Subsequent to my visit to Mauritius in July & August 1979 to visit the Biltoo family, now documented at length on Ogblog…
…I received several letters from the good people I met there. My transcriptions of these letters received might dabble a little with the grammar and spelling but are largely verbatim transcriptions.
This one, from Anil Gooly (one of Anil Biltoo’s cousins), is the second of two letters he sent me.
First my dictated transcription and then a scan of the airmail letter itself.
Hello Ian,
I hope that you are alright and so are your parents. By the way, are they already back or are they still visiting France? Please give them my kind regards! Yes, on our side everything is more or less alright.
Ian thanks a lot indeed for your email dated 14th instant . It’s quite interesting and amusing to read your letter, the only dark point being that you were burgled, I mean your house. It was quite fortunate that you were not at home or else…
I understand from your letter that you very much like parties and enjoy yourself – that’s fine especially when one is young, but I hope that the small problem with your girlfriend did not last. Things Similar to those you have described always happen. Well let’s forget that.
I am quite glad to learn that you are now doing economics at the advanced level. I think that it will be quite interesting and help you in the long run. I myself have done economics and like it.
Furthermore, you will be at a great advantage, since you have all books and other materials in the United Kingdom and examples which examiners of economics look for may be had with facility. It was quite difficult for me when I started economics. Firstly I had asked Anil’s father to buy the textbooks for me as they were not available in Mauritius and I had to read much about UK economy to have examples to support examination answers.
For your information many of those taking economics in Mauritius do not succeed or simply have poor grades.
Yes, you are doing economics and it seems to me that you are quite interested in knowing the economic situation of other countries –
You are interested to know about the recent evaluation of our rupee.
In fact Mauritius is going down the drain. Things are becoming difficult from day to day. Balance of payments deficit is growing at an alarming rate and devaluation has been thought of as one of the corrective measures. Prices are going up the ladder. Rice and flour have nearly doubled in price after the devaluation of the Rupee. Fuel has also been increased to twenty two rupees a gallon.Ian , I asked you to look for some old copies of The Times ( nineteen seventy six ) and I’m sorry for the trouble if it is difficult – leave it as I have been able to contact with The University of Mauritius and they have been told that some copies are available. However , if you are in a position to send some new copies I mean the ones which have just started to be published, please do so.
You know, Ian, studying sociology which I am going to sit in January 80 and I think UK newspapers and magazines may help me to know certain details about the UK. Once again you will notice that British examining bodies stress to have details and examples from UK. Some questions come out directly on UK.
I have learnt from these papers that the college/university fees overseas students have been increased. This will no doubt affect the chances of overseas students to come to UK for studies. I myself have been thinking to come to UK to read for a degree course in economics and sociology but now I think it is hardly possible – too expensive especially for me coming from a big family as you know.
What about dal-puris, wouldn’t you like to have some with chilies!!!!!
This is no doubt watering your mouth. But but patient! We could have gone a bit further but due to the line you see below I’ll have to end.
Bye
Anil Gooly
PS please write when you have some time.
