Page 703 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

701

1932

Monday [14 March]

Court. M went out with some of the other people to the ship, it was quite calm and a lovely day. Shaikh Sulman and I
went across to the Hospital to interview a man whose leg had been broken in a fight between two villages. We
discussed compensation and eventually agreed on Rs 400 and expenses, then had the aggressors in and told them how
much they will have to pay, a simple method of doing things and I think they will find the money. The Foey sailed
early after lunch in a hurry to get back to Bushire in time for the celebrations of the Shah's Birthday. It is rather comic
having such a celebration as he was of very humble origin and most likely has no idea of when he was born. None of
the people here know even the years in which they were born. Went out for a drive and then watched Prior give an
exhibition on the pony which he has been training for some months, a very nice animal and very well trained, she
jumped and did riding tricks all very well before a large audience of Arabs and Europeans, her star turn was to jump
across a rope which was burning, she didnt turn a hair. Played Bridge at the D.Gs, Terry came in. Parke told me in the
morning that he proposed telling the Shaikh that he was willing to stay on for Rs 500 a month, about half what he gets
now. Very awkward as I really dont intend to keep him, he went out to see the Shaikh about it. Prior came in to dinner
as he is going down to India on tomorrow's boat to take an exam and to have his eyes seen to, he gets more holidays to
India than anyone I have ever known here. I wish I had a pony, this is the first place I have been in without one, but if I
had one I wouldnt have time to ride it.

Tuesday 15th March 1932

Meeting of Manama Biladya, quite a good meeting though rather acrimonious. Decided to allow the Municipal
secretary to get a new little car, one of the new Baby ones, and English make. A local man has just started as Agent for
Morris and Morris Oxford and has imported several. Prior sailed. Went to the Mission tennis in the afternoon, played
very badly but it is difficult to play well as their cement court has absolutely fallen to bits. Parke told me that the
Shaikh had told him he would discuss the matter of his staying on with me. I felt sure that would be the reply.
Afterwards played Bridge at Russells and went on later to dinner with Major Holmes who talked oil very interestingly.
It all sounds very good, but what worries me is that I shant be able to put any definite amounts in the Budget as they
are doing some work on the well which will last a month and a half so till then we wont know anything for sure. Had a
very good dinner with Holmes. He says it is a sure thing now about the oil, if so of course all our financial troubles are
at an end, and high time too as we are right down to our Reserve and at present expenditure is exceeding revenue at an
alarming rate. Holmes is putting in for a large piece of country on which to build refineries and stores etc etc.

Wednesday [16 March]

I meant to go and see the Shaikh at the Joint Court but he finished early and I missed him. Had a lot of work with
Sulman about collecting money for the repair of a water channel which we have been supervising on behalf of the
owners, a thankless job and one I will not take on again. In the afternoon we had our usual party, tennis and Bridge.
Last week they consumed two bottles of whiskey. A good deal for about 15 people in one afternoon.

Thursday [17 March]