Page 242 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

100 PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORT

soon that, so far as Messrs. Lynch Brothers' figures aro concerned, thor
been a steady falling off in downward transport; tho figures for the four o ha s
boing 7,657J, G5C0 J, 6,099 and 3,908^ cwts. respectively. Tear,
Tho following tablo shows the average rates of hire for tho past four
years.
Description. 1910. 1911. 1012.
1013.
Kra. Kra. Kra.
Kia.
Canola • 417 6*49 fi-65 5'7o
Ahwaz to Itpah&n por SLah mound" Muloa 4*60 0-98 6 73 7-33
Donlioja S17 300 4-60
4-40
Canola • 2-90 300 2-55
Mule i . 275 2-70 3-00 324
Iapahaa to Ahwu •
Donlcojra 200 300
Opium por case . 37*50 I4S-S3 C3-90 52-50
It will be noted that the rate of mule hire has again, notwithstanding the
security of the road throughout the year, shown a slight rise both for upward
and downward transport. This rise in rates is due in a great measure to the
partial failure of the~winter rain, and consequent scarcity and dearness of grain
and fodder, and partly to tho general rise in prices, throughout Southern
Persia.
Sirdar-i-Jang undertook various repairs and improvements on the road
during the year. Tho read in some of the worst parts -was cleared of boulders,
a good stone bridge wa3 constructed over the Sabz Kuh stream, at Dopulun, to
replace the dangerous wicker structure, the Karun bridge at Dopulun was
repaired and the building of a new caravanserai was commenced at Pul-i-
Godar.
The structural alterations to the Godar bridge were also undertaken by
Messrs. Lynch Brothers during the year, Mr. Sotham, Mr. Reed and a staff of
Baghdadi mechanics and workmen proceeded to the site in December.
Anglo-Persian Oil Company. —The pipe line and pumping stations
at Tambi have been working satisfactori-
British Interest.
ty-
The drilling operations at the Oil Fields, in Bakhtiari country, have
progressed satisfactorily. At the close of the year five wells were being
allowed to Cow, ten others were capped and in a position to produce whenever
required, fifteen more were drilled through to the cap rock and could be
brought into production in the course of a few days, and two others were in
proceb of drilling. The total is thus 29 wells drilled or drilling against 26 at
the close of 1912.
Owing to a series of breakdowns in the plant at Abadan and other
accidents the pipe lino has at no time been running to its full capacity, the
number of wells allowed to flow has therefore been small.
Permission was obtained from the Khans in May to sink trial wells at
Moidan-i-Bibiyun and Naft-i-Safid. The necessary plant and drilling machi*
nery was transported to the latter field at the close of tne year.
Excellent discipline hvas maintained at tho field during the year, and there
were no disorders to record among tho European or native staffs.
The attitude of the Bakhtiari Chiefs and tribesmen towards the Company
has been most satisfactory and no friction has been experienced.
The Bakhtiari tribesmen, who formerly cultivated tho land acquired by
the Company, wore, in March, settled on other vacant land by Sirdar*i-Jang»
and this long standing difficulty was thus satisfactorily settled.
Mr. Ritchie continued as General Fields Manager, throughout the y^1
Mr. Capito acting as Assistant Fields Manager.