Page 558 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

came in to see me. Went out at the back of the town on the coast and did a sketch. The Jordans came round
at sunset.

Thursday 22nd May 1930

Court. Drove out in the afternoon and as we passed the Shia School saw that there was some sort of show
going on so went in. They were having a sort of Scouts Sports, very well done indeed. Sat and looked on for
some time. The boys seemed very keen and very good at their games and things. The show was run entirely
by the young headmaster who had apparently arranged the show without consulting anybody. Met Major
Holmes after we had been there, he asked us to go in and see him which we did after taking a short drive. He
seemed rather depressed, he is having his house electrified. The school band has learnt to play God save the
King, a most annoying thing as they now play it on every possible occasion so one constantly has suddenly to
stand up. We explained that we did not like too much of it but it seems to have had no effect. Major
Holmes, Barden and the two American oil men came to dinner. We played Bridge, quite good games. One of
the Americans was a little drunk. I dont care for them, both wear very large spectacles and are tall, one has
reddish hair and is about fifty, the other much younger. They are very American.

Friday [23 May]

Had breakfast with Major Holmes. He has been buying some bits of china and old copper in the bazaar. It
rather annoys me as we have been here so long yet never found any, he has a man who buys for him, some
of the china looks good, the Persians get a lot from China and much of it remains here still and in other Gulf
ports. He is very keen on it, also he has been buying some pearls for a necklace. They are not very good but
quite big though badly matched in colour. I really dont know if he has got a bargain or not. He paid about
£30 for them, there is no doubt about there being very cheap ones about this year. Played Bridge at the
Bank and in the afternoon to the Agency as usual. We are again winning a great deal at Bridge this month,
some of the people get very annoyed about it. It is a little awkward always winning. The fact is that we play
a great deal better than the average here, but that is not saying much. Prior has started having rather strong
cocktails after tea, they are very nice but to my mind too violent.

Saturday [24 May]
Court. Sulman and I went along to see the Shaikh who had come in for a court, discussed a new land
proclamation which we have worked out, he approved of it and signed it. A lot of cases. It is still a busy time
though most of the boats have gone out. Motored along the Rafaa road to see the work.

Sunday [25 May]

Meeting of the Shia Wakf Department, rather an argumentative one. Settled about the payments for
Muharram. Worked most of the morning with Nairan my head clerk and cashier who is going on leave. It is
most awkward as this is the end of the Arabic year and he will not be here to close the accounts. Tennis at