Page 372 - PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORTS V1

8 ADMINISTRATION REI'OIIT OF TUP. PERSIAN GULP POLITICAL RESIDENCY

drawn, and no political vessel lias since been in llie Gulf. It is hoped that
the removal of the political service vessel is temporary, as the duties are
of .such a nature as to require the services of a special vessel. Represent­
ations have accordingly been made on this subject.
31*. Judicial.—By Notification No. 2101P., dated 7th of September
1S77, His Excellency the Governor-General in Council was pleased to
delegate to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf the powers and
jurisdiction of a Magistrate of the 1st class, to be exercised over Native
Indian subjects of Her Majesty, within the undermentioned territories
in which lie is accredited as the representative of the British Govern­
ment: the coast line from Gwadur westward to the Persian Gulf, all
the shores of the Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman, with the islands
situated in these Gulfs, and the territories of the Sultan of Muscat
in Arabia; and further to delegate to the Resident the powers and
jurisdiction of a Sessions Judge within the same territories.
•
35. Other measures are in course of consideration by Her
Majesty's Government, in view to supplying the defects still existing,
as regards the powers and functions of this Residency. Steps have
been taken to commence the registration of British subjects, European
and Indian.
36. Podal.—Some official and other letters were found to have
miscarried between Bushirc and India, and the inquiries which were
instituted failed to elicit the cause of this miscarriage as yet.
37. The new Persian postal service being worked in a thoroughly
efficient manner, and the rates being moderate, has proved a great con­
venience to the community. Prom Bushirc, letters weighing somewhat
over a tola can be sent to Shiraz fora penny; and letters of half an
ounce goto all parts of Europe for two pence half penny. Ilcro, at least,
is one tangible and useful result of the new ideas caught up during the
Shah's tour in Europe. I have thought
Appendix C.
it may be useful to give the Tabular
Statement of the Persian postal rates which will be found in the
Appendix.
3S. Observatory at Rush ire.—In the spring of 1876, with the
sanction of the Government of India, an Observatory was established
at the Bushirc Residency, in connection with the-Meteorological Depart­
ment of India. Some remarks and
• Appendix A.
Tables will be found annexed* bearing
on the climate of Bushirc as observed during the past year.
Slave-trade.
39. Reports have been submitted to the Government of all matters
connected with slave importation which have come to light, and in
some instances orders arc still awaited.
40. The present convention with Persia for the suppression of
this traffic is somewhat defective. But if a more suitable engagement
cannot be obtained, it may l>e desirable that the existing orders of His
Majesty the Shah be republished.
(Sd.) E. C. Ross, Lieut.-Col•$
Resident, Persian Gul/.