Page 1170 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1168
1168
1940

Fort, out on the range, very stormy day & a strong shamaal wind. Meeting at Agency in morning to discuss
the compensation for victims of accidents at the oil fields. The Company are very generous in the matter &
always pay high amounts. Major Holmes arrived in the down boat from Kuwait & got to the house after
lunch in time for the party, he seemed in very good form. Spent most of the afternoon arranging for the
party. About 76 people came, it was a great success & all admired the flowers, the band & the new part of
the veranda.

Tuesday 24th March

Fort - Office. M went to tea at the Mission in afternoon and I took Holmes for a drive in the car & showed
him sea road & Jufair buildings. Arnold of the RAF came to call & stayed quite a long time. The garden is
looking lovely.

Wednesday 25th March

Fort - Office. The Shaikh came in & I got various matters settled, he was very obstinate over appointing
another magistrate on the court & seemed anxious to have Abdulla's eldest son who is entirely unsuitable.
Had our usual tennis & Bridge, quite a lot of people, four tables of Bridge, then dined with the Hakkens, an
all missionary party.

Thursday 26th March

Fort. Office. Shaikh Mohammed came in, borrowed money & wasted about an hour talking, as usual,
about how poor he was and how the Shaikh ought to give him more money. He is the most shameless &
prsistent beggar I have ever known & wastes hours of my time. Busy morning in the office. Played golf in
the afternoon with Mrs Skinner. M drove out to the course & looked on from the car, started off well &
then went to bits. Went to the "movies" at the Jebel in the evening after an early dinner, quite a good film.
I met their garden expert, from Kew, a young Englishman - he will find it very difficult to get things to do