Page 393 - PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORTS V1

AND MUSCAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR TTIE YEAR 1877-78. 25
Port II.
Report on trade of the Persian Gulf for the year 1877.

1. Effects of tote war on the trade.—The closing1 of the northern
trade routes, .consequent on the late war, had a noticeable effect
on the trade of South Persia and adjoining countries. Imme­
diately resulted a large increase to the regular trade of the Gulf
]>orts, apart from consignments sent direct from England, by
the Suez Canal, to Tabriz and Khorassan. The time occupied in
transit between England and Tabriz is about equal by the two routes,
and goods were so promptly introduced by the south, that little hardship
apj>ears to have been felt, and prices did uot attain the high figures
expected. Between Bunder-Abbass and Khorassan, and North Persia
generally, a large increase of trade took place, chintzes to the value
of 1,000,000 Krans having passed by that way to Tabriz. Camel
caravans arrived through Seistan, also at Bunder Abbass.
2. Steam communication,—The increased number of steamers ply­
ing up the Gulf has caused a fall in freights with the result of stimulat­
ing the export trade.
3. Grain harvest.—The crops in South Persia were plentiful, and
the shipments of grain unusually large. The agriculturists are said to be
sensibly improved in circumstances, and have this season been able to dis-
I>ense with the customary advauces for grain deliverable at the harvest time.
The yield for the year 1878 is known to be also good, but a prohi­
bition against exportation is kept on, though largely evaded by those
who know how to obtain the favor of the local authorities.
4. Scarcity of coin.—Scarcity of coin of the realm, whether gold,
silver, or copper, is becoming a serious impediment to trade transac­
tions, and threatens to cause a dead-lock if not counteracted. The gold
has disappeared, the silver is fast following, and copper is hard to
obtain. It is thought that the best remedy would be the opening of a
mint at Bushire.

5. Opium. The Persian opium trade continues to grow in importance,
and in the year 1877 nearly 5,000 cases were prepared for shipment. The
crop of 1878 is 6aid to be still greater, ana the limit of development
is by no means reached. Some information about the Persian opium
and trade may be found in the Report for 1874-75.
6. Pearl fisheries.—The real value of the pearl fisheries has been
subject of speculation and inquiry, and from various causes is not
easy to determine. Those engaged in the trade have an interest in
concealing the extent of their dealings and profits, and this with an
article of so little bulk is easy of accomplishment. Returns of the
export of pearls from the Persian Gulf and Muscat are collected, but
owing to the system of concealment, these require to be checked by
comparison with other sources of information. Comparing the retains
of exports from the Gulf to India with the imports recorded at the
Custom Houses of Calcutta, Bombay, and Kurrscbee, it appears that
rid4 Table No. 8L if for exports and imports of “ trea-
AppondixC. sure” be read u pearls,” the totals
correspond very nearly. As it is known that no specie has been available
D