Newspaper Articles

letters from a Father to his Children (05.09.58)

WENTWORTH HOTEL
SYDNEY, 6th September 1958.

Our Darling Dears,

SYDNEY, 3rd September (Wednesday): We left for Sydney early in the morning. Mr. Burns of the Department of Interior, New Zealand stationed at Auckland saw us off. After a smooth flight of 5 1/2 hours by TASMANIAN EMPIRE AIRLINES (TEAL), except for about half an hour of bumpy weather, we got to Sydney. A Qantas representative was waiting for us but he didn't do very much for us. Fortunately Qantas Air Terminal in the City was next to Wentworth Hotel which was a fairly big Hotel - one of the biggest in Sydney. It was expensive - the room we were occupying was comfortable though being provided with a Television set and a Radio. We had even an electric fire place. In the afternoon, as Mak was rather tired, I walked a bit in the City alone. We did not go out at all in the evening. Our minds were too much with you all.

4th September: (Thursday) We checked with the QANTAS regarding the times of departure and arrival and we were so disappointed to find out that we would arrive at Kuala Lumpur on the morning of Saturday

instead of Friday as originally thought, although the time and date of departure from Sydney would not be changed.

In the afternoon we toured the City and the beaches. We visited VAUCLUSE HOUSE, the former residence of the late Mr. W. C. Wentworth after whose name Wenworth Hotel was named. This house was open to inspection upon payment of an admission fee. Mr. Wentworth was well known for his fight for a liberal Constitution for New South Wales.

Lots of love and kisses to Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntom, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid and Yong. Will be back tomorrow.

Ever Yours Lovingly,
Mak & Bapak

letters from a Father to his Children (03.09.58)

Hotel Trans-Tasmania
Auckland, 3rd Sept, 1958

Our Dear Darling Children,

AUCKLAND, 27th August (Wednesday): We flew out of NANDI this morning. At the Air Port as a sign of "good-bye" all the lady passengers were given a hibiscus flower - Bunga Raya - to keep. The flight by TEAL (TASMANIAN EMPIRE AIRLINES) plane was very smooth and comfortable. There was plenty of leg room as opposed to that in other tourist class of other planes. It was even easier for us to explain that we did not take pork; whereas in other planes the hostess always looked askance at us.

We reached AUCKLAND at about 4.30pm. It was rather cool as this was still at the end of winter. A Mr. Browns of the Internal Affairs Dept. met us and got us through the rigmaroles of the law without ado. We were takan by him to TRANS-TASMAN HOTEL in a Government motor-car. Although, according to the list I left with you all, we were staying at WENTWORTH HOTEL there was no such Hotel in Auckland. We wondered whether you had sent any letters to this non-existent Hotel.

Mr. Brown offered to help and told us that if we were going to WELLINGTON, the capital of New Zealand, Mr. Nash, the Prime Minister would give us lunch. We have,


however, decided not to go as it was quite a distance from Auckland.

We went to bed rather early. It was pretty cold, ooh!

Thursday, 28th August: After breakfast, we were interviewed and photographed by a correspondent of a local newspaper, "AUCKLAND STAR". This attracted some attention in the Hotel.


This afternoon the Governments' car which was at out disposal picked us up and took us round for sight-seeing in AUCKLAND. We were taken to the top of Mt. Eden, named after Sir Anthony Eden's great grandfather(?) who was at one time Governer General, New Zealand. From here the view of Auckland City was very pleasant, though rather cloudy as it was threatening to rain. This was now an extinct volcano. We also passed ONE TREE HILL, another extinct volcano. This stood in CORNWALL PARK in which was situated the first wooden house erected in Auckland - about 100 years ago. We stopped at the WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM which was situtated in AUCKLAND DOMAIN. The Museum included a wonderful selection of MAORI relics and carvings.

In the evening we bought a copy of the "AUCKLAND STAR". We were rather disappointed. While the record of the interview was there, only my photograph was published whereas a photograph of Mak and Bapak together was taken.


