Written on HSBC airmail letter from Jesselton.
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter. Our new Borneo Manager has arrived and left. He is to visit all the offices of the territories before finally taking over here. I met him originally in Singapore on my first tour and he is a sound chappy. I don't blame you for not understanding my work! I don't! However, Odling arrives tomorrow for 3 weeks and will do my old & new job whilst I do the Accountant's job. The nearest equivalent to Accountant is Chief Clerk in Barclays but I will not get such an appointment in fact, for at least five years, especially as it is a higher paid number compared with other officers. The present holder has double my seniority. However, it is quite good fun although I look forward tot he time when I do the new job of Sub Acct which is known generally thoughout the bank as "i/c Drains" (Because property and thus drainage, is something I receive the complaints on.) This might happen in March/April although I hope to commence to receive payment for it in March. This is something like being a Lance Corporal in the army and is not a permanent appointment. Thank you for Reg's address - it is the first time you have given it though you had mentioned he had moved. Pity we did not buy Bank shares! I think Acorn is right about 1961 particularly after reading Kennedy's address and any doubtful shares should be sold if they show a fair price during the spring. How are Bangowan doing as I have not see any prices lately. Rubber is well down but could react sharply on renewed Russian/Chinese buying & I expect a recovery in latter part 1961/62. On shares, last week I just managed to stop a customer buying less shares at what he though were marked 17/-but in fact were £17! Happy days. It gives some insight into the difficulties of being a stock-broker. The commonest affair is when a customer thinks he can obtain "buying" prices when a seller, and lots of disappointment results. Once again I am in a rush but when this hectic period is over I expect to enter on to a new one of different nature again so will not be bored for some considerable time. Please do not mention my activities to anyone else as they are liable to be misunderstood - better to wait until it is all over and my name has appeared in the Staff list.
Love Peter
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Jan 61
The Hongkong Bank, Jesselton
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Many things for your letter, I am pleased you liked the photos. The group was a lucky shot - there are so many faces to get pointing the right way. E does like the sea now and does not mind the odd splash. She is an effort to hold though as she wriggles her trunk with great energy. The new TV set sound grand. There are so many on the market it must be difficult to choose. We intend getting one on the next leave, particularly if it is in winter. We were over our parties until this weekend when the new Chief Manager and Staff Inspector "to be", arrived. They were both in good form and very relaxed. On Saturday, we saw them at lunch at Accts' house. I played 18 holes of golf with them immediately afterwards, then a rush change and a cocktail party at Manager's house, then we went straight on (at 8.30pm) to dinner with friends - it was a farewell to people we know and bed at 1.30 am. Up with the children & to the beach where the Police Band played then a Curry lunch then golf. It was early to bed last night and I slept very soundly. They left this morning and we have resumed our normal existence.
The Acct had a burst appendix last week and is making a good recovery. But we will not see him in the office until the end of Feb. Duncan Leach is off on 3 weeks relief to Sibu tomorrow, so the net result is that I have my new job, my old job plus the outer office to see to. It will be a busy time but not as bad as it sounds as the manager will assist to a large extent. My relief may arrive a little earlier than originally planned. It depends on H.O.reply to our request for help. Susan is carrying on delightful conversations. We now understand a lot of what she says though I am unable to reproduce the sounds she uses. She is the one to be in all sorts of trouble now and Adrienne is greatly improved. Any liquid in a bottle is likely to end up all over the place including ink. Acorn continues to say 1961 is going to show a drop in the market and I have sold Standard at 10/- and Court here at nearly 12/-. Shall continue to hold Carreras, Roan and Bradford Dyers as they have yet to show their true form. I was impressed with the Carreras report. They have yet to show a Year's full results on the new factory and end 1961 should be interesting. They seem firm at 4/5 middle. A stock broker friend of the manager was here last week and he recommended picking up any Blue Chip rights' issues that owners, who could not obtain overdrafts because of the credit squeeze, would be relinquishing and depressed prices. However, if the whole market is to go down there should be a lot of cheap buys in first class stock.
This is all for now as I have other letters to write. Ian & Emma - Dorothy & Donald all seem in good form.
Cheerio & love from us all
Peter.
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Many things for your letter, I am pleased you liked the photos. The group was a lucky shot - there are so many faces to get pointing the right way. E does like the sea now and does not mind the odd splash. She is an effort to hold though as she wriggles her trunk with great energy. The new TV set sound grand. There are so many on the market it must be difficult to choose. We intend getting one on the next leave, particularly if it is in winter. We were over our parties until this weekend when the new Chief Manager and Staff Inspector "to be", arrived. They were both in good form and very relaxed. On Saturday, we saw them at lunch at Accts' house. I played 18 holes of golf with them immediately afterwards, then a rush change and a cocktail party at Manager's house, then we went straight on (at 8.30pm) to dinner with friends - it was a farewell to people we know and bed at 1.30 am. Up with the children & to the beach where the Police Band played then a Curry lunch then golf. It was early to bed last night and I slept very soundly. They left this morning and we have resumed our normal existence.
