Page 132 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (III)_Neat

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Accidents within the port.
On the 23rd of August, 1943, a local craft laden with a cargo of 402 bags sugar was returning
to Manama Pier from the s.s. " DALGOMA On her way she sprang a leak, and went aground.
Boats were despatched to her rescue, and a part of her damaged cargo was saved. The boat was
eventually brought on shore and repaired.
The Light Tender " NEARCHUS ” paid her usual visits of inspection to the Harbour Lighting.

General.
Customs receipts have again been conservatively estimated for the ensuing year, as, under
present changing conditions, it is impossible to gauge with any degree of accuracy, what the
imports will amount to.

General.

Investiture. In December His Highness Shaikh Sulman was invested with the Order of Knight
Commander of The Indian Empire by The Hon'ble The Resident in the Persian Gulf, Sir Geoffrey
Prior, K.C.I.E., the ceremony took place in the Palace, Manama, and was relayed on the local broad­
casting system.
Presentation of Guns. Two guns which had been captured from the Italians during the
North African campaign were presented to His Highness Shaikh Sulman by the Middle East Command.
They were placed one on each side of the steps in front of the Manama Palace.
Distinguished Visitors. In October Lord Wavell, then Viceroy Designate, passed through
Bahrain on his way to India accompanied by Lady Waved and his staff. A few days later Lord and
Lady Linlithgow landed at Bahrain en route for England. On both occasions the visitors were met
by His Highness Shaikh Sulman.

Their Royal Highnesses the Amirs KhaUd and Mahomed sons of His Majesty King Ibn Saud
visited Bahrain on their way to and from India and were the guests of His Highness Shaikh Sulman.

Customs Directorate. Mr. C. C. L. deGrenier who held the post of Director of Customs since
1925 and was later appointed Food Controller proceeded to the United Kingdom on long leave pending
retirement.

Mr. G. W. R. Smith, previously of Messrs. Gray, Mackenzie & Co. Ltd., was appointed Director
of Customs and arrived in Bahrain in March.

Poor Relief Measures. The Sunni and Shia Poor Relief Committees continued to administer
the funds which were collected by them and contributed by the Government for purchasing dates
and other food for distribution to the poor both in the towns and in the country villages. From the
reports submitted by these committees it appeared that by the end of the year conditions generally
were better than at the same time in the previous year, the improvement being due to more
employment and better distribution of food.

Race Meeting. The first race meeting ever held in Bahrain took place on Muharraq island
in November in aid of War Charities. The races caused very great interest and were attended by
many thousands of spectators. A substantial sum was realised for war charities.

Sunni Kadhis. Shaikh Abdul Latif bin Joder, of Muharraq, one of the three Sunni Qadia
retired during the year, owing to age and health. Ho was granted a pension by the Government.

Obituary. The death occurred of Shaikh Mohamed bin Ali AlKhalifah. Shaikh Mohamed
had for some years been the President of the Mejlis Tajarah ; before holding this post he was a Magis­
trate on the Bahrain Small Court.