Page 1305 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1303
1303
1940

Lunched - of sorts- at Awali & looked at a cricket match, cinema, - rotten film & then tea at Phillips & then
to the Cuthbirths to drink a foul liquid called mint julip - revolting. Clouds about, rains are thinking of
coming up.

Monday 1st January

Usual New Year routine, got up reluctantly at what seemed an early hour. The Shaikh called
on Agency in state, guard of honour & usual show, all the shaikhs present. They eyed

Holland & all decided he was very young.

Afterwards received callers at home, guite a crowd came but all together or not enough
chairs.

Tuesday 2nd January

Meeting at Sakkrir in the morning to discuss appointing a doctor & also the idea of
importing foreigners for defence. The Shaikhs were not at all keen on having Holland but

eventually decided to take him for 6 months at slightly higher pay than Dr McDowall. They
think him too young.

Went to Agency when I returned & told Hahouf the Shaikhs views on Holland. He was
disappointed

Wednesday 3rd January

Shaikh paid a visit to the hospital with a large party of sons & others, but he would not go

upstairs so we left him drinking coffee in a ward & A & M & I went up to see the first floor in