Page 520 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

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(iv) The total number of producing wells at the end of the year was <17:
Nine new wells were completed during 1937 and two wells were deepened to-
produce from a lower level.
Experiments in deep boring were carried out on one well but without
any definite results.
The total production for the year 1937 was 1,100,000 tons of crude oil.
Royalty paid to the Bahrain Government for the first half of 1937 was
Rs. 17,06,347-12-4. Royalty due for the second half has not yet been cal­
culated.
(v) At the end of the year the Company’s employees numbered as
follows:—
British . 303
American 120
British Indian 472
Bahraini 3,350
Others . 688
(vi) Shipping facilities were increased to include a mooring dock at
Sitrah with berths for two tankers.
(vii) 36 new air-cooled houses, and a very fine air-conditioned hospital
were completed during the year. In addition, 11 units of 12 rooms each
were built to accommodate British Indian personnel.
7. Agriculture.—Experiments were made in potato growing. It was
decided to obtain the services of an expert for a short period in order to
advise on agriculture generally. He was expected to arrive early in 1938.
8. Customs.—The Customs revenue amounted to Rs. 10,27,154 during
1937 as compared with Rs. 8,12,417 during 1936. Of this amount transit
duty on shipments to the mainland and other parts amounted to Rs. 1,08,561
as compared with Rs. 1,19,350 during the previous year.
9. Municipalities—Manamali.—Many important works were carried out
including the rebuilding of sewers and the levelling and widening of roads.
Five artesian wells were re-drilled and special taps were installed for the use
of the fire engine. A large area of swamp on the south of Manaraah were
filled up.
Steps were taken to reduce malaria, i.e. the oilingof standing water and
the distribution of leaflets describing anti-malaria measures. Here also it
was decided to procure the advice of an expert and a Government of India
specialist was expected to visit Bahrain early in 1938.
Muharraq.—Thirty-one houses were demolished for the purpose of
widening roads and one new road was opened. The Municipality reclaimed
a large area from the sea near the pier.
Anti-malarial measures were taken here also, as in Manamah.
Hidd.—The main road was widened entailing the demolition of eight
houses. The dispensary at Hidd was repaired and a water pipe line was in­
stalled. A swamp was filled in at Hidd.
10. Public Works.—The New Law Courts and the Customs House were
completed during the year.
Extensive repairs were carried out in the Fort including the rebuilding
of one tower and one wall.
A small school was built at Budaya and a new girls’ school was started
at Muharraq.
The south parapet of the Manamah-Muharraq road was completed.
11. Electric Department.—During 1937 there was an increase of 16?
consumers and approximately 59,000 more unit3 were consumed than in the
previous year.
Three local Arabs were given licences to carry out wiring work in
Bahrain. In the past this work has been done by the Electric Department.