.
It seems wasteful for you to have to make up a parcel for Christmas when everything is availablehere and we will buy for the children. I would like another plain BIAS tie if you see one as they do look right and go with anything one wears.
Elisabeth can swim four strokes now without a ring, provided she stays flat. With her head out of water she bends so much she cannot swim, so for the moment distance depends on how long she can hold her breath. This is all done in the baby pool where she can put her hands on the bottom if necessary and crawl, so she is quite safe.
This is the end of another month in which it has been the usual mad rush with nothing of much value accomplished. I wish you could see this office at about 11 o'clock at this time of the month, three ? on two floors and one mass of hubbub, it is amazing how anything gets sorted out,. but it does eventually.
Cheerio for now and all our love
Peter
xxxxxx
2nd Aug 66
Hongkong Bank
Kowloon
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter of 14th. I am sure we will cross in the post again but never mind. Elisabeth's foot was straightened and she does a little walking. It is too hot to do much and swimming is relied on for exercise. It is a pity because she was so mobile at one stage but on the other hand we are lucky to have the club with a suitable pool so easily available. Bet you worked hard on the redecorating and trust you did not overdo things. I look forward to seeing it all. Caroline has at last written a letter. She came ninth out of 36 in her class with not over high marks but in the short time here "has achieved creditable results". Adrienne 13 out of 15 "takes a very active part in the daily news period". Apparently does not stop talking. Susan is "a very helpful and reliable member of the class" but otherwise a bit behind though reading is good. Elisabeth "contributes readily to oral discussions" and is making steady progress. They all go up one class.
We bought Caroline a watch as she had tried hard and she wanted something special. We hope it will be an incentive for Adrienne next year.
I am still busy and working longish hours. There seems no end to the new problems that arise each day and today's was a case of typhoid in the office. On Saturday, the end of the month balance, a machine was found throwing our incorrect balances. They worked to 1 am Sunday. Lots of fun.
Is there anything Dad and Alan would like for their birthdays as this month will pass before I have done anything about it.
Cheerio for now and lots of love from us all
Peter
Kowloon
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter of 14th. I am sure we will cross in the post again but never mind. Elisabeth's foot was straightened and she does a little walking. It is too hot to do much and swimming is relied on for exercise. It is a pity because she was so mobile at one stage but on the other hand we are lucky to have the club with a suitable pool so easily available. Bet you worked hard on the redecorating and trust you did not overdo things. I look forward to seeing it all. Caroline has at last written a letter. She came ninth out of 36 in her class with not over high marks but in the short time here "has achieved creditable results". Adrienne 13 out of 15 "takes a very active part in the daily news period". Apparently does not stop talking. Susan is "a very helpful and reliable member of the class" but otherwise a bit behind though reading is good. Elisabeth "contributes readily to oral discussions" and is making steady progress. They all go up one class.
We bought Caroline a watch as she had tried hard and she wanted something special. We hope it will be an incentive for Adrienne next year.
I am still busy and working longish hours. There seems no end to the new problems that arise each day and today's was a case of typhoid in the office. On Saturday, the end of the month balance, a machine was found throwing our incorrect balances. They worked to 1 am Sunday. Lots of fun.
Is there anything Dad and Alan would like for their birthdays as this month will pass before I have done anything about it.
Cheerio for now and lots of love from us all
Peter
17th July 66
The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank
Kowloon,
Hongkong
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
The last few weeks have been busy ones with the usual rush over the half year and the time has passed without my writing. I hope all is well with your weather as we have started to collect typhoons. We had one approaching all day with a number 8 signal up, but at the last moment it moved off and so we have been indoors most of the time, which has been a bit of a waste.
The girls have all finished their end of term exams and will soon be on summer holidays. Caroline has done quite well considering the short time in a new school - Adrienne not so hot bless her and the other two are OK.
We now have the flat furnished to our liking and will be starting to repay some of the entertaining which we are a little behind on. It is not easy in hot weather but we cannot wait any longer before catching up.
How is Alan doing these days, I cannot remember you mentioning his holiday plans. Did he trade in his car?
Not much happening outside the office to write about so this will be short.
Love from us all
Peter
Kowloon,
Hongkong
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
The last few weeks have been busy ones with the usual rush over the half year and the time has passed without my writing. I hope all is well with your weather as we have started to collect typhoons. We had one approaching all day with a number 8 signal up, but at the last moment it moved off and so we have been indoors most of the time, which has been a bit of a waste.
The girls have all finished their end of term exams and will soon be on summer holidays. Caroline has done quite well considering the short time in a new school - Adrienne not so hot bless her and the other two are OK.
We now have the flat furnished to our liking and will be starting to repay some of the entertaining which we are a little behind on. It is not easy in hot weather but we cannot wait any longer before catching up.
How is Alan doing these days, I cannot remember you mentioning his holiday plans. Did he trade in his car?
Not much happening outside the office to write about so this will be short.
Love from us all
Peter
24th June 1966
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
Kowloon Branch
Peninsula Court
P.O. Box 5986, Kowloon,
Hong Kong
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Am afraid I am behind in writing but with the humid weather it is so easy to put it off in the evening and so the time passes. The floods did not effect us at all except for all the schools closing and the children having a week off. Today is the first without any rain for about 3 weeks. It was pretty heavy at times and the damage on Hong Kong side was very bad. Whole sections of the road washed down the hillside and the Peak Tram out of action. People clambering up and down did so without knowing when or where the next ship would be. For many days the cloud was down low and this did not help the helicopters working. Telephones were out of action on both sides of the harbour. Trams and buses stopped and water everywhere. We were lucky to be on this side and dry.
Caroline had an enjoyable party and many presents. She has now got her twenty lengths badge for swimming so is doing well. Her width crawl is very impressive except that she is unable to breath at all on the way across. Diving comes next and is proving to be difficult.
I bought myself a sports shirt for my birthday just under £2 as I found my stock was wearing out. Life beyond the office has been a little vague because of the weather. The days are very full with quantities of new requirements in preparation for the various stages necessary for the introduction of the computer in 1967 and 1968. With 160 on the staff there are many problems. Today I had one man off having been in a fight with a supervisor, one man to sack and one taken ill. A time consuming and bringing extra problems in their wake, so the end of the day often comes as a surprise - but it is not dull.
