Listen how later that morning Mr. Martin dealt with a telephone call. Try to complete the gaps, using no more than three words in each case.
John Martin:
Hello.
What?
Desks?
Oh, Mr. Van Eyck...
Yes...
But they were sent off days ago.
Yes, of course they were... wait, I'll give you the exact date.
Fenella, quick!
Fenella:
Yes, Mr. Martin.
John:
See if you can find the copies of the shipping documents for the thirty M-type desks sent to the Netherlands.
They'll be in the outer office in the file under Bills of Lading.
Hello.., hold on, we're trying to find it.
I'm sorry about this, Mr. Van Eyck, I can't understand the hold-up.
Fenella:
Is this it, Mr. Martin?
John:
Yes, that's it.
Here we are, Mr. Van Eyck, yes, consigned motor vessel Kelpie, date of clearance London Docks, 12th September.
You should have them by now.
I'll get on to our forwarding agents and call you back.
O.K.
Goodbye.
Fenella!
Get me the Globe Forwarding Company — Mr. Alan Smith.
The number's on the list by the phone.
Something has happened to our two containers for Rotterdam.
Our agent in Holland promised our clients would get the desks on Friday.
When you've got him, ring through to Mr. Best, the Sales Clerk, and ask him to bring up the invoiced sales and order intake for the month.
Be as quick as you can.
John:
(An hour later)
Hello, Oh, Mr. Smith.
Any luck?
What?
Oh, no.
Left on the dock.
Why weren't they cleared?
Well, surely the agent's responsible.
Look, I'll try and get the containers cleared.
O.K.
I'll ring you back.
Fenella!
Get me Mr. Van Eyck in Amsterdam.
Fenella:
Oh, Mr. Martin, how do I telephone to Holland?
John:
You can dial the number direct, it's on I.S.D.
Oh, heavens!
It's eleven-thirty already.
As soon as I've got through, I'll have to go and see Hector Grant.
I can't be long.
Exercise 3
Act as an interpreter.
Hector Grant:
Hector Grant:
Come in, John.
Come in, John.
Well, you seem to have covered a lot of ground in Abraca.
Well, you seem to have covered a lot of ground in Abraca.
What about an agent?
What about an agent?
John:
John:
I think I've found a good one.
I think I've found a good one.
I think he'll handle our business well.
I think he'll handle our business well.
Grant:
What's his financial position?
John:
When I was in Djemsa I checked up with the Abracan National Bank, who rate him as sound.
Grant:
Did you agree a commission if we decide to employ him?
John:
Yes.
The usual ten per cent.
Grant:
How are we going to arrange payment from Abraca?
I'm against sight draft.
John:
Oh, I agree.
It must be irrevocable letter of credit.
Payment will be made through a London branch of the National Bank of Abraca when they receive our bills of lading and all the other documents.
Grant:
Well, I'd like a more detailed report from you on paper, plus your long-term assessment.
Exercise 4
Listen to the following conversation between John Martin and Fenella. Look at their remarks given below at random. Put them in the order they appear in the Unit. Supply the remarks with the name of their authors.
A ...
Oh, Fenella! Don’t weep all over my letters, they’re so nicely set out. You can easily correct the spelling mistakes. Do cheer up. I’m sorry. I expect I’m a bit tired too. It’s been a hectic day for both of us.
B ...
Yes, of course. I shouldn’t be able to manage without you.
C ...
Look. I really am sorry. I shouldn’t have expected so much from you. You’ve done splendidly. I know … pass me my brief case. I bought this ash-tray in the souk in Djemsa. Would you like it?
D ...
Fenella, these letters are full of spelling mistakes.
E ...
Oh, yes, Mr. Martin. Thank you ever so much … and can I work for you tomorrow if Sally is still away?
F …
Oh, Mr. Martin, I did try to do my best. Honestly I did.
