Thursday, 1 July 1965	KCT
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Letter in not very nice a vein from Concert Hall record club today. Must send the records back, and be done with them.

After breakfast, did little. This term is dragging, and all I am doing is counting the days. If all goes well, in 2 weeks time I should be in Malaysia again.

Deutſch first, but Skiv did not turn up. Spent my time talking about planes to Kenny.

Then maths, and Jimmy was late. Eventuated that Skiv had asked him to take us for Deutſch, and he had got the times wrapped.

Then study period as a substitute for Divvers. Talking about colour negative films to Atkinson and Hallett.

After break, supposedly chemistry, but in fact another study period. Got fed up at the end of that, and went and did some music practice until lunch.

After lunch, TDH caught me for the wind band, which was rather annoying, but could do nothing but turn up. Very few other people did, and we were a very depleted lot when we started Holst's fantasia on the “Dargason”, which is a most interesting piece, which ties the “Dargason” and greensleeves in knots. Had to help Aston as he was doing the Dargason alone, and could not manage it.

Maths, and more reviews. Thank God this term will be over before much longer. I could not take much more of it.

Then English, which we spent going over a few interpretations of passages from “Lord of the Flies”. Very amusing, although we did not do much to them.

Then tea, which I spent writing up my diary. Next term I shall have to start doing it in study periods again.

Then watched the swimming heats and standards, as I was still off games from my cholera jab yesterday. Took a few photos while I was at it.

Spent 2nd prep in room 26 listening to the end of “Semele”

Friday, 2 July 1965	KCT
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No mail again today. Why have I not written to Sue for such a long time?

After breakfast, bundles [?] and all that, which did not leave me any time for doing a recorder practice, which I had wanted to to.

After assembly, history, and TGW gave us back our books, although he had said we should have to wait till Tuesday. Highest mark yet.

Then study, and went to see Skiv about Cambridge entry, and got all finished. If I can get my £1 application fee, I will be able to send it off tomorrow.

Then chemistry, and Clod, as of old, did not come in until 1000 hrs, and then said something about doing a practical.

Did so after break, although did not have nearly enough time. Final revision in maths.

After lunch, had a flute lesson, but decided that, come what may, I had better write up my diary first, and did, and told Miss Mills that I had been doing some chemistry, which was close enough to the truth. Then on with music, and did the Telemann and some Händel - the pièce I most dislike out of the whole thing.

Then turned up to English only about 10 minutes late, and we were still talking about this extract from Lord of the Flies.

Then Deutſch, and Skiv gave us an AS prose paper to do, which I thought very easy, and then left us to the invigilation of Popsy.

After that, had a few minutes of grace before the maths exam, which I spent in the common room eating biscuits rather than doing anything constructive.

Paper in maths was not too bad - I liked it rather more than the chemistry, and mae quite a good shot at it - or so I felt.

Finished well before the end, and sat around looking bored - and looks did not decieve.

Then, after supper, choir practice, and then listened to Mozart's 39th.

Saturday, 3 July 1965	KCT
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Straits Budget this morning, and spent most of breakfast reading it, and quite a bit of interest in it.

Then, after breakfast, did a little practice on the sopranino recorder before getting on with the study for the physics exam. Got Jimmy Jame's permission to do a double study, and studied most of the syllabus that we have covered in half an hour, and then gave up and read “A manual of colour photography”.

Then exam itself, starting at 0930, and it was a very nice paper indeed. Started off with a question about a tonne of concrete, and dimensions, etc, for heating a room.

Then questions about current electricity and an absolute gift about CRTs, and general electronics.

Then electrolysis, which I made up as I went along, but think I did well - 80-90%?

After lunch, supposed to have a flute lesson, but had time to go to House bank and to write up my diary. After that, turned up, but Miss Mills still had not turned up to take White, so I gave it up as a bad job, and went back to the common room, and suddenly decided that I might as well develop Alvis's film for him, as the pioneers had the afternoon off. Went up and got moving, but Jacob and Woolacott came along and made nuisances of themselves, and had a bit of difficulty. Then along came Archie Rollinson, and we spoke at great length about, amongst other things, who else would be on next term's [photographic society] committee, and how to finish light-proofing the darkroom.

Then for my flute lesson, about which I had forgotten, and then to the common room for roll call.

Down town, and to the station, and finally got my bike back. They did not seem to realise that it had even been collected.

To Grays, and they still did not have the stuff in, which annoyed me greatly. Also to Smiths, and bought a magazine with an article on Promicrol in it.

Did some more darkroom work after that. Iris of enlarging lens is damaged.

Sunday, 4 July 1965	KCT
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Very restless night - must lay off the coffee somewhat. Did little in the darkroom before breakfast, but afterwards brought up my 105 mm f/4,5 Tessar and put it in the enlarger instead of the Ental [?], which will need repairing.

Then hung around, trying to shake off my hangover, and talking to Hallett, who wants to get a Pentax. Everybody seems to be getting bitten by the Bug.

Then chapel, which I spent noticing that the arithmetic mean of the 2nd and 3rd hymns (365 and 405) was the same as that of the 4th and 5th (300 and 470).

Then up to the darkroom again, and Hallett was up there tying to enlarge 2¼" negatives onto 2¼" paper, and was rather surprised when I suggested that he try contact printing. Did not do too well at that, however, and tried some postcards.

Then some more Kodalith - made a print off a KX of mine, and quite adequate contrast. Secretariat in KL.

After lunch, up to the darkroom and did a contact print of the Kodalith neg, which came out pretty black and white. This encouraged me, and so I did 3 more, of the chapel, the front of the school, and of Netherton [House]. The only really good one was the one of Netherton, however.

Then off for a walk, and to our old place, and there wrote up my diary, and then spoke at length to Hallett about telephoto lenses. He is of the impression that it is not worth getting anything much smaller than a 400 mm.

Then back, and did a couple of contact prints of the Kodalith of Netherton. Absolutely first class. Must somehow get the thing enlarged - where can I get hold of a 5×4" [12.5 × 10 cm] enlarger?

After tea, did a few prints of what we took last Saturday at Halletts' uncles place. I have never seen worse photos of women, although the (feathered) birds were quite good.

Then decided to tidy up, and at the same time finished off all the coffee (there was remarkably little left) and good [sic] most of the stuff tidied up.

Finished off after supper. Pad caught me and wants me to do a still life for presentation to the Weed.

Monday, 5 July 1965	KCT
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Must have a letter from Mum in the near future, and may have to telegram if not. In the meantime, must also write to Mrs. Baudouy - find out what is going on down that end of the world.

After breakfast, did little - most of the dormitory were in a state of panic over 'A' levels, and Rupe was desperately trying to remember implicit differentiation etc for Maclaurin's theorem. Poor fellow.

