2/1/16
My dear Father
I got your letter of 28th this morning. I am enclosing a cheque for £15.18.0 which I think settles completely the loan question, and includes the interest due to you minus the tax of 3/- in the £. It was very satisfactory for me to be able to make the investment with your temporary assistance. I see now that Bonds from £5 upwards can be purchased, I hope that will lead to a steady stream of purchases, and so postpone for a bit the issue of another loan. I’m glad you find the rug a useful present. Many thanks for the book which I have read twice, it is a most judicial and well-written contribution to war lifetime, and someday will be read with profit by Germans for, at present, they lack the necessary presence of mind for the most part, though I think if the truth were known a certain number are seeing more daylight than is commonly supposed.
The parcel of fruit etc was very welcome, and the taste of the Cox’s Orange apples was quite reminiscent of past Xmas days. The pudding was much appreciated here.
I didn’t think much of my own photos, but I suppose I’m no judge of my own appearance. The whole collection done by Gegg are delightful. I’m sure I miss a great deal in not being able to watch Dorothy in her rapid growth. However one has to be philosophical these days and at least it’s a great pleasure to know that you can all enjoy having them at home, and if I get back safely after the war to rejoin them I’ll be luckier than many.
I’m greatly relieved to think that the Cabinet are not going to dally longer over the recruiting question, and hope matters will be settled quickly and on fair and proper terms. I wonder whether Jack will be called up or not, and if so what unit he will join. His class anyway would hardly come up before April or May.
It is extraordinarily mild here just now, and we escaped the gale you had.
Please excuse this flimsy paper, I have had no time to get other.
I hope Mr Collier is fit again and able to do his work.
With love to you all and good wishes for the New Year.
From your affectionate son
Arthur
