Page 275 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

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diminish. Having regard to the fact that the port of Itaa Tanura is now served by
ships of the Pacific-Java-Silver Line and, to some extent, by the ships of the
B. l.S.N. Coy. Ltd., it is of interest to note the large sum collected from this source
during the past year, which is, in fact, nearly twice the amount collected in 1356,
and more than thrice the collections of previous years, before the development of the
C. A.S.O.C. working. It is agreed that the passage to lias Tanura is tortuous and
dangerous; and it cannot be doubted that steamers prefer to use the Port of Bahrain
if only on account of the efficiency of its service.
While the above collections from Direct Transhipment may be regarded as
unexpectedly good, there is little reason to expect that this figure will be maintained.
From all other sources of Customs income, an increase in receipts will bo
noticed. I would like to infer that this suggests an increase in commercial activity;
but the true explanation may be found in the sudden activity caused by the outbreak
of the European War on 18th Rajab, 1358, (3rd September, 1930) when many
local importers placed orders for commodities, especially foodstuffs, in anticipation
of rises in prices in India, due to war speculation. There cannot be any doubt that
such rises would have occurred to a degree more marked than obtains at present
if the Government of India had not instituted regulations to control such speculation.
Coincidently the Government of Bahrain purchased fifty thousand bags of rice
to form a reserve of food, and instituted a local system of Food Control which has
had the effect of stabilising the retail prices of food, and preventing speculation to
any great degree.
This control did not extend to * Luxury Articles' in the sale of which local
retailers immediately increased their prices, and have given reasonable cause for
considerable complaint against profiteering.
It is to be noted that in the past year there has been no ohange in the rates
of Customs Duty or Import Yard charges levied.
The main imports into the State of Bahrain are the necessities of life:
foodstuffs and wearing material, as against its main export of pearl and, in later
years, oil products. Although a large quantity of dates is grown locally, the crop
is insufficient for local needs, and the quantity of vegetables grown locally is very
small, though slightly increasing yearly. A comparison of some of the principal
commodities is of interest:—

Year 1357. Year 1358.
Commodity.
Quantity. Average value. Quantity. Average value.

Rs. R8.

Rice 3,55,499 cwts. 18,18,600 4,02,300 c&ts. 22,98,700
Wheat 7,198 „ 42,880 16,100 , 87,000
Flour 69,295 „ 3,51,890 63.200 „ 2,78,400
Tea 5,652 „ 3,23,580 3,200 „ 2,07,600
Coffee 8,203 bags. 2,87,450 13.200 bags. 4,86,300
Sugar: loaf 750 „ 5,420
„ crystal 1,075 cwts. 6,470
» Bof‘ 47,306 „ 2,39,240 81,000 cwts. 5,18,400
Piece Goods:
Cottons 21,16,380 • • • 23,95,400
Silk 3,79,970 2,86,000

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