Page 352 - PERSIAN 9 1931_1940

2G
The abolition of the “hazzari” had been announced last year and this
was confirmed in January. The “hazzari” was an estimate of the area
under cultivation, made by the inspectors of the Monopoly Department, for
the purpose of control of production. It was a source of constant friction
between growers and the department. Growers were also informed that
government was prepared to buv-in all quantities of opium offered to the
Monopoly department, provided that the product was separated into
quantities fit for export and for local consumption only.
In addition to providing a ready sale for growers, this measure was
a determined attempt to stamp out “contraband” opium (undeclared stocks
held by growers) and prices were fixed for the purchase of the “chunch”
and the “lid”, without inouirics as to date and place of production, up
to February 19th, 1935. All undeclared quantities held by producers, etc.,
after that date are considered as “smuggled and high rewards are obtain
able by informers reporting their existence.
Rials 300,000 (£4,000) in advances to the growers were authorised bv
the Minister of Finance in January.
The assistance given to growers has encouraged sowings and the crop
for the year 193G should be a heavy one, with favourable weather conditions.
It is difficult to sec how government reconciles the above measures with
their promises to limit the production of the drug. It is said that Iran
has been encouraged in this policy by the increased production and sale of
opium in Turkey.
Negotiations took place with Japan for purchases of opium.
Irrigation.—The endeavours to increase the water supplies of Fars and
district of Shiraz appear to have been discontinued owing to lack of funds.
The project to improve irrigation in the Ramjerd Area with the waters of
the Band-i-Amir has not been proceeded with.
It. was however reported that the Minister of Finance had undertaken
to recommend the grant of Rials 3,000,000 (£40,000) for the construction
of the above barrage and for other works in this province.
Experts were sent to this province to report upon the possibility of
sinking artesian wells and are believed to have reported favourably.
Horse Breeding.—A grant of Rials 100,000 (£1,300) was made by gov­
ernment for the establishment of a stud farm.
It is hoped to interest horse owners in the improvement of horse
breeding.
Races were organised by the Military authorities in June on orders
from the capital.
Cattle disease.—Some 200 animals were attacked by anthrax in the
Sarvistan area in September.
The immediate surroundings of Shiraz enjoy a certain immunity from
this disease owing to the salts contained in the waters.
Communications.—The new road from Kazarun to Bchbehan was re­
ported to be open in October. The crossing of the river still presents
difficulty excepting in the dry season.
No work was carried out on the Shiraz-Firuzabad-Bushire road, beyond
some repairs on the short Shiraz-Pol-i-Fasa section. There is much oppo­
sition to the completion of this road by the merchants of Kazarun.
National Bank of Iran.—The contract of Herr Rudolf Fricke, the
German branch manager at Shiraz, was terminated in April. He was suc­
ceeded by an Iranian.
Requisitions.—There were some requisitions of motor transport at
Shiraz, including three lorries belonging to foreign subjects.
The transport was required to proceed to the marble quarries near
Yezd to load marble for the new municipal palace at Tehran.
The effect of these reouisitions was to drive lorries off the Isfahan-
Shiraz road and a sharp rise in transport rates followed.