Page 746 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1932

Saturday [23 July]

Court, there was quite a gale yesterday night, I had to come down from the roof and the sea was very rough indeed. An R.E.
young man came down on a flying boat and came over to see me, arranged to send him to Muharraq with Mohamed Khalil to
see houses. Went up to the Fort in afternoon and was looking on at the parade from 4.30 to 5. I really quite enjoy seeing them
drilling and feel a great interest in the new men who I have got myself. Four more of the Indians are going, I feel rather sorry
for them but there it is. D.G. came to dinner and I discussed with him the arrangements about getting home by air as he knows
all about it, he was really very helpful and had given me a long note on it with all the stops etc etc. Very hot evening but it is
still quite alright on the roof and I have never found it too hot at night although other people seem to complain a lot of the
nights.

Sunday [24 July]

Court. Got done fairly early, there is decidedly less court work just now. Horrid weather lately, the sun rarely appears and
there is a thick cloud of dust everywhere so that one can only see a little way out to sea, it is most unusual, Juma, the gardener,
says it is certainly because there is a war going on somewhere, always a sure sign of that. Bathed at Ain al Hakim in the
evening. Prior came in later on before dinner.

Monday [25 July]

Very dull and depressing day. Court, Siadi case and in the afternoon worked in the garden, went over to see the doctor but he
was out, horrible weather though not hot but very sandy and dirty.

Tuesday [26 July]

Didnt go to Muharraq Biladya meeting, went up to the Fort and then to the Police Station. Worked in the office and went to
see the Police on parade in the afternoon, they are getting quite presentable.

Wednesday 27th July

Went down to see the Shaikh who has come back from the country and is going to be in the Palace for a few days. Asked him
about going on a month's leave, he said if I had to there it was and I could go but I think he really thought it rather unnecessary.
Abdulla was there and I told him and he was very worried about it and said could I not make Prior remain while I was away as
without either of us it would be very difficult. Worked at the office after breakfast. In the afternoon I had people to play tennis
here, the court was as good as I have ever known it, much better than the Agency, it only needs a little hard rolling now and
then and then it is good. Had some very good tennis. Russell has gone down to Bundar Abbas on the mail boat to see about
some Mespers work there. The flying boat which has been here for several days was at last able to get away, she has been held
up by the sand fog about five days, a thing that is liable to happen in the case of Imperial Airways. Young Rashid bin
Mohammed is very ill, lung trouble, seems likely not to recover. After dinner went out and searched a couple of houses for