Coll 30/9 'Persian Gulf: Administration Reports 1926-1938' [‎309v] (623/1028)

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by Mr. W. Y. Gow, who continued to hold the post of Manager till the end of tli
year. 1
Mr. Y. It. Jones, the Accountant, was relieved by Mr. J. F. Luttrell on the 26th
December.
The year opened with the Control Exchange Rates standing at Krans 59l dp >
£ Sterling. On the 9th February the Sterling rate rose to Krans 90 and remained ^
steady until the 10th November when a drop to Krans 70*45 was announced
By gradual drops the rate on the 30th December fell to Krans 63f . A consider
able amount of exchange has, it is understood, been sold in the open market during
the year at approximately 50 per cent, above Control Rates, which was beneficial
to the exporters of carpets.
The fact of business in general having fallen off considerably is confirmed by
the shortness of ready cash in the bazars. The general tone of the market
has been one of depression and many land-owners, who are also business men in
the bazaars, are turning their attention to cultivation in an endeavour to balance
the deficiency in their incomes caused by the slackness of trade and the diminished
turn-over in business.
The average demand Rupee buying and selling rates (Control) for the year
were as under :—
Buying .. .. .. .. .. 529*28
Selling .. .. .. .. .. 540*174
Owing to the exchange difficulties all Hindu (British Indian) shops in Kerman
closed down their business during the latter part of the year.
6. Church Missionary Society. — (a) General. —During the year the C. M. S.
revised the arrangement whereby the Clergyman, in addition to his clerical duties,
also held the post of Principal of the Boys’ School. The Revd. H. E. J. Biggs
took over the duties of Chaplain on arrival from England in the beginning of
November from the Rev. R. Iliff, who proceeded on leave. Mr. F. T. B. Snow,
M.A. (Cantab.), then took over charge of the School.
(6) Boys’ School. —During the year boys were again prepared for the Persian
Government Primary School Certificate, and also for the English Middle School
Certificate awarded by the C. M. S. Educational Board. In both these examina
tions, taken in the Vlth and VHIth Classes respectively, a high percentage of
certificates was obtained.
Games and athletic sports still figure largely in the life of the School and the
new building which provides sufficient grounds for this purpose was completed
during the year. On the whole the School has progressed satisfactorily and,
thanks to the excellent work done by the Rev. R. Iliff, definite advancement has
been observed in the efficiency and morale of the pupils.
Girls School .—The eagerness of the people of the town to make use of this
School has increased and many applications for admittance had to be refused
owing to tne shortness of staff and inadequate accommodation. The School has
at present 209 pupils and greater attention is being devoted to games than for
merly. In June eight girls entered for the Persian Government Primary Certi
ficate^ (Vlth Class) and all were successful, while another passed the YIth Class
examination for the C. M. S. Schools. Owing to a change in the curriculum in
1930 one class was kept back a year and automatically there was no class in 1931
to take the Middle School English Certificate as in previous years.
The Guides Company also provides exercise, character training and an outlet
for the energies of the older girls.
Miss J. F. Woodroffe is in charge of the School, and her work is universally
commended.
(c) Medical. Dr. G. E. Dodson remained in charge of the Medical Mission,
throughout the year, assisted by Dr. (Miss) Pigott as medical officer of the female
hospital. Miss Stratton continued to attend to the Welfare Work.