Free The Honeywood Files by H.B. Creswell Page B

plans and application form and shall be glad to receive notice of approval.
    Yours faithfully,
    POTCH TO SPINLOVE
    Sir,27.9.24.
    I am obliged to you for pointing out that an attic occupies roof space. Unfortunately, my committee are not in the habit of regarding habitable attic rooms as roof space because the architect calls them boxrooms on the plans.
    The plans and application form herewith.
    Yours faithfully,
    SPINLOVE TO POTCH
    Sir,29.9.24.
    I have amended plans by writing “roof space” instead of “boxroom,” as you ask. The concrete will be laid in trenches immediately. Plans and form are returned herewith.
    The parcel containing your letter and the plans was not stamped. I enclose the label with excess stamp and shall be glad to receive refund of 1s. 6d.
    Yours faithfully,
     
    Potch’s quibbling attempt to force Spinlove to alter his drawing, and his neglect to stamp the parcel, are all part of his method of obstructing and bullying those who, in his private practice, he regards as rivals. If he could infuriate Spinlove into some indiscreet act of protest or retaliation which could be adversely commented on at the council meeting and reported in the local paper, which loyally supports local interest, Potch would consider his trouble well rewarded.
    One cannot but commend the characteristic tenacity of Spinlove as exhibited in his letter that follows.
    SPINLOVE TO CLERK , MARLFORD R . D . C .
    Dear Sir,6.10.24.
    A week ago I had to ask your surveyor to refund 1s. 6d. excess postage paid by me on parcel of plans sent unstamped. I enclosed label showing the excess stamp. I have had no reply except a form of approval of plans. I shall be glad to receive the money.
    Yours faithfully,
    CLERK , MARLFORD R . D . C ., TO SPINLOVE
    Dear Sir,8.10.24.
    In reply to your letter, Mr. Potch states that you did not enclose excess stamp, and also states that postage on parcel is recorded in his stamp book. It appears, therefore, that there must be some mistake or else the stamps came off in the post.
    Yours faithfully,
    SPINLOVE TO BULLJOHN
    Dear Mr. Bulljohn,9.10.24.
    I know you to be a local magnate and I am writing to ask your help in what seems to me to be a public scandal, for if I submit to the obstructions of the Marlford Council I may get into serious difficulties in the building of this house at Honeywood.
    I enclose copies of correspondence with the clerk and surveyor. I pinned the excess stamp on to the letter myself. I have no doubt the parcel was intentionally posted without stamps just as the reply to my request for refund was purposely ignored.
    You will notice also the tone of the other letters. If this sort of thing goes on I shall have to make a strong protest to the council, but probably a word to the right person will act as a warning.
    I am informed by the builder that Mr. Potch is notorious, and that he has a private practice so that it is to his interest to make difficulties for everyone who does not employ him as architect.
    I should be much obliged if you could drop a hint in the right direction.
    Yours sincerely,
    BULLJOHN TO SPINLOVE
    Dear Spinlove,10.10.24.
    Yes, it is all very bad. There have been lots of complaints, but the fellow has many friends on the council and among the local tradespeople. However, I see the chairman sometimes—a very decent man—and I will give him a hint. I am keeping the papers you enclosed.
    Ever yours sincerely,
    POTCH TO SPINLOVE
    Sir,15.10.24.
    I am glad to inform you that I am directed by my council to present you the enclosed postal order for the value of one shilling and sixpence. I regret that the requirements of the auditors of His Majesty’s Local Government Board make it necessary for me to trouble you for a receipt, but no stamp is required as sum is less than £2.
    I have the honour to be, Sir,
    Your obedient servant,
     
    Spinlove’s action has not soothed the savage beast, but that was scarcely, in any case, to be hoped, for such men are swayed only by