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Editor notes, October 16, 2017

The arrival of the "SS Saarbrucken" at Shanghai on October 27, 1928 effectively marked the end of Iris and Nora Hunter's diary.

As of this writing I've still been unable to track down a passenger list for this ship. I have searched shipping news in newspapers and even got so far as a list of the ships that arrived in Shanghai that very day. The SS Saarbrucken was omitted and yet she is listed outbound two days later with a list of passengers continuing on to northern ports. I have tried to discover who the "other Hunters" were and whether or not they were related to us. They are mentioned on three occasions; the first day at sea, the shore trip in Genoa, Italy, and the car tour in Colombo, Ceylon. I assume they were probably in the group photos, and would also have been included at my grandfather's birthday dinner aboard ship on Sept 19th. They did not seem to be a part of the landing group at Shanghai, which could have just been an oversight as other friends were aboard and also not mentioned. So, there are still some remaining mysteries.
   There was a couple more entries in the diary in December, which I will post just to complete the diary record as it was written. There are a few names mentioned in the last entries, that I'm still attempting to relate in case they shed light on other unanswered questions.
I hope those of you who read this will excuse the boring bits and enjoy a glimpse into the somewhat privileged lives of my mother and her sister.
Thanks for reading.
Brian Hunter Beesley
Vancouver, Canada

October 27

27 Saturday (301-65)
S.R 6.44  S.S. 4.43

Got up early and went on deck. Last morning on board.
Had got into the river already. Water yellow and muddy.
Had breakfast, then packed.
Watched entrance to Shanghai from top deck. Band playing.
River Whangpoo like Thames. Busy etc.

Came aside wharf at 12 p.m. Saw Mr Letton-Samson waiting for us.
Said goodbye to stewardess, Captain-Purser etc. Went to customs.
Left in own car for Gomersall's in Hankow Road. Nice flat. Good food.
After dinner went for dance with Mr Wolf and Schreeck to Majestic Hotel.
Car broke down. Walked. Dancing fine.
Returned 1:30 a.m. Fog.
Dead tired.

N.H.

October 15-26

There is just one short entry announcing the arrival at Manila on Oct 19th.
Other than that there are no further entries until the arrival at Shanghai

October 14

14 Sunday (288-78)
19th After Trinity

Boat left next morning for Manila. Passed near the Equator.
Captain had us up on Bridge to see the line through telescope.
Only kidding us. Thought we believed him. Very funny!

N.H.

October 13

13 Saturday (282-70)
Michaelmas  Fire Insurance Ceases
New Moon  3.50 p.m.

Got to Singapore in afternoon 3 p.m. Went ashore for motor-drive.
Went to Johore etc. Very beautiful and interesting. Went back to ship.
Changed for dinner. Iris wore blue dress and cloak and I wore pink dress and red cloak.
Had dinner with Mr Boorman at Raffles Hotel. Danced after.
Guignards, Miss Martin and Mr Wolf joined us. Dancing only lasted from 10-12 p.m.
Very short. Went back to boat. Slept well.

N.H.

October 12

12 Friday (286-80)
Michaelmas Law Sittings begin

Got outside Belewan at 7a.m. Tender "Venus" came for passengers.
Miss Gish met her fiance and was to be married that day.

Photo of Belewan docks added

Miss Hautville met her fiance too but did not seem so warm about about her meeting.
Wanted to wait a month before finally decided. She left some broken hearts on board!

N.H.