“HONOURED SIR”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 895, 12 February 1930, Page 6

“HONOURED SIR”

Chinese Application for Position

LETTER TO ENGINEER What is surely the most amusing known example of Chinese epistular style is published in a recent issue of the “Structural Engineer,” the organ of the British Institute of Structural Engineers. It is a letter received by a member of the institute from a Chinese in response to an advertisement for draughtsmen to work in a competition. The editor guarantees the genuineness of the letter, which reads as follows : Most Honoured Sir, — Understanding that there are several hands wanted in your honour’s department, I beg to offer my hand. As to my adjustments, I appeared before the Matric examination at October, but failed for the reason I shall describe. To begin with my writing was illegitimate, this was due to climatic reasons, for I having come from a warm into a cold climate, my fingers very stiff were and disobedient to my wishes. Further, I had received a great shock to my mental system in the shape of the death of my fond brother. Besides, most honoured Sir, I beg to state that I am in very unfortunate circumstances being the sole support of my brother’s seven issues consisting of three adults and four adultresses, the latter being the pain of my existence owing to have to support two of my own wives as well as their issues of which by God’s misfortune the feminine gender predominate. If by wonderful good fortune these tew lines meet with your benign kindness and favourable turn of mind, 1, the poor menial, shall ever pray for the long life and prosperity, as well as your honour’s posthumous olive branches. I am, Sir. Your loving servant, CHONG CHEU 2UR 1,1.