Page 410 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

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space which is becoming more and more restricted, it follows that that the prevention of such exports
will save shipping space which can be utilised for importing foodstuffs. Hence it is likely that all
exports of replaceable goods will be stopped until a complete reserve of food is accumulated within
the State, and the optional system will cease to function until the war emergency has passed. How­
ever, the Food Control ensures a fair profit to the vendor locally ; so the trader has no real reason for
complaint under the circumstances.
On the other hand it will be clearly seen that by restricting exports the quantity of similar
imports is restricted; and consequently Customs’ receipts will be considerably less in the future for
this reason.
ACCIDENTS WITHIN THE PORT.
1. On 2nd March, 1941, a local craft, on her way to Bahrein from the neighbourhood of Jadun
Island endeavoured to make port during a gale, and jettisoned some stone ballast; but capsized in
a squall near the West Spit Buoy. Having observed the accident, the Commander of L. T.
" Nearchus ” anchored nearby, sent out her motor launch and rescued the crew who were accommo­
dated on board, clothed and fed, and later put ashore. The craft was afterwards salved.
2. On the morning of the 13th March, 1941, a local craft bound for D’bai encountered a strong
shumal; and its nukhudha endeavoured to make shelter in the creek of Galali, but was driven on
the reef and broke his rudder. The ship capsized and later the Port Officer salved its damaged cargo
which was restored to its owners.
3. On the afternoon of the nth December, 1941, in a violent storm, H. T. “ Bandra ” arrived
in port towing two steel fresh-water barges intended for the Inland water Transport Authority at
Abadan, and anchored near the West Spit Buoy, when the ship proceeded to fill one barge with fresh
water before checking up for damage after a very difficult voyage. This barge sank ; and the local
Naval Officer-in-Charge requested the Port Officer to salvage the barge. An attempt with local
divers was made under his planning by Messrs. Gray Mackenzie & Co., but it failed ; and later, after
several weeks, the raising of the barge was successfully done by the Bahrein Petroleum Coy. Ltd.
Both barges were locally repaired and have been forwarded to Abadan, and the Bill of Cost has been
duly submitted for settlement.
Establishment: The staff has decreased by one incumbent who has returned to India, and the
Leave Roster has been closely followed on the principle of each clerk taking his leave in turn according
to length of service. Transport difficulties affect this position, and it is expected that there may be
further resignations by incumbents hailing from India on account of their family responsibilities there.
There is a definite need for several well trained and experienced clerks here, as the work of the Food
Control is onerous and intricate.
The Customs War Saving Association is working very well; and its members have regularly
subscribed and invested considerable sums in the Indian War Saving Certificates. This is a distinctly
praiseworthy effort.
Exemptions and Concessions: There is no export or import duty upon specie or bullion as
distinguished from ornaments of precious metal; and the traffic has attained considerable dimensions
since Indian currency notes have been put into popular use here. It appears to be highly profitable
to sell gold in Kuwait and Iraq whence it is believed to pass into Syria and Turkey. The export is
controlled by H. B. M.’s Political Agent.
Imports .. .. from India, valued at Rs. 19.74*300
„ Arabia „ „ „ 5.06,760
11 Iraq ,, ,, ,, 6,600
Total Rs. .. 24,87,660
Exports to Iraq valued at Rs. 13.61,650
„ Kuwait „ „ „ 23.67.9°°
Total Rs. 37.29.550