Page 403 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (I)_Neat

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(Bahrein Elec. Supply)

xxlthough under no obligation to supply this, the govern­
ment, in order to help the Imperial Airways as much as
possible, agreed to run when required, which very often
meant two or three days a week, due to the Air mails
being late on account of bad weather.
Public telephones.— The rcovernment of Bahrain,
in conjunction* with the I.'anamah Hunicipality^ decided
to instal a telephone system in the torn of ilanamoh,
using a central exchange. This scheme has been carried
out by the electrical department and at the end of 1351
twenty lines had been connected and two were in course
of erection. The scheme has proved a great convenience
and as time goes on, the local exchange will probably
be linked with the Bahrain Petroleum Coy's camp. which
is at the nearest point some fourteen miles distant.
The Camp already has six internal telephones and will
in time have many more.

It is also hoped that enough subscribers will be
forthcoming in the town of MuKarrak to warrant running
a trunk line across the sea.

Until now only tv/o applications have been received
from Uuharrak.
Two rates are available to subscribers, one a flat
rate of Is 150/- per annum and the other Rs 45/- per
annum plus one anna a call of six minutes duration.
The former is the most popular.

Prospects for 1352.— Although it is difficult to
make a forecast at present, it can reasonably be assumed
that wiring, (with consequent additional load) will
proceed, i? not faster, at the present rate, during
1352. It is also honed that the sale of appliances
will increase, Should the economic situation become
easier, then many more consumers will come forward.

There are enough potential consumers in Kananah and
Muharrak to make the undertaking a good paying propo­
sition, but the universal cry is that they at present
have no money.

General.— The department carried out all the govt,
car repairs as heretofore, and in addition to the
wiring contracts in Kanamah and Kuharrak, carried out
the wiring of the new offices, etc. of the Bahrein
Petroleum Co. at the Uebel Dukhan and their telephone
system.

A durbar was held in Manamah during the month of
Shewaal 1351. in honour of H.3.Shaikh Hamad end for
three days the town was illuminated some 70G extra
lights being erected on public and private buildings.