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Computing Laboratory
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The University
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Canterbury
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Kent      CT2 7NF
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John E. Reilly
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The Registry
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UKC
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4th July 1988
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Dear Mr Reilly
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I apologise for the delay in replying to your request for a reference
for Mr T.E.H. Mabbs' application for the post of Computing Officer (Networks)
in the Computing Laboratory.
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I hope you will be able to accept this reference at this late stage without
prejudice to the candidate.

I have known Tristram since his entry into Kent University in October 1984
both personally and, since I joined the Laboratory's academic staff a year
later, professionally as his computer system administrator.
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I have seen him at work and seen the results of his labours.
These have for the most part been non-trivial programs written in the
C programming language, and have shown a strong grasp of the language,
and of good programming practice.
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While he was a student he did software development work on the BBC and Atari ST
microcomputers to supplement his student income.
I have referred other students and staff who had technical problems to do with
the hardware and the software of these computers to him,
and, as far as I know, he has been able to solve the problems on every
occasion.
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I cannot comment authoritatively on his grasp of hardware design, except to say
that he is dismayed by my own attempts at building computer hardware,
an opinion which is shared by others whom I know to be able!
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His understanding of car mechanics is very good, and I have no reason to
doubt that this understanding extends to electronics.
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His character is outgoing and he is even-tempered and reliable.
He is enthusiastic and takes pride in the quality of his work.
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I feel sure that he would be well suited to the post in question.
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      Yours sincerely