Collection Record

letter, 21/07/1933, Mr. D. Graham to Dr Benham, Asks for perusal of enclosed correspondence. Members of the Portobello Marine Board will remember Graham was accused of retaining material and information belonging by rights to the Board. Refuted when forwarded to Mr. A. E. Hefford and to Mr. G. M. Thomson the full results of Graham's fishery investigations at Portobello, all that was needed was a little time. Unfortunately had not let the written work and tabulations to keep pace with his observing. The Board was richer by great wealth of the results and Graham poorer by the months of work without salary, including expenses for stationary, typing, photography, stamps, etc. coming from his own pocket. Believed he was clear and thought everyone was aware that he had no way defrauded the board. The next accusation of wrong doing came in a letter from August 5th 1932 from the secretary suggesting a certain microscope apparatus, after explaining over the phone, what the apparatus looked like he found it was still intact at the station. July 15th 1933, another letter from the secretary suggested that Graham has various copies of publications on fishery matters, property of the Board, Graham denies having any of the Board's literature, brought none away from the incomplete files and records at Portobello, any received since has Graham left Portobello have been sent to him personally. Your chairman and Mr. A. E. Hefford both expressed their regret that the library showed so many gaps before Graham took office. This can be verified by perusal of the reference list of scientific periodicals (Gilbert Archey). Wearing to meet these petty attacks, especially to a man who has nothing left but his character and interest in marine life. Asks if he can count on Benham's sense of justice to free him from further suggestions of dishonourable conduct. Copy's of this letter and letters from Benham's secretary will be sent to each member of the Board.