'ملف 10/4 V تقارير تجارية ' [ظ‎‎٤‎٥‎٠] (١١٠٢/٩١٥)

4-
agriculture*
On its northern shores Bahrain is blessed with
an abundant water supply from springs and more
recently from artesian wells. An Agricultural ex
pert has been engaged and experiments have com
menced ; it is hoped that with increasing knowledge
better use will be made of the wide area of fertile
soil available. As recently as 150 years ago Bahrain
was famous for its cotton, which was exported as
far afield as Baghdad, and there is no reason
why those days should not return. So far no
market for fertilizers or agricultural instruments
can be said to exist, and animal manures only are
employed.
Banks«
A branch of the Eastern Bank exists at Bahrain
and transacts all classes of business, and the Hundi
system is also used by the Hindu merchants.
This Bank is also the State bank of the Bahrain
Government.
Enquiries regarding Trade,
The Political Agent, Bahrain, who is in close
touch with local and mainland affairs, will be glad
to answer any enquiries regarding trade from mer
chants in the United Kingdom through the Depart
ment of Overseas Trade. Enquiries from India
should be made through the Dkfector Greneral of
Commercial Intelligence at Calcutta. Time would
probably be saved by addressing the latter official
direct, as information on most ordinary matters
is available in his records.
Shipping.
There is a regular weekly mail service from India
and bi-weekly to India. As reported previously
owing to the abolition of the British Post Office
at Bushire the practice of sending mails to India
by up-steamers via Bushire has ceased. The number
of mails to India are reduced from six to two and
this adversely affects the commercial community.
General Remarks.
Motor roads suitable for cars and lorries exist
over the greater part of the Islands. There are
about 200 motor cars of various makes and motor
cars are availably on hire. Motor boats ply regularly
between Bahrain and Qatar on the mainland and
also between Bahrain and Qatif and Ojair.
C. G, PRIOR, Captain,
Political Agent, Bahrain,
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