Page 99 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

97

1926

Saturday [18 September]

An extra busy day as the mail arrived bringing the detachment of Punjabi Indian army troops who are to be stationed
here temporarily. Seemed to spend the whole time rushing about arranging things for the detachment. Met them at
the quay & attended a sort of meeting at the Agency. The subaltern is quite young, Robinson by name, & seems dull.

The execution of the murderer is to be on Tuesday morning & these men are to shoot him - better than hanging but
altogether a messy business. Took the Captain of the Crocus, Tancred, up to call on the Sheikh. Showed him his
photos of places he visited in England among them many of Sandown, one postcard of the church showing our gate!
Curious to find it in the Sheikh's palace! That would interest the Editor of the Sandown paper! One of the ships's
officers called when I was out. M was at home, a Commander Howe.

Sunday [19 September]

Col Prideaux & Secretary departed on the mail boat, & no loss. I went down to the Customs & saw them off. At the
very last moment when everything was arranged the Colonel decided to go in a different launch to the one I had
ordered. I'm glad he's gone, though he was alright personally he was a great nuisance officially. Barrett & Robinson
went to call on the S. N. O on the Triad. Went out for a drive after tea, out to Suk al Khamis & back by Budeya road.
Its a pretty road, bordered by palm gardens & one meets endless people riding donkeys going back to the villages, so
like Siwa.

Monday [20 September]

Very busy day. Crowds of people at the office to see me. I often have to dodge people as I go out as they always
seem to stop me on my way home. Played tennis at Agency in afternoon. Very poor tennis indeed. Mr B is really
nearly daft. Less brain than a child of four. Had a long talk with Shaikh Ali, Secretary of Municipal Council, before
dinner, an intelligent progressive man.

Tuesday [21 September]

Got up at 5.30, a gray gloomy morning - suitable. Motored up to the Fort. A square of sailors & police & a big crowd
of people. The execution went off without any accidents thank goodness. I sat in my car some distance off with the