Crease and Crease to FA Pauline, 1896

Transcription of letter, Crease & Crease to FA Pauline, 16 July 1896

[1]

Crease & Crease, Barristers-at-law, Solicitors & c. Temple Building, Victoria BC, 16 July 1896

FA Pauline, Esq

Victoria, BC

Re Settlement Trust

Dear Sir/-

We have carefully perused the draft of a deed of appointment of a new trustee which you have handed to us. From this document and the information you have given us we understand that by deed dated 12^th July 1859 made in contemplation of the marriage of your father and mother certain monies were settled in trust for your mother Mrs Pauline and her children by the marriage. Louisa Cutler [Mrs Pauline’s mother], William Henry Cutler [brother] and William Churchill Longman [brother-in-law] were the original trustees.

By deed of the 4^th June 1880 Messrs Geo Bennett [F Paulin’s brother in law] and George Paulin [FP’s father] were appointed trustees with Mr WH Cutler vice Louise Cutler and WC Longman both deceased.

By deed of 20^th August 1881 Mr Joseph Walter Fry was appointed a new trustee in the place of Mr Bennett who retired from the trust. The trust property was then vested in Messrs Geo Paulin, WH Cutler and JW Fry.

On 15^th March 1894 Mr G Paulin died. Mr Cutler had been found by inquisition to be of unsound mind. The trust property is therefore now vested in Messrs WH Cutler and JW Fry.

We further understand that the beneficiaries consist of your mother Mrs Paulin and your brothers and sisters, all of whom are of age. One of your sisters, however, has died leaving two infant children.

That the trust property consists of a mortgage for L420

[2]

From WH Cutler, Geo Bennett and G Paulin to WH Cutler, Geo Paulin, and Walter fry on house at Henley-on-Thames (b) Freehold lands at Acocks Green, Yardley, Worcester, known as “Henley Lodge” (c) L840 stock in Reading Corporation present value L1092. We may here remark incidentally that we are at a loss to know how the above mortgage could be made between the parties there named.

We are not of course aware of the contents of the Settlement or of the various provisions therein. We understand that it is desired that Mr Fry should be released from the trusts, and that the trust funds should be invested in this Province at better interest than received from present investments in England. We conceive that the trustees have full power of varying investments and of investing in Colonial securities.

We would suggest as a course of effectuating the above desire that the Present Trustee might, if authorized by the trusts, sell or convert into money all the present investments. His accounts could then be passed and approved. New trustees residing in this province might then be appointed in pursuance of the powers contained in the Settlement, and Mr Fry be thereupon released under proper deed by the beneficiaries who are of age from further liabiliites.

We are assuming that the present investments can be realized without such a sacrifice as would amount to a breach of trust.

If realized and the proceeds may under the trusts be invested in this Province we see no objection to the new Trustees being resident

[3]

Here.

We may remark it is always most undesirable that trust property should be vested in a sole trustee.

If a trustee wishes to be discharged from any liability he has or is about to incur in relation to the execution of his trusts he must obtain the consent of all the beneficiaries. He cannot do this if any of the beneficiaries are infants, because infants have no legal capacity to consent; moreover if the parties interested in the trust are not all in existence, as where a benefit is conferred for children unborn, the trustee obviously cannot obtain the sanction of all parties interested, and cannot therefore with safety be discharged from the trust. Such cases are however sometimes met by the beneficiaries of age entering into a covenant or bond that the minors will consent when they obtain full age.

With regard to the enclosed form of appointment we note that it contains no provision for the transfer of the trust property which is now vested in Messrs Cutler and Fry to the new trustee, with the exception of the mortgage which is to be tranfered by a separate deed.

The transfer of the interest vested in Mr Cutler or his committee (or guardian) is a point which we have no doubt has been considered by the solicitor in charge of the matter. Our law here varies from the English since the introduction of their Conveyancing Acts.

The variation in the name Paulin and Pauline is immaterial except in so far as it raises a question of identity and we think it would be

[4]

Advisable for the name to be mentioned as “Paulin” (otherwise Pauline) or as “Paulin” (now commonly known as Pauline).