The Acct had a burst appendix last week and is making a good recovery. But we will not see him in the office until the end of Feb. Duncan Leach is off on 3 weeks relief to Sibu tomorrow, so the net result is that I have my new job, my old job plus the outer office to see to. It will be a busy time but not as bad as it sounds as the manager will assist to a large extent. My relief may arrive a little earlier than originally planned. It depends on H.O.reply to our request for help. Susan is carrying on delightful conversations. We now understand a lot of what she says though I am unable to reproduce the sounds she uses. She is the one to be in all sorts of trouble now and Adrienne is greatly improved. Any liquid in a bottle is likely to end up all over the place including ink. Acorn continues to say 1961 is going to show a drop in the market and I have sold Standard at 10/- and Court here at nearly 12/-. Shall continue to hold Carreras, Roan and Bradford Dyers as they have yet to show their true form. I was impressed with the Carreras report. They have yet to show a Year's full results on the new factory and end 1961 should be interesting. They seem firm at 4/5 middle. A stock broker friend of the manager was here last week and he recommended picking up any Blue Chip rights' issues that owners, who could not obtain overdrafts because of the credit squeeze, would be relinquishing and depressed prices. However, if the whole market is to go down there should be a lot of cheap buys in first class stock.
This is all for now as I have other letters to write. Ian & Emma - Dorothy & Donald all seem in good form.
Cheerio & love from us all
Peter.
January 6th 1961
Written on HSBC Jesselton air mail letter.
My dear Mum & Dad,
I have been meaning to write to you ever since I returned here but what with one thing & another I just couldn't settle down to it. You will have received the photos by now so you will see how Elisabeth has grown. She really is quite a weight. When I was at the Clinic a month ago she weighted 22 lbs 9 ozs & we are due to go agin on Tuesday so I shall see if she has gained . I've no doubt she will have as E eats very well & has passed the strained food stage even tho' she hasn't any teeth! Now I give her a biscuit or rusk & she can hold it herself - & demolishes it in no time.
Thank you so much indeed for the lipstick. Which is a lovely shade - & what a nice idea the case is - especially for me as I never seem to have a mirror with me. The girls were thrilled with their presents - we thought the saucepans lovely. Dorothy & Donald sent Adrienne a toy shop so she was able to add the contents of her shopping bag to the store & now she solemnly weights packets on the scales & sells them to C & S.
Caroline & Adrienne start kindergarten on Tuesday & I shall be quite pleased to have the house quiet for a while in the mornings. We usually have another child here for the day (either C or A's friend) so there is always someone shouting or crying! Susan still sleeps in the morning & E has a short nap. I find that she doesn't sleep much during the day but I can't complain as she goes to bed at 6 pm & we seldom get a sound out of her before 7 am. Now that E sits in the chair (the car seat which you bought) she is very happy as she can look around & chatters away to herself & can say 'Dad - dad'. I am trying to sort things out to pack for our move to the beach. We are all looking forward to the change.
Love from us all Margo.
My dear Mum & Dad,
I have been meaning to write to you ever since I returned here but what with one thing & another I just couldn't settle down to it. You will have received the photos by now so you will see how Elisabeth has grown. She really is quite a weight. When I was at the Clinic a month ago she weighted 22 lbs 9 ozs & we are due to go agin on Tuesday so I shall see if she has gained . I've no doubt she will have as E eats very well & has passed the strained food stage even tho' she hasn't any teeth! Now I give her a biscuit or rusk & she can hold it herself - & demolishes it in no time.
Thank you so much indeed for the lipstick. Which is a lovely shade - & what a nice idea the case is - especially for me as I never seem to have a mirror with me. The girls were thrilled with their presents - we thought the saucepans lovely. Dorothy & Donald sent Adrienne a toy shop so she was able to add the contents of her shopping bag to the store & now she solemnly weights packets on the scales & sells them to C & S.
Caroline & Adrienne start kindergarten on Tuesday & I shall be quite pleased to have the house quiet for a while in the mornings. We usually have another child here for the day (either C or A's friend) so there is always someone shouting or crying! Susan still sleeps in the morning & E has a short nap. I find that she doesn't sleep much during the day but I can't complain as she goes to bed at 6 pm & we seldom get a sound out of her before 7 am. Now that E sits in the chair (the car seat which you bought) she is very happy as she can look around & chatters away to herself & can say 'Dad - dad'. I am trying to sort things out to pack for our move to the beach. We are all looking forward to the change.
