Page 253 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1927

well, reading from the Koran & reciting the story of Hassem. He played on the audience making them sob & moan.
Outside crowds of women moaning & sobbing & beating their heads. The two men who spoke were extremely good, far
better than the average parson, & the effect on the audience was wonderful. Stayed till after midnight & then motored
home.

Thursday [7 July]

Customs in morning, went in to see the Shaikh before the Joint Court. Some of the Dawaris there, as usual sulky over a
question of some land in the market which after the confiscation was gifted to the town. The Shaikh as usual was quite
prepared to pay them over Rs 20,000 for it! This will not be done. Court.

The Dr came in to discuss the arrangements for pearl boat Inspector on his hospital ship. Dinner at Ali Zayanis, the Shaikh
present & about 50 people. A very good dinner outside his Meglis, much cooler than inside. Afterwards bathed in Idari &
then went down the town again to a Bahraini matem. Not such good speakers as at the Persian one, but in Arabic. Stayed till
1.30, followed the people into another matem, an extraordinary sight, torches flaring, drums & mobs of men beating
themselves on their chests till the blood flowed.