Then double study, and in the first period did very little. After that, got fed up, and went and did a bit of music practice, after talking to Gilly for a while. Can't get over the fact that I will be leaving a week today, and in 11 days time will be back in KL.

Then triple physics, and we had to calculate the earths field from the radiation factor of a tangent galvo. Rather interesting.

After lunch, down to room 26 to have a last minute run-over of the Mozart 39th, and at the same time wrote up my diary, and then in walked Gundry and told me he would like 200 sheets of 9×14 cm bromide, and gave me the money.

Accordingly, to the common room, and wrote a letter to A.W.Young, and then down to Mountlands to post it and some other letters which I should have posted long ago.

After that, came back, and read for a while there, and then down to 26 again to revise for my exam about the lives of Mozart and Händel. Then for a drop of tea, and then down to the Gym and just waited to get moving.

First thing that struck me when I was given my stuff was the unprepared work: 'twas the Clementi Sonata movement which I had been learning on the piano for most of this term.

My recollection was that there was an external adjudicator, and I started to mention that I was learning the Clementi, but TDH shut me up. I still wonder whether that was coincidence or not.

In the Franck, they had forgotten to tear out the german version of the introduction, which helped. All in all, a most enjoyable paper, and one which I liked very much. Should get through.

Did little in prep.

Tuesday, 6 July 1965	KCT
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Another letter from Mum today, and it seems that Bev wanted to stay on after the end of the term for the end-of-term celebrations. Silly fool. Nothing on this earth would make that worthwhile (or would it?) In any case, I will have to fly on my own. More of a chance of getting a pretty bird sitting next to me on the plane.

This was in fact the end of Bev's time at the (now defunct) School of St Clare in Penzance, which may have had something to do with it, though the reason that she left was because she was unhappy there.

Chemistry first, and Clod came in in ecstasies about last night's paper (Chemistry 1). He reckons many people should get As.

Then left us to our devices again for a while, which suited me. Term is dragging now, and I would do anything to speed next Monday up.

Then history, and TGW acknowledged the nearness of the end of term by playing us “Scrapbook 1940”, which was fairly amusing.

After break, maths exam back, and I came in 3rd, will be able to do double maths [i.e. pure and applied maths, two 'A' levels]. Little to do in Deutſch.

After lunch should have had a choir practice, but I could not be fagged to turn up, and so up to the geography room to write up my diary, and then wrote a letter (or a good portion thereof) to Jan, in reply to hers of this morning. Then to see what the pioneers were doing, but it was raining like nobody's business, and did not bother to turn up. Instead, finished off my letter to Jan (in which she caused me to refer to her first letter to me, and my impression as inscribed in my diary thereof. That was Corpus Christi a year or more ago. How time flies. Life is marching on without being noticed.

Then posted the letter, and to tea, and spent it talking to Daw. Thank God I shall soon be away from this place.

Then a clarinet lesson, and did little of any practical importance - instead played a lot of small duets, etc, and wasted my 40 minutes thus.

Turned up for physics, and it appears that I came first with 75% - Lennox and Atkinson next with 64%. Pad was trying desparately to cut marks off. And that on 30 minutes revision.

Wednesday, 7 July 1965	KCT
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200 sheets of Bromide [photographic paper] that I ordered for Gundry arrived addressed to me this morning, and also Photo News Weekly, with which I am getting just slightly fed up - or is it my general attitude?

Saw Benjy after assembly, and he was not at all pleased about me leaving so early, and wants me to convey to Mum that he is not at all pleased. I can't see what difference it makes - he has only 15 more days in office.

Then maths, and carried on with the post mortem of the maths exam.

After that, saw Ben again, and then to piano lesson, in which did little.

Deutſch, and post mortem of the Deutſch exam, in which I came 2nd equal with -19 [?].

P.E. Had to keep afloat for 12 minutes.

After lunch, no choir practice, but the weather was terrible, and was about to write up my diary when along came Gundry and told me he would like a passport photo or 4 printed for him, and so got Pad's permission and went up to the darkroom and got moving. Did 4, even if we did use Postcard [size] paper to do them on.

Then down, and wrote up my diary in pretty record time. Then a letter to the Concert Hall record Club returning my last 2 records and resigning. I wonder what they will do.

Then hung round the school feeling utterly fed up, and doing nothing, and then did not even bother going into tea.

After roll call, down town, and got the CZA and EDTAA at last, and also took the enlarging Ental [lens] down town, and Clement Clarkes reckon they can get it done in a week to 10 days. Bought a new Calotherm while I was there.

Spent the stuff back to the Concert Hall mob, and bought a new notebook, in which I propose to list all films developed.

Thursday, 8 July 1965	KCT
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Stuff from Wallace Heaton arrived today, and to my disgust, instead of getting 3×2 negative strip refills, they sent me 2×3 negative strip refills. So much for their fabulous service.

Then after breakfast wrote a letter saying what I thought of them, and saying I would collect them on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Then Deutſch, and Skiv thought a Diktat would not be a bad idea, and accordingly gave us one, and made us translate it, to add insult to injury.

Then maths, and Jimmy went over the last 2 questions in the paper - and on to vector algebra. How far will we get in 3 periods?

Little study in study period - instead talked. Chemistry - got our stuff back, and, Gott sei Dank, I was well in the lead.

Talking to Hallett about Pentax in 5th period.

After lunch, due to exams, there were not enough people present to make a wind band practice worthwhile, and so we did not have one. Instead, after writing up my diary, wrote a letter to Mrs. Baudouy asking for money and to check up on my ticket, which has caused me a bit of worry.

Then along to get my trunk from the Hangar, and then to the linen room, where matron refused to let me pack until the weekend, and made me leave my trunk in the drying room. Silly bitch.

Went to the common room, and there started sorting out what I would need to take with me. Does not seem to be at all much.

Then posted off university application forms and stuff back to Wallace Heaton, and after that to maths, where Jimmy developed this vector stuff a lot further. Most interesting, and I think we would get on to i fairly soon.

Then english, and we played one of Boris' favourite word games - did not do too well.

Worked little in prep.

Friday, 9 July 1965	KCT
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No mail - I hope I hear from Mom and/or Mrs. Baudouy in the near future. Must get some money soon.

Then, after breakfast, did little, as clean clothes, bed, etc, took up a lot of my time.

History, and hardly anybody turned up, and as a result TGW did not bother to play “scrapbook 1940”, which I thought rather nasty of him.

Then study, in which I did little of importance - read Pop Photography for the most part.

Then chemistry, and Pond had a lead chamber apparatus set up. Most interesting. Clod in quite soon, and carried on with the post-mortem of the exam.

In maths, as I suspected, we got on to i, and several other interesting facts.

After lunch, found Skiv to get an exeat, and then over to the san on a wild goose chase thanks to Brunt, whose information is a little out of date.

