Page 149 - PERSIAN 9 1931_1940

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The years 1920, *30 and *31 were all had seasons and many of the smaller
pearl merchants and boat-owners wore ruined during these years.
The year 1932 threatened to be even worse than the previous three, as there
appeared no Klims that Europe and America would buy pearls and there was a
widespread pessimism at the commencement of the season.
Out of 700 pearling boats possessed by Kuwait only 230 were able to put to
sea. These departed at the end of May and during the first week in Juno. The
“ XJakJm ” or departure of the fleet was therefore somewhat of a fiasco. The
“ Gufl'al%} or official closing of the season was fixed by the Ruler for 23rd Sep­
tember and the latter proceeded to the banks in person to give the signal to close
the “ dive *\
There was some trouble among the sailors and divers of the Town at the com­ I
mencement of the Pearl Season over the question of the “ Salcf ” (advances)
which they arc always entitled to for the support of their families during their
absence. The desperate state of the pearl boat-owners due to severe lack of
money forced these to arrange a combine with a view to cutting down the amount
of money advances which it was customary for them to give. The divers natu­
rally objected strongly and refused to put. to sea unless adequate assistance was
given them. They maintained and with justice that their families must have suffi­
cient to support themselves with during their 4 months’ absence. The Shaikh
was forced to intervene and by public proclamation made on 25th May ordered
that Rs. 37 should be given to each “ diver ” (ghais) as his advance, and Rs. 32
to each “ hauler ” (Saib) during 1932. This though little enough, was far better
than the boat-owners were prepared to give. In the various discussions that
took place between the Ruler and the Nakhudas (Captains of boats) over this
vexed question, the Shaikh very wisely took the side of the divers and this final
decision was accepted as fair.
Fortunately for Kuwait the pearl season of 1932 turned out better than it
lias been for the last three years ; though still nowhere near what it should be.
There was a fair demand for second and third class pearls in India as well as
for pearls of large and perfect quality. Speaking generally also the 1932 catch
was mostly sold. Where merchants were hit, however, was their continued
failure to get rid of their 1929, ’30, ’31 stock of pearls. These were bought for
high prices and naturally no merchant wanted to sell these for less than he gave
hence all held on, hoping for something better in 1933.
This means, of course, locked up capital and almost “ certain ” eventual loss,
unless there is a “ miracle boom ” in the pearl market in the near future. Tt
must not be forgotten that the value of pearls depreciates according to the num­
ber of years pearls remain unsold.
The Shaikh stated again that lie was seriously contemplating asking ITis
Majesty's Government to call a conference of representatives of Kuwait, Bahrain,
Qatar and Sa’udiyah with a view to conserve the oyster resources of the upper
end of the Persian Gulf (Arab Littoral).
His view is that for a start the Rulers of the abovementioned States should
agree together to ban the “ Khanehiyah ” and “ Radda ” dives ; that is to say
prevent the small fleets of amateurs proceeding to the banks for a month or three
weeks previous to and immediately after the great “ Dive ” (Ghaus) as at pre­
sent is the universal practice.
Later on and if the plan is a success the same Rulers may be persuaded to
leave certain banks entirely alone for certain periods to enable them to recover.
This last arrangement, according to the Shaikh, would entail frequent visits of
His Majesty’s warships to the reserved banks to enforce the rules.
(/) Electrification of the Political Agency Buildings.—During May the
Electric Plant sanctioned by the Government of India for the Political Agent’s
house was finallv erected by Messrs. Osier and Co. of Bombay and Calcutta. On
31st Mav official trials and tests were carried out and lights and fans started
working as from the 1st June 1932. On 4th June the Agency Medical Officer’s
house *wns connected up with the Agency. ’This was indeed a " Red Letter ”
day for the Agency : for in previous years paraffin lamps and hand-pulled pun-
khas had been the order.
((j) New Aoency Buildings.—Work was started by the Publio Worts Depart­
ment on the New Agency in Kuwait in August of 1932. This was another red
letter day in the Annals of the Political Agency.