Page 248 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (IV)_Neat

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tanks in connection with the shipping of the products were also completed and resulted in the faster
loading of cargoes.
Shipping.—The demand for all the products of the refinery continued and the total amount
shipped was about up to the limit of the refining capacity.
Cargo Inspections.—The number of Government Inspected cargoes showed a reduction on
the previous year, but there was still a total of 172 ships with 1,883.-198 Tons of cargo inspected during
the year.
Graphs.—Graphs are attached indicating the variations of the crude throughout during the
past 5 years and showing that the crude position has been fairly consistent over the last two to three
years.
Staff.—Mr. D. L. Rixon! joined the staff of the Oil Inspection Department in June and look
over the duties of Government Inspector in July when Mr. G. B. Thompson went on leave. Mr. Rixon
will continue with the Department, and his presence will remove the difficulties of relief during vaca­
tion and reduce the strain of tin: 24-hour service which is necessary in connection with the work of
the Department.
Conclusions.—At the beginning of 1950 there was an indication of falling prices, but it was
quite early in the year that prices went the other way. The Oil Royalty figures have benefited by
the revision of the royalty rates which were reviewed at the conclusion of the first 15 year agreement
at the end of 19-19, the full benefit will be shown in the 1951 figures.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Report by Mr. S. Hills, Officer-in-Chargc.
Once again, the Public Works Department considerably extended its activities during the
year ; and turnover shows an increase of 60 per cent over that for 1368. Works of a total value of
Rs. 38,48,938 were carried out, and an average number of over 1,500 men were employed daily.
On the whole, conditions during the year favoured good progress. The weather was good,
although there was some loss of working time owing to severe cold winds in the winter. Rainfall was
small and the summer months were exceptionally element. Labour was in good supply; stores
arrived in better time from the United Kingdom, while local stores were abundantly available at keen
prices—the practice of letting short period contracts was continued and extended, and this certainly
keeps a control on prices. The. transport position was easier; and additional items of plant were
purchased, while others—some ordered nearly two years before—at length arrived.
Features of the year’s work were the erection of the two largest buildings yet constructed in
Bahrain, and the big development of the roads programme. These three items account for well over
half of the total expenditure. Extensive and diverse works were carried out at the Power House,
Hospital and Customs Pier; and this was the first year of normal working of the recently constructed
main water supply. Results suggest that this will be a successful public service.

Various methods of construction—new to the general local practice—were introduced. Most
important of these was the use of reinforced concrete for roofs, floors and stairs. This was made
practically essential by the increased size of the buildings now being erected ; and was made possible
by the availability of crushed stone (the Department's old stone crusher was at last put in good working
order ; and a new crusher was obtained from the United Kingdom). Secondly, the system of drainage
was improved and the old method of draining into cesspits and soakaways was abandoned. Septic
tanks are now built for all the larger buildings. Eventually a main drainage system will have to be
built in Manamah, but this presents a difficult problem as there is practically no natural fall and much
of the ground is rock. Lastly, all new roofs, and several already existing, were given a waterproofing
cover; and results during the coming year will be watched with interest. Obtaining weatherproof