Page 438 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

436

1929

was no Bridge. Tennis at the Agency. Prior invited the Telegraph people, which is a new thing. Edwards and a wife
who is quite common and a little chi-chi, but harmless.

Saturday 11th May
Went down to the Joint Court in the morning to see the Shaikh. Got a certain amount of business done. Impounded all
the donkeys from the village of Aali which were in the markets in order to make the people pay up the fine which we
put on them. Went to tea and tennis at the Agency, only the Strakers and Bardon there, played abominably.

Sunday 12th [May]

Court. Went out a drive in the afternoon. No news about the places on the P & O. Very awkward not knowing
whether M is going or not.

Monday 13th [May]

Court. Started packing in case the answer arrived in time for tomorrow's boat. D.G. came in the afternoon to talk
about our contracts. Went over them at some length and found several points that ought to be settled. Mrs Pennings
and Dr Rottshacfer came also Miss Dalenburg. Got the reply to the telegram at eight oclock just before going out to
dine at Mespers, they said they had a second class berth so decided to take it. Rather a rush. People at home would be
shocked at the idea of starting off on so long a journey at a few hours notice. Busy packing until about midnight. Very
hot damp night I think the hottest we have had so far.

Tuesday 14th May

Went out to the boat after breakfast, a lot of people came in to say good bye. D.G. went out to the boat with us, the
Barpeta, the boat we always seem to travel on. Quite nice and cool on the sea but very hot and damp on shore. Only
one other passenger, a man. Quite smooth going out, fortunately. Went to the rice boat on the way back but didnt go
on board. The aeroplanes which were expected in the morning arrived at tea time. As usual there was a mix up over
time. The Shaikh came in and stayed a long time in the house waiting to go to the Agency and call. I went across with
him. Barrett seemed very well but had a quite scarlet nose, from the sun. He said they dislike Bushire very much. He
was really disappointed at not seeing James. The Shaikh talked much about him and said it was far better that he
should go home for the hot weather. The Shaikh stayed till nearly sunset at the Agency and then went back to Sakhrir,
we were to follow him at once to dine out there but as usual they didnt get away from the Agency till after the time that
we were expected to be there. The party were myself, D.G. Holmes, Prior, Barrett and the two top airmen. Dinner was
outside on the sort of terrace which The Shaikh built last year. Quite a good dinner, well cooked for once in the way.
We had intended going to Idari on the way back but it was too late. I had the airman who came last week to stay with
me again. The Shaikh had been telling people every day that he would discuss certain matters with them but he never
talked a word of shop the whole time Barrett was here.

Wednesday 15th May