Friday, 29th August: Mak was provided with an electric iron this morning and later in the morning we went out to the City. AUCKLAND is the biggest City in New Zealand but it does not compare with London or New York in size.

In the after three Malay students came to see us. We chatted till late in the afternoon. One of them was a Colombo Plan student and the other two were here on their own doing civil engineering.


In the evening another batch of students - four Chinese and one Muslim Indian - came. Mak was not feeling too well and stayed in bed. Most of them were officials of the Students Union here. They were going to celebrate the Independence Day Anniversary and invited us to attend on Sunday evening. We went on talking till rather late in the night.

Saturday, 30th August: We went out this morning to WAIWERA. Unfortunately this was a cold, wet morning. It's not unusual as this was still winter - though the end of it. We went round WAITEMATA HARBOUR and through EAST COAST BAYS to lunch at SOUTH PACIFIC HOTEL. WAIWERA is a Maori word meaning hot water. There is a hot water spring here. The hot water is piped to a swimming pool at the Hotel.

On our return we went through HELENSVILLE along which was a beautiful rural scenery.


Sunday, 31st August: We had a very quiet day. We stayed in the Hotel all day. In the evening two Malaysian Students, Siew Wai Cheong and Zahariah accompanied by a New Zealand girl came to fetch us to the dinner organised by the Malaysian Students Union on the occasion of the first Anniversary of Merdeka. The dinner was attended by some New Zealanders and Mr. & Mrs. Holgate, a former Director of Education in Malaya. Most of the Students were Chinese on Colombo Plan Scholarship. There were only 5 Malay Students - two private - in Auckland. It's sad to see so few Malays! There were also a few Indonesians attending.

After dinner I was asked to address the gathering. I feel that I did quite well. There was a dance after this and we stayed back - just to watch!

Monday, 1st September: Just before we left the Hotel this morning we were so happy to receive a letter from home as we have not received one since New York. We went to a flat where two Malay Students, Zaidin and Aziz were staying. Che' Ibrahim, a Colombo Plan scholar studying printing and Che' Zahariah, another Colombo Plan scholar doing B. Sc. were also there, cooking curry and rice for us. Ooh, how we enjoyed a real curry lunch after about one month.

After lunch, we, except Zahariah who had to see her friend off, went to the Zoo. It was raining and cold but we enjoyed both the company and the sight.



We got back to the Hotel at nearly 6 o'clock.

Tuesday, 2nd. September: We went out with Che' Ibrahim round the City. Before lunch I had a hair-cut. That's a fairly good record? A hair-cut at Paris, London, New York and now, Auckland. Of course in Auckland it was cheap - 3s.6d. Later we had food at a Chinese Restaurant. We didn't like the food. From there we went to the Teachers' Training Centre Hostel. I found it in bad shape!

In the afternoon, Mr. Holgate who was Director of Education in Malaya picked us up to go to his house - a place called HOWICK, 14 miles out of the City. We had a very enjoyable time. The house was situated on a very good site, overlooking a bay and we had a lovely curry dinner. Mr. Holgate and his wife later sent us back to the Hotel. They were very kind indeed to have entertained us.

Lots of love and kisses to Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntom, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid & Yong from

Yours Ever,
Mak & Bapak

letters from a Father to his Children (27.08.58)

HOTEL MACAMBO,
NANDI, FIJI, 27th August.

Our Dear Darlings,

Saturday, 23rd August: (HONOLULU) After posting our letter to you all in the morning we strolled about the town and was attracted to a restaurant called WAIKIKI SANDS. We discovered that it was a nice Restaurant on the beach of WAIKIKI serving Cosmopolitan food. We went in. Food - Japanese, Korean, Chineses and a few others - was laid on the tables to be taken personally - no restrictions as to the amount and it cost only $1.45 each. We enjoyed the food very much as well as the water melon and pine apples at the end of the meal.

In the afternoon we went to the INTERNATIONAL MARKET PLACE to watch Polynesian Dances. They were very interesting indeed. In the evening while waiting for the time to be picked up for the Air Port we sat in the gardens of our Hotel watching and listening to Hawaiian dances and music. The orchestra comprised only three with only one dancer.

