File 3540/1916 'MESOPOTAMIA 1920 PORTION (1)' [‎465r] (956/1006)

87
Little was done beyond introductions and a general statement of future hopes.
On Sunday, 10th instant, I went to Chabaish in company with Captain Ditch-
burn and Captain Hall. . With us were Shaikh Ferhud el Maghashghash,
Hajji Ali Debus and Hajji Hassan Hamdani, Shaikh Salim proved his state
ment made in Suk that he was ii civilised ” by serving lunch with European
precision with table cloths, knives, forks, and the usual table perquisites.
The gentle handling of small morsels of food proved too much for our friend,
Hajji al Debus, who broke down early and helped himself lavishly to each
dish in long succession in true Arab fashion. From the little one could glean
from the visit Shaikh* Salim appears to be at least respected in the Chabaish
district. Requests from this quarter are just commencing the first effort being
. for one engine now and four to come.
LEVIES AND POLICE.
Very few men have been at headquarters during the month owing to the
strengthening of the Fathi post. Training with the police has been carried
on as usual.
Commandant, 5th Euphrates Levy, Captain Hall, visited Suq on the
10th instant, but as all men were away he could not inspect in the usual way.
On the 24th instant, Major Boyle, Officiating Political Officer, and Cap- .
tain Hall visited Suq, Inspector of Levies was well pleased with arm drill
and the men generally. The question of enlisting men voluntarily instead of
by conscription was discussed and arrangements made whereby the ideal may
be attempted and it is hoped accomplished. With the bulk of men back from
Fathi now training can proceed on the old lines. Under the new arrange
ment Captain Hall is to make monthly visits lasting some days and infuse a
new and very necessary element into the Suq force. The whole question of
posts in the district needs consideration and many changes are likely to
accrue as a result of the Inspector’s visit.
AGRICULTURE.
During the greater part of the month under review transplanting of rice
has still been going on. Obviously the Suq Arab has a great affection for
this work. Every available area is taken up. The newly-reclaimed area in.
the Hammar Lake region has given opportunity for extension of rice growing
and the Hammar Arab has been given a delightful opportunity of extending
his cultivation on quite extensive lines. Prospects appear to be good. Dates
are ripening fast.
IRRIGATION AND BUNDS.
The usual procedure is being followed this year. Orders have been
issued regarding repairs to bunds and duly ignored by all and sundry. Ihe
appointment of an inspector has not yet been approved. Meanwhile with Ld
approaching respective Shaikhs are asking to be allowed to leave the work
until after the festival. As I have tons of other work on hand I have
acquiesced, but after the U I shall have to devote my concerted energiesto
this work. Shaikh Hamid ibn Khamis as a contesting Mallak to the
Khamsiyah lands has a great scheme for constructing a bund from Nowashi
to Khamsiyah. This appears to be an excellent proposition taken in hand
last year, but not completed. I have arranged a Majlis of all concerned and
having made necessary preparations shall be prepared immediately Id.is over
to attack the Wk. The Suq-Tel-el-Lahm bund wants much work too and
needpfrspatt tnnhi, has several ideas regarding irrigation channels in Albu
Saleh country. When the tribes have settled, I hope to go to the sppt with
Political Omicer and see what can be done for the coming winter crop.
REVENUE.
0‘ 0
6
8
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
9
0
5,174
51,871
16,271
During the month the following collections have been made : —
(l) Idrah Rs. 3,023 3 0 still due Rs. 1,713
(2) Rice ... • ,, 3,
(3) Shitwi 1919 including
Mallakiya ... 5,670
(4) Kodah ... ... » 3,379 . .
The outstanding amounts on account of Idrah and Rice I hope to get in
. The outstanamg a fem of Shitwi and Kodah will pot be
during.theweek; two months owing to terms of agreement with Albu Saleh
complete d •W1 th _ dn-oNs are under preparation and will be issued
Shaikhs. a e r pondemtio I am arranging Mallakiya on Al Sora trees
tedepantho Govhiment until the settlemen of ownership 18 made.
TAPU WAQF.
_ ,, m „„ L,c Lcon in Sua throughout the month owing to work
The Mamur, Tapu, haseen h.rustioation of Mallakiya claims. An
in connection with preparat ionsfor, for the present this. official will work
garangrmensihgabeina'sadaccordingtoarangementsA p °“ concerned.