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High Commissioner's Office, Johannesburg.
Nov: 23: 1902
My dear old Nan
I was very glad to get your and Mother's letters yesterday. Macrobert's conduct is infamous. I suppose a certain type of parson is bound to be a rogue in money matters. I certainly think Uncle Willie should write the Treasurer. However I am a bad enemy for the fellow to have out here, and I shall find some way to get even with him. It is a pity my Father did not have the whole thing down in black and white before he started on that ill-omened journey.
I had a lot of interesting letters this week - from Sandy Gillon, Dougie Malcolm, Bouch, Willie & old William Blackwood. My article was just one day too
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late for the November number, but is coming out in December.
Last Saturday I had an interesting journey. With the other members of the new Angling Society, I went down in a motor-car to find a site for a trout-hatchery. We found a beautiful glen - just like a Peeblesshire water-meadow, and one member of the party taught me a great deal of botany. Coming back we broke down 17 times.
My life is very hard just now. I have to spend most of the week in Pretoria, where the weather just now is a kind of Turkish bath. Everybody is unwell including both the Lawleys, but I am quite fit.
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My daily programme is - Rise at 5 & ride till 7. Breakfast at 7.30. Office at 8 & straight on till 7. Dinner 7.30. Back to office from 8 to 10. A pretty heavy day, considering how full of worry & responsibility the work is. I hope the stress won't last after Xmas, as by that time I hope things will be in a satisfactory condition for Mr Chamberlain.
The Leconfields return tomorrow. I think they have enjoyed themselves. Gerard Craig-Sellar left last night for home to my great regret. He has got 3 months leave, but I question if he will come back. H.E. goes off to-morrow for a 3 weeks' tour in the O.R.C. We have had the Governor of Mozambique (to whom I had to talk French!) staying here this week, & Lady Airlie, who is a delightful
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person. An enormous number of women are coming out to visit their relatives' graves, & I have to find transport & escorts for them - no easy job.
I enjoyed the 'Intrusions of Peggy' very much indeed. I am glad you and the Mhor appreciate the 'Just So Stories.'
I hope you are all keeping well & that my old Mother will preserve a philosophic calm.
With much love to all
Your affectionate
John.
