Page 384 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (IV)_Neat

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its toll of palms, damaging the trunk to such an extent that the trees toppled over: in one small
plantation alone, five trees were thus destroyed and a further sixteen were purposely felled and burned
because of severe infestation by this voracious larval, but this was an exceptionally bad ease. Tt
is estimated that at least 5 per cent of all palms have been, at some time or other, attacked by white
grubs although comparatively little damage is done in the annual spring attack. Last spring’s attack
probably accounted for no more that one tree in four hundred, but is serious enough to warrant more
than a little attention.
The buildings for a io-cow, experimental dairy were commenced at Budeya in Shawal and it
is hoped that early in 1371 this will come into operation. It will be equipped with a small milk­
testing lal>oratory, and is to be managed according to European technique, utilising local foodstuffs
and local cattle (Bos Indicus). Initially the only product, milk, will be retailed to the Government
Hospital.
There were two meetings of the Agricultural Water Committee during the year at'which, in
addition to the main task of considering applications for artesian wells, two untried sources of water
for agricultural purposes—viz. the numerous off-shore springs and cloud " seeding ’’ were discussed.
An investigation of weather reports showed that the latter source could not be utilised to any great
effect owing to the absence of sufficient rain clouds. The former, however, while offering a more
adequate and more definite supply, was temporarily postponed as a sizeable project requiring con­
siderable capital outlay.
Permission was given for seventeen new wells and six were ordered to be plugged back.

GULF AVIATION COMPANY
In June 1951 Mr. F. Bosworth, the Managing Director of the Company, was killed while flying
in England. He had gone to England on Company’s business and before his death he completed a
mutual assistance Agreement between Gulf Aviation Company and British Overseas Airways
Corporation.
The successful development of Gulf Aviation Company was to a large extent due to the
energy and initiative of Mr. Bosworth and his death was a great loss to the undertaking. Throughout
the summer the Company had a hard struggle to maintain regular services, owing to lack of aircraft
and staff. Mr. G. B. Thompson, the Government Petroleum Inspector, acted for the Chairman of
the Company during the latter’s absence on leave and succeeded, in spite of many set-backs, in keeping
the undertaking in action.
After lengthy negotiations in England the ordinary shares in Gulf Aviation Company which
were held by the late Mr. Bosworth and Mrs. Bosworth were purchased by the British Overseas Airways
Corporation. This transaction was not completed until the end of the year under review. Shortly
before Mr. Bosworth’s death the Bahrain Government made a loan to the Company of Rs. 4,00,000,
at 5 per cent interest, repayable within 5 years, in order to purchase more aircraft. Backed by the
help and resources of British Overseas Airways Corporation the Gulf Aviation Company which t e
first British Company in Bahrain to be financed locally, should now prosper and expand.

GENERAL

met at the

BabAlBahra' 1 where* he inspected a Guard of Honour of the State Police outside the
2?"■ »■> •» ~ >"• »>«.»* ■■

Later in the summer Shaikh Abdulla paid another visit to Bahrain.