Page 759 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

The down boat arrived; I went up to the Fort in the morning but we had no court as the boat was expected
before noon, she didnt arrive till after lunch. I went out in the Agency launch with the Khan Bahadur to
meet Prior who seemed very well & glad to be back. We discussed the Ahmedi business on the way home
& he told me that the Resident approved of my action & was supporting us. The Ahmedi eventually sailed
for Ras Tanoura, on the mainland, with all her cargo on board so at all events we prevented her doing what
she had intended to do. Motored in evening & called on the D.Gs & in the evening Prior came in to dinner
& told us all the news. I gather that most likely Dutch & French air lines are coming here which I am pleased
about. Glad that Prior has returned. Very calm rather hot weather, we have had no shamaal (cool wind) for
ages which is very unusual. Prior is going about end of November, his relief, Col Loch, arrives about 25th
Nov.

Tuesday 1st November

Police in the morning. I take James up in my car every morning & while I am dealing with the Police for
about two hours he plays about in the Fort & in the garden & has great fun, he rides the pony, led by the
syce & sometimes the donkey. He gets on very well with the Police who are teaching him to drill. No
municipal meeting as Shaikh Abdulla has gone on a hunting trip. The Shaikh called on Prior but didnt come
in here. Mohamed came to call. Motored in the afternoon.

Wednesday [2 November]

Spent most of the morning at the Agency with Prior discussing business. There were a great many things to
talk about. In the afternoon we had our usual tennis at home & Bridge afterwards.

Thursday 3rd Nov.

Fort in the morning. Had a good look round in the stores & found a lot of stuff which I did not know existed
& a lot more needing attention. Went round to the Customs after breakfast where we are doing some
repairs, D.G & Steele & Mohamed Khalil were there & all argued & disagreed with eachother as they all
dislike the other one. Eventually however we decided what needed doing. Then I went round to Steele's
office & stayed there for some time discussing electric affairs & on to the school which I meant to inspect
but arrived there too late so returned to the office. Gardened in afternoon. My seeds are coming up well, I
have planted extra early this year as it was cooler longer so I hope I shall have good results. I cut huge
branches off the trees almost every day & still the garden seems too shadey, amazing to think when one
looks at it now that I planted all the trees myself. Motored after tea. Prior came in after dinner.

Friday [4 November]

Slept very late. Prior asked me to go sailing but, fortunately as I didnt want to, there was no wind. Tennis
at Agency in the afternoon & Bridge afterwards. Took the dogs to Essex point in morning.