'Reports of administration for 1918 of divisions and districts of the occupied territories in Mesopotamia. Volume I' [‎175r] (354/470)

331
middle of January 1919 there will have been a complete exodus. The majority
of these people have already settled in Masikh.
Model Villages .—This scheme was first tried in July, but was from the first
an unmitigated failure. Only half of the proposed huts were erected, and it was
hoped, by abolishing all sarifahs in the town, to induce the inhabitants of the latter
to live in this more healthful and sanitary spot. The idea found no favour with
the Arabs; and in spite of a bribe of two rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. and four pieces of Chittai he
steadfastly refused ever to consider the proposition.
The net result was the abolition of all sarifahs, in itself a great achievement,
since the whole area between the Tigris and the Chahalah was cleared of reed huts.
Land Rents .—This question, which has become acute, is one which needs the
whole attention of a committee of assessment. Since our occupation of the town
no rent has been paid by Government for land occupied, though rent has been
paid for houses since 1st January 1917.
For further report on this subject please see remarks under heading of “ Land
Rent for Ground occupied by Government,” in Monthly Report for December by
the Assistant Political Officer, Town ‘Amarah.
Local Resources at ‘Ali Gharbi .—The Shaikhs at ‘Ali Gharbi supplied 410 cattle
and 12,600 sheep. In the last two years we have received over 50,000 sheep from
this district, and consequently I doubt whether we shall be able to obtain many
more in the future.
Eighty-nine tons of vegetables were supplied to the Local Produce Officer,
and 767 tons of hay.
13. Establishment and Personnel. —The Political Officer and Military
Governor’s office consists of the following establishment:
Head clerk - - - - 1 general (English branch).
Typist - - - - " 1 5? ( » » )•
Despatcher - - - -!>»(» » )•
Arab assistant - - - 1 vernacular branch.
Arabic clerk - - - "1 >> »
Head peon A low-ranking infantryman, orderly or assistant (South Asian context). - - - “1 menial.
Peons - - - “ - 4 „
Sowars - - - _ - 2 ,,
Work is going on all right, but it is increasing gradually on account of correspond
ence regarding demobilisation camps and the future administration of the town.
There have been many changes in the past year both in gazetted and sub
ordinate staff in the office of the Deputy Military Governor or the Assistant
Political Officer (Town), there having been no less than seven changes m the
position of the D.M.G. or A.P.O. (Town) alone. This has militated against the
inception and completion of any large schemes in municipal matters
It is to be feared that the office work will suffer in near future when experienced
B.O.R.s are recalled to their depots on demobilisation. There is at present urgent
need of a skilled assistant engineer, to fill a vacant post on the establishment.
Such work now has to be done by an M.E.F. corporal, who although he has done
most excellent work, is not, after all, the specialist who is really needed
As regards ‘Ali Gharbi, Mr. Baghdadi proceeded there m December as head
clerk on probation. It is proposed ultimately to make him Arab assistant. The
district has suffered much from frequent changes. . T . , -p
Capt Hedgecock has left for England on lorce leave, and Lieut Sevan,
Assistant Political Officer, Shabanahs, ‘Amarah Division, is officiating for him
in addition to his other duties.
R. Marks, Captain,
Political Officer and Military Governor,
‘Amarah Division.