Page 482 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

479

1929

Court. Shaikh Sulman tells me he is going to be married, to the sister of Khalifa bin Hamed of Jessra, an objectionable
person. He has had four wives, one of them he still has, one he divorced and two died, this is his fifth, the number is
small as compared to the usual numbers of wives among the Khalifa. Felt rather seedy, something very queer about the
bank dinner. They gave me a standing invitation for every Sunday which I accepted. The Shaikh came in to call,
merely socially, after calling at the Agency on Seyed Saddiq. He didnt stay long and talked no business. They are
starting boring a well just opposite the house, we shall have a pipe off it if there is plenty of water and I mean to try and
put a pipe into the house, it would be very useful. The Strakers came in and borrowed some books. Jordan called, took
him out in the car for a drive as far as Idari which he had not seen before. He was much impressed by it. Went over to
see the doctor. Jordan has got a wireless set but so far he has not been able to work the loud speaker, I dont care for
wireless unless it is of the best and has a loud speaker, head clips are horrid.

Tuesday 24th September

Meeting of the Manama Biladya. The question of ghee came up again, a lot of merchants have brought in a big supply
of french margarine, meaning to mix it with the pure stuff. We forbade the import. Otherwise a dull meeting. Seyed
Saddiq attended. Afterwards went along to the Customs and had a talk to D.G. about various things. He never fails to
mention every time one meets him what a tiring day he has had having done so much work, he has developed another
dreadful habit of saying after eating or drinking, "now I really enjoyed that". He is a most irritating person but he
means well and is keen on his job. Went up to the Shia school in the afternoon and had a look at the books which the
master has brought back, stayed there till late. Went in to see the Holmes' before dinner. She was cooking and made
some perfectly delicious cheese straws, she cooks awfully well and enjoys it.

Wednesday [25 September]

Got a wire in the morning from Barrett and the Telegraph people in India complaining that our site for power house is
too near to the wireless. Most irritating, Edwards, the wireless man, told our engineer that it was quite all right, after
that we began work. Sent off several very angry telegrams and then went out and eventually found a place near the
Agency garden which is quite suitable in every way. Tennis at Mespers.

Thursday 26th [September]

Court. Shaikh Sulman invited me to his wedding which takes place today out at a place called Jessra along the coast.
Arranged to go out to dinner but then altered my mind and decided to go on Friday. A raging shamaal wind and a lot
of dust blowing, nasty weather. Painted in the afternoon and then went out in the car. Really nothing to write about,
quite cold in the evening.

Friday [27 September]