Written on HSBC airmail letter from Johore Bahru, Malaysia
Dear Mum and Dad,
Thank you for your letter. Margo's flight is now changed to arrive on Monday 17th, I cannot remember if I advised you of this and she will go to the Jakes new house first as it is near Gatwick. Have read about your weather and hope the worst is over - it always seems to be a record for some sort of bad weather each year. Dad did not repeat the name of his rubber share. Good estates should do well this year; the price has gone up from 57% to 70% since I have been here and someone is going to do well out of it. Had dinner with Mason Nelson last week - he is the senior partner in one of the two biggest share brokers here - and Henry Grummitt was paying a brief visit. He retired to the Channel Islands at 40 and pays an annual visit to Malay to look after the odd estate in which he has control. Mason says he will retire in 1971 when he will be around 47 and he says he is quite well off! Di's father is having a rough time - lets hope that all will be well in the end. Yes it is turning hot - I do not notice it until I come out of the office and the evenings can be very comfortable if a breeze is coming off the Straits, but once or twice we have retired to the airconditioning early when it has become breathless. We do not hear from our tenants but the Elliots would let us know if anything was amiss. He has left the Army and is now Secretary to the Inst of Ch. Actuaries and enjoying it. We are friendly with another Lt Col here and often go out to the mess about 5 miles from here to see a film show or as the other day a stage show visiting from UK. Very jolly and met the players afterwards for dinner. They were an interesting bunch doing a two week tour between shows at home. It is Hari Raya Haji holiday today and have been into Singapore for a hair cut, had some trousers made and a lunch of steak & kidney pie at Tanglin Club. As I said to Margo it is only the English who would have such a meal in this climate but it was good. Love from us all
Peter
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
26th Feb 1969
Written on HSBC airmail letter from Johore Bahru, West Malaysia
Dear Mum and Dad,
Many thanks for you letter, we have hit the hot weather and the air conditioning has packed up in the office. Glad you though Elisabeth in good form. We were pleased the doctor considers the spine has improved and the operation we were anticipating is not necessary. C is growing up. A reports good marks and S seems full of activity. Susan is 30" chest. We do not what it is she wants and perhaps you had better make sure. It is good of you to bother with these things and you must let us know the cost of all these items as unlike ten years ago cash is no problem these days - but the odd visit to the children is of immense value. I would like to pay for your train fares and hotel too if you will let me - I know prices are going up non stop. The offshore trusts are unit trust managed by UK people. The advantages are USA share entry without the premium and for me a non resident - no capital gains within the trust. Targets are 40% Australian 40% UK 20% others. I was recommended Anchor B - mainly USA shares and with US well down might be a good time to buy in. My average on Target is 20/6 so a decent rise in a few months. We saw the newspaper and have written for prints. Please give my regards to Mr Dabbs I hope the leg turns out well. The streets are gay with bunting for the Japanese Royal Visit and I took out the Crown Jewels for the first time yesterday and had a good look when the State Secretary opened the box - very pleased to know they are all there - just a mass of diamonds. All my love Peter.
Dear Mum and Dad,
Many thanks for you letter, we have hit the hot weather and the air conditioning has packed up in the office. Glad you though Elisabeth in good form. We were pleased the doctor considers the spine has improved and the operation we were anticipating is not necessary. C is growing up. A reports good marks and S seems full of activity. Susan is 30" chest. We do not what it is she wants and perhaps you had better make sure. It is good of you to bother with these things and you must let us know the cost of all these items as unlike ten years ago cash is no problem these days - but the odd visit to the children is of immense value. I would like to pay for your train fares and hotel too if you will let me - I know prices are going up non stop. The offshore trusts are unit trust managed by UK people. The advantages are USA share entry without the premium and for me a non resident - no capital gains within the trust. Targets are 40% Australian 40% UK 20% others. I was recommended Anchor B - mainly USA shares and with US well down might be a good time to buy in. My average on Target is 20/6 so a decent rise in a few months. We saw the newspaper and have written for prints. Please give my regards to Mr Dabbs I hope the leg turns out well. The streets are gay with bunting for the Japanese Royal Visit and I took out the Crown Jewels for the first time yesterday and had a good look when the State Secretary opened the box - very pleased to know they are all there - just a mass of diamonds. All my love Peter.