Then wrote up my diary, and down to town to get my health certificate signed, and after that back again, depositing my library books on the way.

Then into the common room, and felt fed up with the idea of packing, so did not - instead sat in Daw's study place and messed around with my 105 mm Tessar.

Thus on until about 1445, and then got the Fagott and did a bit of practice, following TDH's complaints about my not turning up, and then to tea after I had sufficiently exhausted myself.

Back again after tea, and before long came Mr. Fawcett, and we did a bit of arranging for next term, and came to the conclusion that the best time for all concerned would be Tuesday at 1700/1800 hrs, depending on local time.

In other words, 17:00 local time. This complication was a result of me using GMT all the time.

Then english, and told Boris I was leaving early, and he wants my essay. Then Deutſch, and Skiv went on about something or another. I paid little attention as this is my last period.

Then finished my short story in prep.

Saturday, 10 July 1965	KCT
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No letter from Mrs. Baudouy this morning, which rather annoyed me, and spent my time reading the paper.

After breakfast, over to the san, and waited at length for my cholera jab, which was not so painless as the first. Then got woodwork off from Jimmy James, and spent my time at the end of the new building talking to Cowan. My arm completely ceased to trouble me - hardly even got stiff.

Then chemistry, and Clod waffled on, and on, and on. Tried to give in my books at the end, but he wanted me to wait until Monday.

After break, physics, and Lennox and Pad were both absent. Talk of Lennox being kicked out. I hope not. Pad did not want my books back either - wanted me to take them with me. Jimmy did not turn up.

Found him after lunch, and he lent me his own private copy of next years book! Then over to the san, to get my health certificate, with which I am not too happy, and back to be given about half the maths book to learn. Also got a phone chit and went to ring up Mrs. Baudouy, and eventually got hold of her, and she said she did send the money. hope it arrives on Monday.

Then to do a bit of packing, but Matron would not let me do it before tomorrow, so just did not do any clothes. got most of the rest of my stuff ready, though, and then to the chemistry labs at 1430 to weigh out the chemicals.

From the following description, these would have been the chemicals for E-2 processing.

Made up the first developer just by roll call, but then came back and discovered I had put too much KI in it, and had to throw it all out. Then made some clearer, broke the bottle, and had to do that again. Meanwhile Atkinson had made some bleach, and spilt that, and Hallett had successfully made the fixer.

Made up the stabiliser, but the stuff for hardener was in the prep room, and had to wait until after supper before we could get Pricky Cann to open if for us. Also did the Colour developer then.

Sunday, 11 July 1965	KCT	Images for 11 July 1965
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Person in to wake me up early this morning, and out and got moving in the darkroom. In Walker D.I complaining about our monopoly of the Darkroom. Bastard.

After breakfast, got most of the things ready, and then loaded all our tanks. As usual, Hallett got his stuck, and I had to do it for him. Finally got all in, and then along to chapel.

Very hot in chapel, and it did not help me that it was so long - at times I felt quite faint.

Finally out again, after a most remarkable sermon, which achieved little, and up to get all moving. First developer was afar too cold, but we left it in longer instead, and then carried on as normal. 'Twas Hallett's film, and he was not too happy, but all came out fine in the end. Good as real.

Presumably referring to the genuine Kodak chemicals.

Up again after lunch, and got moving on mine, and this time, thank God, we managed to get the first developer up to temperature, and keep it there, and all went ahead quite nicely. Atkinson had got Mike Jordan's permission to be in, but it turned out not to be needed, as it was pouring with rain. Finished mine, and put in Atkinson's in quite succession and again no problem. The solutions seemed to be keeping themselves at 24° - we did very little about it.

After Atkinson had put the fixer in, I managed to sneak off and get my stuff from Matron, and did quite a bit of packing before tea, and then along for roll call.

Carried on thus for a while afterwards, and then in, and Atkinson had tried to load Cheung's Kodak 30 for him, but the spiral was still wet. First time I have ever dish developed a 135-36 - and all came out quite nicely.

Then supper, and chapel, after which we had another anthem group, and did the Este anthem again, and Newman's new one.

Monday, 12 July 1965	KCT → Netherton House
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Woke up at about 0200 hrs this morning, and spent the next 3 hours thinking about what would happen this week, and how different Friday would be from Monday, while gradually it dawned.

Then back to sleep, and was woken at 0630 by Pearson, whom I later showed how to use a [photographic developing] tank, etc - he is fairly interested.

4 letters - from Ahmad, Sue, Bev, and Mrs. Baudouy. After breakfast, carried on packing, and after assembly said goodbye to Benjy and then down to do a few odd little jobs.

Back again, just about finished my packing, and then to the common room to read for a while until break. Said many farewells then, and after break got all my stuff into the front Hall. There TDH saw me, and offered me a lift to the station (in Miss Davids' car). Kind of him.

On the train, with two other photographers in the train. Got as far as Exeter, and we were just going to pull out when I heard the next stop was Plymouth. Quickly out, had a snack, and then on to the next train.

Got in at about 1300 hrs, and rang up Mrs. Baudouy, who sent me a Dinkikab, and then, finally, back to Netherton.

Hardly anybody there when I got there - nearly all out. Hung around doing little and being told that there was an OA present (Penny), with whom I would be sharing the coach house tonight.

Then in for tea, after reading a lot of comics, and otherwise degenerating myself, and then found my Mozart concerto and did a bit of practice, much to the amusement of a couple of little girls who came in to listen.

Then met the bigger girls, and quite a nice lot there are too. Wish at times that I had more time here.

After supper, had a bath, and then down to the coach house, where my bed had not even been made for me. Dropped off almost immediately.

Tuesday, 13 July 1965	Netherton House → Exeter → London
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Woke up even earlier today - only 0600. I suppose it does help me move towards the time in Malaysia - though the last step will be rather violent.

Then up, and managed to write up my diary quite early, and then down to walk, etc, and have breakfast.

After breakfast, down to the coach house, and collected as much of my barang together as I could, and brought it up. Then saw Mrs. Baudouy about various minor details, and before I knew where I was, I had my coat and trousers whipped off me, and Viva was fixing up the lining of the former and letting down the latter.

Then into town, and looking for Minidex refills, and found none. Also bought some cigars, and the Times. I should have cancelled my paper at school.

Then back to the Van, and had to wait about 20 minutes before (Syl)Van turned up to take us home.

After a none too hot lunch, all wanted to go into Exeter, owing to people pressing the idea, so that I would not have to go alone. Meanwhile, one of the Spanish fellows wanted me to show my talent on the clarinet, and so I had to drag it out, and also the Mozart concerto, and played excerpts from all 3 movements. Then he got some Beatles stuff out, which was rather amusing.

