Friday 25th March 1938

A cold, windy, rainy day. But if all days on the road were like this (for business) my life as a traveller would be at least tranquil. Burnham on Crouch and Southend. “Send me two gallons, same as before” said the slow-speaking Bardwell, at work on a cottage near Latchingdon. “I’d better have another half-hundredweight” said Prior, the boat builder.

Tragedy; “Father’s at the hospital” said the hunchback son of a decorator. “Mother’s dying. There’s no hope at all. They’re all there. Just waiting.” two tears trickled out of his eyes. Braham settled his account. I was recommended to call on a decorator named Bigmore. True enough he was pleased to see me. Had a small enamel job on hand. Ordered 2 x 1/2 glns. Paripan and ½ gln of my favourite, Egham Paint. New account!

Back at Southend, at the General Hospital, I had to interview a Harley Street specialist regarding a special pink enamel for the Massage Dept. “A warm white” or a “faint dawn rose blush”. Eventually received a three gallon order.