Page 96 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1926

Didnt go to the office before breakfast but went after an early breakfast to the opening of the new mission women's
hospital. All the people in the place present both English & natives. Prideaux made a remarkably feeble speech,
Sheikh Muhamed made a short speech on behalf of Sheikh Hamed & Penning & Harrison also spoke, asking for
money. Daly translated the Colonel's speech into Arabic. The building is really rather nice only too exposed to public
eye. Anyone passing on the road can see right into it. A jewish pearl merchant called Pack has arrived, I believe he
calls himself Go Stovach or something, rather well dressed with huge nose. Daly came ½ hour late, by the time he
arrived the audience were bored stiff. Arabs hate being kept waiting. Afterwards went to the office where I found a
lot of people waiting to see me & so was kept late & didnt get back till 2. After tea went with Prideaux to the Sheikh
to see his ponies. One or two of them are quite nice, but most of them are poor things which he does not show. He
is very proud of them. Perryman came in before dinner but we didnt get time to play any Bridge. P misses Bridge
very much indeed - & I myself would like to play more. Went for a bit of a walk when we came home. A hot damp
evening, I hope the weather isnt going to change again.

Friday 10th Sept

Went down the bazaar in the morning. Quite a cool pleasant day, walked about a lot & looked at quantities of
carpets, finally bought one, largish one, quite nice, for Rs 50/- which matches our general colour scheme of blue &
yellow. Daly still busy packing. The people came to tea as usual in the afternoon also a fellow called Pack, a Jew, a
very big pearl merchant. Afterwards we played Bridge. M & I played together, with very poor results!

Saturday [11 September]

Busy morning. Drove out in afternoon towards Budeayah & took a photo of the road. Played Bridge when we got
home with Spence & Pack.

Sunday [12 September]

Moved some of the furniture into the new house. We are going in on Monday when the Barretts arrive as there wont
be room in the Agency. It is by no means finished, full of workmen so not very comfortable yet, & very damp as the
walls dry slowly in this weather. Played Bridge before dinner.