2 carloads of people went into Exeter, which seemed rather to be defeating the purpose, but in any case we went in, and I wanted to do some shopping. To Hinton Lakes first, but no Minidex. Found a place round the corner, however, and got 3 sets there - also a focal press Pentax guide. Quite interesting.

To the airport, and discovered that my big one and both clarinets weighed just over 24 kg, and they let me through on it. Met the fellow before me, Suleiman somebody, and spoke to him at length. Not a very interesting fellow, but quite pleasant. Plane was very late - cloud too low to land. Got into London, and bit of fun at the airport before I went to the Skyway hotel. Very comfortable place, and BOAC is paying for everything.

Wednesday, 14 July 1965	London → Rome → (+1 hr) Cairo → (+3 hrs) Karachi → (+½ hr)
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Woke up earlier still this morning, at only 0545, and could not go back to sleep for thinking of what would happen in the next 24 hrs. Eventually, at about 0645, they brought in a cup of tea for me, and then up, washed, and dressed, got a paper, and spent a few minutes reading that. Then along to the dining room, where I had quite a satisfactory breakfast, and back to my room. Rang up Wallace Heaton, and after a lot of messing around they finally confirmed that they did have my stuff, and so I asked them to send it on to KL. Then along came porters to take stuff away for me, and even a car to take me to the airport, where I had a bit of a shock when I nearly put all my stuff down in front of where I had to get it weighed.

I should, of course, have hidden the items that I didn't want to be weighed.

Then up, and before too long into the plane, and, lo and behold, my wishes came true and I did have a good-looking bird next to me. Spent most of the time between London and Rome talking. She is only going as far as Ceylon, unfortunately. Got to Rome at 1210hrs, and walked the whole length of the airport building.

Then off again, and tried both to get a bit of sleep, and had little success. Had just dozed off when the stewardess came along with tea, and we had to wake up again.

After tea, bought various tax-free goods, a box of cigars for myself, and for the bird 8 miniatures of whisky. In the ensuing hustle and bustle, discovered that her name was Susan White. Once can't seem to get away from birds by that name - and living in Ceylon, for that matter.

Down at Cairo, and there got other stuff very cheaply, and so bought another packet of cigars and a bottle of Black & White. Formally introduced ourselves at this point.

Off again, had supper, and then off to sleep, or theoretically so, and arrived in Karachi at 2255 hrs, and had just been cuddling together - rather fun. Persuaded Sue to get out, but did little there at all. Took off again, and were ...

Thursday, 15 July 1965	→ Colombo → (+2 hrs) Kuala Lumpur
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... talking about what Sue would do when she got there. I finally got off to sleep, cuddling Sue again, although she did not herself sleep too well, and so before long up, waking me in the process, and to the bog. Then back again, and had breakfast, and then she started getting into a fuss about seeing her parents again so soon - did not act anything like what she claims her age to be.

Managed somehow to let her hem down, but got some stuff from the stewardess, and did a non-too-hot emergency job on the thing.

Finally landed, and more panic, but eventually we got things sorted out. Said goodbye to her, and then went into the transit lounge and tried to forget her, or something - to little avail. Had a cup of tea, and a bloke there decided that I would be interested in all the local Bhuddist [sic] customs, and, being a Bhuddist, started telling me them.

Finally set off again, and sat where Sue had been sitting, and tried to snap out of it. Not helped by the fact that the O'Neill kids, who had got on from Exeter, decided that I could look after them, and so one came up and sat next to me.

Went off to sleep before very long, and was woken up to say that makan would soon be along. 40 minutes later, after I had dozed off again, it came along, and I hardly touched anything. Then had some coffee to keep me awake, and started preparing for arrival in KL. [KL. time from here on]

At the time, Kuala Lumpur was at UTC+0730. Admire the reversion to 12 hour clock.

Finally came down at 3.30 pm, and all the usual formalities which seem to be more than anywhere else in the world, and then out, and many were about, but I did not see Mum or Dad for quite some time, and finally Dad found me.

A lot more waiting, but finally we got out, and back home. Eileen and Ahmad had come out as well.

Then had tea.

Then to Dad's office, and did a bit there, and then to see Mrs Cummings, and only just managed to get out in time to watch The Flintstones.

Dad is lending me his camera until I get my own.

Friday, 16 July 1965	KL → Kota Bharu → Kuala Krai → KB
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Woke up at about 6.00 am this morning, and could not get back to sleep, so lay awake waiting for Eileen to bring in the tea, and wondering how life would work out for the holidays.

Eventually in came Eileen, and woke Dad (rather reluctantly on his part), and then had the stuff, and up for breakfast.

Mum was going off with Noor in a Taxi to Kuala Lipis, as she did not want us to fly all together to KB, in case of a crash - so she went by train.

Had breakfast, and then Dad wanted to go out to the new airport, which is due to be opened on Merdeka, and so I went with him. It is quite a nice place, and I took quite a few photos - 28 mm lens comes in handy, but could be faster.

This would have been a 28 mm f/3.5 lens on my father's Canon.

Then back into town, and I to cash a cheque for $200 for Dad, and got some 8mm KR, and some Promicrol. Then home, and lazed around for a while, and decided that Dad's Ikophot was in need of adjustment. Also wrote up my diary for yesterday.

Dad rushed in at 1.10 pm and told me that we were due at the airport at 1.25 - and we had yet to change and have lunch. One hell of a rush, but we made it by 1.35, and caught the plane in plenty of time.

Rather a rough ride - had some coffee, and Dad got caught in an air pocket - covered in the stuff.

Arrived in KB, and down to Dad's office there, where we had tea, and then along to check in at the Hotel, which is one hell of a crappy looking dump, but passable for comfort, and we managed quite easily to check in.

Then over to see another business associate of Dad's, who lent us a car, gave us some china tea, and talked to Dad about a sawmill.

Then to look for Shaw Tan and Hazel, but could not find them. Gears of the car got stuck, which was rather amusing, but we found what to do.

Then down to Kuala Krai to meet Mum and Noor, and had makan while we were waiting for the train - curry at a local joint.

At the time the only continuous road to Kota Bharu went up the coast from Kuantan. The inland roads stopped at Kuala Lipis and Kuala Krai, with only a rail line between the two towns, a distance of about 200 km.

Picked up the girls, and back to KB, where we had another makan. Very late to bed, and I was not in the best of moods, as I had lost my pen (on Krai station?).

Saturday, 17 July 1965	KB
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Birthday of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Sultan Kělantan

Woken up by Dad this morning to tell me that it was 6.40 am. All very well, but this time 4 days ago I had only just got into bed. Staggered nevertheless reluctantly out of bed, and in, got dressed, etc.

Then in came breakfast, which consisted of a cup of tea and slice of pineapple, but 'twas better than nothing.

