Page 114 - Records of Bahrain (4) (i)_Neat
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102 Records of Bahrain
which was agreed to in 1021 should bo taken off, as the condition of renewal
of tho contract, tho incrcaso having been given owing to increased cost of
lal)our which has sinco fallen considerably. These two reductions will make
tho actual resulting increases to importers only annas 10 per cent, instead
of Its. 1-4-0. Against this, customs sheds will be provided by tho State
and goods protected from damago by rain which has been the cause o*
considerable losses in tho past.
I vonturc to think that the anxiety of the Government of India is largely
concerned with whether the finances can stand the cost of reforms, in which
caso I hope that tho Budget which it has been possible to make out will
romovo any uneasiness on that score. Tho Budget shows excess of rccoipts
ovor expenditure of over 2 lakhs per annum, after allowing for expenditure
on all Reforms. Even in tho snort time that the now regime lias been
oxistont there aro signs of considerable increased activity in trado and
cultivation, especially among the Shiahs who were formerly afraid to pro
duce their money for such enterprises. They aro now building considerably
and many are fitting out diving boats and starting new date gardens. T
vonturo to hope that Bahrain is starting on a period the prosperity of which
will soon be evident in the shape of increased trade and customs receipts.
Monthly.
(A) Estimate for 100 Levies on the Muscat Scale as made by Captain Alban.
1U.
1 Commander . :i60
1 Second in command 150
4- Ilavildara (Its. 35) HO
0 Naiks (Ms. 30) 180
88 sepoys (Its. 20, 1,700
100 all rauk8. Total 2,580
Add clothing and equipment 1,000
Transport 150
Miscellaneous 100
Gbaud Total 3,830
Note above omits cost of rations.
(B) Estimate adapted for Bahrain in regard to increased pay which it is
considered will be necessary with regard to prevailing wages ruling,
and allowing for 1 British Commandant and cost of Rations and
upkeep of Lines..
1(8.
1 Commandant including T. A. to and from Bahrain, pension
contribution by Bahrain Government, cto.) with free quarters 1,300
1 Second in command . 150
4 Ilavildars (Its. 40) 100
0 Naiks IU. 35) 210
! 2,040
83 sepoys (Its. 30)
Add clothing and equipment 1,000
> „ cost of rations at l(s. 10 per head 1,000
Transport . . . 150
Contingencies . . • 100
Upkeep of lines (Huts). • 150 •
100 all rauks. .Total 0,800