Page 543 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

ADMINISTRATION REPORT

On THI5

PERSIAN GULF POLITICAL RESIDENCY

AND

MASKAT POLITICAL AGENCY
FOE
1904-1905.

Part I.—GENERAL SUMMARY. d.—GaneraL
Rainfall and Harvest.—In most of the districts of Southern Persia the
rainfall has been above the average, especially around Bushire and in Tangistan,
where it was so heavy in the early part of December as to cause great loss to
life and property among the inhabitants of villages situated near the base of the
maritime range, owing to the sudden discharge of violent freshets from the
watersheds above.
Pessimistic forecasts regarding the crops were for some time received from
the Karmi Districts, but timely rain in March tended to improve prospects, and
a welcome fall in the price of grain has resulted.
At Shiraz, and in fact throughout Pars, the severest winter recorded for
many years has been experienced, but owing to the copious rainfall a bumper
harvest is anticipated from all crops except opium.
It is satisfactory to report that owing to the prosperous condition of the
standing crops in many districts the embargo on the export of grain has stow
been removed.
The Governorship of Bushire and the Gulf Ports.—His Excellency the
Darya Begi after a prolonged period of repose at the Capital returned to
Bushire at the end of April on re-appointment, and has discharged the duties of
Governor throughout the year.
Public Peace and Tranquility.—In the month of May, notwithstanding
that a reconciliation had just been arrived at between Zycr Khudar and Zytr
Ghulam Ali, the rival Chieftains of Tangistan, a follower of the former attacked
and killed Zyer Ghulam Ali, with the result that the whole district soon
became much disturbed; but it was not until October that the Darya Begi
.acting under orders from the Central Government, left Bushire, accompanied
by 100 tofangchis, to assist the Governor of Dashti in an expedition agahvt
Tangistan. Zyer Khudar fled, and after looting and setting fire to the village
of Ahmod, Hia Excellency the Governor returned to Bushire.
The Bushire-Shiraz caravan road has at no time during the year been in
a satisfactory state and at intervals has been regrettably insecure. Casa of
blackmail and interference with caravans have been reported and on more'than
one occasion toll has been levied on the mail bags of the Persian post.
There was considerable excitement and unrest in Bonder in ^
«*riy part of the year, and the neighbourhood of flat port, as well as the
B