“FAVOURABLE LETTER JUST TO COMMEMORATE YOU—”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 March 1936, Page 4

“FAVOURABLE LETTER JUST TO COMMEMORATE YOU—”

Weird and wonderful ’are the letters w;ritten by semi-educateyl African natives. The use of long words seems to be their chief failing, and punctuation is to them unnecessary.

Below are two authentic applications Tor posts received by an engineer engagr ed on a development scheme in Northern Nigeria:— Zabongeri, Kano, April 2nd. Sir. —I beg most respectfully to furoiish you, this my favourable letter just to commemorate you about your hollyheart, good-natured and generous dealing which you have intended to apo-

calypse, or approved on my personal integrity by trying me to let me be one of. your painter .workmen under your control. . '

. In. support of this,.- my, humble. decision, I- beg .to stateyfor your gercrous inforipatiori < that 1 am a good- and excellent painter- which..\vil) no doubt meet your, approbation a 1 fee] in g and satisfact'ion... And 1 .Had also certificated by lot of, agencies at Kistop. which readily to forward' at any. time Ho ybiir requirement. ' ’ . . ' , ><•-, " ■

, Anticipating ,to 'iri,ept. your kind'approval abdrijistaiitaneou's approbation. — borfqur to he. sir; your most obedient' servant, 'Moriioh, painter. 1 'WeliiMomah seeriis to kqow wljat, lie wants,. but lie expresses >hiinself- ; in -a !

queer way. Now Philip will prove that lie has mastered English : Kafaichan Station, January Bth. Sir. —I beg with much due humble and respectful to submitting this, my humble application, to your worship under your department to take me as one of your workmen such as headman. In my present 1 can able to get, so beloved please, sir. 1 will be able to transect any job beslowe on with me great respect to your worship if there is none under your care. I Kjg you kindly suggestion to any. department whom needed in such. May I gratefully thank you if my kind request will be regarded.—l have • the honour to be, sir, I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, Philip.