Amrita's Correspondence with The Mother

6 February 1932

Mother,

The duty on things like typewriters is 30 percent. It is difficult to say that the one in our hands costs less than say Rs. 150. The Customs Office has a price list of things, so the duty is not likely to be less than Rs. 40 to 45. This amount is recoverable and will be recovered from the Customs as soon as the machine comes back to us. In the meanwhile who is to advance the amount? Will you permit me to approach Duraiswami for it?

I do not like that.

The duty is too high and the risks too much. It is better to give up the idea. If the spare part can be found in Madras, Duraiswami might bring it next time he comes and it will be refitted here. Inform Purani.

6 February 1932