22 Oct 1959

Written on HSBC Jesselton airmail letter.

Dear Mum Dad and Alan,

Many thanks for your letters. Was especially interested in Dad's notes on any rubber shares - I think they may pay something though would like to see their latest balance sheet etc. Will get on to the nearest branch in Malaya when I have time here. What a week on the Stock Exchange! banks over £58 - I wish I had more than 1. The Echtar of Reuter still thinks British Equities are cheap compared with USA-Europe so I suppose a financier would still go ahead and buy even at these high prices. But it would take some doing. I am glad to see you have done well out of recent events. I'd advise caution on rubber as have always felt rubber and tin to be very speculative and there are a large number of take-over bids going on. On the other hand Malaya seems very stable just now and the rubber price has not dropped very much despite the USA-UK stock pile sales. My paper just received gives $1.02 5/8 per lb spot which continues healthy. Shall sell my Kapala if I can get 2/6d or wait a dividend next year. There are some Preference shares in the way so shall see what happens.

Glad you enjoyed the trip to Harry's - it is giving you a new part of England to view. Was amused to read that they are selling their boat and buying a sailing boat for racing - it is what I suggested when Harry was at H. Bay - and he thought it a waste of time! Mike Figg is leaving to takeover SIBU and the Leach's are coming here from San Francisco - what a change. He is a little more senior than M Figg and will suit me as he will hold the S. Accts job - one that I could do in my spare time and I shall not feel that the desk allowance is being wasted. I had my eye on it but it was not to be. They are married and our house should by rights go to them. I am hoping the number of children will determine that we do not have to move. Still short in the office till next week but all goes well. We had a fine Chinese dinner last night and are entertaining guests this evening. Golf match tomorrow but I havent had any practice.

Lots of Love from Margo Peter Caroline Adrienne & Susan xxxxx