'Reports of administration for 1918 of divisions and districts of the occupied territories in Mesopotamia. Volume I' [‎125v] (255/470)

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A Baladiyah majlis assembles weekly under the chairmanship of the Rais al
Baladiyah, though, so far, no particularly valuable suggestions have been put
forward.
The population at the time of the last census (September 1918) amounted
approximately to 5,000, but there is reason to think that this is an underestimate,
raison d'etre of the census is still considered as the impulse to our work in this
direction—estimation of army figures.
The last assessment of property in the town showed that there were :—
A Civil Dispensary was opened in June. The difficulty has been all along
to get people to attend it, and it is unfortunate that the majority of the Arabs
who come up for treatment, even now, are the halt, the maim, and the blind—
cases often incurable even by the most advanced surgery. But now that there
is a British Medical Officer in charge, we have noticed a considerable increase in
the number of patients and the population are rapidly ridding themselves of their
distrust of something which they get for nothing. It is intended shortly to erect
a bed, and the Medical Officer has promised that, as soon as this has been fitted up,
he will make provision for surgical cases. None have as yet been attempted.
The Hit Civil Post Office was opened in November 1918, and is apparently
very much appreciated by all in the town. We have secured the services of an
ex-Turkish telegraphist and it should not be difficult, later, to add a telegraph
office.
The financial basis of the Baladiyah is fairly sound. The balance in hand at
the end of November last was Rs. 4,636/-, but the monthly income is still slightly
below the expenditure. This will be placed upon a sounder footing as soon as it
is found possible to introduce new taxes.
The Rais al Baladiyah and the Qadhi have throughout given every satisfaction,
especially the former, who has done all in his power to assist in the administration.
6. Shabanahs. —There is difficulty in Hit district in recruiting the Shabanah
force from the proper quarter. Since it is not possible to recruit from the families
of Shaikhs as in most districts, the majority of the Shabanahs are Hitawis and
townsmen. This plan, however, has not been found to be particularly bad. There
are a few ex-Turkish gendarmes amongst the force who give colour to the military
spirit and appearance of the corps. The strength at first sanctioned was :
In September it was found necessary to establish a post at Anqal Hawa for blockade
purposes. A fort was constructed and sanction obtained for an additional 10 horse
and 5 foot to man it.
The force was nearly useless without rifles, but these were eventually supplied
by the military authorities. 1
Discipline on the whole has been good, though cases of bribery have been
brought to light on a few occasions. Generally speaking, attempts at drill have
not been welcomed; there appears to be a constant fear that the force is to be made
a military one, in spite of repeated assurances that this is not what is desired.
The Shabanahs were not fully equipped with rifles and uniforms until November,
when summer clothing was issued. It would appear advisable to provide them with
something warmer than khaki drill during the winter months.
Attempts have been made to train the mounted Shabanahs in the proper care
of their horses, but little can be done in this direction until arrangements are made
for the supply of some sort of veterinary chest. Sores and wounds are continually
appearing and, for want of stores, they have to be left to heal as best they can.
Mounted Shabanahs are difficult to recruit in this area and the utmost economy
in horseflesh should be practised.
owing to the suspicion with which the compilation is viewed. The old Turkish
Shops -
‘Anbars -
Houses -
84
42
583
Horse
Foot
10
11
and
recruiting tile ueyeasary uumuers.