Page 856 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1934

salaries not being paid till first week in the month, I told him we had not got the money and so could not
pay. He will not realise the position at all. He also discussed the Accession holiday which he wants to
have for these days, one day is quite sufficient really. Bridge at the Bank in the evening. Bitterly cold
weather still and very rough sea. Everyone has fever. Dined with the Skinners, a lot of the Americans
were there and us & the Lochs.

Friday Jan 25th

Icy cold day, temperature was 47 which is abnormal in Bahrain. Went down the Bazaar in morning, M
wore a fur coat to walk in and I wore lots of clothes & even so we were cold. Looked at some pearls.
The Admiral's wife asked us to get her a pair for earrings but can't get any suitable ones. Sat indoors
reading after lunch and then went to tea at the Agency, very cold. Later on Loch made some rum punch.
Very few people were there and none of them played tennis, as it was so cold. Played Bridge at the Bank
afterwards. They say it was the coldest day for ten years.

Saturday [26th January]

Fort before breakfast and then a long meeting at the Agency with Skinner to discuss some outstanding oil
questions. We settled most of them. Still very cold. Then took the Court. Shaikh Sulman still staying
away. He is behaving like a sulky child. Went up to the Fort in the afternoon and practised for the
Sports. The men are tremendously keen and behave like children, jumping about & clapping their hands