Page 302 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

299

1927

reduced, but finally we got him to agree to a certain number. Decided on putting the Wakf Dept under the Education with
Abdulla as boss. Tennis at Mespers in afternoon followed by Bridge.

Thursday [29 September]

Court. Shaikh came round in the morning & took up a lot of time. A big pearl case. We had asked several pearl merchants to
come & listen to it & as usual they settled it by compromise, the favourite way. They literally struggled with the two parties,
dragging them out for whispered conferences on the veranda & pushing them about - so different to ways in European Courts.
Called on Shaikh Rashid, the Shaikh's father in law & uncle in the afternoon. A red (dyed) bearded old reprobate, but rather a
pal of mine. Much gossip as usual. Dined in the evening with Pack. Bridge. Holding poor cards at present, I won for months
but am now not doing so well.

Friday [30 September]

Took a dose of calomel so didnt go out. Mohamed bin Rashid called with many grievances against the venerable Kadis who
though they may possibly be well up in religious matters have not the smallest idea of running a Government Department &