Page 513 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

Wednesday 8th Jan 1930

Went to the Fort before breakfast, I think the men are getting very lazy but I have not got the time to attend
to them so have to leave most things to the Superintendent. Court, Sulman acted for the Shaikh at the Joint
Court so Mohamed Ali attended. He is useless. Went up to the Palace with Jordan to see about the lighting
of the roof, we are putting in sort of pedistal lamp posts on the parapet. Then to Rafaa to see the road, first
to the Agency where we are mending their tennis court for them. Strong shamaal and very cold. The
Strakers called to say good bye. She said she hoped never to return here, he said he would like to. No
women like Bahrain, I have never met one who genuinely did. Painting a picture, a bazaar scene, not up to
much. Wrote letters for the mail. Personally I am sorry the Strakers are going as although she has been very
silly and tiresome I like him more than any of the other Mespers men who have been here.

Thursday [9 January]

Boat came in the morning with Prior on board. Strakers left, quite calm for them. Court. Motored out to
Rafaa to meet the Amir and see about repairing the road. Cold up on the hill. The Jordans came in after tea
and stayed till nearly eight, talking, and then Prior to dinner. He seems to have had quite a lively time at
Bushire and kissed all the women in the place, much to the surprise of some, at a party which they had there,
including the Residents wife. There are many more English people there than here.

Friday [10 January]

The Shaikh came in the morning to call on Prior, he arrived early while we were at breakfast so came up and
had some coffee with us. James sat in his pram and they got on very well together. Went over to the Agency
with the Shaikh. Prior's manner with Arabs is not good, he is very frigid and doesnt try to make conversation,
though The Shaikh is easier than any of them to talk to. Discussed the question of the tutor, I heard
yesterday that although the tutor had gone to Muharrak Mubarak had never turned up. He came to see me
yesterday and complained. We got the Shaikh to say that he would send Mubarak over to Muharrak at once
to start work. Mubarak was very sulky about it. The tutor came in to see me later and then Seyed Sadiq
called, then we went to the Bank for Bridge. Went out for a walk before tea and then to the Agency for tea
and Bridge, no tennis as the court is still out of order. Most of the Mission came so the party was very heavy.
There are now only enough people for one four of Bridge, Prior does not play which is a great nuisance. I
thought the Shaikh did not look very well, but it may have been the cold. Started a painting of a sunset along
the sea road, did a very good sky but in difficulty with the foreground.

Saturday [11 January]

A deputation of leading merchants called on me to protest about a tax being put on lotteries and asking that
they should be made illegal. They also wish to start a Chamber of Commerce here, but as each of them