Page 257 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

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Bahrain Petroleum Company. On the day before his departure he was present at a
night display and torchlight tattoo on the Fort parade ground in which five hundred
police, naturs and schoolboys took part.
When his Majesty left ho was presented by Shaikh Hamad with a number
of cars, horses and camels. The King's visit, which was given much prominence in
the Arab press and in European papers, did much to advance the already friendly
relations existing between Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saoudi Arabia.
Passport Department.

The revenue from this source, which was at one time third largest revenue
producing department, is likely to decrease considerably owing to the effect of the
war on travel and the enforcement of various restrictions. It is possible that the
revenue will no longer cover the cost of the passport control organisation.
During the year 12,500 passengers landed in Bahrain from steamers,
aeroplanes and native craft, the details of each person being recorded. Over eighty
prosecutions were instituted by the Passport Officer against persons failing to comply
with regulations. A number of local residents were convicted for giving false
evidence about the place of birth of Persians residing in Bahrain who wished to
obtain Bahrain passports. The number of foreigners, mostly Persians, who apply
for Bahrain naturalization increases every year. Out of 28 applications 16 were
given Bahrain nationality during 1358.
Numbers of Arabs, mainly from Qattar, continue to evade passport regula­
tions by entering Bahrain illegally at various points on the coast. When they are
caught action can rarely be taken a6 they obtain a sympathetic hearing from his
Highness the Ruler.
Public Works Department.

The work done by this department during the year was carried put by
Mr. Mohomed Jafar with a small permanent staff of supervisors and local and
Indian artisans and workmen.
1. Recurrent expenditure.
The annual expenditure on departmental salaries and staff was estimated in
the 1358 budget at Bs. 29,750; it amounted to Rs. 23,273.
Recurrent expenditure on upkeep of buildings was estimated at R9. 9,000 and
repairs' to roads at Rs. 16,000: actually Rs. 17,770 was spent on the former and
Rs. 19,298 on the latter.
Towards the end of the year the Government took over the maintenance of
the Manamah - Rudm al Kowari seotion of the main Rafaa road. This had
previously been kept in repair by the Bahrain Petroleum Company. Road mending
material is being provided by the Company.
The increased number of government buildings entails a large annual expen­
diture on repairs, painting and general upkeep. Roofs in Bahrain require
replastering at least every three years and white plaster and paint appear shabby if
not frequently renewed.
2. Non-recurrent expenditure on special projects.
A. Manamah Muharraq Causeway and Bridge. The COnfcraot for the swing
bridge across the gap in the Manamah - Muharraq causeway was placed during
the year with Messrs. Holloway Brothers Limited of London. The firm has
recently built the two bridges across the Tigris in Baghdad and among other
important work done by this firm is the new Bank of England.
Owing to the necessity for allowing boats to pass up and down the channel,
especially barges bringing oargoes from the Sitra anchorage to Manamah, an opening