Love from us all Margo.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
24th December 1960
Written on HSBC Jesselton airmail letter.
Dear Mum, Dad & Alan,
Thank you for your letter and your wonderful parcel - the records and all the other presents were very well received and will be appreciated for some time to come. The Christmas Tree was surrounded and this morning we were up to our ears in packing paper and string. The girls had a terrific selection of everything one could imagine. The centre pieces being our gifts to C & A being two near full size cradles made at the local wicker work shop & fully decorated and bedded, with large fully clothed dolls. Susan of course immediately too over Adrienne's. In fact the ignored most of her toys at first and concentrated on C & A's. Not because her own were unsatisfactory but she knows she has to fight for her rights and thus acts on this principle on most occasions. I am glad you enjoyed the chocolates even though you even now still persist in giving everything away. You do remember my mentioning that I had sent a box to Dorothy & Donald? and Henry & Hilda and I hope you sent toys to Ian & Emma's children for me. They will think it odd receiving a few chocolates, especially as there are three of you to eat them. Please don't do this in future as I never find it complimentary. However, don't worry I expect they will laugh. We had a terrific lunch to-day and I had the biggest turkey-leg ever. About the size of my arm. I was very full afterwards and we are not having dinner to-night! We are out tomorrow to diner at the Accountant's and hope to spend the day on the beach. It is very hot indeed just now with the thunder about but no rain and this tends to stretch one's nerves a bit. I agree with you about Standards & would get out if the price went up just a bit. On the other hand Leylands are good and their sales are well up even over the last 3 months, so shall just wait and see. Hearn though there might just be a quick small rise in the market in the Spring and I hope to use this for liquidating one or two shares. Anyway, regardless of forcasts here to a Prosperous & Very Happy New Year to you All. May 1961 be one of the Best, Love Margo & Peter & ACES.
(Editor's note. The date on the letter should probably read 25th December as it sounds as if it is Christmas Day as my father writes)
Dear Mum, Dad & Alan,
Thank you for your letter and your wonderful parcel - the records and all the other presents were very well received and will be appreciated for some time to come. The Christmas Tree was surrounded and this morning we were up to our ears in packing paper and string. The girls had a terrific selection of everything one could imagine. The centre pieces being our gifts to C & A being two near full size cradles made at the local wicker work shop & fully decorated and bedded, with large fully clothed dolls. Susan of course immediately too over Adrienne's. In fact the ignored most of her toys at first and concentrated on C & A's. Not because her own were unsatisfactory but she knows she has to fight for her rights and thus acts on this principle on most occasions. I am glad you enjoyed the chocolates even though you even now still persist in giving everything away. You do remember my mentioning that I had sent a box to Dorothy & Donald? and Henry & Hilda and I hope you sent toys to Ian & Emma's children for me. They will think it odd receiving a few chocolates, especially as there are three of you to eat them. Please don't do this in future as I never find it complimentary. However, don't worry I expect they will laugh. We had a terrific lunch to-day and I had the biggest turkey-leg ever. About the size of my arm. I was very full afterwards and we are not having dinner to-night! We are out tomorrow to diner at the Accountant's and hope to spend the day on the beach. It is very hot indeed just now with the thunder about but no rain and this tends to stretch one's nerves a bit. I agree with you about Standards & would get out if the price went up just a bit. On the other hand Leylands are good and their sales are well up even over the last 3 months, so shall just wait and see. Hearn though there might just be a quick small rise in the market in the Spring and I hope to use this for liquidating one or two shares. Anyway, regardless of forcasts here to a Prosperous & Very Happy New Year to you All. May 1961 be one of the Best, Love Margo & Peter & ACES.
(Editor's note. The date on the letter should probably read 25th December as it sounds as if it is Christmas Day as my father writes)
12th December 1960
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter. I have had an excellent Christmas present in that the bank are to pay children's passages and also all medical expenses. In hard cash this means £300 for the passages this tour plus £36 p.a. at least in my sickness insurance which I can now cancel. I still have Margo's fare to pay home, but that is a lot less than I had planned for - so we are now solvent again. The Kent County Council replyed to my letter and the benefits available for education are considerable so that it would seem that that is well provided for.