26/1/69
(Included in the pack of my father's letters to his mum)
Brampton Down
Dixwell Road
Folkestone
Dear Grandma & Grandad,
Thank you for your letter. I am going down to the Leas today and I am writing in a hurry. I have written to Mummy twice. She has written to me and tells me that Sammey is missing us. I must go now.
Lots of Love
Caroline
Brampton Down
Dixwell Road
Folkestone
Dear Grandma & Grandad,
Thank you for your letter. I am going down to the Leas today and I am writing in a hurry. I have written to Mummy twice. She has written to me and tells me that Sammey is missing us. I must go now.
Lots of Love
Caroline
18th Jan 1968 (should read 1969)
Written on HSBC airmail letter from Johore Bahru, Malaysia
Dear Mum and Dad,
Thanks for your letter, there wasn't any time for the children to write about their presents and I hope people will understand. They were on the go all the time with trips into Singapore and the last day but one I took them to Union Carbide factory. They went off well and we have yet to hear of their arrival. Hope you got the orchids - they had too much to to carry really - but if not next time. My Head Cashier who is an expat put them together from his own garden as we have not got the travelling kind in ours. We enjoyed the wedding about 1500; and thought we would be one of the crowd. But eventually were sat at the Royal Table for 60 had had a good curry. No opportunity for a chat with the Tunku on this occassion. Very colourful, dancing etc and possible a once only opportunity for this sort of thing. Margo is booked for the middle of March. A charter flight and very cheap. The childrens presents can wait. Could you send them by post to the school? But don't bother, Margo can deal at Easter - will give them something extra. They had a good time. Lots of sun. Elisabeth swimming by herself again. Visit to a rubber plantation and factory. Fishing. 2 stayed overnight with friends at Mercantile Bank - films - curry lunch here with officers & wives. Odd arrivals in the garden. Mangoes ripened in time for last three days. Sammy the Dach has grown so long he has difficulty sitting on a chair. Still busy in the office handling new business - unions - end of the year stuff. Have been confirmed as manage with another raise which is odd as not really due until April after 6 months in the chair - Thinks! Does it mean another move? Am quite pleased as you can guess. Union Carbide Australia have +10% and De Beers up again. Hope your cold is better and all is well.
Love Peter
Dear Mum and Dad,
Thanks for your letter, there wasn't any time for the children to write about their presents and I hope people will understand. They were on the go all the time with trips into Singapore and the last day but one I took them to Union Carbide factory. They went off well and we have yet to hear of their arrival. Hope you got the orchids - they had too much to to carry really - but if not next time. My Head Cashier who is an expat put them together from his own garden as we have not got the travelling kind in ours. We enjoyed the wedding about 1500; and thought we would be one of the crowd. But eventually were sat at the Royal Table for 60 had had a good curry. No opportunity for a chat with the Tunku on this occassion. Very colourful, dancing etc and possible a once only opportunity for this sort of thing. Margo is booked for the middle of March. A charter flight and very cheap. The childrens presents can wait. Could you send them by post to the school? But don't bother, Margo can deal at Easter - will give them something extra. They had a good time. Lots of sun. Elisabeth swimming by herself again. Visit to a rubber plantation and factory. Fishing. 2 stayed overnight with friends at Mercantile Bank - films - curry lunch here with officers & wives. Odd arrivals in the garden. Mangoes ripened in time for last three days. Sammy the Dach has grown so long he has difficulty sitting on a chair. Still busy in the office handling new business - unions - end of the year stuff. Have been confirmed as manage with another raise which is odd as not really due until April after 6 months in the chair - Thinks! Does it mean another move? Am quite pleased as you can guess. Union Carbide Australia have +10% and De Beers up again. Hope your cold is better and all is well.