We return the draft appointment of new trustee herewith.

Yours faithfully,

Crease and Crease.

March 12, 2020 0

Sale of land, Acock’s Green, 1884

Birmingham Daily Post, 21 April 1884

Letting by Auction

Acock’s Green – to be let, on building lease, for ninety-nine years, without restrictions, a valuable plot of building land, having 62 yeard 2 feet frontage, to the Yardley Road, between Cottenbrooke, the residence of Mr J Willson, and the residence of Mr Paulin, and extending back to the canal. Area about 5A iR 15P or 25,863 square yards. This land being near the Acock’s Green Station, where forty-six trains stop daily, is eligible for any class of property and cottages, would doubtless readily command good tenants. (Lot 6)

South Yardley – to be let on building lease, for ninety-nine years, an exceedingly eligible plot of land adjoining the residence of Mr Henry Crane, known as “Broad Yates” having a frontage of 96 yards to the road from Yardley to Stockfield and Hall Green, and continuing an area of 4503 square yards or thereabouts. (Lot 7)

South Yardley – to be let on building lease, for ninety-nine years, an exceedingly eligible plot of land, abutting on Lot 7, having a frontage of 61 yards to the road from Yardley to Acock’s Green Railway Station. Area about 4157 square yards (lot 8)

The above will be let on terms that will enable lessees to have country gardens without being overburdened with ground rent.

Hendricks & Smith are instructed to let the above by auction at the estate sale room, 1 Newhall Street, Birmingham, at 7 pm on Thursday next, the 24^th April.

Particulars and plans may be obtained from Messrs Coleman, Coleman and Springthorpe, Solicitors, 77 Colmore Row (where the draft leases may be seen after the 20^th instant); or at the auctioneer’s offices, 25 Cannon Street, Birmingham

Hendricks and Smith’s next sale of properties will take place in May.

February 10, 2020 0

George Paulin to Frederick A Paulin, 13 Aug 1884

Letter George Paulin to Frederick A Pauline, 1884

[1]

London,

Balmoral Buildings

91 Queen Victoria Street V

Birmingham

Short, Short & Co

c/o Messrs McClelland Bros

Cambridge St, B’ham August 13^th 84

Dear Fred

You will almost think I have forgotten you, but had I any news I should have written before. Many thanks for papers received a week ago. I notice your remark in the centre of one of them that “all’s well.” You will see by the above address that I am back again in my old quarters, and so I shall remain I expect now until I emigrate the place is alright you know as regards comfort but they have the name of paying the most miserable screws in B’ham. I am very please to inform you that we are all in very good health + in pretty fair circumstances that is to say we can manage to pay our way + this is as much as you can expect these times.

I trust you are having a good salmon harvest up your way. We have the prospect here of having the best harvest for 7 years so I hope to see better brave, not that I don’t have to work hard enough for my 25/ a week now.

I have had plenty of work on the organ this year, having played services at St Lawrence’s “Morning Afternoon + Night for the last two months, this is filling your Sundays up with a vengeance eh” Gladstone’s jerrymandering government are still in power, deeper in the wind, the laughing stock of Europe + everywhere else. Louise is at home from Henley and

[2]

Very well but what her future movements are going to be I don’t know. Bessie is as you know at Fordre’s. Florence + Amy are learning Dress making at Miss Ristews but as they are all apprenticed with no pay they are expensive then in the household. Pa has gone a Sheffied journey this week I don’t expect him home until Saturday, hope he’ll have good luck. Vicar says he has had a very nice letter from you and is very pleased. Your place in the choir is still vacant.

Acock’s Green is just as quiet as ever no go at all, cricket clubs falling to pieces in all directions. You don’t happen to know (I suppose) a place out your way where an organist teacher of harmony would be able to do a good thing eh.

I went to Blackpool on August Bank Holiday, had a splendid sail on the sea beautiful weather. We have had it 92o in the shade for the last fortnight, such weather not seen for years. Sunstroke the rage everywhere. Cholera playing up high jinks in the South of France ni fach the worlds waking up all together. Gordon shut up at Harthorn, Gladstone told the house he was not shut up, but only hemmed in. House roared made the Gom in such a rave – must have been after supper I should think.

