Page 140 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

36 ADMINISTRATION RETORT OF THE PERSIAN Ol'Lc

Messrs. Lynch had for many years been trying to obtain permission to
erect such a, store room. They had brought tentative negotiations with the
owners ~ of suitable land to a conclusion, and the site of the present building of which
they claim the proprietorship having been forcibly occupied by the Mu in” the own-
ers are contemplating steps to recover possession, in which case they would make
arrangements to hand it over to Messrs. Lynch Brothers.
As they belong to the religious house of Shaikh Muhd Ali, their success will
depend on the course of events in Shushter and whether the family is successful
in regaining its lost position.
61. The Nasiri-Ahwaz Tramway.—In December improved rolling stock was
added to that already on hand. Six trolleys are at present working. The con-
cern pays well, but it is difficult to figure out that it made a net profit of 1,200
Tumans in ten months, as asserted by the Agent, Muhammad Baqir.
Lynch Brothers concluded an agreement with the Muin ut Tujjar, by which
in consideration of receiving 4 in place of 3 Krans per ton carried, he has to lay
down a branch line running into Lynch’s wharf.
This would save the Company the expense of keeping up a cart, There are
however no signs of the agreement being put into practical effect.

BRITISH INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES.
62. The Karun Irrigation Scheme.—Major Morton remained throughout the
year in Arabistan. During the hot weather when field work is impossible he took
up his quarters in the Vice-Consulate at Ahwaz.
After some unreadiness and delay on the Shaikh’s part arrangements were
made for Major Morton to extend his investigations to the right bank of the
Karun from Ahwaz dowmwards. This he accomplished at the end of the period
under review. His field work is now almost completed, and it is concluded that
he will shortly be recalled to India.
The Shaikh and the inhabitants in general (little understanding such matters)
are unable to conceive that an Irrigation survey should occupy so long, and the
Shaikh has pressed for information to be given him as to the general conclusions
arrived at by Major Morton. It is believed that reference has been made by His
Britannic Majesty’s Consul at Muhammerah.
The tribes arc inclined to view this survey as a preliminary to military inva­
sion, and but for the Shaikh’s strong control would no doubt not tolerate it.
63. Major Baird, D.S.O.—Major Baird, deputed by the Indian Intelligence
Branch to make certain investigations in Arabistan, Pusht i Kuh, Luristan,
Kermanshah, Hamadan and Turkish Arabia, reached Ahwaz in the end of Nov-
ember. It had been proposed that he should proceed via Baghdad and return by
Ahwaz, but to forestall the coldweather in the high country this was reversed.
Arrangements were made from Ahwaz by which he travelled up through
Pusht i Kuh to Kermanshah which place he reached in safety.

(COMMERCIAL.)
64. Messrs. Lynch Brothers.—The year has not been an entirely eventful one
for this Company or those affiliated to it, viz., the Tigris and Euphratis Steam
Navigation Company and the Persian Transport Company. A slight advance
was made towards remedying their most serious deficiency—the lack of an adequa e
European Staff—by appointment of a European, Mr. Rcdfern, to the Muhammera
Agency. He is however being transferred to Ahwaz to replace Mr. Wilson w
goes home on leave.
65. A native Agency was started at Dch Kurd in the Cbaharmahal in t m
beginning of 1907, which has been entrusted to an Armenian, who till last y
represented the firm at Shushter.
Deh Kurd is a great centre for mules and is incidentally a <listributfn(M
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J^eil Jvuui 13 a
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for trade having connections with a very large part of Persia. In this wa>
for trade having connections with a very large part of Persia
are routes frequented by caravans from Deh Kurd to Shushtcr, Shiraz, J' *
Ispahan. Tehran, Klionsar, Hamadan, etc. It is hoped by establishing an
here that a useful source of transport may be tapped, and also that some