At the Air Port there wasn't the bustle of arrivals. HONOLULU seems to care more for the arrivals than for those departing! This gave the impression of commercial tourism more than anything else.





While Honolulu was beautiful, it lacked the "native touch". Shops were stocked more with imported goods. The streets ware splattered with tourists - mostly Americans - who went "native". The women dressed themselves in MUUMUU - a long baggy gown. It tickled us to notice how these tourists behaved and dressed. They looked very odd.

We left at about 12.30 AM - about two hours later than scheduled and after a twelve hour flight and stopping at CANTON Island we arrived at NADI at 10.30 AM on MONDAY. This was wonderful and exciting. We lost one day, SUNDAY. There is a geographical explanation for this of which I was not clear. We shall discuss this when we get home.

Sunday, 24th August: LOST!!

Fiji: Monday, 25th August: We stayed in our Hotel - MOCAMBO - all day to rest. This Hotel was not near any City. SUVA, the capital of Fiji, is 137 miles away. We do not propose to go there.

Tuesday, 26th August: We went out on a tour by taxi to LAUTOKA. Before we went we were told that this was the second biggest town on the Island. On the 16 miles journey we passed by some nice scenery. There were many sugar cane plantations along the route. They belong to Australian Companies





employing Indian labour mainly. We passed some Fijian Villages with poor type of houses. Here again we were told that the natives were not hard-working enough! There were still plenty of land but no one wanted to work it as these uncultivated areas were not supplied with roads! I don't think the Fijians could be blamed. They seem to prefer fishing to working the land.

We were rather disappointed when we got to LAUTOKA as the place was very small - even smaller than Kuala Kangsar Town. We were taken round the town and we were happy to see a Mosque - a pretty, though a small one. We bought some "muruku" from an Indian hawker and watermelon - just two slices - from the market.

On our way back we stopped at a beach where we met some Fijians. They gave us coconut water to drink. We took a group photograph and one old chap gave me his address to send a copy of the snap. We went straight on to NANDI Town which was even smaller than LAUTOKA. We found that there was also a Mosque in NANDI. After going round we returned for lunch.

At MOCAMBO HOTEL we found two Waiters who had been to Malaya. They spent most of their time in Batu Pahat. After dinner tonight we listened


to the Hotel 3 man Orchestra playing sweet Fijian hits.

Well, how are you all getting on? We will be home in 8 days. In the meantime we are anxious to receive some news.

We wonder if Yang, Ayah Nyah, Enjang, Dak, Chor and Pak Ni know of our date of return.

Love and lots + lots of kisses to Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntom, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid and Yong. Sembah salam to Tah and salam to the others.

Yours Ever Loving,
Mak & Bapak

P.S. Some more photos.

Photos from a Father to his children (23.08.58)

At "PROSPECT POINT," STANLEY PARK

VANCOUVER

VANCOUVER: The gun that fires a shot at 9 o'clock every night

VANCOUVER

No, I wasn't in the Wild West Country.

It's an advertisement for a performance during British Columbia's Centenary

LION'S GATE BRIDGE, VANCOUVER in the background

In front of VANCOUVER COURT HOUSE

MOUNT OLYMPIA - taken from the air on the way from Vancouver to San Francisco

letters from a Father to his Children (23.08.58)

HOTEL HALEKULANI,
HONOLULU,

23rd August, 1958.


Our Dear Darlings,

VANCOUVER, Saturday, 16th August: This was indeed our day of rest. Except for a visit to the Post Office where we posted our letter to you all, we stayed all the day in the Hotel. As a matter of fact we had a feeling that we had seen enough. Another reason was that we felt very home sick - always thinking of you all and literally counting the days when we would be together again. We had definitely decided that leaving you all for three months was too long. At the most we could be away from home for two months- or only one month.


While in our room on the fifth floor we watched the streams of traffic below us. While in New York we saw only big cars on the road, here we could at least see a few small ones. The people here did not know much about Malaya. They still stare at Mak. I don't think they have seen many Malays in their country in the past.

