Page 261 - PERSIAN 9 1931_1940

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The opium trade was mostly dull, until the svndicutc formed in the capital
made substantial purchases. The abolition of the “ hazzari ” (Monopoly
department control of ground under cultivation and estimate of production)
and the undertaking by (lie department to purchaso all properly prepared
quantities next year have led to increased sowings in the prov* nice.
Towards the end of the year exports of almonds to India were despatched
via Zahedan and the Indian Railways. Arrivals of tea for the Shiraz and
Isfahan markets by this route have been reported since August. The
opening up of the route is attributed to the decrease in the railway transport
charges.
Soviet activities.—The activities of the Soviets during the year appear to
have been limited to their Trading Organisation.
Merchants who had been persuaded in the past to subscribe to the
Russian Bank and who had tried to obtain a refund of their investment were
informed that the application must be made in person in Moscow.
The Soviets Trading Agency continued to make local purchases of all
sorts during the year. Merchants claim that the Russian handling of lamb­
skins will lead to the loss of the Shiraz lambskin trade in Europe as the skins
are sorted for re-sale in Russia and only the lowcv qualities described as
Persian. The higher grades are labelled as Bookhara and Afghan skins.
Ferdausi celebrations.—The Ferdausi celebrations were held at. Shiraz
from October 6th to 12th when the Governor General opened a new boys’ school
and referred to the prospect of the opening of a public library.
The funds for these receptions, exhibitions, etc., were obtained by a form
of public levy upon merchants, shopkeepers, government officials and a house
to house collection.
Several of the official guests to the Tchran-Mcshcd-Taus celebrations,
including Mr. John Drinkwatcr, passed through Shiraz, after visiting Perse-
polis, on their return.
Surveys.—The geological survey by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company Ltd.,
of the Shiraz-Jahrum-Niriz-Kazerun area was completed in the autumn. Hr.
K. Washington Gray and his assistants have returned to Abadan.
Archaeological.—Sir Aurel Stein K.C.T.E., who had arrived in November
1933 for an extended but rapid examination of prehistoric mounds in the S.
and E. areas of this Province completed his explorations and left for London
in May. Permission to visit the Lar and Darab areas was eventually obtained
for him through the Governor General who succeeded in persuading the mili­
tary authorities to withdraw their objection.
Difficulties, which threatened further work at Persepolis by the present
Mission under Professor Hertzfcld, arose during the year between the Persian
Government and the representatives of the Oriental Institute of Chicago. Good
progress towards a settlement of the points at issue was reported to have been
made towards the end of the year, after a division of the finds for which
Monsieur Goddard represented the government.
Consulates.—Nr. IT. A. D. IToyland M.B.E., arrived at Shiraz on February
15th, 1934 on appointment as His Majesty’s Consul and assumed charge from
Air. F. IT. Gamble. Mr. Gamble proceeded to Bushirc as Acting Vice-Consul.
Air. L. F. iL. Pvman and Mr. L. Barnett, Probationer Vice-Consuls, were
attached to the British Consulate throughout the year for language studies.
They proceeded to Tehran in December for their first, examination.
Monsieur Pierre Tchougounov assumed charge at Shiraz in July as Consul
General for the Soviets vice Monsieur Constantin Pletoukhine, Vice-Consul in
charge. The latter left for Russia in September.
Monsieur Tchougounov proceeded to Isfahan in the autumn to take charge
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