Page 15 - PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORTS V1

JiUSIIIRE RESIDENCY FOR 1873-74. 7

having* arrived from Lingah is engaged in rendering assistance to the
Captain and in arranging terms with the Chief of Congoon.

On the Persian Coast every attention lias been paid to the protection
of British interests by the Agent and all concerned. Not having the
power of directly acting for the suppression of irregularities on the Persian
Coast when they occur, redress is usually more tardily and with more
trouble obtained than on the Arab Coast.

Bassidore.—The British station of Bassidore has during the past
year been under supervision of Assistant Surgeon Abdool ltaheem. A
guard of Her Majesty's 21st Native Infantry is quartered here. The health
has been good and everythinghas gone on satisfactorily. The pier having
fallen into bad repair it is proposed to repair it. The Chief of Kishm at
a time caused some petty annoyance in regard to supplies, but these com­
plaints have been removed.
Shiraz Agency and routes of Southern Persia.—The affairs of
Shiraz arc not properly within the jurisdiction of the Resident, Persian
Gulf, but as much correspondence passes between the Resident and Native
Agent at Shiraz concerning the commercial affairs of British subjects, it
may net be out of place to report briefly concerning the said Agency.

The town of Shiraz itself and the roads between it and Bushirc
have been extremely unsettled. Robberies have been common and trade
much suspended. The Agent has had full occupation in endeavouring to
obtain payment of certain outstanding claim of British subjects and
appears to do his best. The exaction of toll or transit duties on British
merchandize has been a constant subject of complaint and is still
under reference.

The roads from Bunder Abbass to Kerman also have been unsafe at
times for caravans, and a large body of marauders at one time appeared
near Bunder Abbass itself.
During the severity of winter the robbers kept quiet, too well off
apparently to be obliged to expose themselves to the rigorous cold. As
the weather became milder they have reappeared on the scene. It is,
however, hoped that a change of Governors at Shiraz will result in check­
ing these proceedings.
Everywhere in South Persia the rainfall has been abundant and
the crops of cereals unusually abundant. "With a return of prosperity
it is to be hoped a more settled state of affairs will prevail.
Medical.—Under control of the Civil Surgeon a dispensaiy is kept
open at Bushire for the relief of the poor. This boon is much prized by
the natives, and if there was an arrangement for treatment of indoor
patients, the results would be still more satisfactory than at present.

The Civil Surgeon's Annual Report has been submitted separately.
Postal.—There are British Post Offices established at Bushire, Lin^ah
find Bunder Abbass, which work satisfactorily and are a great advantage
to the trading classes.