Love Peter
23rd Dec 1968
Written on HSBC airmail letter from Johore Bahru, Malaysia
Dear Mum and Dad,
Thank you for your letter. I have been late in answering but with the pending arrival of the children my thoughts were on that event. The plane was a little late and it took some time to unpack the hoards of children, but finally they were through. They had had a good journey and had been well looked after and after the first day when they were a bit sleepy they are full of beans. The had their exam reports too. All have done well, particularly Caroline who has shown a lot of improvement at 4th. Susan 4th and Adrienne 8th. Elisabeth had an article in the school magazine about Guy Fawkes day and I thought it very good. In answer to your queries on the house - there is an upstairs verander all along the front. The coconut palms are (drawing of a palm) and only two, not together. Anut fell on the children's first day so they could have it to eat. The mangoes are coming on and I hope will be ready before they leave. Caroline enjoys the papyas. It is the Hari Raya holiday this weekend - the end of the Muslim fasting month. I went along to the official Istana on the first morning to greet the Sultan & sat with him for half an hour whilst he was visited by his subjects. Men and their sons dressed in many coloured sarongs trooping in after prayers at the Mosque next door. We all went off swimming at Tanglin Club afterwards and had lunch there. The Sultan sent around Ibot whisky and brandy and a turkey which is the usual and very welcome as we do not get anything else on the Hongkong style. Chevron is doing well. The conversion to Standard Oil Calif. is at 65 1/2 & they are 75 now but I prefer to hold on to the 51/2%. De Beers touched 39 - I saw they had found diamonds in a new area. Have made on a local speculation and have another one running. It is all a bit of a gamble so I shall get out after a small profit. Hope you have and enjoyable Christmas and the weather is mild - the papers seem to think you will have snow. Cheerio for now and all our love
Peter.
Dear Mum and Dad,
Thank you for your letter. I have been late in answering but with the pending arrival of the children my thoughts were on that event. The plane was a little late and it took some time to unpack the hoards of children, but finally they were through. They had had a good journey and had been well looked after and after the first day when they were a bit sleepy they are full of beans. The had their exam reports too. All have done well, particularly Caroline who has shown a lot of improvement at 4th. Susan 4th and Adrienne 8th. Elisabeth had an article in the school magazine about Guy Fawkes day and I thought it very good. In answer to your queries on the house - there is an upstairs verander all along the front. The coconut palms are (drawing of a palm) and only two, not together. Anut fell on the children's first day so they could have it to eat. The mangoes are coming on and I hope will be ready before they leave. Caroline enjoys the papyas. It is the Hari Raya holiday this weekend - the end of the Muslim fasting month. I went along to the official Istana on the first morning to greet the Sultan & sat with him for half an hour whilst he was visited by his subjects. Men and their sons dressed in many coloured sarongs trooping in after prayers at the Mosque next door. We all went off swimming at Tanglin Club afterwards and had lunch there. The Sultan sent around Ibot whisky and brandy and a turkey which is the usual and very welcome as we do not get anything else on the Hongkong style. Chevron is doing well. The conversion to Standard Oil Calif. is at 65 1/2 & they are 75 now but I prefer to hold on to the 51/2%. De Beers touched 39 - I saw they had found diamonds in a new area. Have made on a local speculation and have another one running. It is all a bit of a gamble so I shall get out after a small profit. Hope you have and enjoyable Christmas and the weather is mild - the papers seem to think you will have snow. Cheerio for now and all our love
Peter.
31st November 1968
Written on HSBC airmail letter from Johore Bahru, Malaysia
Dear Mum and Dad,
Thanks for your letter. Sorry the share price was wrong. Could you print the name of "Telogs" as I cannot read the full name and I will ask the brokers if they have any news. Am applying for a new issue this week. Some have gone to 200% premium recently so it is worth a try. We have been having a fairly quiet time although out once or twice. A couple of weeks ago at the Sultan's for an open air buffet at his swimming pool. It was built in 1935 but is still very modern and quite big. Last week to a Chinese dinner in Singapore, very noisy Chinese music. Last night to an Army couple for a sarong party. We all wore highly coloured Malay dress and the house was cleverly decorated. Finished quite late and have been very lazy today. Have received an invitation from the the Sultan's brother (Mr Dabbs masonic friend) to a wedding for his son on 9th Jan. So then will have met the whole of the Royal Family. The children's plane is booked and it is just 3 weeks now till they arrive. Vernons: The coupon runs from Week 2 to 52 and had the Folkestone address 2 Sutton Close on it. I am sure I also gave the Johore address subsequently. Selections were any 8 from 11 on Numbers 6-9-13-16-18-24-26-30-36-42-46. I should have kept the reference number. Funnily enough the local pools are shutting down and perhaps they will allow the overseas ones to operate but I doubt it. Have just reread mothers letter of 18th. The girls did enjoy their outing with you. Elisabeth is very pleased with the Hamster and we had a letter all about it yesterday. Glad Alan is OK in his job. Will try to send orchids to you - there are some which travel well. Love Peter.
