Page 125 - Records of Bahrain (4) (ii)_Neat

State finances, 1928-1932 427

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cheapening market has tempted mcrchanlo to develop an export
..— .
trade from this State to neighbouring Ports.
The increase in piece Goods and sundries is a direct
sequel to a good pearling season, which has provided more
money for expenditure upon luxurioo.
The RE collections indicate a satisfactorily steady

improvement of 6$.
The decrease in Native Craft collections is accounted
for by the reduction in fixed duties upon ghee and date-
sticks consistent with the market value; and also to a
considerable decrease in the movement of tobacco and dates,
and to the practice off direct transhipment at sea.

In general the trend of business indicates steady
improvement and the relations between the Customs and the
mercantile community are good.
Revenue. Vehicle Licenses* The collections are about
four times the estimated amount; and although the import

of Ford cars has decreased, other large high power cars
'— $
(mostly Fiat’j.) have been imported. I fancy that the State
has now absorbed its limit in this direction, though there
is a likelihood that a number of the new Ford type may be
imported next year. I think the collections in 1347 will
not be so large as in 1346.
Pearling Licenses. The collections for 1346 are a
little less than in 1345. This is due to the fact that
licenses have appreciated the prudence of renewing their

licenses promptly, without payment of the fines imposed for
late renewals. The number of licensed pearling craft in
i
Bahrain i^s 507*
Craft Registrations. For the same reasons as above the

collections for 1346 are a little lower than in 1345. The
total number of crafts of all classes in Bahrain is 1414.
It is however noteworthy that the industry keeps 3teady, and
quite