Page 612 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

Holmes, Barden, Walker and then D.G. came in, all chaffing him a great deal about his coming marriage. He
takes everything so very seriously. Todd goes tomorrow. The Resident seems to have been quite pleased
with everything here.

Sunday [16 November]

Called on Shaikh Abdulla the Shia Kadi in the morning before breakfast, he was very pleasant, we talked
about sources for obtaining notes on the history of Bahrain, it is so difficult to get anything about the times
before the Khalifa. After breakfast went over to Muharrak with Jordan to see about the lay out of the
electric. We are almost decided on having the extension over to Muharrak. Had a long walk all round the
town and in and out of the bazaars. Took one photo that might be rather a good one of a narrow lane with a
mosque at the end of it. Quite hot walking in the sun, met a few local merchants but no one else. Went into
the Agency and had a talk with Prior on my way back. After tea I went up to the Biladya garden and stayed
there some time, the "farmer" was very busy planting out seeds in boxes with prepared mould. What I like
about him is that he doesnt mind working, hard, himself. Afterwards walked along to the Customs to see
D.G. but he was out. Quite warm weather still, it has been above 80 most of the time lately which one does
not expect at this time. About three weeks ago we had a few days really cold but since then it has been hot
again and M has had a fan on all day and most of the night as well.

Monday 17th November

Court, rather a long one. Hot day, 81 in the afternoon. M got up for a little while. Gardened and then
Hakken came to call and stayed for an hour and a half. He always irritates me, his manner is tiresome and he
always tries to point out defects in our work, such as in the schools. M sat up a little in the drawing room.
Went along to D.G's in the evening before dinner, Parke came in and then Walker and Barden. We discussed
the furniture in his house, it is rather poor and very inadequate. If finances were not so bad this year I would
get some more Government furniture for the house. Wrote my history in the evening, I am working hard at a
history of Bahrain made from bits from various books, an Arab history and various notes etc. It is quite
interesting work. Still much hotter than it ought to be at this time of year. My seeds in the garden are
coming on very well.

Tuesday [18 November]

Meeting of the Manama Biladya, the Secretary came round to see me before the meeting to show me the
agenda. A dull meeting Prior proposed that they should make a road along the sea front but inside the
present sea road. It has been proposed before but many of the property owners oppose it so it never came
off. The members seemed rather annoyed at the idea, those at least who live round there. M was up today
and in the evening various people came in to call, she stayed up too long.