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In July orders wero received from Tehran to refuse visas on British-
passports which were valid for journeys to Muscat and other ports on the
Trucial coast, and to treat such passports similar to those bearing Bahrain
and Kuwait validity.
V. Cust07M.—Mohdi Nik-Klmh held joint charge of both customs and
finance departments until 3rd June, when he was suspended and called to
Tehran to answer charges of corruption and for falsely reporting to the
Government that approximately 70,000 tons of salt wore ready for shipment at
Hormuz, when actually only about 6,000 tons, including impurities wero
available.
Azizullah Mina held joint charge for the remainder of the year.
Government inspectors and geologists visited Bandar Abbas to inspect
the Customs department and the mines at Hormuz respectively on tho 26th
February, 7th March and 10th April.
In March a sum of rials 2,400 (£30) in Iranian currency no.tcs brought
for the purchase of dates from Bandar Abbas was confiscated from the dhow
of the Sheikh of Bakha (Oman) by the Customs authorities. The Sheikh
visited Bandar Abbas in May with tho object of getting a refund but was
not successful. During his stay he was well treated by the local officials.
In June, the Customs authorities received instructions to forbid persons
boarding the steamers in harbour, except the Medical Officer, Customs officials,
Police, and the staff of the agents of the company. But this order is not
now rigorously applied to members of this Consulate proceeding on board the
mail steamers.
VI. Municipality.—The Governor of Bandar Abbas was an active Presi­
dent of the Municipality Council during the past year.
Much has been done to improve the town by opening a wide central
road and improving some of the side roads. Government departments are
gradually being better housed. Such improvements as have been effected
are largely due to the energy of the present Governor with limited funds.
A municipal “ Asylum ” for street beggars was opened in September
with the help of local donations, and the absence of beggars from tho bazar
and elsewhere is a feature of the town.
Electricity.—The new plant which was ordered from Germany in January
arrived at the close of the year, after the Governor and the company had made
several representations to the Exchange Control Commission and the
Ministry of Interior for the provision of foreign exchange.
Economic.—The harvest, due to scanty rainfall was very poor, and the
cost of living rose accordingly. At the close of the year the prices for general,
foodstuff were:—
Rials.
Wheat . >00 1
Barley . 50 y per Kharwar of 900 lbs.
Firewood 25 J
Meat 10—12'
Rice Rcshti 12—15
Rice Sadri 6—10
Dates . 2—50
Bread . 4 -per maund of 9 lbs.
Sugar . 12
Sugar loaf 12—50
Ghee 48
Tea 75—50 per 6 lbs.
VII. Health.—The health of the town throughout the year was good.
4. Military.
I. The strength of the Bandar Abbas garrison was reduced from a
“ Hang ” (regiment) to a Gurdan (three companies) in May. The
surplus of 330 soldiers and 22 ponies were transferred to Charbar in the
Mckran division on tho 22nd June.
The garrison is now attached to the Kerman Brigade.