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