Page 132 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

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of tankships, is not well adapted for cargo owing to (1) the distance from the shore
which causes delay in landing oargo, and (2) the shallowness of tho foreshore r _
causes
further delay in discharging ships between tides, especially in stormy weather when
the sea-water is blown away up the khor.
The West Spit Buoy near the Fesht al Yarim is unlighted, although ou two
occasions a promised light-buoy ha9 been diverted to another spot. This buoy should
be lighted with a red flash. Further, to enable steamers at night-time to obtain a
bearing and make their course into the port, a white flash should bo put upon the
local Portuguese Fort, as was suggested some years ago.
General. The construction of the Customs Pier at Manaiuah was first
commenced about 1918-1920, tho intontion being to extend the pier to tho deep i
water to make the handling of cargo independent of tho tides. This work was stopped
in 1923 and the end faced with stoiio m 1924. To pay for this work tho charge of
“ Pier Fees ” was levied; and this is still being collected, on all imports.

The necessity for this extension is greater than ever; and while the construc­
tion of a mole for a further six hundred yards to the deep water is under
contemplation, which will be of assistance to passenger traffic, the present situation
urgently calls for:-
(a) The extension of the whole Pier to the deep water,
(b) The construction of suitable warehouses for cargo,
(c) The construction of two small docks for native craft in the present
basin which is silting up, and
(d) Tho extension of the trolley lines and lighting service according!}', with
removal of existing trolley lines on the public highway.
Co-incident with this, tho present Import Warehouse in the town, which is
the largest wafehouse in the Gulf, and occupies a very valuable site, should be surren­
dered to the Government for the construction of a modern bazaar, this value more
than off-setting the cost of the above extension, which could be paid for by the
collections of Pier Fees being converted into a Sinking Fund, instead of lying in
the Consolidated Fund. The collections of Pier Fees during the past nine years
exceed two lakhs of rupees.
The immediate needs are
(1) a warehouse for cargo balances and also for defective cargo, to replace
the one ta' en by the Government and converted into shops ;
(2) a warehouse for storage and examination of passengers’ baggage,
(3) the repairing and re-painting of the roof of the Import shed, last done
in 1930, and
(4) the repainting and repairing of the Pier Shed, last done in December
1935 with one coat only of red oxide, and
(5) general repairs to the Trolley system which is not wearing well, and
provision for some suitable furniture in the Customs offices.
Establishment. During the past year the number of clerks employed was
reduced by one, and two apprentices wore added, bringing the total clerical staff
to twenty-three, who drew Rs. 37,356 in salaries, an increase upon last year on
account of regular annual increments, and restoration of housing allowances. The
menials number 37, who drew Rs 11,236 in wages.

In addition to the collection of Customs dues and the receiving, handling, and
delivery of 7,54,354 packages of cargo, with the necessary records, the quantity of
non-dutiable cargo also dealt with amounted to the large figure of 4,27,000 packages
in respeot of which there is no income. The services of two clerks are practically
wholly occupied with tho preparation of extensive and detailed statistical work
required for publication by the Political Agency.