"تقرير إداري عن الخليج الفارسي لعام ١٩٣٧" [ظ‎‎٢‎٢] (٧٢/٤٤)

34
The Customs revenue suffered greatly in consequence and was the sub
ject of frequent enquiries from the Central Administration.
With a view to stimulating trade a scheme was introduced in July where
by goods to the value of rials 1,000 (£12) may be exported without any ex
change undertaking, and unprohibited goods imported into sub-Customs
offices in the province. This is believed to have afforded some small relief,
especially to trade in the more remote districts.
II. Mines. —The salt mines at Namakdan, the concession for which
was held by the Sherkat-e-Namak in joint partnership with the Agricultural
Bank of Iran, ceased to function after the work of quarrying was stopped in
June for the summer.
The Ministry of Finance is believed to be against the concession and the
question of cancelling the agreement with the Sherkat is under their considera
tion.
No export of salt from these mines was made during the year, though
about 60,000 tons is said to be ready.
Hormuz. —The red oxide mines and the salt mines of Hormuz which
were under the supervision of the Customs were transferred to the charge of
the Governor of Bandar Abbas with effect from May. The Governor's pro
posal to give the contract of quarrying the red oxide mines at Hormuz at
fixed rate of rials 10 (2/6) per ton to Khan Sahib Ibrahim Gelladary was
rejected by Tehran.
2,411 tons of salt were shipped to Japan from the Hormuz mines in
February.
II,219 tons of red oxide were shipped to various countries during the
year.
Towards the close of the year the control of the mines at Hormuz was
transferred to the Ministry of Industry and special staff was sent down from
Tehran in December to take over the charge from the Governor.
III. Fishery. —Doctor Blegvad, a Danish Scientist in the employ of the
Ministry of Finance, arrived at Bandar Abbas on 15th January in connection
with the fishing industry and the construction of a cannery.
He paid a second visit to this port on 9th April in the trawler " Rashgoo
He said to have reported to the Shah that Bandar Abbas is the most
suitable port for new industry, and to have received instructions to proceed
with his plans.
The construction of a small factory at Bandar Abbas is estimated to
cost about rials 400,000 (£5,000).
It is proposed to erect the plant at Naibund about 2-3 miles from the
town.
8. Shipping and Navigation.
129 Steamers aggregating 269,574 tons entered and cleared at the port
of Bandar Abbas during 1937.
The distribution was as follows :—
Nationality
British
German
Japan
Danish
Russian
Tonnage.
190,754
49,218
18,172
7,758
3,672
Quarantine was enforced at the port against plague from 22nd September
to 28th October on steamers arriving from Indian ports.
Beitish Consulate, Kerman,
Dated Bandar Abbas, the 15th February 1938.
G. A. FALCONER, Major,
His Majesty's Consul,
Kerman-Bandar Abbas.