It is sad to know Mrs Martin is so ill - please give her my best wishes and Fred too. Elisabeth is trying to move the weaker arm a lot this week and is as bonny as she could be. Because of her greater activity the exercise periods are made more difficult because she is often trying to play about at something else, but of course this in itself is very pleasing. Yes there will be a few parties in the coming weeks and one hopes that they will not be too close together. From past experience they will be. This ought to prove to be my last 1/2 year in Books Dept for some time and I hope to enjoy the next one without the usual balancing dead-lines to keep.
Cheerio for now and lots of love from us all and in case I do not write in time a "Very Happy Christmas" -Peter.
P.S. I am hoping the take-over on Standards will give me my money back there. It was a nice surprise.
Many thanks for your letter. I have had an excellent Christmas present in that the bank are to pay children's passages and also all medical expenses. In hard cash this means £300 for the passages this tour plus £36 p.a. at least in my sickness insurance which I can now cancel. I still have Margo's fare to pay home, but that is a lot less than I had planned for - so we are now solvent again. The Kent County Council replyed to my letter and the benefits available for education are considerable so that it would seem that that is well provided for.
It is sad to know Mrs Martin is so ill - please give her my best wishes and Fred too. Elisabeth is trying to move the weaker arm a lot this week and is as bonny as she could be. Because of her greater activity the exercise periods are made more difficult because she is often trying to play about at something else, but of course this in itself is very pleasing. Yes there will be a few parties in the coming weeks and one hopes that they will not be too close together. From past experience they will be. This ought to prove to be my last 1/2 year in Books Dept for some time and I hope to enjoy the next one without the usual balancing dead-lines to keep.
Cheerio for now and lots of love from us all and in case I do not write in time a "Very Happy Christmas" -Peter.
P.S. I am hoping the take-over on Standards will give me my money back there. It was a nice surprise.
3rd December 1960
Written on HSBC Jesselton airmail letter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter - this time I have delayed replying because I have been busy - we are again short in the office and over the end of the month too. We have received your birthday parcel and the children loved the toys. I though the Panda particularly good and so does Adrienne. Elisabeth is definitely improving though slowly enough for us to forget how she was as against how she is. The head is much stronger and she has very strong body movements. Arching her back and half turning sideways. She is now 22lbs which is against Adrienne's 20lbs at that age. There is still not much for the doctor or physiotherapist to do but they are very helpful in making periodic checks. Adrienne is changing and seems more grown up this week. Susan has started to be a bit of a minx. It is the Sub Acct who is moving and we are to take over his house in Feb. It was newly build this year and is on the beach. It is smaller than ours but has airconditioner supplied by the bank and all in all there are many advantages - the golf course is nearby and the sea on our doorstop. It will be grand for the children. It willo not be official till the end of Feb. So do not tell anyone but I am also to be Acting S/Acct with a small raise. It is quite a surprise and a pleasant one. However, it is not a permanent appointment as one does not get that till 14 yrs are up, so does not mean very much and I must not put on "airs". It may be a way the bank has ????? of the passage money and in anycase is very good of the powers to be.
Margo continues to be ??? helping with the Golf Club Christmas party and making 3 fancy dresses for the children. I played golf last Sunday and through the efforts of my partner won our match. It was Scotland v The Rest and the Scotsmen lost so we had a free curry lunch at their expense. They had been up all night celebrating St Andrew's and were severely handicapped. Breakfast was served them at 1st tee consisting of boiled egg and Brandy Ginger Ale - this might have kept them awake but did not help their golf at all. Thanks Dad for your figures on Roan - I still have not had the report and await it with interest. There is certain interest in ? at the moment - but I do not know enough about it. Cheerio for now and love from us all
Peter.
(Editor's note. There are a lot of smudges on this letter probably due to water - hence the ? marks )
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter - this time I have delayed replying because I have been busy - we are again short in the office and over the end of the month too. We have received your birthday parcel and the children loved the toys. I though the Panda particularly good and so does Adrienne. Elisabeth is definitely improving though slowly enough for us to forget how she was as against how she is. The head is much stronger and she has very strong body movements. Arching her back and half turning sideways. She is now 22lbs which is against Adrienne's 20lbs at that age. There is still not much for the doctor or physiotherapist to do but they are very helpful in making periodic checks. Adrienne is changing and seems more grown up this week. Susan has started to be a bit of a minx. It is the Sub Acct who is moving and we are to take over his house in Feb. It was newly build this year and is on the beach. It is smaller than ours but has airconditioner supplied by the bank and all in all there are many advantages - the golf course is nearby and the sea on our doorstop. It will be grand for the children. It willo not be official till the end of Feb. So do not tell anyone but I am also to be Acting S/Acct with a small raise. It is quite a surprise and a pleasant one. However, it is not a permanent appointment as one does not get that till 14 yrs are up, so does not mean very much and I must not put on "airs". It may be a way the bank has ????? of the passage money and in anycase is very good of the powers to be.