Cheerio and love
Peter
Kowloon Branch
Peninsula Court
P.O. Box 5986, Kowloon,
Hong Kong
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Am afraid I am behind in writing but with the humid weather it is so easy to put it off in the evening and so the time passes. The floods did not effect us at all except for all the schools closing and the children having a week off. Today is the first without any rain for about 3 weeks. It was pretty heavy at times and the damage on Hong Kong side was very bad. Whole sections of the road washed down the hillside and the Peak Tram out of action. People clambering up and down did so without knowing when or where the next ship would be. For many days the cloud was down low and this did not help the helicopters working. Telephones were out of action on both sides of the harbour. Trams and buses stopped and water everywhere. We were lucky to be on this side and dry.
Caroline had an enjoyable party and many presents. She has now got her twenty lengths badge for swimming so is doing well. Her width crawl is very impressive except that she is unable to breath at all on the way across. Diving comes next and is proving to be difficult.
I bought myself a sports shirt for my birthday just under £2 as I found my stock was wearing out. Life beyond the office has been a little vague because of the weather. The days are very full with quantities of new requirements in preparation for the various stages necessary for the introduction of the computer in 1967 and 1968. With 160 on the staff there are many problems. Today I had one man off having been in a fight with a supervisor, one man to sack and one taken ill. A time consuming and bringing extra problems in their wake, so the end of the day often comes as a surprise - but it is not dull.
Cheerio and love
Peter
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
January 25th 1966
10-1, Rokorohuso-cho
Ashiya City
Nr Kobe, Japan
My dear Mum and Dad,
The days are still flashing by - I can't imagine where the weeks go to . Caroline is writing to you but keeps saying "I'm too busy today". The girls do get quite a lot of homework and rarely have time to watch television, which is probably a good thing!
We were all very pleased with our Xmas gifts - I thought that I was managing well with stockings but once Elisabeth came home with her brace I realised that my stock was quickly dwindling. However careful I am I still manage to catch my stockings on that brace so I try to wear trousers as often as possible but I can't really go shopping in Kobe with them. The Japanese stare enough as it is but to see a foreigner in slacks gives them the giggles! - my friend Diana who is nearly 6ft tall is the object of great interest, as the locals just stand in the streets and stare. You would imagine they would see enough foreigners in Kobe which is a large port, to be used to them but this just isn't so. It doesn't do to be self conscious in a place like Japan. Of course, the Japanese women often wear trousers - you rarely see the kimono as it is too expensive and the younger girls prefer Western clothes. These are expensive enough - it would give you the horrors to see the prices. The shoddiest winter coat will be Yen 18,000 (£18) and suits the same. For anything to compare with an average British made coat you would pay £40 or £50. Fortunately nothing would fit me anyway so I make my own! Even this isn't cheap as you seldom see wool sold for less than £2 a yard - it is common to see wool in the shops marked at £36 a yard (or even more!). I can't imagine who buys it but of course there are many wealth Japanese.
The girls were very pleased with their mittens and the dolls clothes. It has turned very cold and the snow is coming down outside and it looks as though we are in for some heavy falls of it, as the sky is that horrid leaden colour and it seems very still outside. Our swimming pool was frozen solid yesterday.
I don't know what to suggest for Susan and Elisabeth unless I get the "Ted" doll that they both want to go with the "Barbie" doll or perhaps a little umbrella. Anyway I will look around but toys are not very good here at all. Mostly inflatable animal or battery cars which the girls are not interested in. The "Barbie" dolls (like Cindy) are really the only things worth buying and there is a limit to how many they can have! Most of Japan's products are exported - sold cheaply and the home market pays as everything is so expensive. I often have food parcels sent in from Hongkong and even with packaging and posting it is still cheaper than buying in Japan. Also the Japanese have the American idea of making nothing to last - i.e. I paid a £1 for a very small milk saucepan which looked cheap but was the best of a poor lot and within two weeks the handle fell off! Fortunately the Bank were paying. The other thing which infuriates Peter is that none of the handles are heat resistant! I had to buy a new kettle so I sought the latest model - but the handle stills gets red hot so Peter has wrapped it up in string because he refuses to use a pot holder!
Our new maid started yesterday - she seems very pleasant but you never know what they are thinking and she might leave for the oddest reasons. Anyway I shall make the most of her while she is with us. There seem to be so many things to do outside of house etc. Yesterday I went to the U.S. Consuls house to a fare-well tea party for the wife of the National City Bk manager. Today Mrs Tada, our Japanese advisor's wife, is coming to lunch and then we are going to the Kobe Womens Club which meets every Tuesday afternoon during the winter months. I think we are having a demonstration of wigs today which should be interesting. Maybe I shall come home as a blonde!
We had a nice long letter from Dorothy last week, giving us all the news.
We drove up to Kyoto last Sunday and took the girls to one of the Silk shops where they have men weaving. Adrienne is learning about this at school so she was very interested to see the silk worn, models, etc. Apart form all the silk for sale in the shop they have a lovely little garden with pond which has the most enormous and colourful carp. The girls though they were wonderful - especially as you can stroke the tops of their heads.
Afterwards we drove to Otsu, at Lake Biwa, through the mountain pass. Quite a bit of snow about and the small village house looked very attractive with long icicles hanging from their roofs. On the way down to Otsu we came across a troupe of monkeys by the roadside. They were very tame and took peanuts out of the girls' hands. One or two carried babies fo of course the girls were very thrilled. Adrienne is now a Brownie (American style) and Caroline a Junior Girl Scout - both packs being run at the school.
I wonder if you would like to get "Swallows and Amazons" by Arthur Ransome for Caroline's birthday. I intended writing for it but you might like to get it instead. Caroline is very fond of adventure stories and I think she would "Swallows and Amazons". I know I loved reading all that series. She enjoyed the book you sent - she has read a lot of the Classics as the school library has them - also I can sometimes buy the cheap editions by the Oxford Press which the Japanese schools use for their English classes. Caroline is very fond of Enid Blyton's "Secret Seven" series - she is in great demand at school because she has one or two of them. They are adventure stories and about her age level, fairly light when she reads them for relaxation, as they have a fairly advanced reading programme at school.