Well old man I think this is enough twaddle for one dose I wish it will find you as it leaves Henley Lodge + [illegible] in the best of health.

Your affectionate Brother

George

I am still single + have not got a girl + don’t intend to have up as I think of exploring Outer Africa and putting Stanby’s light out.

December 2, 2019 0

George Paulin to Frederick A Pauline, 1883

[1]

I say don’t send another storm across just yet, one arrived here on the 11^th instant, and did no end of damage, loss of life & c.

Yardley Rd

Acocks Green

Saturday Evening

Dec 22^nd 83

Dear Fred

I am rather surprised to hear you have had so few letters as I have written you 4 since my recovery. Did you get the [illegible] photos + how the print arrived yet.

I send you per this post the Xmas no of Illustrated. I hope it will reach you.

Things have been going on here about the same as usual, business with Pa fluch also very much, some times for days he does nothing, and at other times the reverse, for instance one day this week he made 7/15/-

[2]

I am very sanguine myself that if he keeps quietly on that things will be better with us.

Our grand old man at Henley sent his usual Xmas donation this week £5 + I am pleased to add that Grandma is better, but Louise is going to Henley after Christmas to take care of her.

Mr Bennett of Derby the recipient of a (engolostic) – something wrong – push from your humble servant last year, has again come up to the scratch with containing 6 bottles of Liqueurs + £1 to be divided amongst the youngsters.

Thank providence for these.

Our Xmas will of course be necessarily a quiet one, but as we are all in good health we have a lot to be thankful for, and

[3]

We may live in hope of spending a Merry Christmas this year + a still merrier one when we shall I hope be all together in 1884.

I trust that you and Charlie are getting on Hay won + that you will enjoy a very Merrie Canadian Xmas, and start the New Year with light hearts + full of hope. I shall not forget you in my speech Xmas night. I don’t expect you have forgotten the last festive board yet. Eh! I have taken 2 or 3 services for Mr T lately, and hope soon to be in a crib.

If you intend returning in March let me know as I will endeavor to get you a berth.

Now above all things take care

[4]

of yourselves, and lay yourselves out to enjoy a thorough Xmas, rather late advice of course, but it will apply to whatever time this reaches you.

All the members this house joins with me on wishing you + your partner A hearty Christmas + prosperous New Year with a hope of a speedy meeting.

Hoping to hear from you soon + that this letter will find you in the best of health + spirits.

I remain

Your affectionate Brother

George

Mr Jos McClelland has sent me a Xmas box from Sheffield, a good pocket knife in case

[Mr Bennett is George Bennett, the husband of Frederick Sr’s sister Sarah Ann; the old man at Henley is Frederick Sr’s father George Paulin, and Grandma is Sarah Clements Paulin, their grandmother, George in Henley’s wife]

November 30, 2019 0

George Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 12 Oct 1884

Letter from George Paulin[e] to Frederick Pauline 12 Oct 1884

[1]

Henley Lodge

Acock’s Green

12/10/84

Dear Fred

Many thanks for your last letter just received we are all pleased to hear you still keep well.

I am glad to tell you we have had a sty built + put two pigs into it which are getting on nicely. We have an idea of closing the back door up by means of a small conservatory but funds are not quite up to the mark yet. £12/00/. Required.

From your letter I should gather the scenery is very fine out your way, plenty of sport too. I suppose you will be back in Victoria before

[2]

This reaches you, for the winter, or perhaps you contemplate honouring us with your company on Xmas day + come straight on..

How are the two junior members of the Norther Western Expeditionary Co getting on St: rather dry I am afraid.

The weather has turned suddenly cold the last week having jumped into the middle of December all at once, and settled all the late autumn flowers. We expect a very severe winder, there being a large quantity of berries about this season.

