Page 774 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

40 ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE
Two fires also occurred at Abadan, one of which destroyed nine small tanks
which were partly full of fuel oil. One of the Bauxito plants n as also
destroyed. Both fires wore soon got under control, and it is believed that the
damage was estimated at about £30,000.
The Mesopotamia-Pcraia Corporation, Limited.—The Mesopotamia-Persia
Corporation, Limited carried on its business during the year. Tliorc were three
or four changes in the Deputy Managerships, the present incumbent being
Mr. R. O. Rowe.
A collision occurred on Cth January in the Karun River betweon the
6.S. “ Kamarezzeman ” belonging to the Euphrates and Tigris Steam Naviga­
tion Company (Agents: The Mesopotamia-Persia Corporation, Limited) and a
motor boat owned by a Baghdadi Jew. The case was reported to the
Consulate, and the fioding of the court, which consisted of His liri tannic
Majesty’s Consul, as President, and two assesors, namely, Commander Hughes-
Hallet, R.I.M. and Lieutenant-Commander Rawson, R.I.M., was that the
“ Kamarezzeman ” was at fault, The Mesopotamia-Pcrsia Corporation, Limited
contended that the case came under the India Merchant Shipping Act and that
damages should be awarded accordingly, but it was finally referred to Arbitra­
tion, to decide the case on its merits, aud the decision of the Law Officers of
the Crown as to whether the Act does apply to inland rivers in Persia is still
awaited.
One of the Standard Oil Company Limited steamers of New York, S.S.
“ Tiger,” arrived in October with a cargo of 21,392 cases of Kerosine oil for
Mohammerah. She also discharged cases of kerosine oil at the Gulf ports.
The Imperial Bank of Persia.—The Imperial Bank of Persia carried on
its work during the year. Mr. Cowser, the Manager, proceeded on leave and
was relieved by Mr. Styler who has been in charge for the past six months.
The Bank has had a busy year with the collection of overdue documentary
bill and protesting pf bills due to the many bankruptcies, as a result of the
sterling exchange amongst the Jewish merchants.
Quarantine and Health,—Assistant Surgeon 0. H. Lincoln, O.B.E., held
the post of Quarantine Medical Officer during the year.
The Charitable Dispensary in the town continued to be well attended.

O. H. LINCOLN,
Acting British Consul for Arabistan.