Page 519 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

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RESIDENCY AND mASKAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1003-1901. W

Paht Y.—REPORT ON THE TRADE OF LIOHAMMERAH FOR THE
YEAR 1903.

ABSTRACT OF CONTENTS.
Ocneml. Cararan routes.
Exchange. Agricolturo.
Shipping. Coapaiison Tables.
* General.
The harvest was good and export of grain permitted, consequently there
was more money in the hands of the populace and more demand for imported
goods. Tin’s would have been greater had not the increased customs dues acted
adversely on certain goods, especially Tea, Cotfee, and Spices. TI10 province
being open on three sides respectively, Turkish territory, river, and sea, smug­
gling is comparatively easy.
Exchange.
Exchange varied from 55 to 58 krans to the £ 1 sterling. In the annexed
tables it is calculated as 56=£ 1.
Shipping.
Thirty-five steamers called from Europe and 16 took cargo for Europe, of the
Anglo-Arabian Bucknali’s and West Hartlepool lines, also -1 Russian. The
British India and Bombay and Persia Company’s steamers also called regularly.
Freight to London about 22s. 6:f. per scale ton.
The one British steamer runs fortnightly from ZFohammerah to Banda,
Nasri (Ahwaz) on tho Karun river or oftensr if cargo oilers.

Caravan routes.
A7.icaz-Isfahan.—There is a slow increase in the trade by the Aliwaz-Isfa-
han road. Importers in Tehran find it cheaper and quicker than other routes.
Dearness of fodder and absence of shelters except at a few points where
serais have been built renders the route unpopular with muleteers.
The Dizful-Kburemabad route remained practically closed owing to dis­
turbed state of that district; the.post however now goes through weekly.
Agbictjlttbe.
Wheat.—The wheat crop was unusually gcod in both quantity and qua­
lity, beiDg the best crop since 1896. Prices were about 10 shillings for the
maund of 361 lbs. The high duty prevents shipment unless prices in Europe
are high.
The prospects for next harvest are good provided there is rain at the equi­
nox ; less has been sown owing to the lateness of the winter rain.
Dates. The date crop was good, but somewhat damaged by excessive
damp in July.

W. AIoDOuALL,
Hi* Britannic Majesty's Vice-Consul^
Mohammcrah.