Page 109 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

RESIDENCY ANI) MASK AT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR THE YEAU 1809-1900. 97

Expoets.
Jlcrr*.—Export shews a plight increase, but it is far below the average.
Arm* and Ammunition.—The quantity shewn in the return consists almost entirely of the
over-carried arms and ammunition which bad been previously seized by the Persian Govern*
xnent, but subsequently, on enquiry, released by them.
Cotton.—'There is on improvement in the export of this article. This was chieflv doe to I
tbe failure of the cotton orop in India. It is doubtful whether the improvement will con­
tinue, as, in the normal state of affairs, business with India is not a very remunerative one.
Dale—Crop was excellent and the price consequently was low.
Wheat.—'The quantity shewn in the return represents the exports to smaller porta in the
Gulf. Grain, though cheaper in the year under report than in 1«98, was still dear. That
prices did not fall further was no doubt due partly to the fear of another bad year. The
embargo was in force throughout tho year, and is responsible to a certain extent for the
depre-fed condition of the trade generally, as the peasantry were unable to dispose of tho
surplus grain and in return buy other commodities.
Gvm Arabic,—There has again been a good trade in this article, though prices have
nsen so much on this 6ide as to leave only a bare margin of profit. :
Gum Tragacanth—Hw this year been shipped pretty freely by natives who have made
some good profits. In this, ao in all other exports, the native is put on a very much better
footing as regards duty, being only liable to a small sum per package, against a full 5 per
cent, ad valorem levied from European exporters.
Bidet and Skin*.—The export in these articles shews a decrease of R35,065 over that of
the previous year. The trade is capable of development if skilfully tanned and cared articles
could be turned out.
Opium.— A larger export of this article was made during the year under report, but
owin': to the adulterated nature of the stuff a considerable number of cases remained unsold
in China nt the close of the year and the owners have suffered heavily. There is always a
good demand in China for unadulterated opium.
Shell*.—Transactions in shells have | roved disastrous to those who undertook them, and
unless more care is taken by shippers as to the quality of thi6 commodity and the requirement
of the market, the trade is not likely to improve.
Seed*.—Operations in linseed, poppy seed and lucerne-grass seed were profitable, but in
sesame seed no good result was obtained.
Silk.—The principal centres of silk-producing districts are Khorassan and Resht, and
the bulk of the produce is exported to Russia, but a comparatively small quantity finds its
way to India and to Beyiout in Turkey.
Wool.—Tbe export fell far short of the previous year, and although the clip of the year
under report was of a better quality, tbe results were not satisfactory, and shippers are said
to have lost 15 per cent, to 20 per ceut.
Corpelt.—Shipments were unsatisfactory, chiefly due to a large stock of the previous
year’s export having remained unsold in London, Egypt and Turkey.
C. A. KEMBALL,
Bcsrire ; Officiating Political Resident in the
The ISth Jxxc 1900 . Persian Gulf.

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