Page 816 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

frame for Holmes. Came back & went down bazaar. Gastrell pursued me in bazaar to tell me about Holmes
& seemed annoyed that I had already heard and not told him. Agency tennis party - dined with Holmes. He
had been to see the Shaikh who had been very tearful, the Shaikh has known & liked him for ten years or
more. He decided to go by air, not boat.

Saturday 16th [September]

Court, told Sh Sulman about Holmes, he was very angry & indignant and amazed that he was leaving in spite
of the Shaikh's letter. Holmes went to say goodbye to Ayesha, M went as chaperone, & Ayesha was very
angry & indignant and said among other things that Skinner was a "bad man". Played golf. Dinner party at
Skinners. Dancing. No mention of Holmes going.

Sunday [17th September]

Sulman talked a whole hour about the meat market dues. He is obstinate over it. Very cool day. Motored in
afternoon. Went out after sunset & raided 3 houses for opium and got quite a lot. Dined with Holmes. Told
him about the party they are giving him and the picture of the Shaikh.

Monday 18th [September]

Fort. Mohammed came in about the meat market affair. Case of heirs Abdel Rahman - a lot of witnesses
who gave evidence from which we think the will is forged. Case of Ali b Khalifah & Wakf, settled about
payment. Customs. Saw Miller who is going to Hassa with the first oil expedition. Went to Agency to talk
over a letter from Resident about who is to act for me next summer - the fact is we cant afford to take on
anybody. Very cool day, motored with Gastrell after tea & went to Bridge at the Steeles.

Tuesday 19th [September]

Busy morning between Fort & Customs & Office & Police Station. Party for Major Holmes in municipal
garden in afternoon, a lovely day & very pleasant there in the shade of the trees. All the Shaikhs & chief
merchants attended and all the Europeans and there were speeches, coffee, etc etc. It was very well done
and showed clearly how sorry the Shaikh & all his people were to lose Holmes. The Shaikh came back to
Manama this morning from Sakhrir. After the party we went to the Agency for drinks and then had a big
farewell combined dinner party in our house, 16 people. It went off very well, after dinner we went on to
Mespers where some danced & some played Bridge. So cool that we are all wearing coats again & this
instead of shirts & open necks in the evening.