Butty Shearman is quite well thank you + sends her love, she does not look – er – er ahem any worse you know, sweet 18sh! She has visited us very frequently,

[3]

Lately, the reason is that lately I have grown very much like you, at least so I heard her say. This is a compliment isn’t it? I know one point on which we are decidedly alike “Our Boohoo’s Oh Dear boy” if then only knew the [illegible] of mine – directly the weather changed this week, he immediately put on his winter garb of deep cherry red. Alas we are companion in misfortune and though the ocean rolls between our hearts, will go out to one another say “Dear boy I pity you” we are going to have a large Conservative demonstration in support of the house of Lords at Aston on Monday

[4]

Answered to Nov 12^th 1884

13^th Oct when Col Fred Raidry + all the talent will address your humble servant intends supporting them. I am very pleased to tell you that we are all enjoying terrific good health, but Ma is a little poorly to day, but I think only from fatigue.

If things at Victoria are not up to Dick @ Victoria I should make tracks for Henley Lr for Christmas + go out again next spring with me.

I think I have given you quite enough of my nonsense so will dry. With love from all + trusting to see you home soon.

I remain

Your affectionate Brother

George

[Image] Joe Rogers in Choir Sound like pouring water in this pot

November 18, 2019 0

Acock’s Green Star v Blackthorn- The Paulins and Football, 1881

Birmingham Daily Post, 12 December 1881, page 6

Acock’s Green Star v. Blackthorn – This match was played on the ground of the former club at Acock’s Green, on Saturday last. The captain of the home team won the toss, and elected to play uphill with the wind. After the kick off the ball was taken at once to the visitor’s fortress, and shots were repeatedly made at their goal, with without success. The Blackthorn then managed to get the ball down the field, and took a shot at the Star goal, but the ball hit the crossbar, and the home team succeeded in repelling the attack. Up to half time the game then was very equal, no goals being obtained by either side. Upon change of ends the Star soon took the ball to their opponent’s goal, and Stevens, from a well-judged shot, scored the first goal for the Acock’s Green Star. On recommencing the game, the home team continued to menace their opponents’ stronghold, and during a scrimmage Pauline nicely headed the ball through the Blackthorn posts for the second time. The visitors then tried hard to equalize matters, but were unsuccessful. No more goals being obtained by either side, victory rested with the Acock’s Green Star by two goals to none, after a very pleasant game. Acock’s Green Star: Goal, Adams; back F Pauline; half-backs, Jenkins, Gardiner, and Parsons; forwards, Langley, Grice, EA Pauline (Captain), Neale, Bradburn, and Stevens. Blackthorn: Goal J Phillips; backs W Phillips and Elliot; half-backs, Trout, Chapman and Blaymires; forwards, Smith, Taylor, Day, Fieldhouse and Large (Captain).

October 7, 2019 0

September 3, 2019 0

Acock’s Green Star v Birchfield Villa, 1882

Birmingham Daily Post 17 January 1882 page 5

Acock’s Green Star v Birchfield Villa – These clubs met on the ground of the former Acock’s Green on Saturday last. From the kick off the visitors pressed their opponents back to their own goal, and by half-time had scored three goals. After half-time the Birchfield repeated the same performance, and eventually won by six goals to nil. The Star were penned in from beginning to end, and the score would have been increased but for their good goal-keeping. The Birchfield goalkeeper only had to stop the ball once. Teams: Acock’s Green Star: EJ Adams (goal); F Paulin (back); Jenkins, Parsons, and Preston (half-backs); Langley Stephens, Neal, EA Paulin, Playfair and Bradburn (forwards) – Birchfield Villa: Wigley (goal); Lamsdale (back); Green, Keen and Copley (half-backs); Bartlain, Harrison, Woddhall, Mayes, Horton and Morrison (forwards).

August 31, 2019 0

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 15 Jan 1899

Letter from Ernest A Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 15 Jan 1899

[note on the top of the letter]

Frost the chemist’s wife at Acock Green died suddenly last week. Nothing new ie Fry I suppose. I have not heard of Rutherford yet.

