Page 343 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

YOU TIIE YEAR 1014. 50

CHAPTER XI.

ADMINISTRATION RETORT FOR THE KUWAIT AGENCY FOR
THE YEAR 1914.

The past year has Icon politically a memorable one in the history of
Kuwait, but economically it nas unfortunately not been satisfactory. An
indiffeicnt pearling season following upon
GcncrtL
a bad one in 1913, and the depression in
the trade accentuated by the outbreak of War in Europe, have combined to
prevent improvement in the general condition of the community. The
rainfall was in excess of that of 19 j 3 being registered at 1 inches 73 cents,
but a plague of locusts in March and April, which destroyed every green thing
for many, miles round, counteracted the effect of the rainfall and lea to a largo
increase in the price of fodder.
Much additional land has been acquired during the year on the seashore
both east and west of the town, but building has been suspended on the part
of the majority of the purchasers owing to lack of funds.
The Customs management throughout the year has been excellent.
The inconvenient practice of allowing goods to be released on bond without
the production of a delivery order
Customs.
furnished to the Consignees by the
Steamer’s Agents which has occasioned so much trouble in the past both in
Kuwait and elsewhere has ceased, and no complaints of importance have
been made against the Director or his subordinates at any time. Labour prices
are high in Kuwait in comparison with certain other places in the Persian
Gulf, this is due mainly to the necessity of employing imported labour in
view of the disinclination or inability of the local people to work satis­
factorily.
The investigations of Mr. Pascoe in connection with well borings which
were mentioned in last year’s report having resulted in such a scheme being
abandoned, that of the institution of
°rpj' a I condensing nlant was taken up
and arrangements have been concluded for its early establishment. The
work is to be undertaken by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company and the
Government of India have advanced the necessary funds to the Shaikh without i
interest, to he repaid in instalments from the sums accruing from the sale of
water. It is hoped that an ample supply of good drinking water will now he
always available at a cheaper rate than that at which the Shatt-el-Arab river
supplies are at present disposed of. Should funds admit improvements in the
direction of distribution in the town will be introduced later.
Postal arrangements have on the whole been satisfactory throughout
the year, but the delay in ratification of the Anglo-Turkish Convention,
and subsequently [the outbreak of War,
Poits and Telegraph!.
caused the suspension of the arrange­
ments regarding the long hoped for Kuwait Post Offices. Its institution
is now imminent however, as is believed to be that of a wireless tolegraphy
station in the port.
The anniversary of the birthday of His Majesty the King-Emperor waa
celebrated os usual on June 22nd. Alms were distributed to the poor and
a reception was held by the Political
Cdcbratlona.
Agent in the evening which was
largely attended. On the Muhammadan feast days the Political Agent paid
congratulatory visits to the Shaikh, his relations, and many of the principal
inhabitants,
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