‘Persia – especially Seistan’ [‎46r] (90/949)

NOTES ON COMMERCIAL CENTRES, &C.
57
I
In the spring months there is good grazing for transport animals between
Bushire and Shiraz, and the caravans then move by short stages to allow the
animals time to feed.
The road is so rough and steep that camel caravans do not frequent it.
The distance between Bushire and Shiraz by road is not over 170 miles ;
Shief to Shiraz may be 150 or 155 miles or 12 stages for merchandise, but the
normal term for transport is 25 to 30 days, and in the grazing season 40 to 50
days.
The charvadars endeavour to shut out competition by contracting to carry
goods by relays (“do kesh’’) at minimum rates. That is, they carry a part of
the goods a stage or two inland, leave them there, usually on the road-side with
or without a guardian, and return for more. When the lot has been collected it
is gradually moved up to Shiraz in the same way.
Quicker transport can usually be obtained at higher rates.
The security of travellers and merchandise by this route is not properly
safeguarded. The foreign traveller is comparatively safe, but the native *
travellers are blackmailed by the road guards, and robberies are often com
mitted.
There is an easier but longer route to Shiraz through Firuzabad, but it is
not frequented on account of the disturbed state of Tangistan.
The Governor of Bushire proposed (March 1903) to form a company to
construct a road from Shief to Dalaki (40 miles) for the conveyance of
passengers and goods by wagon to the foot of the kotals, and to establish
a regular service of transport animals from that point to Khan-i-Zinian, from
whence the road and wagon service would be resumed to Shiraz.
A former director of customs in Bushire had made some progress with a
scheme for a landing and lighterage company to undertake the cargo service
between shore and steamer, and between Bushire and Shief. A part of the
capital needed was subscribed, but the scheme fell through on the death of
the promoter.
A Russian official is reported to have been studying recently the question
of organising a more efficient transport service for Russian goods from Bushire
to Shiraz and Ispahan.
Freight to Gulf ports from Great Britain, after a period of low rates caused
by the appearance of a new line of British steamers, has resumed the former
average of about 355. per ton weight or measurement, equivalent to about 455.
per ton weight on piece goods.
The Russian Steam Navigation and Shipping Company, with a subsidy of
about 21,000/. per annum for 12 years from 1903 and reimbursement of Suez
Canal dues, has effected five trips this year. Freight is now quoted at 20
copecks per poud (or 26s. per ton weight). The Ispahan agent of a Russian
firm has stated that Russian piece goods by this route arrive in Ispahan at
about the same cost as vid Enzeli. Up to the present time this service does not
appear to have secured full cargoes in either direction.
Further information as to this steamer line will be found in Annex E.,
pp. 82-83, in the form of a memorandum by the Vice-Consul at Bushire on
Russian steamers to Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ports.
Muhammerah.
Population 7,000 to 9,000. The Consular Statistics (including Karun)
for 1901 and 1902 give the following figures as values of imports and
exports : —
1901. 1902.
1 ~£
Imports (excluding re-exports) . 207,416 122,849
Exports .... 126,693 146,683
The only important exports from Muhammerah are dates and wheat. The
horse trade really belongs to Busreh.