The girls enjoyed "Mary Poppins" it made a nice outing for them during the school holidays. Caroline has only read the "Mary Poppins" from which the film was made but there are several others although there are several out now in a shorter or easier to read version. The originals are quite good reading.
Well it is nearly time to collect Mrs Tada, our driver is sick (again) so I must go out into the snow.
My mother and father sound very thrilled with the house - what a good thing my father's foot has healed up. He must have felt very miserable over Xmas.
The girls all send their love and many thanks for the presents.
Love from us all
Margo and Peter.
Ashiya City
Nr Kobe, Japan
My dear Mum and Dad,
The days are still flashing by - I can't imagine where the weeks go to . Caroline is writing to you but keeps saying "I'm too busy today". The girls do get quite a lot of homework and rarely have time to watch television, which is probably a good thing!
We were all very pleased with our Xmas gifts - I thought that I was managing well with stockings but once Elisabeth came home with her brace I realised that my stock was quickly dwindling. However careful I am I still manage to catch my stockings on that brace so I try to wear trousers as often as possible but I can't really go shopping in Kobe with them. The Japanese stare enough as it is but to see a foreigner in slacks gives them the giggles! - my friend Diana who is nearly 6ft tall is the object of great interest, as the locals just stand in the streets and stare. You would imagine they would see enough foreigners in Kobe which is a large port, to be used to them but this just isn't so. It doesn't do to be self conscious in a place like Japan. Of course, the Japanese women often wear trousers - you rarely see the kimono as it is too expensive and the younger girls prefer Western clothes. These are expensive enough - it would give you the horrors to see the prices. The shoddiest winter coat will be Yen 18,000 (£18) and suits the same. For anything to compare with an average British made coat you would pay £40 or £50. Fortunately nothing would fit me anyway so I make my own! Even this isn't cheap as you seldom see wool sold for less than £2 a yard - it is common to see wool in the shops marked at £36 a yard (or even more!). I can't imagine who buys it but of course there are many wealth Japanese.
The girls were very pleased with their mittens and the dolls clothes. It has turned very cold and the snow is coming down outside and it looks as though we are in for some heavy falls of it, as the sky is that horrid leaden colour and it seems very still outside. Our swimming pool was frozen solid yesterday.
I don't know what to suggest for Susan and Elisabeth unless I get the "Ted" doll that they both want to go with the "Barbie" doll or perhaps a little umbrella. Anyway I will look around but toys are not very good here at all. Mostly inflatable animal or battery cars which the girls are not interested in. The "Barbie" dolls (like Cindy) are really the only things worth buying and there is a limit to how many they can have! Most of Japan's products are exported - sold cheaply and the home market pays as everything is so expensive. I often have food parcels sent in from Hongkong and even with packaging and posting it is still cheaper than buying in Japan. Also the Japanese have the American idea of making nothing to last - i.e. I paid a £1 for a very small milk saucepan which looked cheap but was the best of a poor lot and within two weeks the handle fell off! Fortunately the Bank were paying. The other thing which infuriates Peter is that none of the handles are heat resistant! I had to buy a new kettle so I sought the latest model - but the handle stills gets red hot so Peter has wrapped it up in string because he refuses to use a pot holder!
Our new maid started yesterday - she seems very pleasant but you never know what they are thinking and she might leave for the oddest reasons. Anyway I shall make the most of her while she is with us. There seem to be so many things to do outside of house etc. Yesterday I went to the U.S. Consuls house to a fare-well tea party for the wife of the National City Bk manager. Today Mrs Tada, our Japanese advisor's wife, is coming to lunch and then we are going to the Kobe Womens Club which meets every Tuesday afternoon during the winter months. I think we are having a demonstration of wigs today which should be interesting. Maybe I shall come home as a blonde!
We had a nice long letter from Dorothy last week, giving us all the news.
We drove up to Kyoto last Sunday and took the girls to one of the Silk shops where they have men weaving. Adrienne is learning about this at school so she was very interested to see the silk worn, models, etc. Apart form all the silk for sale in the shop they have a lovely little garden with pond which has the most enormous and colourful carp. The girls though they were wonderful - especially as you can stroke the tops of their heads.
Afterwards we drove to Otsu, at Lake Biwa, through the mountain pass. Quite a bit of snow about and the small village house looked very attractive with long icicles hanging from their roofs. On the way down to Otsu we came across a troupe of monkeys by the roadside. They were very tame and took peanuts out of the girls' hands. One or two carried babies fo of course the girls were very thrilled. Adrienne is now a Brownie (American style) and Caroline a Junior Girl Scout - both packs being run at the school.
I wonder if you would like to get "Swallows and Amazons" by Arthur Ransome for Caroline's birthday. I intended writing for it but you might like to get it instead. Caroline is very fond of adventure stories and I think she would "Swallows and Amazons". I know I loved reading all that series. She enjoyed the book you sent - she has read a lot of the Classics as the school library has them - also I can sometimes buy the cheap editions by the Oxford Press which the Japanese schools use for their English classes. Caroline is very fond of Enid Blyton's "Secret Seven" series - she is in great demand at school because she has one or two of them. They are adventure stories and about her age level, fairly light when she reads them for relaxation, as they have a fairly advanced reading programme at school.
The girls enjoyed "Mary Poppins" it made a nice outing for them during the school holidays. Caroline has only read the "Mary Poppins" from which the film was made but there are several others although there are several out now in a shorter or easier to read version. The originals are quite good reading.
Well it is nearly time to collect Mrs Tada, our driver is sick (again) so I must go out into the snow.
My mother and father sound very thrilled with the house - what a good thing my father's foot has healed up. He must have felt very miserable over Xmas.
The girls all send their love and many thanks for the presents.
Love from us all
Margo and Peter.
14 Dec 65
The Hongkong Bank
Central PO Box 227 Osaka.
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
You are missing one of my longest letters which also contains a map of Japan. It may have gone by sea mail, but I wrote a lot of things including Adrienne's birthday. Ice skating which we all now do and many other things. Le me know if it does not come. It was sad to hear of Mrs Smith and I will write to Mr Smith. I received Mr Martin's paper and I realize the kind thought behind it.
Elisabeth ahs doen very well and her desire to walk is such that she has asked to try with one crutch which is impossible. She will come home for good next Monday. The nuns are wonderful. When we leave Elisabeth does not shed one tear. We are sure she is going to miss the constant activity and spoiling. She speaks a great deal of Japanese and translates for us. Everything is "Hi" = Yes and "Ney" = Isn't that so? on which every sentence ends. We hope the school will take her back as it remains a problem to lift her around.
