Shape of Snakes

Letter from Ann Butts to Councillor J. M. Davies,

Richmond-dated 1978

30 Graham Road

Richmond

Surrey

June 12,1978

Dear Mr. Davies,

I got your name and address from a leaflet that was pushed through my door. You said to write if I had a problem. I think something should be done for Morin. She cries because her husband hits her. I have tried to make him stop but he is a nasty man who likes hurting children and animals.

Yours very worried,

Ann Butts (Miss)

Carbon copy of Councillor J. M. Davies's reply

Pendlebury

Duke's Avenue

Richmond

Surrey

01-940-0000

June 20, 1978

Dear Miss Butts,

Thank you for your letter of June 12, 1978.1 am deeply disturbed by what you say, however, there is little I can do without more information. You did not give me Morin's surname, nor the name of her husband, nor indeed did you say where she lives. As I'm sure you appreciate, it will be difficult for me to raise the matter with the appropriate authorities without these details.

If you wish me to pursue the matter, please write again or telephone me on the above number. Alternatively, you may prefer to attend one of my "surgeries" at the above address, which would give you a chance to discuss your concerns in person. They take place between 9 a.m. and midday on the first Saturday of every month and do not require an appointment.

Yours sincerely,

(Update: No response received therefore no action taken. Possibility that a strange phone call at 11 p.m. on July 3 with much reference to "white trash" may have been Miss Butts, but caller was very incoherent. Suspect original letter was malicious. J.M.D.)