Dear Mum and Dad,
Thanks for your letter. Sorry the share price was wrong. Could you print the name of "Telogs" as I cannot read the full name and I will ask the brokers if they have any news. Am applying for a new issue this week. Some have gone to 200% premium recently so it is worth a try. We have been having a fairly quiet time although out once or twice. A couple of weeks ago at the Sultan's for an open air buffet at his swimming pool. It was built in 1935 but is still very modern and quite big. Last week to a Chinese dinner in Singapore, very noisy Chinese music. Last night to an Army couple for a sarong party. We all wore highly coloured Malay dress and the house was cleverly decorated. Finished quite late and have been very lazy today. Have received an invitation from the the Sultan's brother (Mr Dabbs masonic friend) to a wedding for his son on 9th Jan. So then will have met the whole of the Royal Family. The children's plane is booked and it is just 3 weeks now till they arrive. Vernons: The coupon runs from Week 2 to 52 and had the Folkestone address 2 Sutton Close on it. I am sure I also gave the Johore address subsequently. Selections were any 8 from 11 on Numbers 6-9-13-16-18-24-26-30-36-42-46. I should have kept the reference number. Funnily enough the local pools are shutting down and perhaps they will allow the overseas ones to operate but I doubt it. Have just reread mothers letter of 18th. The girls did enjoy their outing with you. Elisabeth is very pleased with the Hamster and we had a letter all about it yesterday. Glad Alan is OK in his job. Will try to send orchids to you - there are some which travel well. Love Peter.
Sunday, March 11, 2018
12th November 1968
Written on HSBC air letter from Johore Bahru Malaysia
My dear Mum & Dad,
Many thanks for your letter - we heard that the weather was very bad on Sunday so we wondered whether or not you went down to Folkestone. Our monsoon rains have died away for a while and it has been very hot. On Sunday we were invited to a Remembrance Day service at the Army camp - held in their gym which was very, very hot. I could feel the perspiration rolling down my back and we were all using our service sheets as fans! However we enjoyed the service and afterwards we went to the Officers mess for curry lunch, arriving home about 4pm.
On the Saturday we went to the Civil Service Club to see a display of orchids and the State Surgeon who is a keen orchid fan gave a most interesting talk (in English, thank heavens!). He very kingly gave me a large bunch of orchids afterwards - some of which he had developed & which are named after his wife & daughters. This event was followed up by a dinner & dance at the Club which we all enjoyed.
Peter is going to a 'men only' dinner tonight in Singapore at the Tropicana Club which has a very lavish floor show. I think I shall have nice early night, - with my book & radio.
We bought Adrienne a writing case - I left it at the school before I left & since asked Bobbys to send a Troll which A wanted. I should think the size 30 jumper should fit Elisabeth - although of course the different makes do vary. The dark green will go nicely with her new skirt.
My father is going in hospital again - the Sea Bathing hospital at Margate so this might help him a bit.
The garden is full of flowering shrubs & I have set some Zinnia seeds which are coming through. They are about the only flower which you can grow in pots - apart from the orchids. Must write to the girls love
Margo & Peter
My dear Mum & Dad,
Many thanks for your letter - we heard that the weather was very bad on Sunday so we wondered whether or not you went down to Folkestone. Our monsoon rains have died away for a while and it has been very hot. On Sunday we were invited to a Remembrance Day service at the Army camp - held in their gym which was very, very hot. I could feel the perspiration rolling down my back and we were all using our service sheets as fans! However we enjoyed the service and afterwards we went to the Officers mess for curry lunch, arriving home about 4pm.
On the Saturday we went to the Civil Service Club to see a display of orchids and the State Surgeon who is a keen orchid fan gave a most interesting talk (in English, thank heavens!). He very kingly gave me a large bunch of orchids afterwards - some of which he had developed & which are named after his wife & daughters. This event was followed up by a dinner & dance at the Club which we all enjoyed.
Peter is going to a 'men only' dinner tonight in Singapore at the Tropicana Club which has a very lavish floor show. I think I shall have nice early night, - with my book & radio.
We bought Adrienne a writing case - I left it at the school before I left & since asked Bobbys to send a Troll which A wanted. I should think the size 30 jumper should fit Elisabeth - although of course the different makes do vary. The dark green will go nicely with her new skirt.
My father is going in hospital again - the Sea Bathing hospital at Margate so this might help him a bit.