Adrienne's birthday was very successful. Many guests and a fine day with many games in the garden and a huge Panda for her big present. Margo made a cake with an elephant on it and they had a wonderful time. I have had the Staff Controller staying for two days and an official party for officers and wives (25) Margo has been very busy and I have too catching up in the office. He was an easy guest but one does not relax very much. Social occasions are increasing as Christmas approaches. I even made a note for 23 April 66 St Georges Ball. Ouseley the new manager arrives 3 Feb and I am planning a party for 150-200 at Kobe Club. Invitation lists, printing cards etc all take time and have to be corrected as people come and go.
We have sent presents to everyone as usual and I hope they all arrive. We will try to get postcards for Henry and I will watch papers for typical pictures. Caroline will have a record player for Christmas so we will buy Alan's present of 2 records and they will be very welcome.
Cheerio for now and lots of love from us all and a Very Happy Christmas
Peter xxxxxx
Central PO Box 227 Osaka.
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
You are missing one of my longest letters which also contains a map of Japan. It may have gone by sea mail, but I wrote a lot of things including Adrienne's birthday. Ice skating which we all now do and many other things. Le me know if it does not come. It was sad to hear of Mrs Smith and I will write to Mr Smith. I received Mr Martin's paper and I realize the kind thought behind it.
Elisabeth ahs doen very well and her desire to walk is such that she has asked to try with one crutch which is impossible. She will come home for good next Monday. The nuns are wonderful. When we leave Elisabeth does not shed one tear. We are sure she is going to miss the constant activity and spoiling. She speaks a great deal of Japanese and translates for us. Everything is "Hi" = Yes and "Ney" = Isn't that so? on which every sentence ends. We hope the school will take her back as it remains a problem to lift her around.
Adrienne's birthday was very successful. Many guests and a fine day with many games in the garden and a huge Panda for her big present. Margo made a cake with an elephant on it and they had a wonderful time. I have had the Staff Controller staying for two days and an official party for officers and wives (25) Margo has been very busy and I have too catching up in the office. He was an easy guest but one does not relax very much. Social occasions are increasing as Christmas approaches. I even made a note for 23 April 66 St Georges Ball. Ouseley the new manager arrives 3 Feb and I am planning a party for 150-200 at Kobe Club. Invitation lists, printing cards etc all take time and have to be corrected as people come and go.
We have sent presents to everyone as usual and I hope they all arrive. We will try to get postcards for Henry and I will watch papers for typical pictures. Caroline will have a record player for Christmas so we will buy Alan's present of 2 records and they will be very welcome.
Cheerio for now and lots of love from us all and a Very Happy Christmas
Peter xxxxxx
1st December 65
The Hongkong and Shanghai BC
Central PO Box 227
Osaka, Japan
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter - a long one. We had noted Richard's daughter in the Telegraph and I had written. We received a reply soon afterwards and all seems to be well. I am sure Henry and Hilda will be thrilled.
Elisabeth continues to do well and has achieved the purpose for which she went to the hospital. That was the continuing desire to walk with crutches. So much so that she is requesting the sister in charge of that section to help her use only one crutch. This unfortunately, is not possible at this stage but she must not be discouraged. She will come home again on 19th Dec and will not go back unless her enthusiasm wanes. She does not cry when we leave after our Sunday visits. Only part of her day is spent with with English speaking people and her understanding of Japanese has been rapid. Of course, everyone makes an immense fuss of her and there is always another child or assistant with her for her perpetual conversation. She will miss this when she returns. However, we do find it hard to understand how she has accepted this transition so very well. She is, as the nuns say, so adult in many ways and they of course are practised with children. The address, if you would like to send a card is:- Miss E Briggs c/o DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL, 1620 NISHIHAMA WAKAYAMA - SHI, JAPAN.
How wonderful to be young enough to enjoy a slide! We now ice skate each week. Margo for the first time in new skates and boots and 3 children too. They love it. We last went on Friday. The hall had been specially hired by the clubs and I did two hours virtually non stop. A whole rink amongst 40 odd Europeans made a great evening of change and exercise. Plus the fact that I seem to be able to skate better than I did twenty years ago.
You must see "Sound of Music", this really is a must. Margo is seeing it for the 3rd time tomorrow. Men who never go to films are enjoying this one so have hesitation in taking Dad up town for comfort and have a day out with a look round Bond Street. The latest "PUNCH" gives an interesting description of the shops there. I think you have found Lake Biwa I enclose a map which should help. We have been to the places underlined in red, which gives an idea of what one can do in a day although much of the start of the routes in the Kobe Osaka area is thick industrialisation. See arrow - we intend to go to TOBA for two days when I get a holiday to see the MIKIMOTO pearl fisheries. SHIRAHAMA is another resort we have our eyes on. Carruther's is a Deputy Chief Manager (joint) with one other and at the same time is manager of the Hongkong office. He always struck me as a good type but do not think he will have any effect directly on policy. He was manager Osaka or Kobe a few years ago and later became manager Tokyo, arriving in Hongkong whist I was there.
Never a dull moment. I have the Staff Controller staying 6th and 7th and am giving a party, officers and wives of the Osaka and Kobe offices as well as Mercantile Bk 28 in all. There will be lunches as well and in between one supposes - business. We gave a business dinner party on Saturday - 16 people -which appeared successful as they did not leave until well after 12 am and most had a long drive. I was congratulated on my brandy by a Swiss/Italian gentleman and there was little food left out of one turkey and a good round of cold beef. I have a local staff party - staff only, no wives, at ROYAL HOTEL on Friday and have the duty of presenting prizes and making a speech. Things are hotting up as Margo is now planning the Christmas Day lunch (I will be in the office in the morning) and once I know the new manager's definite date, he is due on 3rd Feb, I will be arranging a party for 200 in Kobe Club. It must seem a round of festivity but business is done and it is all worth while. Actually, a casual chat in the train led to what could develop into big things in a year or sos time.
I forgot to mention a St Andrew's night last night, a dinner aboard a ship on 16th. A Chamber of Commerce lunch and one for the Japan - British Soey (? can not read this last word). It will remain to be seen how popular I am when I step down to second place. One should never forget this aspect.
