"تقارير إدارية ١٩٢٠-١٩٢٤" [ظ‎‎٦‎٧] (٤١٢/١٣٩)

28
ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE
The levy of ralidari was recommenced during the year, the road guards
compelling carriers to certify that they have paid no rahdari.
Trade in general has been much hampered through the insecurity on this
road.
6. Kerman-Meihed.
This road also has been generally insecure and liable to raids by Pars
bands. Goods worth Krans 1,100 belonging to a British Indian trader were
robbed on the road for which compensation has not yet been obtained from tbe
local authorities.
ft. Kerman-Bam.
No important robberies have taken place on this road during the year.
In two cases of petty robbery Sardar Mujallal, Deputy Governor of Bam
and Narmashir, succeeded in recovering the stolen animals from the Baluch
robbers concerned.
Postal Service.
The new postal service opened in 1920 between Duzdab and Kerman
worked most satisfactorily throughout the year and has greatly benefited
business interest in both Kerman and Yezd.
In September the cost of the service was reduced from Tumans 360 to
Tumans 250 per mensem.
South Persia Eifles.
The Brigade was commanded by Major C. C. Crick until 26th January
when he proceeded on leave. Major VV. E. D. Campbell commanded from this
date until the final disbandment of the fdrce in October.
In March a column of 1 squadron cavalry, 2 companies infantry and 1
section mountain battery under command of Captain Prior proceeded to
Ispahan which they reached without incident and where they were eventually
disbanded.
In July the head-quarters of the 2nd Infantry was transferred from Saida-
bad to Kerman, about 250 men only under the command of a Persian officer
being left to garrison the posts at Saidabad and Gakum.
The disbandment of the force was commenced in July and completed by
the end of October. Thanks to the excellent discipline existing in the force
the disbandment took place without incident, all arms and Government pro
perty being surrendered without trouble.
Trade.
The trade of the province was much hampered by the suspension of ex
change business on India on the part of the Imperial Bank of Persia. This
entailed heavy losses to the British Indian firms, who conduct the greater part
of the import trade of the province, and who were unable to remit rupees to
India to meet their liabilities in that country.
Transport rates were low varying from 18 to 40 Tumans per Kharwar
(683 lbs.) from Bandar Abbas to Kerman.
The Kran exchange has fluctuated between 285 and 386 for 100 Rs. and
the sterling between Krans 36 and Krans 56'75.
Owing to the opening of the Duzdab railway few goods were forwarded
from Kerman to Khurasan the requirements of that province being supplied
chiefly from Duzdab via Sistan.
The following table shows the approximate amount and value of the main
rticles of merchandise imported from Bandar Abbas to Kerman and Bam, ex-