Page 1667 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1664

1944

Saturday 6th February

Fort. Enquiry on prisoner escape.

HH & Sh A came in, HH remained from about 9.30 till nearly one, Sh A
using the bridge as an excuse left earlier. Discussed various matters,
he signed the Budget without any trouble except to comment on the low
estimate for customs revenue. Discussed the Poor Relief & rather
reluctantly he agreed to give Shias another 1000 , discussed pricing
of Calcutta rice & the attitude of the merchants, he fairly let himself
go on this subject, then after Sh A had gone, discussed the question of
DC. He agreed that his appointment should not be extended, he having
reached age of 55, because a more energetic & younger man was needed but
he insisted that he should leave with honour not with any suggestion of
disgrace. Talked of various other matters.

Drove round in the evening & gave the dogs a run.

Sunday 7th February

Office. Spent almost all the morning at the Agency discussing pricing of
Calcutta rice over which there is a disagreement between me & importers,
then we discussed DC & I told W what Sh Sulman had said, he cabled the
result to G.P. It is all most disagreeable but I feel that things are
not as they should be down there. Saw various people when I came back.
The scandal about the price of dates to the so-called poor is increasing,
most of the real poor got nothing but merchants & people drawing pay were
given generously. Drove to Hedd to see a house we are hiring to Girls
School staff.

Dined Agency, a dozen people, rather a mixture. Played a silly game &
others played Bridge. A very good soufle for dinner.

Wakelin came round in the evening to assure me that a rumour that he was
leaving at the end of the term was not true. He told me about having
spoken to GP about going when their child died & having later said he
would stay.