The Chief Waitress one morning asked us whether Singapore was in China or India. What ignorance existed here!!

I just heard the firing of a gun. This gun was fired every day at 9 o'clock at night.


Sunday, 17th August: We had nothing to do this morning while we were waiting to leave for SAN FRANCISCO. We looked down the streets. They were decorated for the British Columbia's Centennial Celebration which began on 1st January for one year. There has been festivity in different parts of the Province.

The room we have occupied here had been the best so far. There was a private sitting room and the bed room was bigger than the others we have occupied but there was one disadvantage. In Toronto we had Television as well as a Radio in our room but not here.

When we got to the Air Port, Mr. Walker of the Qantas Airlines introduced us to the Captain of the plane by which we would fly to San Francisco. It was a very smooth 3 hour flight. When we reached San Francisco a representative of Qantas was at the Air Port to meet us. We were taken to the Immigration and Customs Officials and we got through without any difficulties. Everyone was so pleasant when he knew I was having a Diplomatic Visa.

We stayed at the HOTEL FIELDING, a picture of which has been sent to you all. It was a decent Hotel situated centrally. A Restaurant, "Bob's", was attached to the Hotel and it's very convenient as it opened 24 hours.

When we went to dinner there, we sat next to a table where there were three old ladies. We got to talking


with each other. They were very humorous and they were very generous with their praises for Mak who they said was so attractive. Ooh, I hope Mak won't be conceited. These old ladies, when we told them that we had 10 children at home, were very surprised. Aren't we flattered!!

SAN FRANCISCO, Monday, 18th August: We went to the Bank in the morning and walked about the City a bit. We found this City very beautiful. Its built on hill slopes overlooking San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

In the afternoon we went to MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT. We crossed the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, worlds' longest and highest single-span bridge after going through picturesque scenery. The name of Muir Woods National Monument may be misleading. It was not just a monument. In fact, it was a national park, 424 acres of giant redwoods, some over 200 feet tall 2000 years old. When we walked around this park we thought of Templer Park. We hope something could be done on the lines of this natural park.

On our way back we went down the slope of Mt. Tamalpais where many lovely private dwelling houses were built with beautiful gardens.

Tuesday, 19th August: We did not go out in the morning but after lunch at Bob's we went to OAKLAND a few miles away from San Francisco. We crossed the

great BAY BRIDGE for where we could see in the Bay, TREASURE ISLAND. At Oakland we stopped at CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND. It's a wonderfully beautiful place. The entrance to the Fairyland was through the shoe typifying the tale, "there was an old woman, who lived in a shoe". Among others in the Fairyland were the "house where the three little piggies live" and "Noah's Ark". We thought a great deal of you while we walked about the place.

We then went to BERKELEY where was situated the UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA. This University had a lovely campus. It was situated in a beautiful surroundings. This University had it's own Stadium which could accomodate 80,000. We passed later on along LAKE MERRITT and subsequently through a well-known residential area at PIEDMONT where lived some famous people including some film stars. Wonderful place - lovely houses and lovely gardens - on a hill from where San Francisco was in full view. We also stopped at CLAREDON HOTEL - an expensive Hotel situated on a hill in BERKELEY. One thing we were told was that the big carpet on the Hotel lobby cost $40,000/- (American). Wow! That's a lot of money.

Wednesday, 20th August: We left the Hotel at 11 o'clock and at the Air Port we met one Chinese couple whom I did not know before and also another Chinese, a Mr. Kok

with whom I was acquainted in Kuala Lumpur. What a small world! They were going to Honolulu too. The flight was smooth. It took us 9 hours and we got into HONOLULU when it was already dark. When we disembarked we were pleasantly surprised to be met by a gentleman from Qantas Airlines and a beautiful girl who placed a LEI (a garland of pretty flowers) around our necks and as she did that she put her cheek against ours - an old Hawaiian custom. Three of us took a picture at the Air Port before proceeding to our hotel - HALEKULANI. This hotel is on WAIKIKI BEACH and situated in very pleasant surroundings of tropical garden. The word Halekulani means "House Befitting Heaven". It's fairly expensive. We noticed that the charge for our room was $16/- (American). This, of course, was not the most expensive, which was $28/- (American). Newly arrived guests received cards written by the Hotel's founder, the late Clifford Kimball, which said, "You are more than a guest within these portals. Your visit honors us with a welcome obligation. For the time, this is your house. Its customs and ways we hope may measure up to your own standard. For our ambition is that you shall be happy here.... successful in your purpose.... undisturbed in your repose... and find pleasure in the recollection of your sojourn here".

