Page 108 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

06 ADMINISTRATION REPORT ON THE PERSIAN GULF POLITICAL

SUPPLEMENTARY APPENDIX A TO PART III

CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING STATISTICS.
1. Return of principal articles of export from Bunder-Abbas during the years 1897
1898, 1899.
2. Return of principal articles of import into Bunder-Abbao during the years 1897,
1898, 1899.
8. Return of total number and tonnage of vesrels of each nation that entered at the Port
of Bunder-Abbas during the years 1897, 1*98, 1899.
4. Return of total Dumber and tonnage of vessels of each nation that cleared from the
Port of Bunder-Abbas during the years 1897,1898, 1899.
6. Abstract table of exports to Principal Countries from all the porta specified in the
Persian Gulf during the years 1897, 1898, 1899.
6. Abstract table of imports into all the ports specified in tbo Persian Gulf during the
years 1897, 1898, 1899.
7. Abstract table showing tbe total and tonnage of vessels of each nation that entered at
all tbe ports specified iu tbe Persian Gulf during the years 1897, 1898, 1899.
8. Abstract table showing tbe total and tonnage of vessels of each nation that cleared
from all the ports specified during the years 1897, 1898, 1899.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Both the imports and exports 6how an increase of £9,03,870 and £44,50,315, respec­
tively, over that of the previous year.
The principal articles of import which shew an increase are—Candles, Drugs and Medicines,
Glass and Glassware, Matches, Loaf Sug3r, Tea and Woollens.
The following items have contributed towards improvement in exports, vis,, Coiton,
Almonds, Wheat, Gum, Opium, Rose-water and Silk.
Imports.
Candles.’— Owing to the increased use of kerosine oil as an illuminant, the trade in
candles was receiving a check, but the high price that ruled for the former article has helped
in giving an impetus to tbe caudle trade. The caudles are principally of Dutch manufacture.
Coffee—Shews a falling off of R29,785, and business generally in this commodity has
resulted in loss to those who had dealings in it.
Cotton goods.—Heavy stocks up-country and a very sharp rise in price of cotton at borne
have acted adversely upon the imports for the year uuder report.
Glass and Glassware.—Business in these articles is generally carried on by petty dealers
on account of its unremunerative nature. Only cheap and showy articles are in demand.
Indigo.—Import in this article shews a decrease of B 1,92,810. This i6 due to high price
ruling in India.
Metals.—Copper, etc. Owing to enhanced prices in Europe imports were considerably
less, and as tbe condition of the peasantry who are the largest purchasers is anything but
satisfactory, indirectly doe to embargo on export of grain, the trade in these articles will take
some time before it can be revived.
Kerosine Oil.—Tbe trade in this article is practically a. monopoly in tbe hands of a
British Indian firm of Bombay. The retaros shew a decrease of 1141,440, but this is nominal,
as it merely shews the value of tbe kerosioe oil transhipped from Bushire to Bahrein without
lauding it iu Bushire, as was done in tbe previous year. The price of this commodity which is
imported from Russia ruled very l.igh in the year under report and it once reached B8
per case.
Porcelain and Chinascare.—The trade in these articles is a losing one, chiefly due to
breakage.
, Provisions and Oilman •stores.—The imports under this head shew a decrease of B5,04,475,
which is due to a better harvest and consequently doing away with the necessity of import­
ing food stuffs from foreign countries.
Sugar, Loaf.—Large quantities, especially French, of this article was impoited, and the
business proved a remunerative one. A few parcels of Egyptian sugar were imported and
Were easily disposed of.
Tea—Is finding favor with the Persians in preference to coffee, and the year's operations
riiew an increase of R15,05,370.