Page 179 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

POLITICAL RESIDENCY FOR 1900-1007. 75

II. M. S. Sphinx visited Koweit twice and R. I. M. S. Lawrence three
times during the year under report.
SURVEY.
Survey work was resumed by the R. I. M. S. Investigator towards the
end of September. The work was maintained throughout without any complaint
until the 4th of November, when the Investigator left after finally completing
the survey of the port.
VISITS AND TOURS.
The Political Resident visited Koweit twice during the year.
During the winter, the Political Agent made two tours in the vicinity of
Koweit. The first tour, which promised interesting results, was interrupted by
the serious illness of Mrs. Knox, who was attacked by enteric fever. The camp,
therefore, remained halted at Wara and no fresh ground was broken. The second
tour was slightly more successful and the Banaya, 50 miles south of Koweit on the
road to El-Ahsa, was reached. The camp then turned northwards and proceeded
to Basra via Jalira, Sabiya, and Hogaija.
No signs of Turkish encroachment were seen and the Political Agent was well
received everywhere and often hospitably entertained.
These tours afforded a valuable, opportunity of testing the Political Agent’s
new camel transport, which for this year at least may be confidently pronounced a
success.
The Political Agent visited the Political Resident twice at Bushire and His
Britannic Majesty’s Consul at Basra once during the year.

CUSTOMS.
The administration of the Customs is still managed by the Shaikh’s slave,
Oman. The working of the Customs seems to be satisfactory on the whole, as no
complaints have reached the Political Agent. Signs are not wanting to show that
Oman has achieved a considerable amount of independence, but he uses his power
wisely. The relations between him.and the local British Indian Agent are good, and
as this tends to smooth working and to facilitate business, the fact is a matter for
congratulation.
While the working of the Customs is satisfactory, the rates levied have been
increased and complaints have not been wanting on that score.
An open walled enclosure for the storage of loose grain imported has been
added to the already existing Customs house.
In spite of the enhanced dues, the trade of the town has increased, and owing
to the increased Customs dues and the trade, the revenues from this source have
doubled.
ARMS TRADE.
The arms trade has flourished throughout the year.

PUBLIC HEALTH.
Two of Shaikh Mobarak’s sons have died this year. The public health has
however, been good during the year. The dispensary was kept open for the benefit
of the public and Assistant Surgeon Da’ud ur Rahman held charge of it
throughout the period under report.
MARINE.
The British India steamers (fast and slow mails alternately) called weekly,
but, on four occasions, the fast mail was compelled to proceed direct to Basra
without touching at Koweit.
The vessels of no other Company have made Kowcit a port of oal'
TEAR!. FISHERIES.
The Bahrein pearl fisheries were very successful; the take of shells was about
the average, but the proportion of pearls was large and prices were good.
The Koweit share was put down at 20 lakhs of dollars.