The garden is full of flowering shrubs & I have set some Zinnia seeds which are coming through. They are about the only flower which you can grow in pots - apart from the orchids. Must write to the girls love
Margo & Peter
31st Oct 1968
Written on HSBC air letter from Johore Bahru Malaysia
Dear Mum and Dad,
I have written to Mr Dabbs re Dr Band and am glad to have the introduction. I had heard of him from someone else - possibly Sutherland. I have et the local man a Dr Pink, also the State mental Dr - an Indian and the State surgeon - a Chinese. We are lining up a dinner and a curry lunch for next month to start on a list running at present to 50/60 people. I have never met so many people so quickly, but then that is typical of a small place. We had a grand day in Singapore on Monday. The morning shopping and lunch (a good steak) at an hotel and then saw Peter Sellers in "The Party". This was very funny and well worth while. After an easy drive back we felt that we had been away much longer. Back to the end of the month and fairly busy but it marks the time flying by. The car goes well and we are pleased with it. Very large for two people but the children will travel comfortably in it & of course lots of the room in the rear. Letters from the children are still light hearted. Adrienne is now a goal-keeper at hockey. We have our mail order book so all should be well for Christmas. have received my first rent from the Agents which was most welcome - long may it continue!
Cheerio for now and love
Margo and Peter.
P.S. My letter to Mr Dabbs was a bit rushed but wanted to reply as soon as possible.
Dear Mum and Dad,
I have written to Mr Dabbs re Dr Band and am glad to have the introduction. I had heard of him from someone else - possibly Sutherland. I have et the local man a Dr Pink, also the State mental Dr - an Indian and the State surgeon - a Chinese. We are lining up a dinner and a curry lunch for next month to start on a list running at present to 50/60 people. I have never met so many people so quickly, but then that is typical of a small place. We had a grand day in Singapore on Monday. The morning shopping and lunch (a good steak) at an hotel and then saw Peter Sellers in "The Party". This was very funny and well worth while. After an easy drive back we felt that we had been away much longer. Back to the end of the month and fairly busy but it marks the time flying by. The car goes well and we are pleased with it. Very large for two people but the children will travel comfortably in it & of course lots of the room in the rear. Letters from the children are still light hearted. Adrienne is now a goal-keeper at hockey. We have our mail order book so all should be well for Christmas. have received my first rent from the Agents which was most welcome - long may it continue!
Cheerio for now and love
Margo and Peter.
P.S. My letter to Mr Dabbs was a bit rushed but wanted to reply as soon as possible.
27th October 1968
Written on HSBC air letter from Johore Bahru Malaysia
Dear Mum and Dad,
Glad you managed the trip to see Elisabeth. Her letters show her to be in good form. The walk up is a bit much and you must try for a taxi, especially if the weather is poor and let me know the cost. We too have a list of Adrienne's birthday requests - I imagine there is a risk that she will get the same thing more than once. Elisabeth's pocket money is arranged with the school and she has 2/- pw. I think she hands in anything she is given. We used to buy something at the sweetshop for them all when we arrived as a family and perhaps an ice. The only things we took were comics. "JUNE" and "SCHOOL FRIEND". As you can imagine, if everyone who visits gives her presents or money it will be a bit overdone. The prints you mention sound fine but Margo does not like ships! We have a lot of wall space but quiet a few pictures too, however new ones do make a change. Last weekend was a long one for Deepavali. The Indian festival of lights. We had curry with an Indian Officer on Saturday night, curry with the army on Sunday, curry with our Indian family on Monday. A polo meet had been going on over the weekend and on Tuesday we were asked to go along to the club in the evening. It turned out to be another curry! We were at the royal table with another Sultan - this time of Pahang. The weekend is the Sultan's birthday and the bank is decorated. Tomorrow I pay a visit and have brandy with iced coffee. I was up at 6.30 this morning to play tennis - it was quite cool and we had a good workout. We have bought a Vauxhall Estate - quite big and in good order. Margo had been into Singapore for shopping and we go together tomorrow for lunch and maybe a picture if anything one. All my photos are OK of the house and garden but they have made small slides so must now get prints fro them. Will send the slides later. They will fit your viewer but the picture will be small. Our Christmas presents will be late. We have not had our mail order book & have lost the address. All for now and
love
Peter & Margo.
