Page 1171 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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well out at Jebel. Holmes went out to Rumaitha & called on the Shaikh who is camping out there & doing
some building.

Friday 27th March

Drove to Idari in morning to see how the orleanders which I planted round the well were doing, all seemed
to have struck. The Shaikh's divorced wife came o see me in the morning but M dealt with her - a shocking
affair, the Shaikh behaved very badly about it, he had two children by her or she had them by someone &
now she has gone in the head. Went to Holmes' on the way back, his house is all fixed up & looks very
comfortable. After tea we watched a hockey match & had a golf club meeting in the evening, a very
acrimonious affair. The SNO & Mrs Butler came to call during the meeting so M & I saw them in dining
room - rather awkward. Dined with the Skinners, a very good dinner but got very sleepy listening to the

Grand National on the wireless ! Holmes was keen on hearing it. The PR was coming here en route to
Bushire but cancelled the plan.

Saturday 28th March

Fort. Very fine day but getting warmer. Didn't go into Court as I had so much to do in office. Went down
to bazaar with Khalid Saleh & Abdulla bin Jabr to see the proposed plan for improvements in the Shaikh's
bazaar. He is going to build a lot of new shops & markets with some of the oil money. Then worked in
office. discussed a plan of buildings for the year with Mohammed Khalil & then various public health

measures with Holmes. I want to set up two more dispensaries, one in Manama for women, one in Hedd
and a sort of travelling doctor out in the country. Major Holmes left us & went to hiss house which is now
ready. Played golf in the afternoon with Mrs Skinner, I did much better, we played the second nine holes
for the cup. She played very well. M played too & afterwards we went back to tea with Mrs Skinner. Dined
at the Agency to meet the Bagalgettes who are going to Mohammorah, quite a nice young couple. also
present the young man from Teheran, Hickinbottom & the Captain of the mail boat on which the family
travelled down, awful talker. Quite a pleasant party. Shaikh Mohammed left on the up mail for his usual
holiday in Eygpt - very thankful to see him go, he came in morning to say goodbye.

Sunday 29th March