Page 532 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

60 ADMINISTRATION REPORT ON TUE PERSIAN GCLP POLITICAL

Paut VII.—REPORT ON THE TRADE OF THE BAHREIN
ISLANDS FOR THE YEAR 1903.
The trade of tho Bahrein Islands has made a pronounced upward move­
ment during the past year and shows an incroasc of over forty lakhs of rupees
on that for 1902. The exports having risen by 1119,27,210 and the imports
by 1120,92,330. Tho improved condition of tho inhabitants of Katr and the
decroaso of lawlessness in the Al Hassa District have contributed largely
towards this satisfactory result.
Cottou textiles nearly regained their former condition. About 20 percent*
of the cotton piece goods imported are of Indian manufacture and SO per cent,
of Manchester goods imported through Bombay firms. There is also an
increase in yarns and twists. About 70 per cent, of the quantity are G S. of
Indian mako imported for the manufacture of sail-cloth or canvas and the
balance is composed of 20 S. of Indian manufacture and 30 S. of Lancashire
make for weaving into lung>s, dhotis, and bed sheeting for native use.
Rice was also imported in larger quantities. The stocks of rice held at
the close of tho year were below the average quantity usually on hand at such
seasons, and consequently it ought, in the absence of disturbing conditions, to
show a further improvement in the future.
The transactions in coffee show a decline which ought not to have been
the case. In the latter half of the year importers failed to arrange for the
arrival of the bean in time to take advantage of the demand obtaining at the
termination of the pearling season, as well as in the month prior to the Muham­
madan fast when large purchases are made for the Al Eassa and Katr markets.
A large stock was found on hand on the 31st December owing to late shipments
from Europe. Dettez results are expected in the current year.
The manufacture of lanterns out of sheet glass and tin plate Ly Persians
settled in this country within the past two years has affected detrimentally
the importation of lamps and lampwaro. The trade in sheet-glass, however,
benefited by it.
The Bahrein pearl hanks proved less productive. The high prices paid by
the dealers for the pearls made up the difference to the divers. The Katr
hanks were, however, more prolific and are said to have produced about 40
per cent, more pearls than the preceding season. Katr has added over one
hundred boats to its fleet since the termination of the pearling operations in
consequence. The Koweit fleet was also very successful and will probably
increase its numbers. The transactions generally were of a speculative nature
and the prices paid by the dealers were out of proportion to those ruling in
Bombay at the time. A small improvement in the Bombay market allowed
of limited profits being made on the small pearls; but the offers for the larger
and finer pearls are said to be disconcerting and considerable losses are feared.
The shell trade for the year proved brisk and equally satisfactory to tho
divers and the exporters. The trade was a record one—more than twico the
quantity of shells was exported than in any previous year. Germany took 67
per cent, and the United Kingdom 27 per cent, of the total quantity of oyster
shells shipped. AH who participated in this trade have realized fair profits.
The factories absorbing shells in the United Kingdom and the Continent of
Europe have expanded in recent years, and it is anticipated that their demand
for this description of shell will be maintained. At the end of the year about
400 tons were in stock in Bahrein.
Bahrein is famous in the Persian Gulf for its boat building and the indus­
try gives employment to about 200 native carpenters whose wages have doubled
in recent years. Nearly 130 boats ranging from B300 to B8.000 in price
were sold to Katr and tho Arab Coast during the year under report The nails
employed in the construction are mostly of Indian manufacture and some are
made locally. There will be a large demand for Indian woods and nails for
this purpose in 190 it.
The depreciation of the Maria Theresa dollar was more marked during
the year, it could be bought in the Bahrein bazaar below tho Bombay