Page 353 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

351

1927

Didnt go to the office until after breakfast. The Agency take 10 days off as Christmas holidays, I took three. Quite a busy
morning. A meeting at the Biladya to elect a new member in place of Ali Yatim. Only three people appeared to vote. The
Shaikh, Abdulla & Barrett were there so we discussed various business. Tried to get out of going out to dinner with him but
couldn't. Went down the bazaar in the afternoon, bought some material for M's fancy dress for the Spences party on New
Year's Eve. Went out to dinner at the Shaikhs at Sakhrir. As usual Barrett was late starting. The party consisted of Barrett,
myself, Bray & Parke. Quite cold motoring across the desert in the middle of the island. Wore coats mufflers & a big rug.
About half way out we met one of the Shaikh's cars sent to meet us to see if anything was the matter as we were so late. Found
d

the Shaikh with Mubarak, his son, and Ali bin Khalid, who was imprisoned for 6 months, & Ah b Abdulla al Shattam, son of
a man convicted for rape & murder!! Quite a pleasant dinner, very plain, one sheep & some fruit. Had a look at the new
building. Goodness knows where the money is to come from. Went off with Abdulla b Jabr before dinner to see the clothes he
is lending me for the Spences show. Very nice. Tried them on. A yellow embroidered coat, Syrian make, a brown & gold
agul & a cashmeer head cloth & gold agul (the sort of cord thing round the head) & a gold daggar. Tried them on. They fit
well but slightly on the short side. Very cold driving back, didn't get in till ten oclock. As is usual at Sakhrir the Shaikh had
several silugis & hawks in his room. The silugis assisted at the meal & eat off the table. The Shaikh showed us some of his