'Administration Reports 1925-1930' [‎165v] (335/418)

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It is difficult to say where the cause lies, but one thing is certain, the big firms
from Europe neither sent their representatives to the Gulf nor showed inclina
tion to buy. Local opinion had it that " the crash " in New York earier in
^ year was responsible.
Locusts.
The Spring and Autumn of 1929 have been marked by the number and the
vastness of the flights of locusts, which have ravaged the north east corner of
Arabia. Grazing everywhere has suffered, more especially in the S. W.
portion of Kuwait State. The Autumn rains of 1929^ appeared to have killed
off myriads of these pests, but, they reappeared again from the direction of
Hassa in still greater swarms in the winter. The spring of 1930 according to
local opinion should see the arrival of the Dibba M or locusts in the hopper
stage. This dreaded pest has only to be seen to be appreciated.^ Early in
1929 Kuwait Town suffered a visitation, and for a few days the inhabitants
had to literally fight to save anything they had. There was one instance of a
child having been eaten by them. The date gardens of the Qusur and Jahrah
were stripped to such an extent that they had the appearance of having been
burnt down by a great conflagration.
What saved the situation finally was a violent southernly storm which
blew the 11 hoppers " into the sea.
Postal Arrangements,
The Kuwait Traq Motor Transport Company which started operations on
1st May 1928 has maintained on the whole a satisfactory service and mails
have been delivered regularly except for the short period in the Spring of 1929
when the motor road was closed as a result of Akhwan raids. An annoying
feature of the incident was the fact that while the Kuwait authorities were
willing to reopen the roads, as soon as the raiders disappeared, at the 'Iraq
end, the Police authorities insisted on delaying matters, long after the country
side was declared safe.
The Transport Company now maintains 3 mails weekly in each direction.
The mails to and from India and beyond are sent by this service, which connects
with the fast mail at Basrah, a bag being also made up for Bushire.
Medical,
Health. —On the whole, the health of the town and villages has been fairly
satisfactory, apart from the usual spread and deaths from tuberculosis of the
lungs. This disease is fairly widespread, not only among the townspeople,
. but also among the Bedouin, as no precautions are taken and whole families
are wiped out. Their habits and customs greatly help towards its spread.
There are a few cases of Leprosy in the town and these will not come
regularly for treatment, nor will they submit to any segregation. This is a
grave danger and one that needs active and stringent measures to prevent its
spread.
Infantile diseases are another grave concern, as the parents are so callous
and do not bring their children soon enough for treatment, with the result
the mortality rate is very high.
The common diseases are, skin, eyes, ears and bowels. Diseases of the
eyes and ears being very frequent among the children, and cause considerable
havoc owing to not being treated early, many therefore being one-eyed and deaf.
Sanitation. —None.
Water .—Brought in ^wooden tanks by boom from the river at Fao, and
carried in Kerosine oil tins to the houses.
Epidemics. —None during the year. Small Pox is endemic.
Quarantine. —All ships and passengers entering the Port are inspected.
Two buildings, outside the walls of the town, are used for Quarantine purposes.