Three diaries for 1918 and 1919. 1918 notes in detail his daily survey work for the Jalalabad Canal Project in Afghanistan and his various interviews with the Amir Habib ‘ullah. 1919 covers the Assassination of the Amir, military and political events, and succession of the new Amir, Aman-ullah.
Letters of Miss Emily Oram, sister of Arthur Oram. Punjab, United Provinces, N.W.F.P. Baluchistan. 1920-1936.
222 dated letters to her sisters Isa and Greta in England. Mainly personal, a record of social events in Khanki, Lahore and Nathia Gall. Describes bridge parties, golf, tennis, river picnics, dances at the Club, duck shooting expeditions, amateur theatricals. Chief concerns are the random receipt of mail and arrival of parcels from home in response to her requests for knitting wool, napkins and clothing. Occasionally accompanies her brother Arthur, an Engineer in the P.W.D., on his inspection of bridges, aquaducts, dams, headworks. Also brief description of social life in the hills during the hot season in Dalhousie and Mussoorie and life on board ship on journeys home on leave. Few references to events in India or to her brother’s work.
83 undated letters. Mainly personal, two written from Melton Mowbray on a period of leave.
Oram Papers: Box 1
Papers of Arthur Oram
Given by Mrs. J. Oram
Thirty-one diaries of Arthur Oram from the years 1909-1917 and 1922-1947. The diaries of Arthur Oram speak of his work predominantly in the N.W.F.P. Punjab, and Baluchistan in the PWD as an engineer. The work consisted mainly of building bridges, aquaducts, dams. Factual statements of his work. No opinion given. Accounts are kept at the end of each diary. 1909 several hand drawn sketches of his work. 1914 – work on aqueduct at Mardan N.W.F.P. In February various skirmishes on the border with Wazirs. Raids and looting. General Blomfield and staff stayed in his bungalow and conducted army operations. In November he took a course in musketry. More skirmishes near his work in 1915. 1922-23 – Opening of the Chenab River Bridge near Khanki. November 1937 in Gilgit hearing various cases over labour disputes in the construction of an aerodrome. The R.A.F. provided him with Hawker Hunt single engined biplanes (see photographs – folder 4 and Album 4). There is a detailed explanation of the dispute on December 6, 1917 in Mianwalli working on a railway. 1923-24 and 1925 mostly in Khanki. 1929-31 at Fort Sandeman, Baluchistan. 1943-46 at Secunderabad. He describes the medical care and death of his sister Emily in September 1942. Also mentions on leaving India in April 1947 that he gave his servant, who had been with him for 17 years Rs.720 as a bonus.
One diary of Emily Oram for 1925. Emily Oram’s diary for 1925 notes down her daily social events – totally factual and no opinions or attitudes are given. Accounts and visits are recorded.
Envelope containing:
3 servants’ addresses in 1935. 3pp.
Servants’ wages for 1935.
Bill from Medoo Mal and Durga Das, tailors and outfitters in Lahore to Emily Oram, 1926.
Remittance from L. Richards & Co., general drapers in Lahore to Emily Oram, 1926.
Advertisement for miniature paintings and photography (early 1920’s) Delhi.
Programme of Delhi Durbar Polo Tournament, December 11, 1911.