Thursday, 21st August: We wandered the streets of HONOLULU in the morning. We also went to the INTERNATIONAL MARKET PLACE where articles of handicrafts from many countries were sold. We visited a shop, "THE THIEVES MARKET". Amongst all sorts of articles sold there we found a Malay Keris. We were later interviewed by a local newspaper who also took our pictures.

In the afternoon, we went for a tour of the island. I might explain that HONOLULU is situated on the OAHU Island. We visited the DIAMOND HEAD, a monument which jutted on to the Ocean, the beautiful HANAUMA BAY, passed KOKO HEAD CRATER, stopped at BLOW HOLE where the sea water spurted through a hole in then rock and NUUANU PALI, a Valley overlooking from a precipice. As we went along we were shown a Hawaiian Reserve. It was sad to note the condition of the Hawaiians. They comprised only two percent of the population which was predominantly Japanese. The Hawaiians were said to be lazy and they were mainly taxi drivers, minor officials and running small flower stalls. Unless we are careful and become energetic enough this may be the fate of the Malays too.

After dinner, we watched HULA DANCES at our Hotel. They were very entertaining.

Friday, 22nd August: We went window-shopping in the morning. In the afternoon we went on a tour of PEARL HARBOUR. It was very interesting indeed. We went by "MISS HONOLULU" and a description of what happened during the attack on the Harbour was given vividly by Captain Jerry Collins. We saw the sunken "UTAH" and "ARIZONA" and we were asked to stand in respect of the 1102 - the highest ranking to the lowest ranking in the ship - who died and were still lying at the bottom of the sea with the gallant ship. It was a fine example of the sense of duty of the men.

It was ironical indeed that as we were to enter PEARL HARBOUR, five Japanese Naval Ships came out - these Japanese who were the enemies and now the friends of America - from the Harbour.

We were talking about you all and were rather anxious as we have not received any letter since New York. We saw a girl who reminded us of KUNTOM - her size, her manner of walking and behaving.

Love and heaps of kisses to Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntom, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid and Yong.

Yours ever,

Mak & Bapak.

Photos from a Father to his children (16.08.58)

TORONTO - Castle 'CASA LOMA' in the background

Background - Niagara Falls

Background - Niagara Falls

Background - Niagara Falls

In front of FLORAL CLOCK - Niagara Falls

Background with the Gardens and NIAGARA FALLS

letters from a Father to his Children (16.8.58)

DEVONSHIRE HOTEL,
VANCOUVER.
16th August, 1958

Our Dear Darlings,

Sunday, 10th August: I forgot to tell you in our last letter that I had a hair cut yesterday. It was expensive. It cost me $1.60 (American) and in addition I had to pay a tip of 20 cents to the barber and 10 cents to the chap looking after the Cloak Room where I kept my coat. I have so far made quite a good record - having a haircut at PARIS, LONDON and NEW YORK!! Expensive ones at that!!!

We got up rather early this morning. Che' Sopiee and his wife Che' Zainab, sent us to IDLEWIND Air Port. While having a bite at the Air Port Restaurant we met the TRANS-CANADIAN AIRLINE hostesses who were having a drink. Che' Sopiee informed them who I was, although he made it clear that I was going incognito. It was quite a short flight and on arrival at TORONTO I showed the letter of introduction given by the Canadian High Commissioner in Malaya at TORONTO Air Port and we got through both the Immigration and Customs Officials without any questions at all.

