Page 454 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (III)_Neat
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(e) Labour.—Labour, of a sort, continued to be in fair supply throughout the year; but
it was difficult to obtain good tradesman as the men could obtain higher rates of pay from independent
contractors. On ist of Dulqaada a general increase of 12 annas per day was made for all classes of
labour, tradesmen and coolies both benefiting by the same sum.
(f) Stores.—Prices of locally produced stones, coral, gutch, etc., tended to decrease slightly
or at least be stabilized during the year. Prices of all types of timber remained very high. Stores
imported from U. K. or elsewhere were in good supply but often shipping difficulties entailed long delays
in obtaining delivery.
(g) Transport.—The lack of sufficient transport at times proved to be a limiting factor to
the amount of work which could otherwise have been taken on.
(h) Plant.—The motor grader acquired in 1365 was usefully employed on some of the roads.
Both the 9-ton and 5-ton road rollers worked on the roads throughout the year.
(i) Budget.—As many works which were planned for execution in 1366 could not be started
for various reasons, the sum approved for the 1366 budget was not all spent. The unspent balance
is being carried forward to 136/ ; when it will be needed if the large programme which is projected
is to be successfully carried out.