50/2/3578

[handwritten] 10th [end handwritten] July, 1950.

Dear Sir,

I refer to your letter of 15th June, 1950, relative to Master Francis G. Tay Chye Tek of Singapore, who left your College without permission soon after his arrival in Australia.

Mr. Peter Tay Keng Hock, father of the lad, has been in touch with the Australian Commissioner, Singapore, regarding his son and he advises that it would appear that the boy was very homesick when he arrived in Australia and took advantage of a statement made by Mr. and Mrs. Watson, whom he met on the ship travelling to Australia, that if he ever did get lonely to get in touch with them and they would care for him.

He is at present residing with Mr. and Mrs. Watson in Perth, and his parents have asked Mrs. Watson to act as his guardian. He is attending the Perth Technical School and desires to enrol at the University of Western Australia next year.

It is stated that the lad's father is particularly perturbed at his son's actions, but nevertheless is extremely anxious for him to obtain a University training and with this in mind he is prepared to leave his son under the guardianship of Mr. and Mrs. Watson.

In view of the circumstances of the case, permission has been given for Francis Tay to continue his schooling at the Perth Technical College.

However, the Australian Commissioner, Singapore, has been requested to impress on students coming her for educational purposes that this Department takes a very serious view of students changing their place of study without prior approval.

Yours faithfully,

(T.H.E. Heyes)

SECRETARY. [underlined]

[Addressed to:] The Principal,

Christian Brothers College,

GERALDTON. [underlined] W.A.