Page 136 - Belgrave Diaries 1945_Neat

1982

1945

Fort, had a look at the P.H on the way back - the work seems going on slowly. At the Agency for some time
with Leigh discussing labour rates. He has no idea of the importance of controlling them. Office, saw
various people, the Commodore came in. Went to see Parker who wants to build some houses & asked if
they could hire or buy land near the town. Met a new man who he has - didnt fancy him. Discussions about
wool & rice etc. Hot day & very damp. South wind. Went to Jufair in the afternoon to go out in the launch
but it wasnt working, Com. very annoyed. Heard election news, to my mind an apalling disaster. Bathed, the
water very hot compared to Senyan, only a couple of men there, listened again to the news, worse & worse.
A party at ALO's Parker's farewell party, his successor was there, quite pleasant, a product of BT's school at
rrj
Jerusalem & he talked for an hour about how very badly it was run & what a sheer waste of time & money. I
was interested & rather pleased to hear what I had always suspected. Stayed late at the party, which was on
the roof & quite enjoyable.

Friday 27th July

Went to Jida after breakfast, sailed over in the little boat as there was no wind, actually we had to row as it
was a long trip. Wrote letters, bathed & lounged about returning by the big boat in the evening. Had a look
at the little tank in the garden at Budega which has been finished, made to raise the water level to irrigate the

old garden.