'Reports of administration for 1918 of divisions and districts of the occupied territories in Mesopotamia. Volume I' [‎174v] (353/470)

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12. Miscellaneous. —At the beginning of the year orders came from Baghdad
to arrest and deport certain individuals who had been proved by captured corre
spondence to be in regular communication with the enemy. The result of these
deportations was that the Mohammadan Poor Relief Fund fell into abeyance. An
effort has been made to engage the sympathy of the original supporters in a continu
ance of this work.
The names of the deportees are as follows, and include both townsmen and
tribesmen :—
(1) Ahmad al Mustafa, Chalabi.
(2) ‘Abdul Wahab, Chalabi s/o Shaikh Latif.
(3) Saiyid Salih Samirli.
(4) Malik s/o H. ‘Abdul Qasim.
(5) Haji Taha Chalabi.
(6) ‘Abdullah Effendi s/o ‘Abdul Salam al ‘Adhmi.
(7) Saiyid Ibrahim s/o Yusuf.
(8) Haji Salman as Sidqan.
(9) Muhammad s/o Shaikh Daud.
(10) ‘Abdul Razzaq s/o Shaikh Latif.
(11) Hidayat Effendi.
(12) Khudhaiyir s/o Mulla Farman.
(13) ‘Ali al Shaikh.
(14) Saiyid Rasmi (or Rasan).
(15) Ismahl al Mahmud.
(16) Mustafa Agha Chakmakji.
(17) Habib al Shati.
(18) Muhammad Salim Effendi.
Agricultural Show. —The local products section of the show was organised
through the Deputy Military Governor’s office and was, together with the races,
an event of outstanding interest. Rs. 1,400 were taken in gate money on the
first day at annas 8 per head. Much credit is due to Capt. Pearson, D.M.G., for
the admirable way in which he ran this section of the show. Those civilian
exhibitors who received prizes were as pleased as they were surprised, since, in spite
of repeated explanations, they had only the haziest idea of the meaning of a show.
Another year it is possible that a proposed show would meet with a much more
enthusiastic welcome, and would therefore become, from the exhibit point of view,
infinitely more successful.
Proclamation Parade. —This was remarkable as being an occasion on which
the largest concourse of ‘Amarah townspeople assembled since the occupation.
The conclusion of the Arabic translation of the G.O.C.’s Proclamation was
greeted by three spontaneous cheers, and there is no doubt but that all present
were greatly impressed with the ceremony, and satisfied at this official reognition
of the conclusion of hostilities. The imposing array of troops made a considerable
impression on the Arab mind.
Meteorological. —This was recently transferred to the Civil Administration, and
is being carried out by a clerk who can be ill-spared from office routine. There
is an observatory near Norfolk House, which contains an anemometer, a wet and
dry bulb thermometer, maximum and minimum thermometers, wind vane and
rain gauge; also the rise and fall of the Tigris can be measured. Daily readings
in all the above are taken at 8 hours and 16 hours, reports being sent daily to head
quarters, ‘Amarah section, and Assistant Director, Medical Service. Weekly rain
reports are sent to the Weather Bureau, Baghdad, and a very comprehensive
monthly report submitted to Weather Bureau, Baghdad, I.G.C., Basrah, and
A.D.M.S., ‘Amarah.
The highest rainfall for one day, since 1st November 1918, was 2-93 inches,
recorded on the 12th November 1918. The highest rainfall for a continuous period
was 7-45 inches in nine days’ rain, recorded from 7th November to 15th November
inclusive.
Maximum rise of river since 1st November was 3 feet.
Shabanah Village. —This has long been a thorn in the Military side, on account
of its being a hot-bed of prostitution and disease. The question of its demolition
was raised some months ago and an assessment of houses, walls, palms, &c. has
now been made. The inhabitants have had their marching orders, and by the