Then got a taxi to the Istana Balai Besar, and there in, amidst one hell of a crowd, and it was, even at this time in the morning, stinking hot. Apparently, a lot of the usual ceremony had been spared [?], and I was almost glad when Mallek told us that we would not be allowed to take photos. Shoved ciné camera under the chair, and left it there to the end.

Ceremonies, birthday honours, etc, lasted almost forever, and all concerned seemed glad when it was over (except, apparently, for Mum). Carried on talking to all her old friends, etc, and it was 11.00 pm [sic] by the time we got to the Union Club.

Dead tired there. After a while, Dad gave me a pen, and so down to his office to get it filled. Got my diary, and then back to the Union Club to have makan. Plenty enough time before makan to write up my diary, and more - in fact, it took one hell of a long time.

Then Dad and I wanted to go for a swim at Pantai Chinta Běrahi or Sěmut api, and Mum wanted to have her hair done, so off we went on our respective ways.

Had far too little time at the beach, and before too long we were back at the hotel again, and changing for Tuanku's garden party, and there was a bit of a hell of a worry about the fact that Mum had not yet returned from the hairdressers, and it was quite a close shave. I have never known Mum to change so quickly before.

“Tuanku” is the form of address to the Sultan, in this case Yahya Petra.

The garden party was one hell of a bind, and all were glad that it lasted only one hour. However, Mum, being the gregarious type that she is, somehow managed to get us an audience with Tuanku, and so we stayed another hour after that.

Then Mum and Dad off to the Ball, but I did not want to go, and so had makan, and then off to the Rex to see “It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world”. Did not finish till 1.30 am.

Sunday, 18 July 1965	KB → KL
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Woken up by Dad dressing at about 8.30 am this morning, but was far too tired to get up, and went back to sleep.

Finally woke up at about 10.00 am, and was just getting dressed when in stormed Dad, again, apparently, in a hell of a hurry, and said something about catching the KL plane in an hour and a half. According started packing our cases, and after that to pay our bill.

Then went to see Mum, who had only just got up herself, and she decided to come out to the airport to see us off. Quite a party at the airport, and then finally got into the plane and away from it all. Plane journeys are becoming quite routine lately, and little happened to relieve the monotony.

Got a taxi back home when we arrived in KL, and then decided to go to Bilals for a curry. First time I have had makan there as I recollect. Quite a good place, and the food was rather better than at that place in Krai.

Then back again, and spent a frantic half hour or so looking for Dad's camera accessories.

Then Dad decided that it was about time he had a bit of a rest after makan, and accordingly did. Went to do some slide mounting, but could not find the case he had just given me, and so gave it up as a bad job, and went into Mum's room, to do some tape recording. Turned the thing on and there was one hell of a crackling noise form the first channel. Did all my recording on channel 1 as a result, but it was nonetheless a nuisance.

Then in, and woke up Dad, and got some tea for us, and he started talking about his office copyer [sic], and if I could get any paper from Marston and Heard which would be big enough for it. Such seemed to be the case.

Marston and Heard supplied surplus photographic papers. This must have been a photographic (pre-Xerox) copier.

Then out to a job of Dads in PJ, and before we got back, had had a look at 3 of them - all being done by the same contracter.

Back again, and Eileen was there, and prepared some makan for us. After that, made up some Promicrol, and developed Mum's KB17 - 78 frames of it.

This was a half-frame Olympus Pen EES, so a 36 exposure roll was sufficient for 72 images.

Monday, 19 July 1965	KL
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Somehow managed to drag myself out of bed again at about 7.00 am this morning, despite the fact that I was more asleep than awake.

I like the morning - there is some quality about it which is very restful.

Then, after breakfast, Dad into the office, and so I went that far with him. Then off to walk the rest of the way into town, and first to Chee Seng's to get Dad's camera case and my briefcase repaired.

Then to Eastern photographers, where I got some Amfix and silica gel, and then over to Naina Mohds., and discovered that there is no difficulty in obtaining hypodermic syringes in this country. Also got some bottles for Promicrol.

Then to Caxtons, got a nib for the pen Dad gave me, and back to the office, where I gave him prices of the Pentax. He is prepared to get all but the 28 mm Super-Takumar.

Then home for lunch, and before long Mum arrived from KB. Had lunch, and then out to the office again, and thence into town to get come CH₃COOH and wetting agent. No 326, so got Kodak stuff, and it was not until I was about to start a cup of coffee that I realised they made 2 wetting agents, and I needed the other one. Dashed back, and got it pretty easily.

Then back to the office, had a cup of coffee, and back home, where I read Modern Photography, which I got this afternoon, until Dad and Mum came back, supposedly for tea. However, Dad wanted to know whether or not I wanted to go to an art exhibition. My reply was not helped by the fact that I thought he was talking about a makan which the Cummings were giving.

Decided to go in the end, and changed, and it was quite an interesting do, and spent a good time looking at the ciné camera there. Using XX-935, and a Cooke 25 mm f/1.8. Bleeding fast.

Then home, loaded a film, and broke a mirror in the process,

To load the film (into a tank), my father locked me in a cupboard and let me out when I was done. Somehow he didn't hear me, and I knocked on the door, forgetting the mirror on the other side.

and then out for the Cummings do, which was quite pleasant. Very late to bed.

Tuesday, 20 July 1965	KL
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Had intended to get up early with Dad this morning, but I felt so tired when he woke me that I did not finally get up until about 9.30 am.

Managed a fairly leisurely morning, and did very little most of the time. After a while, while I was reading the paper, a little indian bloke came along with some hard-luck story about being beaten up, and needing $3 bus fare. Checked with Mum, and then told him I would call the police, who would help him, which got rid of him soon enough.

Then decided to go down town, rang Mum, who wanted me to go over to the office and see her. Walked accordingly, and found a way through the back of the Merlin. Only took me 5 minutes.

Had coffee there, and then wrote a letter to Atkinson about what I have been doing here, and then wanted to go into town, and had to wait until Dad came back.

After a while, had lunch, and then spent a bit of time making up various solutions for development, etc. Then a bit of a discussion about the Pentax - Mum wanted to cut out the meter and the Super-Takumar 135/3,5. However, got it back on the agenda.

Then, at about 3.10 pm, Dad turned up, and I off to the airport with him, to see him off on his silver Kris to Kuching.

Then back to the golf club, mainly to study the general situation. Saw a couple of well-filled bikinis. Little to do, and the time was not ripe however, and so before long off again, picked up by Mum.

Then had tea, after which Mum wanted to do some shopping, and then over to the Cummings to say a less formal goodbye to Phyllis than last night.

Back again, and started developing the KB17 I loaded last night. Tired as for L IF, and not far off. Also put some silica gel in my film to prevent it getting wet. Turns out it was not L IF after all, but W IF.

