Page 206 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

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General. It is pleasing to report that the heavy constructional programme
planned by Government for 1357 included an extension of the. Manama Pier by the
construction of a mole 1,250 feet long by fifty feet wide with a T-shape head which
will be in the doop water, and enable access to be made to the Pier independently of
the tides. This work is now in progress, and is hoped to be completed during
1358, when it is proposed to extend the trolley line system, which has also been
renewed during 1357, to the head of this mole, the purpose being (1) to enable
passengers to embark and disembark in safety at all states of the tide, and (2) to
enable cargo-lighters to discharge at all states of the tide, thus saving possibly more
than one-third of the time of a steamer’s stay in port.
Cargo will be landed straight on to the trolleys, and removed directly to the
sheds, instead of lying upon the Pier as at present; and it is conservatively estimated
that this improvement will enable delivery of their imports to be granted to the
publio at least one day earlier.
This improvement will involve night-work on Customs premises and the
consequent greatly increased consumption of electric ourrent; hence it would seem
suitable to suggest an adjustment of the rate charged for this public service.
Mention must also be made of attention having been given to Customs ware­
houses whose Roofs have been repaired and repainted, especially the Pier Shed
where considerable repairs and renewals were badly needed. The peculiar climatic
conditions of Bahrain require that at least one coat of paint should be applied to all
iron-work at least once a year.
For this reason it is suggested that all iron-work should be re-painted during
1358, and a “ dump course ” be applied to the new Custom House, which, on re­
claimed land, is found to be a damp building. The provision of same good office
furniture and certain minor adjustments in this building may also be suggested.
Establishment. During the past year the number of clerks employed was
twenty-three, including two apprentices, who drew Rs. 41,400 in pay and allowances,
an increase upon last year on account of regular annual increments. The menials
number thirty-four, who drew Rs. 12,269 in wages.
In addition to the handling, receiving and delivery ,and collection of dues upon
8,25,487 dutiable packages of cargo with the maintenance of the necessary records,
there were also 2,33,415 packages of imports by The Bahrein Petroleum Company,
Ltd., which have to be accounted for, although duty-free.
Also, there are a number of duty-concessions which may be noticed :—
Imports by The Ruling Family. Nineteen Motor-cars valued at Rs. 50,000
Cement, Barley, Dates etc. „ 27,850
Total Rs. 77,850

on which the duty collectable would have been Rs. 6,392-8-0.
Imports by The Arabian Mission Hospital valued at Rs. 26,200, on
which the duty collectable would have been Rs. 1,520.
Imports by Petroleum Development Ltd. under concession on which the
difference of duty collectable would have been Rs. 78.
Imports by Imperial Airways Ltd. of two motor launches and petrol and
oil, valued at Rs. 45,000 and Rs. 1,61,000 respectively, on which the duty collectable
would have been Rs. 12,550
Imports of Kelvin motor engines, on which the duty refunded amounted
to; Rs. 1027.
Imports of cinema films by The Bahrein Petroleum Coy.} Ltd. on which
the duty refunded amounted to Rs. 1,450, and Duty-free imports of 194 packages by
H.B.M’b Political Agent and his staff.