Page 706 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

704

1932

said about his staying on. Went to the Mission in afternoon but didnt play tennis and then to Russells where we played
Bridge. Quite a hot day but I am still wearing thick suits as I dont like to change till it is absolutely necessary.

Wednesday 23rd March 1932

The French Consul from Bushire came to call, a dark little man looking like an Algerian. He hadnt much to say.
Khalil Moayad came in and as usual told me a lot of tales about the misdoings of other people, for instance that the
Indian officer in the Police allows prisoners, on payment, to visit their homes at night while they are supposed to be in
prison. I should not be surprised if it was the case. Saw Shaikh Rashid bin Mohamed, the Shaikh's nephew and told
him he was to be appointed Amir. Steele came in. In the afternoon we had our tennis and Bridge, there seemed a lot of
people as most of the Mission came; a lovely day but rather hot. I didnt play. Parke told me he meant to go on about
10th of next month. I shall be glad when he leaves for good as I shall be able to have a go at the Police.

Thursday [24 March]

Office all the morning, saw a lot of people and wrote a lot of letters one about my proposal of a luxury tax in the next
Budget of 10% on a long list of luxury imports, it will have to go up to Government of India as Bahrain has a treaty
with Great Britain on the subject of customs tarif agreeing that it shall not exceed 5%. Motored out a little way in the
afternoon and then went to a tea party at Major Holmes to play in a Bridge match against the oil people. We had quite
good bridge. Some of the party got very noisy and boisterous after drinking a great many cocktails. Worked at my
History in the afternoon. It is beginning to get started but it takes a long time, it interests me very much indeed. Hot
day, very sunny and a south wind, the hot weather has begun with a rush this year.

Friday 25th March 1932

Bank in the morning. After lunch we called for Major Holmes and drove out to Ein al Hakim where we had tea on the
shore, it was very pleasant out there and very pretty, we stayed till the sunset and I did a little sketch of the coast with
the wet sand and the sun reflected in it and the palm groves coming down to the water it is one of the most attractive
places in the island.

Saturday [26 March]

Court. Mrs Skinner from the oil fields left on the up boat going home by air from Basrah. Quite calm weather.
Gardened in the afternoon and then played tennis at the Agency with the Steeles who were having a party there. After
tennis went back to tea and Bridge at their house. Quite a hot evening, they sat out on the veranda.