Page 458 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

G2 ADMINISTRATION REPORT ON TUB PER8IAN GULP POLITICAL

Part VI.—TRADE REPORT OF BUNDER ABBAS FOR THE YEAR
1002.

1. Ocnoral 1. Expectations of famine in this part of the country wero fully realised
romarks.
during 1002, and the result was a great increase in tho amount of grain
imported (most of which came from Karachi), and a decrease in the importa*
tion of other articles, notably “ wearing apparel ” and “ pioce-goods ” owing to
lack of demand.
There was a considerable decrease in exports owing to the effect produced
by tbo drought on rates of transport. The prospects for the ensuing year are,
however, very good, the rainfall having beon above the average.
During 1902, tho duty on ** planks and beams ” was removed, and, in
consequence of this, a considerable number were brought in, chiefly from
Zanzibar.
2. Opening 2. The want of a bank in Bunder Abbas is much felt. There has been some
for British talk of the Imperial Bank opening a branch here, but nothing has been done as
trade.
yet.
There is an opening for trade in sulphur, which at present is exported only
by the Agent of the Russian Steamship Company. Correspondence has been
opened on this subject with one or two Indian firms.
Something might also be dene with regard to direct export of carpets t°
Europe; at present there is none.
3. Mistakes of 3. Enough care is not shown in dealing with tho Persians. The extreme
British traders. difficulty in getting debts recovered should make foreigners more careful than
ever in their transactions.
•*. Prepress or 4. Export to Black Sea ports by the Auglo-Arabian Steamship Company
dccNno of has received a check during the year, owing (1) to the lower rate of freight
rivals.
offered by the direct line of the Russian Company, and (2) to facility' given by
Russian Customs regarding goods forwarded by their steamers.
5. Difficulties 5. The difficulty of getting debts recovered has already been alluded to.
in tbo way of
trade. Thefts from cargo boats and from goods already delivered to the Customs were
of common occurrence during the greater part of the year, and in most cases
the circumstances rendered it difficult to trace the offender and consequently
difficult to obtain redress. Arrangements have now been made which, it is
hoped, will do away with this nuisance.
For nearly half the year no European was in charge of the Customs at
Bundor Abbas.
It would seem advisable that, whenever possible, local Agents of British
Companies and landing contractors should be British subjects. The Consular
influence over them would probably be greater.
fl. Communion, 6. No remarks appear to be required on this head.
tion botwoon
traders and
Consular Officer.
7. Logiclstiv* 7. Five per cent, ad valorem customs duties were levied throughout tho
fationfcriir^e8U* a ncw hav'ing been introduced from 14th February 1903.
8. Shipping and 8. Steamers of the following companies call at Bunder Abbas.
Transport, oto.
B. I. S. N. Co., (Mails) call weekly .... (op and down).
Anglo-Arabian S, N. Co. (Messrs. Strict & Co., London) monthly.
Bncknall Bros. •••.«•• monthly.
Persian S. N. Co. . . . # , . . fortnightly.
Russian Trading Co. ...... occasionally.
The total tonnage of vessels that put in at, and cleared from, the port of
Bunder Abbas was 170,240 and 170,270, respectively, an inorease of 13,980
and 14,0G0 tons over the figures of the preceding year.
Camel rates to Yczd and Kerman throughout the year were very high owing
to the drought, which prevented many animals from coming down.