Page 92 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat
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The average looal prioea were as follows :—
1366 1366
Sherin Rs. 60 chow Rs. 60 chow.
Badlah 4 „ 4 „
Golwa 16 „ 16 „
Na’m 24 „ 20/8 „
From these figures it appears that the price of good quality pearls was
20% higher than during last year, medium quality pearls did not change and seed
pearls (Na’m) fell in price, The 50% increase in the value of the catch was
partly owing to increase in price of good quality pearls, of which many were found
but mainly owing to the unusually large quantity of pearls which were found.
For the industry in general it would have been more satisfactory if world
prices had improved instead of the local catch increasing.
It should be remembered that the figures which are given in this note from
which I prepare a report are the rock bottom figures representing the money paid
to the divers themselves by the boat owners. 1
Before the pearls leave Bahrain and between the time they leave Bahrain and
reach their final owners they pass through innumerable hands, each time increasing
in price.
Police and Public Security.
The State Police.
Strength. The strength of the Police on 30-12-37 was as follows
Havildars 3
Naiks 5
Lance Naiks 17
Policemen, including band 175
Recruits in training 31
Indian instructors ... 5
Camp followers 11
The force was increased by 49 men during the year in order to cope with
various extra duties and posts such as the additional guards on the Bahrain Petroleum
Company’s Refinery which is paid for by the Company), the outpost in Hawar fort
where naturs have been replaced by police and extra men on traffic duty on main
roads. In spite of the increase it is rarely possible to muster more than fifty men on
daily parades.
Routine and duties. During the first part of the year the Police carried out
their normal duties and training; but for some months during the time of the Zubara
disturbances large numbers of police were occupied by special duties patrolling the
coast and garrisoning the southern villages where it was thought possible that an
attack might be made by mainland Arabs. In addition to land duties parties of
police in motor launches patrolled the coast from Manamah to the south of Bahrain.
Each section of the Police Force completed a musketry course during the
year and competed for the shooting shield presented by Colonel Gordon Loch, C.I.E.
Shooting competitions were held between the police and a naval team from
H. M. S. “ Bideford ” in which the police team obtained more points than the Navy.
Two route marches, lasting five days, were carried out by the Police in the
spring and in the autumn. The police camped at various different villages. Transport
was provided by the Police lorry and pick-up.