Page 370 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

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Part VI.—TRADE REPORT OF BANDAR ABBAS FOR THE YEAR
1001.

General Remarks.—The statistics of trade for tho year under report show
remarkable progress made both in exports and imports over the figures of last
year, but the result docs not favourably compare with those of preceding years
in recovering from the effects of heavy decline last year.
The rise in exports amounted to lbs. 7,79,0Gi compared with the year 1900
under the heads of drugs and medicines, dyeing and colouring materials, fruits,
gum, opium, provisions, seeds, wool, carpets, etc., and the imports—siraultanc-
ously increased by Rs. 12,5G,SJ:3 over those of the preceding year which contri­
buted principally to piece-goods, yarn and twist, drugs and medicines, indigo,
glass and glassware, grain and pulse, hardware, liquors and wines, matches, oils,
spices, silk piece-goods, loaf sugar and woollen pieco-goods.
liar vest,—The grain crop during the year Las not been as productive as
was anticipated owing to the failure of late rains. In consequeuce of wjiich the
yield lias been below the average. A good deal of grain and pulse was brought
from Karachi at the latter part of the year, as there has been a brisk demand
for the same from up-country, brought about by the scanty rainfall. Up to tho
date of this report, ciz., 12th March 1902, there has been practically no rainfall
whatever for the last 12 months, and there is no doubt that the country will
have to face a famine diming the ensuing year.
Exchange.—The exchange opened until 3\ krans per rupee and varied in
the course of the year from 3J krans at the close of the cold season to 3} krans
per rupee with (he advent of the hot weather when rupees were much easier.
Consequently the rate per pound sterling fluctuated between 31 and 51 krans.
Transport.—The rates of hire for carriage up-country have undergone
considerable change for the better, varying from 23 to 10 tomans per load of
Ro. 72 *it 114.
1,100 lbs. to Yc/.d, while the rate for Kerman per load of 700 lbs. varied from
R. 2U at 57- 9 to IS tomans. It is greatly feared in some quartern that fewer animals will
vi>it 1'-andar Abbas in course of the current year on account of fodder being
scarce in these parts, and that the rate will consequently go up much liiglicr as
was the case last year.
Shipping.—There have been a large number of steam vessels calling at this
l>ort durinir the year with large quantities of cargoes both from England and
India which is shown to he one-third greater than the preceding year. The
reason for this extraordinary increase in the number of arrivals has been due to
large shipments of food stuffs to meet the failure of the crops.
The total tonnage of vessels that entered at and cleared from tho port of
Bandar Abbas during the period under review has been put down respectively
at tons 15G.2G0 and 156,209, showing a respective increase of tons 9,33G and
$,9S2.
Telegraph.—I may add in conclusion that the mercantile community of
this port consider that if the telegraph system of the Persian Gulf cable be
extended to Bandar Abbas, British trade of this port would be greatly benefited
thereby.
C. II. BOXER, Captain,
IBs Britannic Majesty's Vice-Consul,
Ran Jar Abbas,
DandaR Abbas;
7he 12th March 1002.