Page 204 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (III)_Neat

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GENERAL.

Presentation of a Sword to His Highness.
A Naval sword was presented to His Highness by the Royal Navy. The presentation was
made by the Senior Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf, Commodore J. M. Howson, at the Naval Base
at Jufair.
Muharram Celebrations.
Many more Shias than usual took part in the Muharram celebrations, culminating in the
procession on the tenth day of Muharram. Though the procession was unusually large and there
were many more spectators than in previous years of all creeds and nationalities no incidents occurred.
Bahrain is now one of the few places where this procession is allowed and Shias from the mainland
visit Bahrain in order to participate in it.
British Officials.
Mr. W. B. Steele, who held the post of State Engineer since 1931, retired during the year.
Mr. W. B. Steele who formerly belonged to Messrs. Callender's Cable and Construction Company
came originally to Bahrain when the electric scheme was installed in Muharraq. In addition to
dealing with the electric undertaking Mr. W. B. Steele was responsible for transport, car licensing
and certain public works and for some years he carried out the work of oil gauging.
Group Captain H. P. G. Leigh was appointed State Engineer on a two years’ contract and
commenced his duties in December, 1944.
Mr. G. E. Hutchings, Principal of the Technical School, took over the work of oil gauging
besides his duties as Principal of the Technical School.

Miss N. M. Harbottle, Matron of the Government Hospital, resigned during the summer.
Miss D. Ellson and Miss R. G. A. Maguire came out from England to join the staff of the
Government Hospital as Nursing Sisters.
" A1 Bahrain".
The local weekly newspaper, " A1 Bahrain ”, went out of circulation during the year.
Superintendent! Public Works Department.
Mr. Mohamed Jafar, Superintendent, Public Works Department, received the title of Khan
Sahib in the Birthday Honours.
Floods.
During the summer abnormal high tides caused serious floods on the island of Muharraq,
which is only a few feet above sea level. The town of Hcdd was isolated and part of the aerodrome
was affected. At other places down the coast the tide came inshore and covered areas which have
never been submerged before.
Zubara.
a§reen^enl was made and signed by the rulers of Bahrain and Qatar about the disputed
Ztrar:.°n th!lQa»' COaSt bUt 48 far as Bahrain was concerned the agreement led to no change
e si ua ion. e eir-Apparent of the Qatar Shaikh came twice to Bahrain for medical treatment
r6C nUI^v *fS ° ^a.tar su^)ects entered Bahrain, mostly without permission, and obtained work
m a rain. Qa ar continued to be a market for goods which were smuggled out of Bahrain.
Obituary.
The death occurred during the year of Haj Sulman bin Matar, one of the leading pearl
merchants of Muharraq, who was well known for his philanthropic deeds. For several years he
provided food for large numbers of poor people who were daily fed at his doors. He sat on various
councils and committees and was a valuable member of the community.