These were internal codes used by Agfa for the film known as Isopan F, which from memory was round 26°/40 ISO. L stood for Leverkusen, the West German production site, and W stood for Wolfen in East Germany, the original headquarters of Agfa. Until 1964 the East Germans called themselves Agfa, but then changed their name to ORWO („Original Wolfen“).

Carmel over again - went on for ever.

Wednesday, 21 July 1965	KL
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Since I spent most of today recovering from the events of the last 8 days, I did not do at all much - very uneventful. Apart from to answer a few phone calls, I did not stir from my bed until 10.30, and then took my time over getting up.

Mum rang very shortly after I had got up about something or another, and spent quite some time talking. Then read a letter from Grandma and Pop to Mum and Dad, and after that read the papers until Mum came home at about 12.50.

Just before lunch, discovered that my film had not wound on into Dads camera, and that, instead of all those wonderful photos I thought I had taken, all I had was 5 inches of wasted Pan F. What a nuisance.

I suspect I meant to write “5 feet”, the normal length to which I cut my films (roughly 34 exposures).

Then makan - we are having a lot of chinese food lately. After having spent the whole morning at home, the last thing I felt like doing in the afternoon was to stay at home. I had intended to go to the flicks, but nothing good will be on until tomorrow.

As a result, decided to go int the office with Mum, and did so, although I had to wait while she had an argument with the Borneo Motors mob. Why can't she let sleeping dogs lie?

After that up, and I started to write a letter to Paul Hallett - on an airmail form this time, which rather cramped my style. Set down for both him and me the Agfa situation as it is at the moment.

Then into town to get our stuff from Chee Sengs. They did not do what I asked them to do to my bag, damn them.

Then got a couple of stiff-covered notebooks from Jubilee to write up Promicrol and Rodinal in, and also to write up films developed in a column idea.

Then back home, and started on that.

Had tea, and then into my room with the intention of doing very little, and wondering what I could get if Walker sends me £55 for an SV.

Watched TV a bit, but decided that it was about time I got an early night. Dad had phoned from Kuching to tell me to come to Singapore on Friday.

Thursday, 22 July 1965	KL
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Following getting to bed early last night, was comparatively early (at any rate, by Mum's standards) today, and felt, for some reason, surprisingly with it. Gott sei Dank.

Then with Mum into the office, albeit quite late, and had intended to go into town, but 'twas the usual story. Mum had quite a bit of stuff to get done, and wanted me to help her. While so doing, quite a few people came in. First an European fellow who wanted to know what the Astral [sic: should be Austral] secretarial service was, and then Těngku Noor, and after a while a deaf and dumb artist, who wanted Mum to buy some of his works of art - but wanted $30 each. Noor had apparently also turned him down.

Then to the USIS, joined, and back again, also having some fun at Guthries and the post office.

After lunch, as there are now quite a few good films on in KL, decided that I had better get each one on a process of elimination, and decided this afternoon to go to “Pajyama [sic] party”, on at the Pavilion, as I suspected it would have the shortest run. Waited about the house for a while, and loaded (successfully, I hope) and FP3 into Dad's camera. God know why the Leica M3 is so popular if it has that type of loading.

This was this horrible bottom-loading system which still hadn't completely died out.

Then to the flicks - the Pavilion has been done up. The film was very good indeed - just the sort of comedy that I appreciate, although perhaps I was in the minority. In any case, I liked it. Very complicated, and rather pointless plot.

Then Mum could not come and get me for a while, so I said I would walk, and did. Took what I thought as a short cut, but little shorter than the usual way.

Then had tea, and watched TV for a while.

After makan, had a go at a test chart on Dad's camera, and finished off the FP3. early to bed, in preparation for tomorrow.

Friday, 23 July 1965	Kuala Lumpur –> Singapore
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Eileen in at supposedly 6.45 this morning, but my watch had long since stopped, and I had no idea what time it was.

Anyway, up, got dressed, had breakfast, etc, and was ready to go when I remembered that Mum was not yet up, and she gave us a lot of stuff to do, and as a result I had to leave about 30 minutes later than I could have.

Then to a nearby service station to have tires [sic] checked, etc. As we went through Segamat, Rahmat did not stop at the rest house, but it seems that Dad and he have a place in Yong Peng, and there we had a drink, and he very kindly let me pay for him - and told the boy to keep the change.

Arrived at J.B. at about 12.30, and had a bit of fun with the customs stuff, as I had neither identity card nor passport with me. Made receipt out to Rahmat bin Haji Taib in the end.

Down to the middle of town, and parked near Change Alley. Had a quick makan of european food, and then to see how I could price a Pentax SV. The most popular price is $260 - but I will have to try for $255 with King Size case.

The King Size case included space for the clip-on exposure meter.

Went round quite a few other places, and priced accessories, etc, and also bumped int Riley from KCT, who had also gone home early.

Then up to North Bridge Road, but things were not that good there - they wanted upwards of $300.

Back to Lals, and had a talk with the fellow there, and beat him down to 60% of the Singapore list price - i.e. what I was aiming at in the first place.

Then found Rahmat, and we went out to the airport, where our wait was cut short when to [sic] plane came in at 6.30 instead of 7.55 - having overflown Jesselton.

I don't quite understand this. I suspect that the plane started in Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) and overflew Kuching, where my father had gone. I can't imagine where it would have started if it had really overflown Jesselton.

In disgust to Malaysian airways, where Mum had already contacted. Then rang mum. It seems Dad will get through sometime tomorrow.

Stayed at the Hotel Singapura for the night - saw 'Kisses for my President'. Not bad.

Saturday, 24 July 1965	Singapore	Images for 24 July 1965
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Fellow in with the tea at 7.30 am on the dot this morning, and so up, and down shortly later to have breakfast. This certainly is quite an impressive place.

After that, it was still quite some time before the shops were open, and in any case, could not find Rahmat, so took the opportunity of booking in again for Dad and myself for tonight, and also wrote up my diary.

Then went on a search for Rahmat, but could not find him till I got back.

Into town, and to Lals to get tape recorder and Bev's camera repaired, and to get quotations on the Pentax.

Then tried to find the Qantas booking office, and eventually discovered it was part of the Raffles hotel. Finally contacted Ngoie, who was very helpful, and told me to go to the Nanyang watch Co, 84 North Bridge road. Did so, got their prices, and compared with Lals - $2 cheaper, so went ahead, and bought it on the kira.

Image title: Gaston with new Pentax SV detail          Dimensions:          1653 x 1692, 378 kB Make a single page with this image Hide this image Make this image a thumbnail Make thumbnails of all images on this page Make this image small again Display small version of all images on this page All images taken on Saturday, 24 July 1965, thumbnails          All images taken on Saturday, 24 July 1965, small Diary entry for Saturday, 24 July 1965 Complete exposure details

 

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“Kira” is Malay for “account”. These people had never seen me before, but were prepared to give me a camera on account! I can only imagine that Ngoie's word was enough for them.