Dear Mum and Dad,
Glad you managed the trip to see Elisabeth. Her letters show her to be in good form. The walk up is a bit much and you must try for a taxi, especially if the weather is poor and let me know the cost. We too have a list of Adrienne's birthday requests - I imagine there is a risk that she will get the same thing more than once. Elisabeth's pocket money is arranged with the school and she has 2/- pw. I think she hands in anything she is given. We used to buy something at the sweetshop for them all when we arrived as a family and perhaps an ice. The only things we took were comics. "JUNE" and "SCHOOL FRIEND". As you can imagine, if everyone who visits gives her presents or money it will be a bit overdone. The prints you mention sound fine but Margo does not like ships! We have a lot of wall space but quiet a few pictures too, however new ones do make a change. Last weekend was a long one for Deepavali. The Indian festival of lights. We had curry with an Indian Officer on Saturday night, curry with the army on Sunday, curry with our Indian family on Monday. A polo meet had been going on over the weekend and on Tuesday we were asked to go along to the club in the evening. It turned out to be another curry! We were at the royal table with another Sultan - this time of Pahang. The weekend is the Sultan's birthday and the bank is decorated. Tomorrow I pay a visit and have brandy with iced coffee. I was up at 6.30 this morning to play tennis - it was quite cool and we had a good workout. We have bought a Vauxhall Estate - quite big and in good order. Margo had been into Singapore for shopping and we go together tomorrow for lunch and maybe a picture if anything one. All my photos are OK of the house and garden but they have made small slides so must now get prints fro them. Will send the slides later. They will fit your viewer but the picture will be small. Our Christmas presents will be late. We have not had our mail order book & have lost the address. All for now and
love
Peter & Margo.
20 Oct 1968
Written on HSBC air letter from Johore Bahru Malaysia
Dear Mum and Dad,
Now we are back to normal. Unpacked and organised and the house really does seem comfortable despite its size. My record player sound particularly good as the room appears to suit it and at half volume it is best to sit twenty yards away. We have a fitted bar and separated frig behind and I have just put in a shelf to add to the look of the thing. This is a long weekend with Monday off and we have a curry each of the three days. I am just recovering from the first one last night. Interstate polo is also being held here over the holiday, something the Sultan is very keen on. We went yesterday, sitting in his stand. His son was playing & I introduced Margo after his hame. We also met a lot more people but their names tend to become a jumble at first. It is odd that I bought a few Union Carbide shares which on leave as there is a local company here - a big factory making Ever Ready batteries. I expect to become a director as Sutherland was: but the top man only returns from leave today so I have not yet received an invitation. Their Australian shares coould be worth buying now the market has dropped. I have the U.S. shares which have put on 10%. Still have not bought a car. The longest I have been without one. They are expensive so it is worth making sure. Have looked at a lot but they are not quite right in one respect or another. Letters rom all the girls show them to be very happy and hardly time to write. Time goes so quickly they will be out here soon. Margo is already doing Christmas cards. Thank you very much for the vase, it goes well on the book case and we have plenty of flowers to put in it. The orchids are extremely good. The first pictures of the house should be ready soon so will sending them off as soon as they arrive. Cheerio for now and all our love Margo and Peter
PS. I have asked Vernons to send all corresp to you as it is illegal to deal from this country as they have their own. Sutherland was to send the letter to them and as he went to Austria first they may not have it yet.
Dear Mum and Dad,
Now we are back to normal. Unpacked and organised and the house really does seem comfortable despite its size. My record player sound particularly good as the room appears to suit it and at half volume it is best to sit twenty yards away. We have a fitted bar and separated frig behind and I have just put in a shelf to add to the look of the thing. This is a long weekend with Monday off and we have a curry each of the three days. I am just recovering from the first one last night. Interstate polo is also being held here over the holiday, something the Sultan is very keen on. We went yesterday, sitting in his stand. His son was playing & I introduced Margo after his hame. We also met a lot more people but their names tend to become a jumble at first. It is odd that I bought a few Union Carbide shares which on leave as there is a local company here - a big factory making Ever Ready batteries. I expect to become a director as Sutherland was: but the top man only returns from leave today so I have not yet received an invitation. Their Australian shares coould be worth buying now the market has dropped. I have the U.S. shares which have put on 10%. Still have not bought a car. The longest I have been without one. They are expensive so it is worth making sure. Have looked at a lot but they are not quite right in one respect or another. Letters rom all the girls show them to be very happy and hardly time to write. Time goes so quickly they will be out here soon. Margo is already doing Christmas cards. Thank you very much for the vase, it goes well on the book case and we have plenty of flowers to put in it. The orchids are extremely good. The first pictures of the house should be ready soon so will sending them off as soon as they arrive. Cheerio for now and all our love Margo and Peter
PS. I have asked Vernons to send all corresp to you as it is illegal to deal from this country as they have their own. Sutherland was to send the letter to them and as he went to Austria first they may not have it yet.
