Page 310 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

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ADMINISTRATION REPORT FOR 1934.
Part II.

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His Highness, like liis father before him, is greatly enamoured of Dhofnr
and Ins mam thought seems (o be for (be consolidation and improvement of Hint
province, where be is reported to have effected a marriage alliance between
himself and the daughter oi one ot the leading Qura mountain Sheikhs, Said
bin Ah al Ma-aisham. * ’
After a sojourn of six weeks at bis headquarters, the Sultan proceeded to
Sur for a general inspection of his administration there. Whilst IIis Highness
remained somewhat reticent as to what he bad achieved during this visit i*
is believed not to have been attended with the eclat anticipated. His Highness
however is said to have introduced certain measures for tightening up the
Customs before returning to Muscat on 11th April.

In May His Highness essayed a protracted tour of the Batinah but indis­
position compelled bis return after a week. Saiyid Hamad bin Faisal, Wali of
Matrah was subsequently deputed to proceed to the Batinah to carry out
methods of assessment and collection of Zakat as directed by His Highness.
Saiyid Hamad returned to Muscat on 30tli July having fulfilled his mission.
The Sultan paid a fortnight’s visit to Sohar in September and returned with
a large batch of miscellaneous prisoners including some minor refractory
Sheikhs.
On the 26th October His Highness, who had undoubtedly spent a most stron-
ous summer on the affairs of his State, embarked for Tndia on a well earned holi­
day. He anticipated returning in late February or March but lias made no
public announcement to that effect.
(b) Saiyid Nadir, the senior of His Highness’ uncles, who last year bad
adopted an exceedingly uncompromising attitude regarding the reduction in his
allowances (vide Annual Report for 1933), sought the intervention or His
Excellency the Viceroy in the matter in April. His request being declined,
Saiyid Nadir, after a good deal of bluster eventually accepted bis reduced salary,
arrears of which the Sultan generously paid him.
(c) The jealousy and bad feeling Intent between various prominent members
of the Ruling Family became more evident in the absence of the Sultan’s con­
trolling band. These bickerings, which hitherto have fortunately not been
attended with serious consequences, have lowered the prestige of the Ruling
Family considerably. They were much enhanced by His Highness appoint­
ing Saiyid Shahab to represent him during bis absence in India. Certain in­
terested persons find it considerably to their advantage to widen the breach
between the warring factions and the process of disintegration needs but the
withdrawal of certain restraining factors to become complete.
(d) As related above Saiyid Shahab bin Faisal was appointed to represent
the Sultan during the latter’s absence in India. Whilst lie is excccdingl}
shrewd in affairs connected with the State, certain defects in bis character clen>
Saivid Slialiab the prestige that bis position would otherwise afford him and ins
authority Inis been directly flouted by R. S. Duli Cliand, the Director ot Revenues,
on several occasions.
Financial Adviser.—On his return from Dhofnr, His Highness abolished tho
post of Financial Adviser and announced bis intention of taking over th<jc<w
of Finance personally. Though undoubtedly lie lias a considerable prone
for financial mailers, JJis llif.lu.oss’ ability to deal with (lie 'i.tricnofes of a bn^et
i<5 somewhat limited, and the guiding brain in this department u "itl 1
tiou the Director of Revenues.