Page 113 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

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Nationality Low. The Bahrain nationality law was published on 5th May
1937. On 1st November 1937 the notification that nationals of Iran were subject
to the clauses regarding ownership of property was issued. This legislation was
followed by a certain number of applications from subjeots of Iran for Bahrain
citizenship.
Bub Services. A great increase took place during the year in motor bus services
not only between Manama and Awali but between Manama and many of the country
villages and towns.
Broadcasting. The Arabic broadcasting programme from London was well
received in Bahrain. There has been a great increase in the number of wireless sets
installed in Manama and Muharraq.
Press Propaganda. Several long articles appeared in the Egyptian and Iraqi
press regarding Bahrain. The articles were written with the intention of creating
bad feeling between the people of Bahrain and the Bahrain Petroleum Company and
were also violently anti-English. Certain of less reputable Indian newspapers
published untrue reports of alleged labour disputes in Bahrain. This propaganda
has had no effect in Bahrain where the relations between the Government and the
public, and Bahrain Petroleum Company continue to be consistently friendly.
Government Rest House. A Government Rest House was opened towards the
end of the year in what used to be the Customs Officer’s quarters above the present
Police Station. The situation is central being opposite the pier and:close to the
bazaar. Permission to occupy rooms in the Rest' House has to be obtained from
the Government. The charge is Rs. 15 per day inclusive. Only four persons can
be accomodated in the Rest House at once unless rooms are shared. Since it was
opened the Rest House has scaroely ever been untenanted and at times it has been
occupied to its full capacity. From the time that it was opened until the end of the
year under review a small profit, less than Rs. 100, was made, A Rest House of
this type was very badly needed especially for the accommodation of Government
guests.

Private Building Enterprise. A number of new buildings were constructed in
Manama during the year the chief among them being the present offices and quarters
of the Petroleum Concessions Limited which occupies an important site on the
eastern side of the Customs Square. Tho Bahrain Petroleum Company filling
station, the first of its kind in the Persian Gulf, is slightly east of the Petroleum
Concessions Limited’s building with a frontage on Government Road. These
buildings have done much to improve the appearance of the sea front. The value of
land in Manama has risen greatly during the year owing to the prices paid for
several large properties. Prices of date gardens in the country have declined.
House rents in Manama have continued to soar owing to the great demand for
small houses. In Muharraq rents are low and house property is very cheap.

Electric Supply Department.

Report by Mr. W. B. Steele, State Engineer.
The curreut consumption for the year 1356 shewed an increase of 63102 units
over 1355.
This was due to:—
1. Extra connected load amounting to 73 kw.
2. Additional apparatus such as wireless sets, table fans, etc.
Also more use being made of lighting by consumers.