16.7.67

The Hongkong Bank
Kowloon
16.7.67

Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,

Many thanks for your letter.  The boat leaving date is now Tuesday 18th having come forward one day and arrival day 21st August unless there are any more changes on route.  We have just returned from a launch picnic in perfect weather and had a lot of swimming and sun, making a pleasant last weekend before they are off.  Will be very interested in Alan's house buying as we may buy one also. £6000 is not too much these days and as we will want enough room for 6 of us but not too big to maintain will probably have to pay more.  However, if we find something which is leasable overheads should be covered.  The best tenants are the army or airforce as payment is certain and they accept short notice so we can move back in when coming on leave.  Some people have done very well this way.  It is important to get tenants out on time.  Adrienne is a little behind her age group but this has been all to the good.  Caroline had stiff exams with much she had not covered.  Susan did not do too badly.  Elisabeth had a good report and is reading and writing quite well.  Perhaps a year behind but she is advanced in understanding and will make up when she has the opportunity.  She had a good painting on the wall on open day.  You must give me the names of all the family at Chelmesford as I do not seem to have made a note anywhere.

The troubles continue but are well controlled by the police.  They are now raiding the various centres and picking up the organisers.  For the greater part it is business as usual and my particular office has been trouble free, although others have had their worries.  It is anyone's guess as to what will happen next but I think it is only a question of time and it will all pass.  We had 4 1/2" of rain last week which gave 1000m gallons but we are now on 4 hours every fourth day as in 1963 and in this weather one does miss a shower.  Won't pay much attention to the newspaper reports on Hong Kong as tose I have read tend to overdramatize the situation.  Things appear to be much worse in U.S.A. with their race riots.  I did not get anything for Margo on her birthday & possibly there will be something at home she will want.  Please let her know what we should get for Alan's wedding present and if cash is more useful that will be OK.  The weather in England sounds grand and right for the garden.  I only hope 1968 will be just as good.  Cheerio for now and
all our love

Peter