Letter From George Nelson 1951

“KEIRUNGA,”
HAVELOCK NORTH, N.Z.
28 Feb. ’51

Dear Mary Woodville

The three boys got their “M.A.” degrees at Cambridge. As a qualification it appears not to amount to much: but the public value it – which counts. Jim was the only one to distinguish himself: Quentin, I always thought, had more ability; but he lacked Jim’s keenness. Jim’s enthusiasm for anything he took up, carried him through – that & a lovable quality which he possessed in large measure. His “letters” appear to have been M.D. (Camb.) F.R.C.S. (Eng.) To make sure you had better look up how “The Times” describes him in one of the accompanying excerpts, which I send thinking you may find something of interest in them.

As for my own “letters” I was, for about

five and twenty years a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (M.I. Mech.E.) In 1928, on the nomination of Wm Ferguson & other distinguished members, I was elected to full membership of Britain’s premier Eng. Society – The Institution of Civil Engineers – (then M.Inst. C.E., now M.I.C.E.)

We are expecting the Hansards to lunch with us on the 9th March – Friday week.

We are glad the Robertshaws were pleased with their visit: we enjoyed it too. I have found him a very satisfactory man to deal with: please tell Harry this, as I acted on his recommendation. Perhaps you will let me have back the enclosed papers someday – Jim’s daughters may like to have them. With love to you both & greetings to the Ladies of [?]  Geo N