Page 676 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

184 ADMINISTRATION BIPOBT ON THE PER8IAN GULP POLITICAL

commenced, but no further rain falling, was not completed and all sown hat
not come up, consequently there will be no surplus for export from the Kanin.
On the east of the province there has been rain and a fine crop is expeoted.
The date crop was below average owing to dust storms. Price about four
' shillings for ljcwt. Demand at this price
Data.
was small for export to Europe and
America, but demand for India kept up prioee.
The wool clip was an average one after good pasture in 1903 ; but pasture
has again failed and prospect* for next
clip are not so good.
A Dutch Engineer on behalf of the Persian Government is making
Piblic worka. preliminary investigations for a barrag
and irrigation scheme at Ah was.
In June and July cholera was epidemic in Mohammerah and many of the
Health. merchants left the town and business was
at a standstill, the disease spread through­
out the province, wbioh was not clear of it till the end of November.
The now customs tariff of specific duties, generally by weight, occasions
Difficnltie*. Custom*. great delay in clearing goods, especially
in regard to cases imported by shop­
keepers containing miscellaneous articles coming under different rates of duty.
Exporters to secure produce must make advances to cultivators before
Adnnoaa. the prospects cf the season are assur jd.
Goods are frequently sold to be paid for
after the next date season or next harvest of the produce in which the buyer
is interested.
w. mcdouall,
Eis Britannic Majesty*9 Consul for Arabista*.