12th Oct 1968
Written on HSBC airmail from Johore Bahru, Malaysia
Dear Mum and Dad,
Am just about to go to the airport to meet Margo. Luckily the baggage arrived last night and I have spent a happy afternoon unpacking the essentials - radiogram etc and better still they work! Things are making sense in the office now - it really is a good thing to come ahead and get the takeover done on one's own - it occupies every waking minute and I am not fit to live with whilst it is going on. Sutherland went off OK on 2nd since when I have been catching up on my sleep. We have two airconditioned bedrooms and one TV study. The house is vast but only 3 bed 1 TV lounge & DR. You could get our house inside it twice. The servants quarters garages and storerooms would take another. The grounds are immense full of flowering shrubs, orchids papaya coconuts very hilly - could fit in two holes of golf badminton and tennis court but no time just now. Have since had lunch with the Sultan and also another with his eldest son Tunku Mahmud. Mr Dabb's chap is the Sultan's brother and lives mainly in Singapore. I do not think he gets about much here. The Sultan came to Sutherland's farewell at the house & stayed over an hour instead of the official half hour. He also sent two crates B & W.
Love Peter
Dear Mum and Dad,
Am just about to go to the airport to meet Margo. Luckily the baggage arrived last night and I have spent a happy afternoon unpacking the essentials - radiogram etc and better still they work! Things are making sense in the office now - it really is a good thing to come ahead and get the takeover done on one's own - it occupies every waking minute and I am not fit to live with whilst it is going on. Sutherland went off OK on 2nd since when I have been catching up on my sleep. We have two airconditioned bedrooms and one TV study. The house is vast but only 3 bed 1 TV lounge & DR. You could get our house inside it twice. The servants quarters garages and storerooms would take another. The grounds are immense full of flowering shrubs, orchids papaya coconuts very hilly - could fit in two holes of golf badminton and tennis court but no time just now. Have since had lunch with the Sultan and also another with his eldest son Tunku Mahmud. Mr Dabb's chap is the Sultan's brother and lives mainly in Singapore. I do not think he gets about much here. The Sultan came to Sutherland's farewell at the house & stayed over an hour instead of the official half hour. He also sent two crates B & W.
Love Peter
29th Jan
Dear Mum and Dad,
Your letter was full of interest as usual. The cold went without becoming a cold so all is well. Pleased the girls are in form and Elisabeth is home. That is another step forward. My relief arrives on Saturday and we are now starting a 3 day holiday for Chinese New Year and luckily something is arranged for each day. Was out on a boat yesterday, well wrapped up and had a good blow. Plenty of sun too and hope for more during the next few days. Our computer date is to come forward to before my departure now instead of afterwards; this will add to the hand over. Many offices have "gone on" since 1st January and it appears to be working well so far. I cannot remember Henry's letter clearly but he did say something about a trip - you should get a post card when he arrives.
Must rush to count the end of month cash so
Cheerio and Love
Peter
Your letter was full of interest as usual. The cold went without becoming a cold so all is well. Pleased the girls are in form and Elisabeth is home. That is another step forward. My relief arrives on Saturday and we are now starting a 3 day holiday for Chinese New Year and luckily something is arranged for each day. Was out on a boat yesterday, well wrapped up and had a good blow. Plenty of sun too and hope for more during the next few days. Our computer date is to come forward to before my departure now instead of afterwards; this will add to the hand over. Many offices have "gone on" since 1st January and it appears to be working well so far. I cannot remember Henry's letter clearly but he did say something about a trip - you should get a post card when he arrives.
Must rush to count the end of month cash so
Cheerio and Love
Peter
18th January 68
Dear Mum and Dad,
Thank you for your joint letter - In case I did not thank you for the pyjamas, they were fine and just what I wanted. Hope Adrienne and Susan did not give you too much to do, the weather was not very kind, I have certainly missed a lot of unpleasant events. Have been quite active here although have been taking it easy for the past few days - a spot of tummy trouble. A lot of it about with changeable weather, probably a cold coming. Had a letter from Elisabeth - Margo mentioned she is much improved and very bright. Poor Dorothy - what a thing to happen at Christmas. Must try to make a trip to Scotland during leave although expect to be pretty static now that the children will be coming home each day. Have provisionally booked on QANTAS arriving 9th March so can count the weeks now and will be glad when it is all over for this tour. Had a long letter from Henry and one from Margaret, both of which I must answer some time. Cannot make out what the latest cuts will mean for the stock market or the budget on 19th March - pity there is so long to go until the next election. Cannot see that anything has been solved which will give long term benefits. However, one never knows and 1968 may bring a brighter aspect to everything.
