'Administration Reports 1925-1930' [‎178r] (360/418)

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Bandar Abbas-Kerman Motor Road. This was practically closed from
October to December owing to the activities of the highwaymen whose stronghold
is at Mazajan in the Fars area.
Ten attacks on the lorries transporting goods to and from the interior and on
donkey caravan using that road were recorded during the year. A considerable
quantity of merchandise belonging to Persian traders was robbed, two motor drivers
killed and three of the Amnieh guards posted on duty wounded.
Bandar Abbas-Kerman Caravan road via Tang-i-Zandan. Three instances
were reported in which attacks were made on camel caravans and merchandise
looted.
Lar-Bandar Abbas Road. —-The caravans were interfered with on two or three
occasions in the months of January and June during the activities of the followers
of the rebel Zadun Khan.
Road Constructions. —Nothing in this direction was undertaken during the
year, notwithstanding the fact of the big revenue accruing to the Government from
the taxes collected at the Customs houses at the ports under the head of the " Co-
pounded Eoad Taxes ". Motor traffic with Kerman was suspended during the
greater part of January as the road was impassable on account of the fall of snow ;
and again in July when heavy rains washed away a part of the track near the
Tang-i-Zagh.
In March the Armenian inspector in charge submitted an estimate to the
Ministry of Roads for repairs to the motor road but as no credits were sanctioned,
the necessary work was not -carried out.
Lingah. —In January a survey was carried out of the proposed motor road from
Lingah to Lar but project has been dropped as no further steps have been taken in
the matter.
Slave Traffic. —Vague reports are sometimes received of the kidnapping in the
Biyaban area of men, women and children by Bashakardi tribesmen, who transport
their captives in dhows to the opposite Arabian Coast, where they are sold as
slaves.
No slaves sought asylum at this Consulate with a view to receiving their manu
mission during the year.
In April, it was reported that four fugitive slaves arrived at Hen jam from the
Arab Coast and were disposed of by the Persian authorities at that place.
Aviation.
Bandar Ahbas.- —The aerodrome here is still maintained although it is falling
into disuse, owing to aircraft not being allowed to descend at this port, except with
special permission from the Persian Government.
Movements of Aircraft,
British.—Vom machines arrived during the year :—
(1) The " Gipsy Moth " piloted by Miss Amy Johnson flying solo from
England to Australia arrived from Baghdad on the 9th May and left
the following morning for Karachi.
(2) The " Puss Moth " under Captain Matthews in his flight from England
to Australia arrived on the 21st September and took off the next
morning for Karachi.
(3) The " Gipsy Moth " piloted by flying Pilot J. Grierson of the Royal Air
Force from England to Karachi halted for a few hours on the 11th
! October and continued the flight later to Charbar.
(4) The " Gipsy Moth " flown by the Indian aviator Mr. A. Murad compet
ing for the Agha Khan prize for a flight from India to Cape Town
arrived on the 29th of December and took off the same afternoon
for Lingah.
Italian . Captain Marino Savino in a Seaplane, attempting a flight from Italy
to Australia, arrived from Bushire on the 11th July alighting in the vicinity of
this roadstead. He left the following day for Karachi but was compelled to descend