'File 19/176 I (C 39) Bahrain Finances' [‎161r] (346/654)

Revenue.
For the last four years owing to steadily increasing
revenue it has been possible each year to estin te en in
crease in receipts. In my last annual report I wrote that
it was generally thought that the trade prospects for the
coning year ware not promising. Owing to trouble on the
mainland and the Persian question it wes thought that trade
would be adversely affected. Unfortunately this predic
tion was true and in addition to these reasons en abnor
mally bed year on the nearl market has resulted in general
trade depression which is reflected in a serious falling
off in revenue.
In my opinion and in the opinion of the mercantile
community in Bahrain the prospects for the new year are
even worse then those of the past yeer. Onlesa there is
a comnlete change in the condition of the pearl ^sirket
the financial position in the new year will be very serious.
For these reasons instead of budgeting for an increased
revenue I have reduced the estimated customs cclie ctione
to Es 8 ,30 ,000/- which is one Isc less than the estimated
collection for 1348 and kh,00less than the actual
amount collected during that year. It is hoped thet the
revenue will exceod this amount but 1 feel that it would
be dangerous to expect any more. The Customs collections
are the main revenue of the State, its other ao'irces of
income are almost negligible.
Wisnnllsneous. Es 20,000/-. This heading includes
various Toss and duties colleotod by tlio oustons sue es
tobacco tax, harbour dues, etc, and also passport fees,
the last two items did not exist before this year.