257 Frederick Road, Aston

January 15^th 1899

My Dear Fred

I have deferred my correspondence with BC for some time now, principally because I only had bad news to impart, but having received from you last Wednesday, a letter enclosing £2 (which was evidently posted by you on Xmas Eve) I am anxious to convey to you the gratitude I feel for the relief. By your letter you are aware of my being out of employment and you may guess that the sudden termination to my splendid prospects was a blow that took some realizing, not only by me but my numerous colleagues at Kynoch’s several of whom resigned their positions on account of they’re not being able to agree with the action of the autocrat Arthur Chamberlain, who, it since appears in persuading the Board to reduce the staff, gave the instructions (as the Secretary Mr Hirscham was away on a business tour to China + Japan) to the acting Chief Clerk, a younger and inexperienced and albeit manifestly unpopular man and of course, my enemy, through jealousy at the progress I had made and under the circumstances the knowledge

[2]

That it was only a matter of time for me to take my proper position in the Company, which of course would mean his removal to some other part of the Co’s concern. As usual I made myself too usefull for those whose influence is the only recommendation they boast.

The unsatisfactory conclusion to my, little more than two years of gradual advancement is now a legal question and would have heard at the Assizes in December only that Kynoch’s lawyer pleaded absence in Ireland, which me since find out was a lie and cannot now be tried until the Spring term commencing the second week in March. Lawyers John Smith of Goodrick-Clark and Smith and brother to Sidney Smith very kindly took my case up at once and has kept the question warm ever since and is willing to take it before a jury and furnish the costs in case we lose, which as you are well aware is not a small matter and speaks for John Smith’s kindness to us in our troubles, besides which he has given me some clothes, gloves +c also two pairs of his boots which enable me in my terrible plight to keep up something like a decent appearance. The state of business here is very bad indeed positively nothing moving, the tremendous Cycle Boom that began to burst up last year has rendered

[3]

Everything in a state of chaos hundreds of companies flushed for exorbitant capital are going through various processes of liquidation and Birmingham which grew by several thousands of inhabitants during the last 5 years, can now show as interesting a display of unemployed individuals, large empty factories, disappointed investors in boomed cycle shares as could favourably compare with, what the solid Englishman always jeered at, the booms of Yankee repute after the explosions.

I sincerely hope that business will be moving again soon when I shall be able to get something to do. I have only earned £5 since the 22^nd October and have of course had to sacrifice everything of value that I had to get along, beside running heavily into debt as well as having to beg small sums from Emmie’s relations from time to time. I think all the pride I ever had is knocked out of me, of course you can put the landlord off and many other things unpleasant but it wants something in a mans nature, that is not in imine, to see the little ones, once so well cared for, at times actually short of food. Emmie I expect will be confined tonight or tomorrow and I shall be thankfull when it is all over. When Norman was born the nurse and I managed

[4]

Without a doctor, but unfortunately we cannot get the same nurse this time so Emmie has engaged another but, who will not do without a Doctor as well, as it never rains but it pours. Lawyer John Smith sent us a PO for £1 yesterday which is to pay for the doctor, which relieves that part of it and we must I suppose, look as little at the immediate future as possible and trust to providence for something to turn up. I have often thought that many times that I have befriended George and Herbert, that they knowing the terrible plight I was in at Xmas time, of all times, that they would have found a spark of sympathy and have done something to help me, I never recollect refusing assistance to them when they were in want and sometimes when they were not and it was with feelings of terrible loneliness that Xmas passed without a cheering word or sign from anyone save small charities from friends whose kindness was a painfull as it was necessary to tolerate.

I received a supplementary list of Bartlett [illegible] a few days ago and am sending it on by this post, you will notice that the sheets are perforated to enable you to paste them in the full catalogue I sent you before + which I trust you have found usefull information.

