"تقارير إدارية ١٩٠٥-١٩١٠" [ظ‎‎٧‎٣] (٦١٦/١٥١)

36
ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE PERSIAN GULF
Messrs. Lynch had for many years been trying to obtain permission to
erect such a store room. They had brought tentative negotiations with the
owners of suitable land to a conclusion, and the site of the present building of wliicli
they claim the proprietorship having been forcibly occupied by the Muin, the own
ers are contemplating steps to recover possession, in which case they would make
arrangements to hand it over to Messrs. Lynch Brothers.
As they belong to the religious house of Shaikh Muhd Ali, their success will
depend on the course of events in Shushter and whether the family is successful
in regaining its lost position.
61. The Nasiri-Ahwaz Tramway.—in December improved rolling stock was
added to that already on hand. Six trolleys are at present working. The con-
cern pays well, but it is difficult to figure out that it made a net profit of 1,200
Tumans in ten months, as asserted by the Agent, Muhammad Baqir.
Lynch Brothers concluded an agreement with the Muin ut Tujjar, bywhicli
in consideration of receiving 4 in place of 3 Krans per ton carried, he has to lay
down a branch line running into Lynch's wharf.
This would save the Company the expense of keeping up a cart. There are
however no signs of the agreement being put into practical effect.
BRITISH INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES.
62. The Karun Irrigation Scheme, —Major Morton remained throughout tlie
year in Arabistan. During the hot weather when field work is impossible he took
up his quarters in the Vice-Consulate at Ahwaz.
After some unreadiness and delay on the Shaikh's part arrangements were
made for Major Morton to extend his investigations to the right bank of the
Karun from Ahwaz downwards. This he accomplished at the end of the period
under review. His field work is now almost completed, and it is concluded that
he will shortly be recalled to India.
The Shaikh and the inhabitants in general (little understanding such matters)
are unable to conceive that an Irrigation survey should occupy so long, and the
Shaikh has pressed for information to be given him as to the general conclusions
arrived at by Major Morton. It is believed that reference has been made by His
Britannic Majesty's Consul at Muhammerah.
The tribes are inclined to view this survey as a preliminary to military inva
sion, and but for the Shaikh's strong control would no doubt not tolerate it.
63. Major Baird, D.S.O. —Major Baird, deputed by the Indian Intelligence
Branch to make certain investigations in Arabistan, Pusht i Kuh, Luristan,
Kermanshah, Hamadan and Turkish Arabia, reached Ahwaz in the end of Nov^
ember. It had been proposed that he should proceed via Baghdad and return by
Ahwaz, but to forestall the coldweather in the high country this was reversed.
Arrangements were made from Ahwaz by which he travelled up through
Pusht i Kuh to Kermanshah which place he reached in safety.
(COMMERCIAL.)
^ essrs ' Lynch Brothers. —The year has not been an entirely eventful one
for this Company or those affiliated to it, viz., the Tigris and Euphratis Steam
Navigation Company and the Persian Transport Company. A slight advance
was made towards remedying their most serious deficiency—the lack of an adequate
European Staff—by appointment of a European, Mr. Eedfern, to the Muhammerah
Agency. He is however being transferred to Ahwaz to replace Mr. Wilson who
goes home on leave.
65. A native Agency was started at Deh Kurd in the Chaharmahal in the
beginning o± 1907, which has been entrusted to an Armenian, who till last year
represented the firm at Shushter.
f +^ e J 1 a § rea ^ ceri tre for mules and is incidentally a distributing depot
lor trade having connections with a very large part of Persia. In this way there
are routes frequented by caravans from Deh Kurd to Shushter, Shiraz, Urujan,
spa an. e ran, Khonsar, Hamadan, etc. It is hoped by establishing an agency
here that a useful source of transport may be tapped, and also that some of the