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
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