Then, according to a telephone conversation with Mum, checked out of the Singapura, and out to the airport where I made another call, and found that Dad would be arriving on flight ML498 at 8.00 pm.

Back to town, and booked in for Dad and me into the Cathay, and then had makan there, and also a bit of a rest, and read Pentax instructions, etc.

Then down to North Bridge Road to get an exposure notebook and a lens brush, and envelope to send Pentax literature up in.

Singapore is a duty-free zone, but the rest of Malaysia was not, and we should have paid duty when returning via Johore Bahru. We never did, but one of the precautions was to remove anything that would suggest the camera was new.

So what did I buy? I don't mention it, but after careful diary reading, it appears to be:

• The Pentax SV.
• A light meter for the camera, which fitted in the flash shoe (and thus had to be removed for using on-camera flash), and which linked to the shutter speed dial. It displayed aperture values which I then had to transfer manually to the lens. The display was on top, so it was nothing like “through the lens” metering. This is visible in the image above.
• A 135 mm f/3.5 Super Takumar telephoto lens.

Then sidetracked on the way back by an exhibition at of the “Rapid” system - nearly all Jap manufacturers, including Asahi Optical Co, and going for it. Will we see an Asahi Pentax SV Rapid in the future some time?

Then back to the hotel, and got them to send my Pentax stuff off.

This would have been the documentation and other incidental stuff. Singapore was a tax-free area, and we sent them separately so that the camera wouldn't appear new when passing customs.

Then out to the airport, and just waited. Dad was not on ML498, so they said that he was on ML413X, but changed their mind and said he would come tomorrow.

Back to the hotel, and to sleep. Dad rang as 12.00 pm, and came over. Arrived 5 minutes after I left the airport.

Sunday, 25 July 1965	Singapore → KL	Images for 25 July 1965
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Fellow up, less punctually than yesterday, at 7.20, and we were both up pretty quick to get moving.

Did not bother to have any breakfast, but went to pay the bill, and straight out. Rahmat was rather surprised to see Dad, but did not object too much when Dad told him that he was going to drive.

First to the hotel, where Dad checked in last night, and had to pay $10. Then decided to get out of this hole as quickly as possible, and made for Johore Bahru. I don't think we have ever been through the customs more easily - they did not even repeat to us the lists of dutiable items.

Then on again, at any rate as far as the Kulai settlement, where Dad stopped for a while, and took some photos - he was particularly intent in getting some of a settlers house which ad a TV aeriel [sic] on it - sign of the times, or something, I suppose.

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Looking from 2015, my father's reactions were more a sign of those times.

Then on again and we both had a bit of a snooze, and I woke up just as we were turning into the Dabrowski's “drive”, though I would not call it that. It seems that Mrs Dabrowski decided that, whether the house were finished or not, they would move in - and so they did. The place has apparently been quite a worry to Dad because of the slow rate of progress - it was due to be finished a year ago, and still has some while to go.

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Marysia first, hearing we had had no breakfast, gave us some, and then was going to give us a curry lunch, but Dad could not stay. The weather then obligingly showed Dad how it could get through every minute crack, and shortly after, we left.

Rest of journey home was pretty uneventful, and spent a good amount of time talking to Dad about cameras in general, and the Asahi Pentax in particular.

Got back, and Mum was a bit peeved that I could not remember the exact price, and went off and left me to have a bath. However, she soon apparently forgave me, and came back to have a look at it. Fixed my electronic flash on top of the accessory shoe - it is a bit wobbly, but not too much so.

Developed an FP3 after dinner - a little underexposed.

Monday, 26 July 1965	KL	Images for 26 July 1965
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Very tired after yesterday, and stayed in bed long after Dad got up.

Finally got up, and just as I was doing so, Dad rang up, and asked me to calculate the area of the roof of Dr Arulampulam's circular roof. Too approximate for my liking - I would have liked to work it out with the calculus.

Then, while I was writing up my diary, in walked the fellow from next door, who wanted to see the place. Introduced himself as Freddy - interesting looking fellow.

Then had breakfast, and did little after that - just hung around thinking, and doing a bit of reading, etc, although I had intended to go over to the office. Eventually, however, Mum and Dad beat me back home.

Lunch as usual, and we did little, but decided after lunch that the time was ripe to find out a little more information about the enlarger situation, and also microcopying stuff in general. Not at all bad, although the sensitised materials position was not too hot - microcopy film only available superformated [?] and no light weight paper available. Looks as if I might have to make do with Panatomic X and Bromide paper.

Then back, and to tell Dad, but San Sui Lam as with him, so in to see Mum, and before long in walked Ricky Sohdy, and we spoke together for a while, and then he went again. Before much longer, Sui Lam was finished, and we tried to get out, and eventually succeeded, and then back home with Dad, and told him about the situation. He did not commit himself, but said he would see how much Eastern Photographers would charge to do the stuff for him.

After that, preparations were frantically made for Bev's arrival tonight.

Then out to the airport, and Bev in. She has grown, according to Dad.

Tuesday, 27 July 1965	KL	Images for 27 July 1965
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Sort of compromise about getting up today - Dad late, and I early, both at the same time.

Bev, of course, had been messing around, saying what a nice house this was, and so on. However, when Dad and I went into town, she decided not to come, but rather to stay behind and mess around with Mum.

Got into town, after checking what Dad wanted me to do, and checking relative prices at various places. To Eastern Photographers, to see how much they would charge to do the copy photos which Dad wanted done. The prices was $575, which makes it considerably cheaper to do it myself. Back again, and did a bit more checking, and waited for a while while Bern [?] Meyer were supposed to send over a sample of the light-weight paper, but they did not come. Off, after getting a cheque from Dad, and got all the stuff I needed, including 100 10"×8" WSG 2S

After lunch, wanted to go to Eastern Photographers, and Dad said he would drop me there, but forgot to tell me that he was taking me out to Kenny Hill with him first. Then to Eastern, and bought a Reflector Photoflood 1, and a couple of adjustable clamp/holders.

Then back home again, with a couple of Dads prints, and got hold of a copyright slip, and then got shooting. Did 2 of each, and then rang Dad, and he called me over to copy a few more, and in fact he gave me 6 of them, including 2 tracings, which proved a bit of a nuisance - had to put some paper behind it.

Then had a couple of frames left - tried one of a Bhuddha [sic], and one of a stamp of Bevs - was rather afraid I would set fire to it. Those floods get hot.

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Then after tea, when I was showing my camera to Lal - she says Raja wants to get a Varex IIb - must dissuade him - over to the office, and got some stuff out for blacking out the bathroom, and spent the next couple of hours doing our best. I have managed to develop a strong allergy to sawdust. Gawd! I thought I would never stop sneezing. Did a few prints, but a few flaws to be ironed out - the masking frame is crappy.