The weather is cold enough for me to be in hat gloves and coat but we have oysters to compensate and this evening a bowl of strawberries! (3/-) so for the moment all is well - in Japan this is not permanent and things can look quite black tomorrow. In fact I think the share market is due to go right down. I wish I knew what to watch for - I cannot make up my mind between a high yield tax free gilt edge/Investment Trusts?or say BMC -Marks and S - Gratton Warehouse on low prices.
Well on that note I sign off. We have ordered your presents so hope they arrive OK. Will buy the records from Alan as I am getting Caroline a battery record player.
Love from us all, Peter xxxxxx
Central PO Box 227
Osaka, Japan
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter - a long one. We had noted Richard's daughter in the Telegraph and I had written. We received a reply soon afterwards and all seems to be well. I am sure Henry and Hilda will be thrilled.
Elisabeth continues to do well and has achieved the purpose for which she went to the hospital. That was the continuing desire to walk with crutches. So much so that she is requesting the sister in charge of that section to help her use only one crutch. This unfortunately, is not possible at this stage but she must not be discouraged. She will come home again on 19th Dec and will not go back unless her enthusiasm wanes. She does not cry when we leave after our Sunday visits. Only part of her day is spent with with English speaking people and her understanding of Japanese has been rapid. Of course, everyone makes an immense fuss of her and there is always another child or assistant with her for her perpetual conversation. She will miss this when she returns. However, we do find it hard to understand how she has accepted this transition so very well. She is, as the nuns say, so adult in many ways and they of course are practised with children. The address, if you would like to send a card is:- Miss E Briggs c/o DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL, 1620 NISHIHAMA WAKAYAMA - SHI, JAPAN.
How wonderful to be young enough to enjoy a slide! We now ice skate each week. Margo for the first time in new skates and boots and 3 children too. They love it. We last went on Friday. The hall had been specially hired by the clubs and I did two hours virtually non stop. A whole rink amongst 40 odd Europeans made a great evening of change and exercise. Plus the fact that I seem to be able to skate better than I did twenty years ago.
You must see "Sound of Music", this really is a must. Margo is seeing it for the 3rd time tomorrow. Men who never go to films are enjoying this one so have hesitation in taking Dad up town for comfort and have a day out with a look round Bond Street. The latest "PUNCH" gives an interesting description of the shops there. I think you have found Lake Biwa I enclose a map which should help. We have been to the places underlined in red, which gives an idea of what one can do in a day although much of the start of the routes in the Kobe Osaka area is thick industrialisation. See arrow - we intend to go to TOBA for two days when I get a holiday to see the MIKIMOTO pearl fisheries. SHIRAHAMA is another resort we have our eyes on. Carruther's is a Deputy Chief Manager (joint) with one other and at the same time is manager of the Hongkong office. He always struck me as a good type but do not think he will have any effect directly on policy. He was manager Osaka or Kobe a few years ago and later became manager Tokyo, arriving in Hongkong whist I was there.
Never a dull moment. I have the Staff Controller staying 6th and 7th and am giving a party, officers and wives of the Osaka and Kobe offices as well as Mercantile Bk 28 in all. There will be lunches as well and in between one supposes - business. We gave a business dinner party on Saturday - 16 people -which appeared successful as they did not leave until well after 12 am and most had a long drive. I was congratulated on my brandy by a Swiss/Italian gentleman and there was little food left out of one turkey and a good round of cold beef. I have a local staff party - staff only, no wives, at ROYAL HOTEL on Friday and have the duty of presenting prizes and making a speech. Things are hotting up as Margo is now planning the Christmas Day lunch (I will be in the office in the morning) and once I know the new manager's definite date, he is due on 3rd Feb, I will be arranging a party for 200 in Kobe Club. It must seem a round of festivity but business is done and it is all worth while. Actually, a casual chat in the train led to what could develop into big things in a year or sos time.
I forgot to mention a St Andrew's night last night, a dinner aboard a ship on 16th. A Chamber of Commerce lunch and one for the Japan - British Soey (? can not read this last word). It will remain to be seen how popular I am when I step down to second place. One should never forget this aspect.
The weather is cold enough for me to be in hat gloves and coat but we have oysters to compensate and this evening a bowl of strawberries! (3/-) so for the moment all is well - in Japan this is not permanent and things can look quite black tomorrow. In fact I think the share market is due to go right down. I wish I knew what to watch for - I cannot make up my mind between a high yield tax free gilt edge/Investment Trusts?or say BMC -Marks and S - Gratton Warehouse on low prices.
Well on that note I sign off. We have ordered your presents so hope they arrive OK. Will buy the records from Alan as I am getting Caroline a battery record player.
Love from us all, Peter xxxxxx
7th Nov 65
The Hongkong and Shanghai BC
Central PO Box 227
Osaka
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
We visited Elisabeth for the third Sunday today and also attended the wedding of a friend of hers, an assistant at the hospital. It takes us two hours to get there if the connections are right and we generally spend 4 to 5 hours with her. She is getting a lot of benefit from the supervised walking and seems happy there. The American nuns spoil her a little which doesn't hurt and she has lots of Japanese friends amongst the staff and patients.
I had my monthly Saturday off this weekend and we went along the west side of Lake Biwa, past the bridge which spans it to the Saukei valley. There we went up a remarkable liftway called a "caretaker" for 3000 feet. It is all enclosed and a series of belts and wheels carry an endless number of cars for two persons up and down. It even goes through part of the mountain to reach the ski slopes prepared, in readiness for the snow, at the top. Once there we met the more normal and seemingly precarious ski lifts in two sets. I was not sure about the children going on - particularly Susan who does not usually sit still, and Margo does not like heights. But we went and except for one moment of giddyness Margo was OK. Whilst we were there a large two rotor helicopter was flying up and down the hillside deliverying working material. (note from editor: there is a drawing of said helicopter by this paragraph). Caroline had a fright and a cloud of dust once when it came down unexpectedly nearby and she was away ahead of us.
Margo declined the slide but 4 of us went on. A long 200 meters (another drawing here of slide). We omitted to take the mats with us the first time and got hot seats, but it was great fun and the girls did not hesitate. Coming home we crossed the bridge and travelled down the east of the lake. We could see nearly all of it from the top of the mountain and over to the other side.
