Page 359 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

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AND THE MASKAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1908. 59

the gardens in the more sheltered valleys however sent in supplies and Kerman
was not left altogether without fruit. The rain this year has roeen good
and the weather normal and prospects look favourable. The hills round have
their usual quantity of snow though the line at which it is lying appears
considerably lower than usual. There has not been much snow on the plain
itself and no unusual cold to acoount for the low line on the lulls.
It has been a relief to at last have a properly constituted authority with General
whom to deal and to have peace and order restored in the town. It has been remarka.
possible again to get cases settled and claims paid and so justify one’s exis­
tence. The chief worry and worst drawback of the place has however become
worse than ever—namely its aloofness. Even the Persians themselves are
beginning to feel this and to realise that there are desirable things to see and
obtain beyond their present limited horizon, and would welcome any facili­
ties for enabling them to see and obtain them, but above all would they, or at
least ninety per cent, of them, welcome any one who offered to bring them
what they have heard of but never seen—namely a free, just and strong
government.

C. DUCAT, Major,
His Britannic Majesty's Consul, Kerman.

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