A river scene showing a path leading down to a ford, with a herd of cattle in the river and horsemen and a pony trap.

A river scene showing a path leading down to a ford, with a small herd of cattle in the water, and horsemen and a pony-trap.

This diary records Bell’s life in retirement, much of it spent in Cannes, where he purchased land for the construction of a villa. It describes his social life, interests, personal affairs and travels. Subjects of particular interest include his reception of the GCMG from George V, the composition of ‘Foreign Colonial Administration in the Far East’ and letters to the press upon subjects such as the control of cinema in the colonies (circa 200 sheets).

Prominent subjects include Bell's social life, interests, travel and personal affairs, including a serious illness caused by heart disease; the Caribs of Dominica; attendance at the Exposition Coloniale Internationale; the Manchuria Crisis and the League of Nations; and press articles on colonial cinema, the Union Coloniale Française, France's aid to her colonies, the cultivation of bananas in West Africa, hospital transportation and Charles George Gordon (circa 100 sheets).

Prominent subjects include Bell’s social life, interests, travels and personal affairs; letters to the press on mortality in Mauritius and suggestions for aiding sugar planters, Manchuria and the League of Nations, unemployment, and fish; the financial crisis; the Caribs of Dominica; the composition of ‘Glimpses of a Governor’s life’; a plan for international colonial conferences; Charles George Gordon; and spiritualism (circa 100 sheets).

A view showing a herd of horses in a field, with a farm building behind.

A view of a herd of horses in a field.

350 x 274 mm. A view showing a herd of horses in a field, with a farm building behind.

A view of a large flock of sheep in front of a waterhole on lightly wooded pastureland.

A view showing three wagons, piled high with wool, being drawn by large horse teams.