Page 622 - PERSIAN 2B 1883_1890_Neat

28 ADMINISTRATION REPORT OP THE PERSIAN GULP POLITICAL

The quantity of sugar imported early in the year was comparatively small,
and this, combined with enhanced prices abroad,
Sugar.
cauced for a time a considerable rise in prices in
Persia, but towards the close of the year, freer arrivals at lower rates caused a
fall in prices. It appears that French loaf sugar (beet) keeps the lead, though
both German and Austrian sorts are freely taken.
It is observed that the large quantity of candles imported is chiefly from
Holland, from which it would appear that English
CanJIr*.
manufacturers are unable to provide a suitable
article at a cheap rate.
A decline in the price of gold threads having occurred, inferior qualities are
said to be supplied, and Russian gold threads have
Gold thread*.
acquired a superiority in the markets over those of
other countries.
Exports.
A considerable area was under cultivation in South and Central Persia, but
the grain harvests of 1889 disappointed expect­
Qrmia.
ations owing to scanty rain-fall in the latter months.
The quality of wheat brought to Bushire was inferior in colour and in size, and
the admixture of barley was excessive. Owing to low prices in European
markets, cultivators in Persia realized but small returns.
The prohibition on export of grain imposed in the autumn of 1888 was
never entirely withdrawn, and shipments could only be made on payment of
special “ fees ” in addition to the regular duty.
Capricious and unnecessary prohibitions of exportation of grains from
Persia are of frequent occurrence, and tend greatly to hamper trade, not only
in this particular branch, but in all others. Such embargos have also an inju­
rious effect on the country and population. If they were strictly enforced the
results would be ruinous to all, and, in absence of satisfactory regulations, it is
necessary in the general interests to pass without remonstrance irregularities
which add to the incomes of the official classes. If some more satisfactory
system could be introduced and enforced, it would be a boon to trade generally!
and relieve it of a burden and constantly recurring annoyance. It is obvious
how convenient the present system is to local officials.
The opium crop of 1889 was a good one, but the demand for the drug in
Europe has fallen off, and most of the Persian opium
Opium.
was sent to China. Prices in Hong-Kong were uni-
form throughout the year, and profits moderate.
The tobacco trade of South Persia has been chiefly in the bands of 8yrian
merchants. It was by no means remunerative, by
.Tobtcoo.
all accounts, in 1889, and some losses were in­
curred. It is understood that an English or European Company has acquired
a concession for a tobacco “regie” in Persia.
The quantity of wool exported was up to the average. Some shipments
were made to Bombay, London, New York, and
Wool
Marseilles,but most of the wool was sent to Bussorah.
The exporters paid high prices to the Persian sellers and farmers, but the tran­
sactions led to losses to the exporters.
The cotton trade is on the increase in South Persia, and is chiefly in the
hands of Persian merchants who ship to Bombay,
Cotton,
where the Persian cotton is bought for mixing with
finer Indian qualities destined for Europe.