Cheerio for now and love
Peter
Thank you for your joint letter - In case I did not thank you for the pyjamas, they were fine and just what I wanted. Hope Adrienne and Susan did not give you too much to do, the weather was not very kind, I have certainly missed a lot of unpleasant events. Have been quite active here although have been taking it easy for the past few days - a spot of tummy trouble. A lot of it about with changeable weather, probably a cold coming. Had a letter from Elisabeth - Margo mentioned she is much improved and very bright. Poor Dorothy - what a thing to happen at Christmas. Must try to make a trip to Scotland during leave although expect to be pretty static now that the children will be coming home each day. Have provisionally booked on QANTAS arriving 9th March so can count the weeks now and will be glad when it is all over for this tour. Had a long letter from Henry and one from Margaret, both of which I must answer some time. Cannot make out what the latest cuts will mean for the stock market or the budget on 19th March - pity there is so long to go until the next election. Cannot see that anything has been solved which will give long term benefits. However, one never knows and 1968 may bring a brighter aspect to everything.
Cheerio for now and love
Peter
11th Dec 67
Dear Mum and Dad,
Thank you very much for your letter - am so pleased to hear your views of Elisabeth bumping up and down and wanting to go to school. It is this go ahead outlook which will obtain a full life for her whatever maybe the outcome in the future; and of course, is rewarding for Margo for all her work and hopes. Thank you for the photos - the prints are cheaper and better here. Let me know if you ever want some run off - it will be easy to arrange. Henry never told me which tie he wanted, but I can write to India from the UK. It is very good of Dad to buy the violin and Margo has wanted a mixer for 10 years and now is the right time. Thank you very much indeed. How you manage all this with costs as they are I do not know - but you do know that if I can ever help with anything you must tell me. We should be well situated now as I have had another raise and pat on the back which is very gratifying as my position does not warrant any change. This was Ian Macleod - the manager who has gone on leave as he fixed it when he went over to H.O. to say goodbye. A nice Christmas present. I knew Caroline did well in her exams with 3rd in biology but did not know about the poetry. I guess you are right when you say they are growing up fast. I was amazed at Susan's letters - I have one that is so neat I am quite ashamed of my writing. When you think that I retire in 13 yrs time Caroline will be 24. You might be a great grandmother yet, so relax! (Editor - Sue obliged her with one grandson, James. Grandma died before Ady produced two more for her - Anna and Pierre).
All I am hoping for is to get the washing up off my hands. Well Christmas is almost with us. I have had a number of invitations for lunch on the day, from people who have been most thoughtful and will be thinking of you all.
Love Peter
xxx
Thank you very much for your letter - am so pleased to hear your views of Elisabeth bumping up and down and wanting to go to school. It is this go ahead outlook which will obtain a full life for her whatever maybe the outcome in the future; and of course, is rewarding for Margo for all her work and hopes. Thank you for the photos - the prints are cheaper and better here. Let me know if you ever want some run off - it will be easy to arrange. Henry never told me which tie he wanted, but I can write to India from the UK. It is very good of Dad to buy the violin and Margo has wanted a mixer for 10 years and now is the right time. Thank you very much indeed. How you manage all this with costs as they are I do not know - but you do know that if I can ever help with anything you must tell me. We should be well situated now as I have had another raise and pat on the back which is very gratifying as my position does not warrant any change. This was Ian Macleod - the manager who has gone on leave as he fixed it when he went over to H.O. to say goodbye. A nice Christmas present. I knew Caroline did well in her exams with 3rd in biology but did not know about the poetry. I guess you are right when you say they are growing up fast. I was amazed at Susan's letters - I have one that is so neat I am quite ashamed of my writing. When you think that I retire in 13 yrs time Caroline will be 24. You might be a great grandmother yet, so relax! (Editor - Sue obliged her with one grandson, James. Grandma died before Ady produced two more for her - Anna and Pierre).
All I am hoping for is to get the washing up off my hands. Well Christmas is almost with us. I have had a number of invitations for lunch on the day, from people who have been most thoughtful and will be thinking of you all.
Love Peter
xxx
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