Page 686 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

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Church Missionary Society, (a) Medical.—Dr. (Miss) Howgate was in charge
of the hospital during 1940 and also acted as medical officer to H. M.’s Consulate.
The value of this work to the local inhabitants is illustrated by the figures which
show that during the past year the hospital admitted G97 in-patients and out-patient
attendances numbered 15,994.
(b) Educational—1940 brought to an end the Society’s 30 years educational
work in Kerman. The closing of the Society’s boys’ and girls’ schools was much
regretted locally. The property has been taken over by the Iranian Government
along with other educational premises owned by the Society, including the college
buildings at Isfahan. The combined values agreed to by the Iranian Government
is believed to be £20,000 payable in England over 5 years and Rials 140,000 payable
in Iran.
(c) St. Andrews Church.—Rev. A. T. Ilowden was in charge throughout the
year.
There was no serious interference by local authorities with any branch of the
Society’s work.
IV.—FOREIGN INTERESTS.
Representation.—There are no other foreign representatives in this area.
Trade (via Bandar Abbas).—The extent to which other foreign trade by this
route has been affected by the war is best illustrated by the following figures (omit­
ting United Kingdom and India)
1318 (ending 22nd March, 1st 6 months 1319.
1940).
Rials. Rials.
Exports 22,375,100 7,573,170
Imports 22,491,800 6,621,680
It appears certain that figures for the full year 1319 will register a considerable
drop from the preceding year. Principal exports are carpets, pistachio nuts, red
oxide, gum and wool to America. Nearly. 2/3rds of the imports for first six months
of 1319 (April-October 1940) consist of ^gar from Java. The war completely
eliminated a considerable trade with Germany by this route.
As regards trade with Germany, however, towards the end of the year German
products were reaching Kerman via Russia and Tehran (machinery spare parts,
drugs and cotton piece goods).
Considering the international situation the carpet industry enjoyed a reason­
ably good year. Exports to America for first half of 1319 were up to average
and the loss of the British market was set off by much increased purchases in Teh­
ran. It is believed that most of the carpets sent to Tehran have actually been con­
sumed there though increased sales to Sweden (via Russia) were reported.
V.—LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
Ustandar (Governor-General).—This appointment was vacant throughout
the year.
Farmandar (Governor).—This post was also vacant until the arrival of Aqai
Reza Hikmat on 11th May. He proceeded to Tehran on 15th September for three
weeks leave but had not returned by the end of the year. In the absence of both
Ustandar and Farmandar the latter’s head clerk is in charge of Governorate affairs ;
a most unsatisfactory arrangement which is far too frequent and which betokens the
extensive shortage of competent Iranian officials.
The relations of this Consulate with the Governorate of Kerman was very
cordial throughout the year.
Finance and Revenue.—With effect from new Iranian year (22nd March) this
department was divided into two branches (a) revenue, and (b) trade and econo­
mics. In August the acting director of revenue was recalled to Tehran to explain
the considerable fall in provincial revenues.