Page 426 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

20 ADMINISTRATION REPORT ON THE PERSIAN GULP POLITICAL

Part III.—REPORT ON THE TRADE AND COMMERCE OP THE
PERSIAN GULP FOR 1902 BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL
C. A. 1CEMR ALL, C.I.E., HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S CONSUL
GENERAL, BUSHIRE.
General.—The depression of trade noticed in the last year’s Report became
more pronounced during the year under review owing to the serious failure of
the crops, and operations in all the chief articles, both of import and export,
proved unremunerative, not to say ruinous in some instances. But fortunately
the timely and abundant rains which fell at the close of tho year materially
improved the prospects, and tho splendid condition of the crops throughout
Persia promises a good harvest. There is thus every hope of the trade assuming
its normal proportions in the ensuing year.
It may, however, be useful to point out that the long credit system largely
resorted to by some of the chief British importing firms, constitutes an unsatis­
factory feature in the Persian trado owing to the absence of any honest legal
machinery for bringing the defaulting native customers to justice.
Imports.—The imports into Bushirc exclusive of spccio declined by nearly
Rs. 80,07,000, as compared with the previous year; while those into Lingah
improved by about Rs. Id,91,000, duo to large importation of pearls from the
Arab Coast
Exports.—The exports from Bushiro declined by about Rs. 30,75,000
while these from Lingah record an increase of Rs. 33,G9,0C0, due also to tho
large exportation of pearls.
The failure of the crops was more marked than in the previous year,
resulting in the importation of large quantities of food-grain and flour from
India.
Exchange.—Tho highest point reached in the Sterling Exchange was in
November last, when the price was 59} Krans for £ sterling. The lowest was
in January preceding, when tho Imperial Bank of Persia quoted 64} Krans.
The average for the three years works out at 57} Krans. The highest rupee
exchange was 397 Krans per Rs. 100 in October last, and the lowest in January
preceding, viz., 301} Krans per Rs. 100.
Mule Eire.—Transport has throughout the year been maintained at a high
level, and at no time has less than Krans 80 per 100 mauuds of lbs. 7*75 been
possible. This rate too could only be secured by agreeing to a delivery date of
50 days to Shiraz. The dear prices of fodder, combined with the transport of
tho material for the new telegraph line, have contributed to the maintenance of
this high rato. As the year closes, the rates are rapidly rising owing to an
improvement in the Shiraz markets.
Freights.—Preights to London for tho first three months of tho year were
fairly steady at about 20 shillings, but during the date season fell to 14 sliiilings,
owing to keen competition brought about by a third British line having com­
menced to run direct steamers to tho Gulf, At tho close of the year the freights
again recovered, owing to steamers of all tho three lines having been divertwi to
India on their return voyage to load, opportunities for shipment having become
infrequent.
Shipping.—One hundred and thirty-eight steamers with a tonnage of
155,392 entered the port of Bushirc, showing an increase of 20 steamers of the
tunnago of 25,119, as compared with the provious year.
Of the total number entered, 133 were British with a tonnage of 148,229t
1 Austrian of 1,250 tons, 1 Turkish of 1,013 tons, and 3 Russian of 4,270 tops.
Tho increase of 26 steamers over the provious year is duo to a third British line
having appeared on tho field*