Don't worry about the Christmas presents we can fix them here. Adrienne is having her party on Saturday with lots of girl friends so we hope it will be fine enough to be there out a bit in the garden.
Have you seen the film "Those Magnificent Men in Those Flying Machines"?
Cheerio for now and Love from us all
Peter
Monday, September 5, 2016
18th Oct 65
The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank
Central PO Box 227
Osaka, Japan
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter. The Oriana affair was impressive, the ship the biggest I have been on and the buffet dinner was terrific and overwhelming. We have another round coming up and at the end of the month 4 in a row. The afternoon of the last day being a tour of Suntary Whiskey distillary!
We are putting Elisabeth into hospital to improve her walking. The nun who is running the school here has had experience of handicapped children and though E was very bright and determined - but tha she should do much better. It is common that they do not, mainly because of a fear of falling and it is necessary to teach them how to fall. Also to get the mind through the "barrier". Then she should walk and get about on crutches all the time and with ease. The hospital is run by the same group of nuns and they are eager to have E and say she will return either speaking Japanese or with a Texas drawl. The other patients being Japanese and the nuns American.
So it is all very exciting but it will be a wrench for us all. E is old enough now to realis all we have done and will be very upset initially but I have no doubt all will be well, and we will be forgiven in the end.
Reading an article by "Questor" in the Telegraph as made me doubt the wisdom of investing in shares. He reckons that the private individual cannot win today and the normal professional man is unable to put his mind to the problems involved. He recommends Investment Trusts. This was confirmed today by and ICI pension plans man out on a visit from UK. He said ICI pensions UK fund ran to £250 million and it was this sort of money which influenced things today.
Mrs Aylett's venture to Dover is of course the sort of move you could have made to Hastings Bexhill area some time ago. It is not too late and you should continue to look around. Near the bus and shops, no hills, small and with good heating, garden not too big. Actually Dover looks fine on the map - protection form the north anyway. Or what about slightly inland. The great thing is to act now.
I bought Dad's tie in Bexhill. But BHS was then advertised in every paper. Where is Victoria Street? I took dark green & blue & though a dark plum red would do. But don't worry I can now write to M & S Oxford St & get anything sent ("via USA" 38 days) and have sent for shirts. You might pop in your local M & S & let me know what they have of interest. We will get A birthday present and let you know. As for the rest your are righ about books - Margo would like stockings 10 1/2.
Do you know anything about COMFREY a spinich like plant which contains B12 and Allantoin? It is supposed to be better than liver for aenemia and promotes cell growth and cures a variety of ills & prevents colds. If all this is true and you can get tablets (I believe) please send some as B12 is very useful here but not easy to absorb usually. I have just read an article on it and of course it could be nonsense. Enclosed article I have found.
I have been busy visiting the big trading companys here MITSUI - SUMITOMO - NISSHO- C.ITOH-MARUBENI and generally making myself known. Full of unappitising green tea and difficult conversation, but it does have an interesting side when English is spoken well.
Went once again into the countryside with the girls & two of their friends - six in all. They were very good - will send photos soon.
Now two months as manager and no news yet of the new one to come. Have fixed the Christmas Local Staff Party for 3 Dec at our new hotel "The Royal" 1000 rooms. Very impressive -hope they are pleased as I obtained approval to increase expenditure this year from Y1800 per head to Yen 2500.
So we keep on the go, the cool weather does aid activity.
Cheerio for now
and Love from us all
Peter
Central PO Box 227
Osaka, Japan
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter. The Oriana affair was impressive, the ship the biggest I have been on and the buffet dinner was terrific and overwhelming. We have another round coming up and at the end of the month 4 in a row. The afternoon of the last day being a tour of Suntary Whiskey distillary!
We are putting Elisabeth into hospital to improve her walking. The nun who is running the school here has had experience of handicapped children and though E was very bright and determined - but tha she should do much better. It is common that they do not, mainly because of a fear of falling and it is necessary to teach them how to fall. Also to get the mind through the "barrier". Then she should walk and get about on crutches all the time and with ease. The hospital is run by the same group of nuns and they are eager to have E and say she will return either speaking Japanese or with a Texas drawl. The other patients being Japanese and the nuns American.
So it is all very exciting but it will be a wrench for us all. E is old enough now to realis all we have done and will be very upset initially but I have no doubt all will be well, and we will be forgiven in the end.
Reading an article by "Questor" in the Telegraph as made me doubt the wisdom of investing in shares. He reckons that the private individual cannot win today and the normal professional man is unable to put his mind to the problems involved. He recommends Investment Trusts. This was confirmed today by and ICI pension plans man out on a visit from UK. He said ICI pensions UK fund ran to £250 million and it was this sort of money which influenced things today.
Mrs Aylett's venture to Dover is of course the sort of move you could have made to Hastings Bexhill area some time ago. It is not too late and you should continue to look around. Near the bus and shops, no hills, small and with good heating, garden not too big. Actually Dover looks fine on the map - protection form the north anyway. Or what about slightly inland. The great thing is to act now.
I bought Dad's tie in Bexhill. But BHS was then advertised in every paper. Where is Victoria Street? I took dark green & blue & though a dark plum red would do. But don't worry I can now write to M & S Oxford St & get anything sent ("via USA" 38 days) and have sent for shirts. You might pop in your local M & S & let me know what they have of interest. We will get A birthday present and let you know. As for the rest your are righ about books - Margo would like stockings 10 1/2.
Do you know anything about COMFREY a spinich like plant which contains B12 and Allantoin? It is supposed to be better than liver for aenemia and promotes cell growth and cures a variety of ills & prevents colds. If all this is true and you can get tablets (I believe) please send some as B12 is very useful here but not easy to absorb usually. I have just read an article on it and of course it could be nonsense. Enclosed article I have found.
I have been busy visiting the big trading companys here MITSUI - SUMITOMO - NISSHO- C.ITOH-MARUBENI and generally making myself known. Full of unappitising green tea and difficult conversation, but it does have an interesting side when English is spoken well.
Went once again into the countryside with the girls & two of their friends - six in all. They were very good - will send photos soon.