When we arrived at FORD HOTEL, the City of TORONTO was very quiet as it was a Sunday. There was very little activity. However, later in the afternoon we strolled about and sat at QUEENS PARK wherein was situated



the Provincial (we called it the State) Parliamentary House. Canada is a form of Federal set up and TORONTO is the capital of the Province of ONTARIO. The Federal Capital is OTTAWA which is also in ONTARIO PROVINCE. The Province has a Premier who is equivalent to an MB and there is, of course, the Prime Minister of the whole country - Canada.

We later went to eat at a Chinese Restaurant. Our Hotel was close to a Chinese section of the City. During our travels I have seen Chinese everywhere doing business. They are indeed enterprising.

Monday, 12th August: We toured TORONTO city in the morning and went to Niagara Falls in the afternoon. It was 2 1/2 hours by road from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The falls were a wonderful sight - God's gift to the Earth. Tons of water rushing down into Lake Ontario was an unforgettable view. I cannot possibly describe the beauty but they will certainly remain in my memory for life. There are two falls - one on the American side and the other - with a horse-shoe formation - is on the Canadian side. Both have their particular attraction.

We went round the neighbourhood - a beautiful Park in which was situated a FLORAL CLOCK. The clock has a floral face - flowers well arranged to give a special effect. There was the SCHOOL of GARDENING where people learnt gardening!



Before we went on our journey back to TORONTO I went again to look at the Falls to keep the sight in my memory for ever!

Tuesday, 12th. August: We left TORONTO in the morning for VANCOUVER by TRANS-CANADIAN AIRLINE. We stopped at WINNEPEG, SASKATOON (odd name!) and EDMONTON. We arrived at VANCOUVER at 10.00pm being one hour late. There were no formalities as we were travelling entirely in Canada. We missed our tea and dinner as ham was being served!

VANCOUVER, Wednesday, 13th August: We strolled about the City until lunch hour and later had a rest. We thought of resting the whole day but then at about 4pm I received a telephone call into our room to say that a gentleman named DUBEC asked to see me. We discovered that he was an Official of the Government of BRITISH COLUMBIA - the province in which Vancouver is situated - sent by the Premier who could not come himself. He lives in the capital which is VICTORIA 70 miles away. Mr. Dubec offered his services and would show us some places.

Thursday, 14th August: We did not go out at all in the morning and in the afternoon Mr. Dubec picked us up in his car and took us to the suburbs of the City. We went through very nice neighbourhood. He wanted originally to take us to a forest where logging was carried out but was advised that it was not a good time to go out


there, we returned to the Hotel after a three hour drive.

It seems that news have gone around of our presence in Vancouver. Before we went out this afternoon a Mr. R.L. Walker, District Sales Manager of Qantas in Vancouver came to see us. Fortunately our room in DEVONSHIRE HOTEL was quite decent. We have a separate lounge for our guests. Later a woman correspondent of the local newspaper, "THE VANCOUVER SUN" rang me up. I told her I was on a private visit and that stopped her from going very much further. Even the Manager of the Hotel introduced himself and hoped that we were comfortable there.

Friday 15th August: We did a little shopping in the morning and in the afternoon went out on a tour of the STANLEY PARK, QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK, the UNIVERSITY and the BRITISH PROPERTIES. The Stanley Park was a huge natural Park providing for picnic sports and games. Queen Elizabeth Park was a very beautiful fully laid garden. The University has 6000 undergraduates. British Properties were given that name because houses were built with British capital. This was a residential area. Most of the houses are very attractive with beautiful gardens. This has given Mak ideas about our future garden.

In the evening Mr DeBeck took us out to dinner. We were joined by his sister, Mrs. McCrossan. Later

we went to Mrs. Crossan's house for coffee. It was a nice small house. We had an enjoyable evening. Mr. DeBeck took us for a drive before sending Mrs. Crossan home.

How are you all getting on? We'll be back home in 20 days - hoping to see you all well and hearty.

What are you doing during the School vacation?

Love and lots of kisses from us to Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntum, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid and Yong. Sembah salam to Tah and salam to the rest.

Yours lovingly,
Mak & Bapak

PS. More pictures herewith.