Wednesday, 28 July 1965	KL
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Up at a decent hour today - everything began, at any rate, normally.

Even Mum was up, and as a result, took all of us quite a long time.

Into the office at about 8.30 am, and agitating to get into town, but first had to go out to Gurney road with Dad. Got eventually to Black & White, and found that they would not be pen until 9.30 am, and so walked down to Eastern Photographers, and there they showed me a very nice Easel actually cheaper than the one I bought yesterday.

Back to Black & White, and they said they would get hold of such an easel for me in 30 minutes. Down again to eastern, and bought some other stuff, and back again, and they had also been to Eastern, and thought that I had bought it. Eventually they got it for me, and gave me 200 sheets of 6,5 × 9 cm paper for change.

Back home, and did a few prints, although they were not madly successful. This paper is quite slow. Still, it can give good results.

Then Mum and Bev back from town, and we had makan, after which Dad came back, and I discussed the electrical setup of the darkroom with him.

Then into town, and after taking him somewhere, changed 100 soft for hard at B&W, and then bought the electrical stuff. Back, showed it to Dad, and home to get it moving and connected up the safelight, which is quite bright enough, and then the enlarger, but at this something went wrong, and so tried to get it fixed up, and broke an adaptor [sic] in the process.

Rang Dad, and he said Rahmat would be coming over. Waited 5 minutes, and then walked over, and got caught in a cloudburst. Then to Batu road, got the stuff, and returned, by which time Mum & Bev were back, and apparently I had blown a fuse. Hell of a row, and eventually got over it.

All out again except me, and sat round doing little. Then Mum and Bev back with Mee and Sateh - had a lot of the latter.

Thursday, 29 July 1965	KL	Images for 29 July 1965
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Up late again today - I really should try and get up earlier. Before long, in walked Bev, and told me that Dad was on the phone. He told me something about bringing the saw when I came along to the office. Accordingly got up, dressed, etc, and had breakfast, and meanwhile Mum did likewise, so I asked her to drop me at the office when she went into town.

After a while, we got moving, and so up to the office, and there found Dad having some business argument with Ong Chin Kee, so hung around for a while reading the Pentax guide, and then decided that I would be in for a long wait, and so went back, got my camera, diary, and literature on camera.

When I got back, Dad had a spare minute, and so I had to watch him cut up a roll of Dyeline paper, and then he asked me to cut up each roll into a lot of 20"×30" sheets, and spent the next 15 minutes cutting up the stuff. Then started writing up my diary.

Before long, Dad was out again, and wanted me to cut up the paper further into 20×15 and 10×15 sheets. I ought to start with 20×32 and work town to 32 5×4's - I wonder what this stuff would do on an enlarging easel.

After lunch, was going to go back to the office with Dad, but he wanted a couple of prints of his plans done, and so I had to do them. Got the darkroom more or less set up, and then turned on the enlarger - and the bulb had burnt out.

Over to Black & White, taking the bulb, and the enlarger head, and complained, and also tried to get the screws on the lens thread fixed up, and eventually got an enlarging bulb at Eastern Photographers.

Then back, and discovered the bulb was Edison screw, and back again. Finally got moving, and made quite a few mess-ups before I finally got moving, and it took me most of the afternoon.

After that, tidied up, and put them in the mirror to glaze. Sat about waiting for the rest of the family to turn up. Finally rang Mum & Dad up to tell them that thy would miss the Flintstones if they waited any longer, and so they came running. Dad was fairly pleased with the successful prints.

Then had makan, and then started getting ready to see “The Sound of Music”, and quite a bit of fun, but eventually all was well.

The film, which lasted about 3 hours, was very good - one of the best I have ever seen.

Friday, 30 July 1965	KL
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Very late up today after last night's film, and decided that I had better get my diary over and done with, and discovered that my pen had disappeared. Looked everywhere for the thing, rang Dad etc, but to no avail. It seemed to have completely disappeared.

Then Mum wanted to go over to the office to do something for her, and so had to give it up as a bad job, and went over.

After a long wait for something which Mum had to do, she gave me a couple of cheques for $260 and $100 to get cashed. Also had to go somewhere with Bev, but eventually got it all done. Also got a copy of A.P.

At lunch, Lal came over and gave me a photo of Nehru and a friend of hers, which she wanted copied, and is prepared to pay. Pretty grotty looking print.

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Spent a good deal of time getting the room set up for copying the print. Must get some more convenient stand for these photofloods than chairs. There must be something.

Took quite a few photos, after spending some time eliminating glare off the print - fortunately, it was glossy. Matt would have been hell.

Then Ahmad bin Mahmuddin rang me, and wanted to come over. Rang Dad, and he did not mind, so told Ahmad he could come when he rang again.

Then sat down to wait, and it was a very long time before he finally turned up. Almost immediately after he had, Mum rang up to say that Pui Cheng Wui was a the office and would be going over to the Merlin, where we were to meet him. We went there first, and waited inside, while Cheng Wui waited outside, so we stayed 10 times as long as we should have.

Had quite a bit of fun at home - first of all showing my camera around, and then telling Ahmad about colour film, and showed them the slides developed last year. Raja, Lali's boyfriend, came later, and persuaded him against the Exakta VXIIB and for the Pentax.

Saturday, 31 July 1965	KL	Images for 31 July 1965
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Up at a more reasonable hour this morning, mainly with Dad's help, and then decided that, as the weather was fine, I would go round town doing a few photos of various prominent buildings, and Dad let me off, so all was well.

Started down Ampang Road with a view to taking a photo of his Qantas office, but there were far too many reflections in the window, and I gave it up as a bad job, and went to Eastern Photographers to see if they had any polarizing filters, but they had not.

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On to the dog, after taking a few photos round that area,

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and had a drink there before going on down towards the station and thence to Muzium Negara and the lake club, where I met Gillian Da Souza, but she was the only resemblance of a bird there.

Then walked back to the office and stayed there for a while before Dad and I went home.

After lunch, over to Ahmad bin Mahmuddin bin Ngah's, and there had a drink before they started getting a bit panicky about what was happening to the van, etc, and ended up about a mile away, waiting for the thing.

Ended up going in a private car, and then to Film Negara Studios in PJ, and there down to a very tiny place in the basement, which was about as acoustically dead as any place I have ever been in. Took a couple of photos, although the lighting was appalling, but soon discovered that the music was more so, and sat down, grinned, and bore it.

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After about 3½ hours, the conductor decided to call a halt, and all left, back in the car again, and the fellow decided to drop us near our respective houses, so did not have far to go.

Had makan shortly after I arrived home, which was just as well, as Dad slept (in my bed) until then.

After makan, did a few more prints. I never do many at a time nowadays.

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