Page 1179 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1177
1177
1940

Bad case of a manumitted slave being forcibly seized by the Dawasir at Lakhdar. Sent in a report on it to
Loch & hope that he will take immediate action. Major Holmes came to tea, discussed oil matters, he was

most upset when I told him that we were stirring up the Americans & hoped they would compete for the
additional area. As usual he talked of secret agreements & big matters which would be affected by such
things.

Sunday 26th April

Office, didn't go into court as they finished early. Went over to Agency to meet the head of the Post Dept in
Bushire who is here on a tour of inspection. A dull little man. Bridge at the Nixs, stayed very late & felt very
tired, too many late nights nowadays. Steele sent the wireless back but I don't suppose it will work. It has
not been functioning properly for a long time. I miss it a lot.

Monday 27th April

Fort, got up earlier. On the range first & then at office. Camel Section went on 2 days patrol. Used one of
the new rifles on the range, shot very badly but not surprising as I have not handled a rifle for many years.
Office. Sh Abdulla called, talked of oil matters, Sh Sulman & the Court, Sh Hamed's money affairs and the
row between old Ayesha & Abdulla bin Ibrahaim, on the latter subject I thought Abdulla behaved rather
badly. Court. Hot day but still sleeping inside. Took a nap in afternoon then went for a drive & watched a
hockey match, police & jebel, then to Bridge at Smiths where we stayed on till supper, quite a good party &
not too late, played games after supper. Skinner & Mrs Skinner went with Davies across to the mainland,
she is the first woman to have been over there. Hot but not too hot. Am making alterations in the front
drive, cut the hedge & put in a fence & intend planting a line of orleanders alongside the tennis court
screen.

Tuesday 28th April

Fort. Office. Meeting of people about a water channel which needs repairing out in the country. Drove
along sea road.