[5]

You have doubtless read of the fearfull gale experienced here the last few days, terrible damage on the Railway, to property +c accompanied by great loss of life. We have had not winter at all but the most horribly trying changes in the atmosphere, frequently getting three seasons in a day, and which has been the cause of considerable sickness, my family have not been entirely free for months now and I do not expect a sound bill of health until some sharp dry weather comes. I receive the Colonist with unremitting regularity and still read it with interest, the divorce case Martin + Hedley Chapman did not surprise me, but the handling of the Sealing question did. It appears to me that the legal fraternity in Victoria just now is a very “junior” type, but I suppose, often, is usefull on that account. Harold is staying with Sidney Smith’s boys at Stetchford for a week or two which fact renders the house a little quieter, he enjoys good health and is always talking about the kind friends in Victoria. If I had have had a few pounds to start with I should have taken up my profession alone and believe should have done well, but you see when Greensill (The chief clerk at Kynoch’s) got his opportunity to remove me out of his way I had hard got out of debt, so was

[6]

Practically on my beam end. You see Fred since I came to England I have had to furnish a house, which on the cheapest principle, is no small item on a weekly salary and fed + clothed my family which as you know is not a small one now and at the time I received the check to my prospects I was only just beginning to convince myself that life was perhaps going to be worth living for again, then to be left as badly off, after over two years of the hardest work I have ever done in my life was a condition of things that came very nearly concluding the chapter as far as my career was concerned. I do sincerely hope I shall get something to do soon and in the meantime if you can help me a little it would be more usefull now than at some future time when I shall not require assistance as I do at this terrible time. When I do get employment again it will take me a long time to pay my obligations off and with increasing domestic expenses I think you will agree with me that the outlook is anything but a cheerfull one. I am sorry to have such a story to tell but will write better news the moment I can.

Hoping all are well

Your affectionate brother

Ernest

Give my kind love to Dear old Dad and Mother.

August 25, 2019 0

Ernest A Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 23 March 1897

EA Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 23 March 1897

[letterhead – Kynoch Limited Late G Kynoch & Company, Limited – Ammunition Works: Witton & Thames – Engineering Works: Witton – Rolling Mills: Lodge Road & Witton – Crucible & Siemens-Martin Steel Foundries: Witton – Black Gunpowder Works: Worsboro’ Dale – Cordite & Nitro-Explosive Works: Witton, Arklow & Thames – Smokeless Powder Mills: Thames – Chemical Works: Arklow & Thames – Soap, Candle & Glycerine Works: Witton – London Depot: 25 Heldon Street, Regent Street W

Lion Works, Witton, Birmingham]

March 23^rd 1897

Dear Fred,

I received your very welcome letter dated the 27^th ult on Saturday last and can read quite, quite, a story from [illegible] Winman’s clippings went Pleace ad the other beauties. Nemesis must be close behind. It is a pleasure to feel that you write cheerfully after having made a general analysis of your letter, your references to fishing preparations rather tends to create an unusual run of saliva, also your proposed return visit to Yale in April, when I hope you will be more successful in your search. You do not say what Jack is doing, your news re Goodwin surprises me, as to shortage at all events, altho I heard from Rutherford that Braund had that news some time ago, in fact Braund seems to be pretty well posted on one family matters. Both Braund and Rutherford are beauties, the latter I am totally disgusted with and shall be deeply thankful l when, what business we may have with him comes to a close in order that there need to be no necessity of even speaking to him. Your remark re Oak Bay finances interest me and am sorry you have to stand up as you do: anything I can do here in the way of urging on the transfer of the trust I am at your services, but I must get my instructions from Victoria

[2]

I cannot see that any good can come of Fry’s guardianship of the property. I understood Rutherford to say that Fry claimed the Acock’s Green tenant had not paid any rent for some time, had failed or something , now you say he has given notice to leave at Easter, not without paying up I hope. Rutherford is willing (and has to Fry so too) to release the Trustee + join in the indemnity deed, on the condition that a sum the equivalent of Louise’s interest, or pro-rata, or whatever the will calls for, shall be left invested in England for the benefit of Louise’s children, and also R inferred to me when I last saw him, that this arrangement would remove Fry’s objection, but then I believe the latter is just a trifle nutty and has a vacillating mind. If Fry could be finished off and I cannot now see why not (providing his accounts are square) the Stocks could be easily enough converted and at once and transferred to BC then the Acock Green house could be dealt with as soon after as possible, anything at all, to improve the finances at Oak Bay would be better than under the present circumstances. Let me know what you think about it. I am waiting for authority to collect the pictures for you, they are at Rutherford’s brother’s house, have been cleaned and provide a handsome decoration to his walls, also he has Dad’s Secretaire and Japanese table, all of which Rutherford has asked me

