Page 786 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

Saturday June 3rd, the King's Birthday

Didnt go to the fort but saw to the Guard of Honour & police arrangements outside the Agency for the Shaikh's
official visit. Had a guard of about 60 men looking very smart and about 50 naturs as well. The Shaikh arrived at 8.15
& he inspected the guard with me. Its a pity he takes so little interest in such things, he hardly looked at the men &
never said anything to them about their appearance. While the Shaikh called at the Agency I had breakfast & then
went back to be there when they came out. James & Nanny looked on & took some photographs which ought to
come out well. James has a toy gun & knows quite a lot of arms drill, he solemnly saluted the Shaikh with it who was
delighted by him. The Shaikh came in here but left soon. In the court most of the morning but went across to the
Agency to call as usual. The sloop which was expected came in but anchored outside the harbour & nobody came
ashore. She fired the royal salute. Motored in afternoon & in evening the usual official dinner party at the Agency -
medals etc. & drinking King's health. I sat at one end of table, Lock at the other. There were about 20 people & after
dinner we danced. Quite a pleasant party. Lock is a very good host & his wines & cigars are excellent. Everyone
thought it very poor spirited of the Navy not to come ashore, they ought not to mind the sea so much. Mrs Van
Peussem had to leave early as she was sent for by Shaikh Sulman's wife though they didnt expect her to be confined
for another three weeks.

[Sunday] June 4th

Shaikh Sulman, looking very happy, told me that his son arrived last night. I am very glad, he is my age & had been
married for 20 years & had never had a son. It is very important as there is now another direct heir to Shaikh Hamed,
Sulman being his eldest son. Another of the Shaikh's sons, Abdulla, had a son last night too so the Shaikh has two
new grandsons in one day!

In the court all the morning, there are less cases as most people are out diving now. Got done quite nice
& early. Motored in afternoon & looked on at a football match & then played Bridge at the Steeles. Still cool but
warmer in the evening. I hear that Sulman's son is a fine baby though small, the mother is about 16 years old & a
Khalifah.

Monday 5th [June]

Fort. Court. Took the family to Ain al Hakim. Lock left on the Folly for the Trucial coast & Oman. In the evening I got
some information about a man living in the lunatic asylum selling "spirits" which is a liquor made mostly of
methelated spirits. He is the son of the woman warder. Sent an informer to buy some with marked coins & then
dashed along & caught the man with the money in his pocket. Quite a neat catch. It is awful stuff to drink & makes
people mad drunk in no time. I saw in the papers that people are taking it at home, in Glasgow & they call it "Red
Biddy" there.