Diary, 1906 - London, Channel Islands, Sussex and Europe

Scope and Content

He mentions his work, especially its increasing volume, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) staff, riding, reading, health and activities of his wife and family and social engagements. Mrs Addis's entries refer to her husband's work and their family.

JANUARY Abolition of Indian opium trade under discussion. 'Apart from question of India I saw no objection on commercial grounds.' 18.

MARCH Holiday in Channel Islands with wife.

APRIL Son Tom moves from Edinburgh Academy to attend Stallards School in London.

MAY Addis speaks on 'Merchants and Missionaries' to the Christian Literature Society of China, formerly the Society for the Diffusion of Christian and General Knowledge among the Chinese; Bevis, a colleague in Shanghai, commits suicide in London; Addis visits the Foreign Office to discuss Chinese loans and is working hard.

JUNE Hears forecast of trouble in China over Hart and Chinese customs administration.

JULY Children ill with mumps; daughter Henrietta born, 25; some of family to Littlehampton, Sussex for summer holiday.

AUGUST Very hot; busy with Japanese loan. 'The Japs are inclined to overrate their credit now the war is over.' 1; attends Foreign Office meeting on Chinese customs administration.

SEPTEMBER To Sils Maurice near San Moritz, Switzerland for climbing and walking, feeling very tired and overworked

NOVEMBER To Berlin for meeting with Germans over Chinese railway loans

DECEMBER Discussions with J.R.M. Smith, due to return to Hong Kong after a London visit. 'Had long talk with him in the evening about his successor as Chief Manager. I was virtually offered and declined the succession. I believe I can be of more use to the Bank in London. But who could have believed I would ever refuse the Chief Managership of the HSBC' 6; children ill, son Charles with pleurisy.

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