[3]

To inform him when I am ready to fetch them and he will go with me and see that everything is handed to us just as he left it with his brother. Fred, I don’t think it would pay to pack the table and Dad’s secretaire for such a journey, so if I may take care of them for you until they are wanted, I should so like to and besides I have no sitting room furniture at all and those two things would be a start for another room. I have not heard from the Dad for 3 or 4 months now and suppose all my cutlery table linen, pictures, bed room & Parlour furniture has been well used, they evidently take a pride in showing to what extent their greed and selfishness will go without any comment, I hear my best curtains are in use in the Front room and I suppose my tools are on the down run, nevermind. I shan’t forget their cruelty in a hurry and may have a chance yet to prove what I say. I believe Emmie has written to mother about the things. We have just completed the re-construction of our company and next month I hope to be able to write and give you some idea of my progress during my short acquaintance with the Company, I have done very

[4]

Well indeed as far as a personal satisfaction goes, the matter of increased remuneration must wait a little while, remembering I have only been here less than six months and am in name (as yet) chief clerk of Kynock Limited over a staff of 83 men and 38 ladies – the chief clerk as far as salary goes, our Mr Atkins, takes the management of our new cycle works in line next – Our secretary Mr Frank Hirscham FCA in an interview with him about two months ago, expressed pleasure on behalf of himself and the Board at the improvements I had made in the accounts depart and asked me to be good enough to overseen the whole of the general offices as well as telling me that Mr Atkins would shortly be given a position he was more at home in than accounts and hoped to shew his appreciation of my services more substantially. I can let it rest at that. Eh!! Altho there is an immense amount of jealousy of “that cute yankee chap” that has to be contended with especially among the old servants of which there are quite a number. I could have given both Bert + George good situations several times over, in fact we are very short of Juniors (good) now, labour of all kinds is at a premium in Birmingham we have had an advertisement out for 300 girls for the works for 3 months, in which time we have only succeeded in obtaining 29 just fancy

[5]

If it will not be a trouble to you Fred I wish you would ask Blackwood to give you particulars of the Port Crescent property I bought with him (5 acres with Blackwood and 5 acres with Tom Ella) I want to know whether any taxes have been levied on it per se. If you could get all information from him and all that it is all right I should very much like you to get the papers made out for the whole two lots in your own name and hold them in trust for Emmie, whose money it was that purchased it. I suppose there is no chance of selling it, so Emmie wants it put into shape and held so that if ever is of value she will be able to give it to Harold, or at any rate she will not let me rest until sure that the property is still there, you will create a blessing on me by looking this up.

Altho I wrote you about the stuff I left at Oak Bat very fully once before, I do not want you to mention my present remarks to them, I would sooner leave that to their own conscience (if any). I shall as soon as this is posted commence looking forward to another letter from you, you have very little idea what a treat it is to heard from some of my

[In red at the top of the page]

We are sorry no one is likely to come over this spring as we very badly want Harold with us. Have not heard from him lately – if any chance of sending him, let me know + I will make some provision or another to get him here.

[6]

People.

It will be a very uphill summer for me (the weather does not suggest any summer yet) we are expecting another addition to our home about the end of June and have commenced speculating already as to the sex (if only one) and how we shall manage to provide a carriage paid entrance into the world, but suppose the ever watchfull providence has got on eye on [illegible] us + would have us not meet troubles half way. But I for one shall be very thankfull when it is all over and what kind of a hole were landed in is known.

I hope your family keep well, I suppose our other branches are alright or I should have heard. I had a letter from George yesterday, he writes briefly but not too blue, hope by that he is doing better, am marking him a few lines today, he tells me Edith is likely to assert herself in June too, two of my wife’s sisters May + August so something must be wrong somewhere Eh!!

Stavirt any more to bother you with old man, so with Best Love + wishes for the future I would like a line from Bert to hear how he is getting on

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

August 15, 2019 0