Page 162 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

12
The Pearl Industry.

The 1357 season. The improvement in the pearl industry which was
mentioned in annual report for 1356 was not maintained during 1857. The last
season was a bad one from all points of view. Fewer boats went out diving and
value of the catch decreased. Most of the boats failed to make any profit.
The market in Bahrain was dull at the beginning of the season but towards
Ghuffal there was some activity. Most of the catch was bought in Bahrain by
Messrs. Gendmal Brothers, a well known firm of Indian pearl dealers. The only
other foreign buyer of importance who visited Bahrain was Mr. S. Pack.
The total number of Bahrain boats licensed for diving during the season was
252, which is 19 less than during the previous year. Ten years ago the Bahrain
pearling fleet numbered ovor 500 boats. The total amount received by the divers
according to actual figures available and a proportional calculation of boats whose
accounts are not recorded, was approximately Rs. 7,56,000. Last year this fiigurc
was approximately Rs. 13,00,000.
Only one important pearl wa8 found, it weighed 38 chows and was sold for
Rs 13,000. The shares of the men in this boat was Rs. 225 for a diver and
Rs. 150 for a puller, there were 82 men in the boat. The quantity of pearls was
considerably less than last year but the quality of the Sherin ” grade was better.
The following is a rough comparison of prices :—
grade 1356 1357
Naim Rs. 20-8-0 Rs. 15-0-0
Golwa „ 16-0-0 „ 10-0-0
Sherin „ 60-0-0 „ 28-0-0
The largest catch of any one boat, excluding the one in which the large pearl
was found, was as follows :—
Grade Naira 175 mithgals
>> Golwa 173 chows
>> Sherin 53 >>
The average earnings of divers and pullers in the six most successful boats
was as follows :—
Diver Rs. 117-0-0 Puller Rs. 78-0-0
As this represents the earning of a man who is diving for nearly four and a
half months it is evident that ordinary work on shore is more remunerative in these
days than diving.
The average “Gataan”, or share, of a diver and puller was, for a diver Rs. 60
and for a puller Rs. 40. The advances during the year were as follows:—
Diver Puller
Tesqam Rs. 40-0-0 Rs. 30-0-0
Salaf » 40-0-0 30-0-0
Kharjieh „ 10-0-0 10-0-0
it
Rs. 90-0-0 Rs. 70-0-0
Interest „ 12-0-0 » 9-0-0

Rs. 102-0-0 Rs. 79-0-0
The average diver, who took the regular advances, instead of making any
profit, increased his debt by Rs. 39.