Page 179 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

RESIDENCY AND MASKAT TOL’TICAL AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1900-1901. 27
n nccount of 60ino opium which was relumed from China having been found
to be largely adulterated and consequently unfit for sale. The chief articles
imported from Europe arc bichromate of potash, sal ammoniac, white and green
copperas and mineral waters. The chief articles imported from India are
atiari and country medicines and alum.
Class and Qlasstcare.—The imports of window panes and glassware shew
n fairlv good increase. Prices generally have remained stationary. Cheap,
showy lamps, tumblers and mirrors arc in much demand. Tea-cups have been
largely imported, and business in these articles is said to have been remunerative
there being a large demand for them in the interior, where the bulk of the
consignments are forwarded.
Gold Lace and Thread.—This shews an increase of Rs. 50,000 over the
previous year. A considerable quantity is also imported from India and Turkey
by post, for which statistics arc not available. These articles are extensively
used in the manufacture of Persian cloaks, ladies* chudders, Teils, etc. Tbo
increase in the imports of these articles indicates that tbo people are again
able to afford these luxuries.
Hardtcare and Callery.—The increase is chiefly in iron rails, tacks, knitting
and sewing machines, wires and anchors. One noticeable feature in this trade
is the increase in the knitting machines for socks, etc., owing to the people in
the interior having found them very bandy and useful.
Indigo.—Good business at paying rates has been done in this article.
The manifests of steamers do not reveal any information as to the particular
sort of indigo which forms the bulk of the import, but enquiries in the bazar
shew that Oudh indigo is preferred to other sorts. Weaving operations on an
extensive scale in the interior havo stimulated the import.
Matches.—Austria heads the list in the import of this article. The bulk
of the import represents safety matches. During the latter part of the year
business became dull, owing to the overstocked state of the market. 'The
increase in the imports appears to be due to speculation rather than to actual
increase in the demand.
Metals.—Copper, tin, iron and brass all shew a substantial increase, due
to the people being now in a position to replace their wares which they had to
part with during the previous jears of scarcity.
Kero sine oil.—Though the figures shew an increase of Rs. 52,498 over the
previous year, there has not been actual increase in the imports into Bushire.
A considerable quantity wa9 transhipped for conveyance to such ports as
Koweit, Bahrein and Lingah, and the increase noted is due to such tranship­
ment. The bulk of the oil is imported directly from Batoum, but the firm
engaged in the importation not having been able to procure a steamer, the
importation during the year was made from India and distributed from Busbire
to other Gulf ports.
Porcelain and Chinatoare.—The improvement noticeable in the imports is
due to the previous bare state of the market which was replenished during the
year. Business does not appear to have been remunerative and heavy losses
frequently .made are likely to shrink the trade to narrow limits.
Provisions.—The increase ha9 been chiefly contributed by the import of
ghi. The import of flour has dwindled owing to the abundant crop, which
has done away with the necessity of foreign importation.
Sugar, loaf.—While the consumption in Bushire appears to bave been
stationary, re-exportation to the interior has been carried on to a larger extent
than in the previous year, which accounts for the large increase of Rs. 6,00,532.
France heads the list in the imports, but Egyptian loaf sugar is also coming
into favour.. Owing to heavy speculation resulting in the market being over­
stocked, business on the whole has not been remunerative.
Sugar’, ao/V.—Remarks under the above head equally apply to the import
of this article, which shew an increase of Rs, 5,25,922 over the previous year.
. ^ea•—There has been a very slight increase of Import in this article.
China tea has been.largely imported and has paid well,’ It is chiefly used by
persons who are addicted to the use of opium. The import of Calcutta tea bas
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