Now two months as manager and no news yet of the new one to come. Have fixed the Christmas Local Staff Party for 3 Dec at our new hotel "The Royal" 1000 rooms. Very impressive -hope they are pleased as I obtained approval to increase expenditure this year from Y1800 per head to Yen 2500.
So we keep on the go, the cool weather does aid activity.
Cheerio for now
and Love from us all
Peter
26th Sept 1965
The Hongkong and Shanghai BC
Central PO Box 227
Osaka
Japan
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter we have not crossed this time. We have had two typhoons which were quite strong for Japan but generally not as bad as Hong Kong. However, they can cause enough damage to shipping and the local type house and by flooding put the railways out of action and we lost our electricity for one night. This is because of the overhead lines.
The "Acting" appointment is different from "temporary" as it is made by the Board. Rather like the army when you carry a rank which is not substantive, so you can revert to the previous position as soon as a replacement arrives. This looks like February now although no official notification has come through yet.
Luckily not many of the exhibition visitors have come here but I am invited to meet the Chairman of Lloyds at a cocktail party and Chairman of PO on board "Oriana" for cocktails and buffet. We ourselves have a small dinner for an executive of Daiwa Bank. He is Japanese and almost invited himself by asking Tada san, my Advisor, of some way to obtain the atmosphere of an European home. Then we are out to cocktails to view BMC new season's cars, then dinner with a Chartered Accountant. With the hot weather gone everyone is catching up on their entertaining.
I have nearly finished painting the kitchen. A great many cupboards and limited time but it is nearly done. Glossy white- quite tough to put on. The reason I did it was to show that the charges of £46 were too high. I will finish it for £2 plus the cost of having the ceiling done for £8. Not that I pay for it anyway but it keeps my hand in.
I would like to buy Dad a tie - a "Bias"terelyne. So please go and buy one & let me know. I would like one too to go with a grey suit please, this can be for Christmas. You know you can wash it in warm water and soap. D not iron but smooth down on a flat surface to dry.
Kitchen bridge + bridge, not too serious!
Must remember "Wiggin Teape" I did meet a youngster in HK at a party but did not connect then. If I can do anything for them here I'd be glad to but expect they have all the connections they want.
The brass rubbings will be paper, not so heavy.
Margo says we have not had the bill for Caroline's books so it must still be to come.
We have had a busy time with a new assistant manager visiting from Tokyo and a visit by the bank lawyer. A staff party for the former, officers and wives came to eighteen and everything went well & was quite impressive. Had many words of praise the following day when they all said they had enjoyed themselves. I think it was because we made it as informal as possible and kept the glasses moving! Haynes sent Margo lots of flowers the next day and seemed pleased.
The bank lawyer I knew from HK & we took him to dinner on Rokko Mt to see the view. It was a change for all of us.
Played some tennis yesterday - the weather is grand just now and the weekend has been well spent.
Love from us all
Peter
Central PO Box 227
Osaka
Japan
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thank you for your letter we have not crossed this time. We have had two typhoons which were quite strong for Japan but generally not as bad as Hong Kong. However, they can cause enough damage to shipping and the local type house and by flooding put the railways out of action and we lost our electricity for one night. This is because of the overhead lines.
The "Acting" appointment is different from "temporary" as it is made by the Board. Rather like the army when you carry a rank which is not substantive, so you can revert to the previous position as soon as a replacement arrives. This looks like February now although no official notification has come through yet.
Luckily not many of the exhibition visitors have come here but I am invited to meet the Chairman of Lloyds at a cocktail party and Chairman of PO on board "Oriana" for cocktails and buffet. We ourselves have a small dinner for an executive of Daiwa Bank. He is Japanese and almost invited himself by asking Tada san, my Advisor, of some way to obtain the atmosphere of an European home. Then we are out to cocktails to view BMC new season's cars, then dinner with a Chartered Accountant. With the hot weather gone everyone is catching up on their entertaining.
I have nearly finished painting the kitchen. A great many cupboards and limited time but it is nearly done. Glossy white- quite tough to put on. The reason I did it was to show that the charges of £46 were too high. I will finish it for £2 plus the cost of having the ceiling done for £8. Not that I pay for it anyway but it keeps my hand in.
I would like to buy Dad a tie - a "Bias"terelyne. So please go and buy one & let me know. I would like one too to go with a grey suit please, this can be for Christmas. You know you can wash it in warm water and soap. D not iron but smooth down on a flat surface to dry.
Kitchen bridge + bridge, not too serious!
Must remember "Wiggin Teape" I did meet a youngster in HK at a party but did not connect then. If I can do anything for them here I'd be glad to but expect they have all the connections they want.
The brass rubbings will be paper, not so heavy.
Margo says we have not had the bill for Caroline's books so it must still be to come.
We have had a busy time with a new assistant manager visiting from Tokyo and a visit by the bank lawyer. A staff party for the former, officers and wives came to eighteen and everything went well & was quite impressive. Had many words of praise the following day when they all said they had enjoyed themselves. I think it was because we made it as informal as possible and kept the glasses moving! Haynes sent Margo lots of flowers the next day and seemed pleased.
The bank lawyer I knew from HK & we took him to dinner on Rokko Mt to see the view. It was a change for all of us.
Played some tennis yesterday - the weather is grand just now and the weekend has been well spent.
Love from us all
Peter
Aug 1965
(note from editor. This letter is torn where the date and address would be. It is in between the last letter of the 10th Aug and before the next at 26th Sept)
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Something (missing words due to the torn letter) gone wrong with the mail as I have had nothing for some time, but perhaps you are busy. Elisabeth now goes to the same school as the others! Margo went along first before they reopened and they said they would love to take her. The principal once ran a school for handicapped children and knows the form and in anycase her class are all girls and they are only a dozen or so of them. She loves it and complains bitterly when Margo arrives to take her off to Hospital for exercises and interrupts a story or today a film. The first evening she came home she asked why she had no homework, and said "there were lots of books in my desk we didn't use". She has a bicycle there for her use so she is quite mobile and so four little girls go off each day each dressed the same.
Meanwhile, our summer has cooled off and we enjoyed the most delightful weekend. A good game of tennis with the British Consul and his wife - they have four children.
Trust Dad's birthday went well- I would be pleased if you could suggest a present. We are looking for some brass rubbings for Aland as he said he was interested. Margo believes we can find something of interest.
