Page 609 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

Tuesday [4 November]

Biladya meeting in Manama. Not much of interest. A long talk about mosquitoes. Afterwards went over to
Muharrak to see about the site for the Baluchis who are being moved out of the old fort which is to become
the new Quarantine station. Shaikh Mohamed was very tiresome indeed over it. They are getting a very fine
strip of land along the sea shore outside Muharrak which is the only place where Muharrak can extend in the
future. I am all against it. Got back in time for lunch. Motored in the afternoon.

Wednesday 5th November

Went down to see the Shaikh at the Joint Court before breakfast and talked about the question of the
Baluchis and their land, Prior argued about it but we achieved no result. Mohamed is so very pig headed.
Busy morning in the office, Jordan came in and various other people. In the afternoon we had a few people
to tennis and bridge afterwards, it is pleasanter than having a lot. Quite cold.

Thursday 6th November 1930

Very busy morning in the office, I had meant to go out but didnt get a moment to spare. Saw the
Agriculturist, school Inspector and various other people and wrote a lot of letters. Arranged to have school
sports on Monday while the Resident is here, I hope they will do it alright as I have not the time to see to it.
Cool day. In the evening there was a strong shamaal and we slept indoors for the first time since the
beginning of the summer, really cold. Took the Agriculturist out to Aali where we are going to plant some
cotton as an experiment, then on the way back went in to Parkes and stayed there till it was time for him to
go out to dinner, dropped him at his destination. D.G. phoned to say he had a wire from his "little lady" so
the engagement could be publicly announced. He is very queer over it, goodness knows what she will be like,
she may be anything. Its all very queer.

Friday 7th November 1930

Started wearing thick clothes, it was quite cold yesterday evening but I found it rather warm in the morning.
Went to the Bank in the morning for Bridge. Hussein Yatim called in the afternoon and paid a longish visit.
He is very curious as after three years at school in England his attitude and speech and manner is just that of
an English schoolboy, yet at the same time he talks about his business here and his share in his father's estate
like a grown up man. He is a nice boy and his manners are excellent. He wore an ordinary suit and a school
tie with an abba on top of it. He is having a very difficult time, after three years of good English food it is
difficult to come back to a menu of mostly dates and rice. In the afternoon there was a farewell party to
Guzdar, the head clerk at the Agency, so no tennis, but Bridge after tea. Guzdar is a very nice fellow. He is
moving to Muscat. Prior's drawing room looks very nice with its pink curtains and shaded lights, but it does
not look lived in somehow, more like a club or an Hotel. D.G. came in to dinner to discuss his wedding.