Margo continues to be ??? helping with the Golf Club Christmas party and making 3 fancy dresses for the children. I played golf last Sunday and through the efforts of my partner won our match. It was Scotland v The Rest and the Scotsmen lost so we had a free curry lunch at their expense. They had been up all night celebrating St Andrew's and were severely handicapped. Breakfast was served them at 1st tee consisting of boiled egg and Brandy Ginger Ale - this might have kept them awake but did not help their golf at all. Thanks Dad for your figures on Roan - I still have not had the report and await it with interest. There is certain interest in ? at the moment - but I do not know enough about it. Cheerio for now and love from us all
Peter.
(Editor's note. There are a lot of smudges on this letter probably due to water - hence the ? marks )
15th November 1960
Written on HSBC Jesselton airmail letter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Adrienne and Caroline have had their party and a successful one too. I had little to do, but there was a great deal of preparation including three dresses which were made for C. A. & S. Baking & cooking & cards &invitations and small gift bags of sweets and presents for twenty two children. I borrowed a projector & cartoon films and provided a show, but as I only arrived halfway through tea I missed most of the excitement. That which I did attend was enough. C & A each had a cake with 4 & 3 candles to blow out and they performed this function with aplomb. They all enjoyed the films which were a good selection and parents (including Lady Goode) arrived at 6.30 to take them off. Then came the opening of presents which I always enjoy - I think we got them to bed by 8. Susan had had a wonderful time too. Margo was exhausted and I felt very tired though I had not done very much.
We have had the first news on the salary changes which are aimed mainly at increased pensions. However, there are a few other small benefits scattered around and for me there is an increase in UK leave pay and a larger bonus in 1962 all of which helps. More important still I have had some details of educational assistance allowed in UK which look very good indeed and I have written to Kent County Council for their scheme. It does not depend on being a rate-payer at home and the allowances for my crew appear to be big.
Duncan Leach is to go on leave in March with his next posting as Accountant Djakarta. He has only been here a year after San Francisco and did not expect an early leave4. So with the Manager retiring in March we shall have two changes in the office. The new "Chief Manager to be" and new Staff Inspector "to be" are visitng us in January -, another item of interest in our small world. Margo took Caroline to a "Ballet" last week. A show put on by the local school - the pupils of which are 5 yrs and upwards. C was thrilled and I can see she will want to be in on it soon. We cannot yet see A in ballet, but hope for an opening in a circus, where she would wonders as a clown or lion-tamer, which ever job is available. It is a little late so will close - have not received your letter so this is an extra one. Thank you though for your card for A & the details of the parcel which promises to be full of good things.
Love from us all
Peter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Adrienne and Caroline have had their party and a successful one too. I had little to do, but there was a great deal of preparation including three dresses which were made for C. A. & S. Baking & cooking & cards &invitations and small gift bags of sweets and presents for twenty two children. I borrowed a projector & cartoon films and provided a show, but as I only arrived halfway through tea I missed most of the excitement. That which I did attend was enough. C & A each had a cake with 4 & 3 candles to blow out and they performed this function with aplomb. They all enjoyed the films which were a good selection and parents (including Lady Goode) arrived at 6.30 to take them off. Then came the opening of presents which I always enjoy - I think we got them to bed by 8. Susan had had a wonderful time too. Margo was exhausted and I felt very tired though I had not done very much.
We have had the first news on the salary changes which are aimed mainly at increased pensions. However, there are a few other small benefits scattered around and for me there is an increase in UK leave pay and a larger bonus in 1962 all of which helps. More important still I have had some details of educational assistance allowed in UK which look very good indeed and I have written to Kent County Council for their scheme. It does not depend on being a rate-payer at home and the allowances for my crew appear to be big.
Duncan Leach is to go on leave in March with his next posting as Accountant Djakarta. He has only been here a year after San Francisco and did not expect an early leave4. So with the Manager retiring in March we shall have two changes in the office. The new "Chief Manager to be" and new Staff Inspector "to be" are visitng us in January -, another item of interest in our small world. Margo took Caroline to a "Ballet" last week. A show put on by the local school - the pupils of which are 5 yrs and upwards. C was thrilled and I can see she will want to be in on it soon. We cannot yet see A in ballet, but hope for an opening in a circus, where she would wonders as a clown or lion-tamer, which ever job is available. It is a little late so will close - have not received your letter so this is an extra one. Thank you though for your card for A & the details of the parcel which promises to be full of good things.
Love from us all
Peter.
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