Am still enjoying my new office and the allowances which go with it as I have been given an "extra" for the period I am "acting". Long may it last. However, the period of the last week or so has been busy especially as I am keeping an eye on my old desk and also as the 1965 pay scales have just been agreed. This now involved adjustments on the staff pay and bonus back to January. With 80 of them it is quite a lot cover. A new assistant manager in Tokyo (our parent office) is coming down next week. Although a swift visit, I have a lunch and dinner to arrange plus his travel to arrange. Now that autumn is with us many visitors tend to arrive in the Kansoi and I have a number from Australia and UK to see and possibly take out to lunch.
Margo took them all to see the film, "Sound of Music" in the last days of their holiday and they sat through 3 hours of film without a murmer, except for Caroline's hysterics at the love scenes - she just got the giggles. We went ourselves to see "Ryan's Express" but although enjoyable it did not follow the book and was hammed up to some extent. (note from editor: I mentioned this to mum today, 6/9/2016 and she only remembers coming out from the Sound of Music and being surrounded by Japanese people wanting to stroke our hair as all of us four girls had very blonde hair.)
We are playing a little kitchen bridge these days and generally keeping well occupied - trust you have better weather this month than last.
Cheerio for now and love from us all
Peter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Something (missing words due to the torn letter) gone wrong with the mail as I have had nothing for some time, but perhaps you are busy. Elisabeth now goes to the same school as the others! Margo went along first before they reopened and they said they would love to take her. The principal once ran a school for handicapped children and knows the form and in anycase her class are all girls and they are only a dozen or so of them. She loves it and complains bitterly when Margo arrives to take her off to Hospital for exercises and interrupts a story or today a film. The first evening she came home she asked why she had no homework, and said "there were lots of books in my desk we didn't use". She has a bicycle there for her use so she is quite mobile and so four little girls go off each day each dressed the same.
Meanwhile, our summer has cooled off and we enjoyed the most delightful weekend. A good game of tennis with the British Consul and his wife - they have four children.
Trust Dad's birthday went well- I would be pleased if you could suggest a present. We are looking for some brass rubbings for Aland as he said he was interested. Margo believes we can find something of interest.
Am still enjoying my new office and the allowances which go with it as I have been given an "extra" for the period I am "acting". Long may it last. However, the period of the last week or so has been busy especially as I am keeping an eye on my old desk and also as the 1965 pay scales have just been agreed. This now involved adjustments on the staff pay and bonus back to January. With 80 of them it is quite a lot cover. A new assistant manager in Tokyo (our parent office) is coming down next week. Although a swift visit, I have a lunch and dinner to arrange plus his travel to arrange. Now that autumn is with us many visitors tend to arrive in the Kansoi and I have a number from Australia and UK to see and possibly take out to lunch.
Margo took them all to see the film, "Sound of Music" in the last days of their holiday and they sat through 3 hours of film without a murmer, except for Caroline's hysterics at the love scenes - she just got the giggles. We went ourselves to see "Ryan's Express" but although enjoyable it did not follow the book and was hammed up to some extent. (note from editor: I mentioned this to mum today, 6/9/2016 and she only remembers coming out from the Sound of Music and being surrounded by Japanese people wanting to stroke our hair as all of us four girls had very blonde hair.)
We are playing a little kitchen bridge these days and generally keeping well occupied - trust you have better weather this month than last.
Cheerio for now and love from us all
Peter.
10.8.65
HSBC
Osaka
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter - we have been tourists recently. Margo and Caroline and Adrienne and self travelled on the Dreamtrain as far as Macbarra on Lake Bewa. About halfway up and two hours on the route to Tokyo. This is the famous Bullet train and is very much like an airplane inside. Very fast, noiseless and smooth running it was impressive. Had lunch at Hokone castle overlooking the lake, very hot. Then drove home about three hours on the highway (toll freeway).
The Sayer's children are out from home and we all went to Kyoto to see the famous cormorant fishing by night, on the river. Had dinner on the small boat - sukiaki and tempura with sake and beer. The fishing boats rode up and down alongside with flaming baskets overside and a dozen birds on strings. The birds catch the fish but are unable to swallow because of the strings and the fish are taken from them. What a life! However it made our evening and C & A had fun.
Went out to a couple of the renowned Osaka bars with Guy and some of the senior local staff for dinner and drinks. Either is is all overrated or I am too old for night life but it was a pretty dull evening and I would have really enjoyed a West End review and a good meal in a more normal setting. Bust as there are thousands of these expensive places to visit we may have struck some bad ones.
Am collecting a new car this weekend. Automatic this time and "on the bank", though I pay quite a bit each month it is still worth it. Not much different from the present one but is a "1966 Toyoglide."
Will be taking over officially on Monday and the Sayers leave on Tuesday. Lets home the spell to next March runs without any upheavals but with unprecedented smoothness.
All our love
Peter
Osaka
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter - we have been tourists recently. Margo and Caroline and Adrienne and self travelled on the Dreamtrain as far as Macbarra on Lake Bewa. About halfway up and two hours on the route to Tokyo. This is the famous Bullet train and is very much like an airplane inside. Very fast, noiseless and smooth running it was impressive. Had lunch at Hokone castle overlooking the lake, very hot. Then drove home about three hours on the highway (toll freeway).
The Sayer's children are out from home and we all went to Kyoto to see the famous cormorant fishing by night, on the river. Had dinner on the small boat - sukiaki and tempura with sake and beer. The fishing boats rode up and down alongside with flaming baskets overside and a dozen birds on strings. The birds catch the fish but are unable to swallow because of the strings and the fish are taken from them. What a life! However it made our evening and C & A had fun.
Went out to a couple of the renowned Osaka bars with Guy and some of the senior local staff for dinner and drinks. Either is is all overrated or I am too old for night life but it was a pretty dull evening and I would have really enjoyed a West End review and a good meal in a more normal setting. Bust as there are thousands of these expensive places to visit we may have struck some bad ones.
Am collecting a new car this weekend. Automatic this time and "on the bank", though I pay quite a bit each month it is still worth it. Not much different from the present one but is a "1966 Toyoglide."
Will be taking over officially on Monday and the Sayers leave on Tuesday. Lets home the spell to next March runs without any upheavals but with unprecedented smoothness.
All our love
Peter
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