Page 114 - Records of Bahrain (4) (i)_Neat
P. 114

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
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