'File 8/16 Bahrain Intelligence Summary' [‎89r] (177/206)

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who hoped for a revival of the Bahrain Pearling Industry.
They may, however, find some consolation in the reflection
that the pearling fleet only went out after Ramadhan and
that it suffered bad weather towards the end of the season.
(ii-‘: t.-ats
(iii) Rents .
His Highness, who is himself a large owner of
house property, has long wanted to amend the existing rent
law and allow an increase in rents. On the 24th a meeting
of the Rent Committee, appointed by the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency.
and consisting of representatives of European firms, local
merchants, landlords and tenants, was held at the Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent.
in order to consider a suggestion that the percentage to
be charged as rent should be raised from the existing rate
of 4% to 6% on the value of the property. Major J.E.H.
Hudson, the Assistant Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , presided. In the
course of discussion it was pointed out by the representative
of the local merchants that the assessed value of houses
under the present rent law was far higher than their actual
value as rents had risen progressively without check for
some ten years before the law was passed. The Committee
considered this point and found that the suggested rise
would, in effect, be an increase of 50% in house rent,
which, because of the high cost of living today, would
make for increased inflation and a resultant demand for
an increase in wages. They recommended therefore that
there should be no increase in the percentage of rent charge
able and expressed themselves as only willing to consider
a rise if properties were reassessed excluding thu value
of the site.
(iv) Venereal Disease .
At the representation of the Chief Quarantine
Medical Officer, the State Medical Officer, and other doc
tors, the Bahrain Government are takj ig steps to combat the
incidence of venereal disease in Bahrain, which, it has
been stated, is amongst the highest in the world though
no accurate figures are available. The Police have rounded
up all prostitutes for medical examination, and free treat
ment is being offered to those suffering from venereal
disease._ The Bahrain Government have asked that every
person with venereal disease should undergo treatment at
the hands of a doctor and have ordered compulsory examination
and treatment of any person who will not voluntarily under-
go it.
(v0 ; Church Fete .
On the 15th Lady Hay opened a fete organised
by the Roman Catholic Chaplain in Manamah to r^Gc money
for the building of a school. His Excellency the Politic
Resident and Mrs. C.D. Belgrave, wife of the Adviser to
the Bahrain Government, were also presents The Fete was
very popular among Bahrainis but His Highness took exception
to the heavy gambling that took place at some*of the stalls
and it was closed after running for little more than a week.
It is reported that the fete made Rs.45,000/- before it
closed.
(vi) Prices of .... .