Page 115 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat
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Temporary Wiring. During the year 1356 the cities of Manama and Muharraq
were specially illuminated on two occasions, to celebrate the Coronation of His
Majesty King George the Sixth, and on the anniversary of the accession of His
Highness Shaikh Sir Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifah, Kuler of Bahrain. 2000 lights
were temporarily installed on each occasion, and the load reached approximately
174 kw.
Main Extension. A pole line was run from the R.A.F. Rest House to the
Passengers’ Shelter of Messrs. Imperial Airways, Limited, at the end of the K.A.F.,
Pier at Godhaibia.
Poles and material have been ordered for the lighting of Prior Road, i.e.,
from Fakhroo’s Amara at Naim to the junction of Sea Road and Prior Road, a dis
tance of approximately 650 yards.
Alterations to Mains. Twelve poles have been diverted at Muharraq and
re-erected, this was necessary owing to the widening of certain streets.
New Generating Set. Owing to the inreased demand for lighting aand power
a new 6-cylinder 300 BHP generating set direct-coupled to a 200 kw. alternator
was ordered in 1356. The necessary space for this was left in the present Power
House when it was first erected.
Financial Position. A gross pro6t of lis. 40,354 for the year, after meeting all
charges (including Rs. 6,720 customs duty paid to the Bahrain Government) was
made. After deducting depreciation amounting to Rs. 15,712 a net profit of
Rs. 24,642/13/4 remains. This was due to increased revenue from energy sold,
and certain revenue from sundry sales and wiring contracts.
It has been decided, for this year only, to allocate to Reserve (shown in the
balance sheet as added depreciation) the sum of Rs. 15,342/3/2, leaving a net profit
of Rs. 9,300/10/2 only.
Depreoiaton on the plant has always been, and will continue to be rated, at a
somewhat high rate to allow for all contingencies.
Telephone Department. The number of subscribers connected or contracted for
to the end of 1356 was 59.
The question of installing an automatic exchange was considered but the matter
is being held in abeyance for the time being. In the meantime, in order to deal with
extra subscribers a new 20-line Ericsson Board has been ordered to line up with the
present exchange frames, making the total number of lines available sixty-five.
Transport Depatrmcnt. A new repair shop was built near the Government
Power House in 1356 and opened in ltabi-al-Awal 1356. This is intended mainly as
a maintenance Department for Government cars.
It functioned quite satisfactorily during the year and cars have been kept in
better working condition and properly maintained.
At present the number of Government and Municipal vehicles, including two
fire engines, and two road rollers, is twenty.
Fire Department. A new "Merryweather” fire engine capable of pumping 120
gallons per minute at 150 lbs. per square inch and equipped with a 500 gallon tank
was purchased during 1356, and a section of the State Police is being trained in its
operation, and in fire drill. In connection with fire precautions nine artesian wells
have been provided with suotion troughs from which the fire engine can obtain a
supply.
It is also proposed to drill a special well in the centre of the bazaar for fire
purposes, fire practice is carried out in the average twice weekly. A number of
chemical fire extinguishers have been obtained and placed where necessary.