Page 205 - PERSIAN 9 1931_1940

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In the spring n mild, relatively speaking, recrudescence of typhus fever
occurred in Kerman, starting in early February and fizzling out in earlv April,
and some typhoid cases were also brought to notice. No further epidemics
occurred until measles broke out in early December, ns usual amongst the
children, and was still in full force at the end of the year, claiming many lives
in the bitter winter months.
One of the improvements effected by the cx-Govcrnor-Gcncral was tho
closing up, in the middle of the year, of bathing tanks in the public baths and
fixing taps thereto.
As the result of complaints made to Tehran, however, by certain sections
of the orthodox inhabitants, on the ground that religious ablutions could not he
performed under the new arrangement, orders were received eventually at the
latter part of the year to have these taps removed. Most of the baths, however,
retain the newly introduced shower bath arrangement.
A telegram was received by the Governor-General in the beginning of
November to the effect that the pay of the various Health Departments had
been struck off the general budget from the 1st of that month and that' the res­
pective Municipalities would have to make arrangement for the payment of the
Health services in their own areas from that dale onwards.
Considering the already impoverished condition of the Kerman Munici­
pality funds, it is feared that the Health arrangements in this province will
suffer badly unless the decision is re-considered by the Central Government.
12. Russian Trade Interests.—The local merchants were warned by Tehran
through the local authorities early in the year against dealing with the Russians
individually. They were further told that purchases from the Soviet Trade
Representatives had to be made by a company, to be formed by the traders for
the purpose, and transactions carried out with the knowledge of the Persian
Government.
There was on the whole little or no Soviet trade activities in Kerman during
the year.
The Russian Trade Agent, a notable local merchants, who proceeded to
Tehran in June, got into trouble with the Police in connection with his relations
with the Soviet authorities and kept under detention until October, since when,
although released, lie is still under Police observation and unable to return to
Kerman.
Consequently the Soviet competition in connection with the sale of petrol
and korosinc also died down and the Anglo-Pcrsian Oil Company’s Agent mono­
polised practically the whole market.
13. Military and Conscription.—Sarhang Muhammad Khan Mainland, who
was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General (Sartip) in March, remained in
command of the Kerman Brigade throughout the year.
In order to safeguard against the men suffering from ill-health in hot
places like Bandar Abbas, orders were received by the Military authorities early
in the year to supply these stations with recruits from down-country conscrip­
tion areas.
The Military detachment operating in Bashakird under Naib Sarhang Mir
Hussein Khan returned to Kerman in the middle of May.
Nail) Sarhang Ali Khan Muhajir, the Officer Commanding the Razmju
Infantry Regiment of the Kerman Brigade, who had led a military expedition to
the Gahkum country, returned to Kerman in November, bringing back with him
a quantity of arms and ammunition and a number of prisoners accused of
murder and brigandage.
The discipline of the military forces in the province continues to bo good.
Conscription.—Nail) Sarhang Farajullah Khan Mushur remained in charge
of the Conscription Department throughout the year.
14. Persian Baluchistan and Rvdbar.—Persian Baluchistan being now sepa­
rated from Kerman, except ns regards Road and Census Administrations, there
are few relations between the two provinces, and little or no nows reaches
Kerman from Baluchistan.
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