Page 143 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (III)_Neat

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The employment which has so improved the state of things in Bahrain Is
temporary. In the coming year probably many of the men who are now working
will be discharged. There is the prospect to be faced of unemployment in the
future, possibly next year when many people may find themselves without work
having become accustomed to a higher standard of living on good wages and
valuable rations. The Government can only absorb a certain amount of
labour but it may be that a solution to the problem will be found by the employ­
ment of Bahrain people in Saudi Arabia where important oil developments are in
progress.

There was no general decrease in the cost of living during the year though
certain foodstuffs such as dates were subsidized by the Government and sold at
very cheap prices. The Government decided not to purchase dates from Basrah
in view of the stocks which were held and the high price which was demanded for
Basrah dates. At the end of the year there were indications that the prices of
certain goods were dropping as for example, Indian piece-goods. Once again the
Bahrain Government imported and sold to the people at controlled prices wheat,
barley and sugar and in addition the Government bought from the importers
meat, tea, piece-goods and other essential commodities in order to ensure that these
goods were made available to everybody at the proper price. Lack of co-operation
on the part of the local merchants compelled the Government in the first place to
set up as the general purchaser, importer and seller of foodstuffs for the country.
When the merchants in the beginning were asked to assist they showed a complete
absence of public spirit, admittedly most of them were foreigners, and were only
interested in making big profits.
Black Market trading, smuggling and land speculation continued and many
people made fortunes out of dubious transactions. War prosperity and closer
contacts with the influx of foreigners into Bahrain from the west and from India
has not had a beneficial effect upon the people of the country who used to be,
but are not now, honest, well mannered and contented. Though no serious crimes
occurred during the year the increase in thieving was noticeable.
The Budget for 1364 is a fairly conservative one. The revenue has been
estimated at 48 lakhs, the anticipated expenditure is 38 lakhs and it is expected
that 10 lakhs, the surplus of revenue over expenditure, will be added to the
Reserve Fund.

C. DALRYMPLE BELGRAVE, C.B.E.,
Adviser to the Government of Bahrain.