Page 763 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

PERSIAN GULF POLITICAL RESIDENCY, 1920. 29
In March a column consisting of 1 squadron cavalry, 1 company infantry
and 1 machine gun undor command of Captain Thomas was despatched from
Saidabad to Hcrat-i-IChurreh to oxtricnte the Bakhtiari Deputy Governors of
Slmhr Dabak and Horat-i-Khurrck who with a fow followers were besieged
and hard pressed by the Arabs of that district. The column rescued the
Bakhfiari party without coming into conflict with the Arabs and returned to
Saidabad ten days later.
The unmetalled motor roads from Kerman to Saidabad and from Kerman
to Bam were kept in repair by working parties of South Persia ltifles.
The relations of the South Persia Bifles with the local authorities have
been excellent and the latter fully realizo that it is due to the presence ot the
South Persia Rifles that the province has enjoyed a year of complete peace
and security.
Trade.
Owing to the low rates of transport prevailing during the yeur, which
varied from 18 to 40 Tumans per Khar war from Bandar Abbas to Kerman,
the trade of the province flourished but was hampered towards the close of the
year by high exchange rates and, in December, by the complete suspension
of business on the part of the Imperial Bank of Persia owing to the situation
in the North. As remit of this action on the part of the Bank two of tlm
thirteen British Indian firms trading in Kerman, who between them conduct
the greater part of the trade of Kerman, failed and the position of some other**
became shaky owing to their inability to remit rupees to their principals in
India who consequently could not meet their obligations in India.
The import of goods from Bandar Abbas to Kerman for forwarding to
Meshed practically ceased during the year owing to the opening of the
Duzdab railway to goods traffic. This caused some decrease in certain items
of import into Kerman as compared witli the previous year.
No Russian oil was imported into Kerman during the period under review,
and all local requirements were met by imports from Bandar Abbas.
The approximate amount and value of the main articles of trade imported
during the year from Bandar Abbas to Kerman and Bam, excluding goods
in direct traffic to Yezd via Rafsinjan and goods for Sirjau and other outlying
districts is as follows:—

IlCpOBTID INTO KbBVAN. IlirOBTBD INTO Bill.

Weight in Weight in
Kerman Mdj. V»Iqc. Keruiaa Mda. Value.
1 Md.-6-785 lbs. 1 Md.- 6-786 lbs.

Mds. £ Mds. £
Kerosine oil 4-1,750 16,030 4,125 1,320
Pieoe goods 2,24,100 2,689,200 2,225 21,360
Metals . 64,100 76,721 1,050 1,218
Tobacco 925 1,840 Not available.
Sugar • 3,19,800 191,880 16,150 9,044
Tea 30,325 38,816 325 390
Ghee . 1,150 1,160
Yarn 54,400 152,320
Haberdashery 30,950 371,400 860 10,246
Candles 22,625 36,200 200 312
Rice 400 192

The Kran exchange has during the year under report fluctuated between
230 and 294 for 100 rupees, and the Sterling rAte between 19J Krans and 3l*
Kraus.
Carpets,— The carpet trade enjoyed a boom from the beginning of the
year until November when the foreign exporting firms were instructed to