Page 344 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

60 PERSIAN GULP ADMINISTRATION REPORT
As already intimated tho pearl soason lias not done much for tlio
community, although the second visit to tho banks met "with somo success.
It was evident by August, when War
Pcnrl Fiibery.
broke out, that sales would bo difficult
if not impossible at present, :and a Small portion only of tho results of
tho fishery of 1913 have as yet been disposed of. Present conditions are
hard on tlioso who are forcod to sell at what price they can got. Advances this
year were made at R70 and R30—50 to each diver and puller respectively
at the first visit to the banks in Juno and weroas low as RIG and RIO at tho
second visit in September.
Tho absonco of serious crime under tho Shaikh’s administration continues
to bo a striking feature. Occasional robberies have taken place in tho town
during the year, which have invariably
Law and Crime.
beon discovered and tho culprits severely
dealt with.
The health of the Kuwait community has been vely good during 1914, no
epidemic having occurred. Quarantine arrangements were carried out with-
r taKvesf
—
is sufficient so long as tho periods of detention are limited to a day or two.
In April ono of theso boats unfortunately capsized in a sudden squall, with
the result that eight lives wore lost.
Tho Agency Dispensary was opou throughout the year and 3,130 patients
were treated.
The plot granted hy His Excellency the Shaikh for a Christian cemetery
has been enclosed, with gate, etc. during
Christian Cemotory.
the year.
The rate of exchange of Maria Theresa dollars from January to July
was B149 to B112 per cent. Prom August it declined rapidly reaching
R125 at the end of the year. Turkish
Exchange.
Liras fell from R13-13-0 to R13-10-0
during the autumn, while English Sovereigns maintained their rate and are
even bought occassionally at a small premium.
The relations between Sir Mubarak bin Subah and his Political Agent
have been most cordial throughout ‘the year. He has accepted the advice of
His Majesty’8 Government in every
Shaikh’* Perwnal Relation!.
instance in which it has been offered, and
has done everything in his power to shew appreciation of their friendship
and support. In the difficult circumstances resulting from the outbreak
of War with Germany, and later with Turkey, his unfailing loyalty has been
of the greatest assistance, not only in his own territories but also in connection
■with the powerful tribes outside who look up to him as patron. Sir Mubarak
has renounced all connection with the Porte and has been denounced by
Turkish officials as a traitor. The K.O.S.L was conferred upon him on the
occasion of His Majesty's birthday.
His Excellency’s rotations with Sir Khazal Khan of Mohammerah are as
cordial as ever, but owing to the War they have not exchanged so many visits
as usual during the year under review.
The medical work earned on by tho American Mission is greatly
^appreciated by the • Shaikh, and his people are availing themselves
of its advantages more and more os
Million.
time progresses. In February tho 8haikh
presented to the Mission free of charge a piece of ground in addition to that
which they had previously purchased from him; and tho new hospital having
been built during tho year was opened recontly at a special visit paid by His
Excellency for tne purpose.
Early in the year reports wore received hy the Political Agent suggest­
ing the complicity of certain Kuwaitis in the sale of arms at Zubair, etc.;
. Tnfflo. but the charges were not proved, and
it is certain that this trade him no longer