Page 198 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947

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important to them would certainly find it profitless to
deal with other than the head of the Muscat State,

(b) Local.
The posts of Finance Officer and Director-General
of Customs were, in February, amalgamated by the Sultan

in the person of Khan Sahib Maqbul Hussain Khan who was
formerly Finance Officer only.
Hilal bin Hamad al Mawali was appointed Wali of
Quriyat in December.

4. TRADE.
(i) The following table shows the value of the total
imports and exports during the year 1941-42 as compared

with the previous year
Year. Imports. Exports.
1240-41 &. 46,28,977 ?i. 30,22,170
1941-42 Rs. 53,12,403 5$. 33,68,298.

The increase in the import figures represents an
increase in the price of imports not in their quantity
which, in fact, decreased. The increase in the value of

exports was mainly due to the high price obtained for
dates during the year.
(ii) India took practically 80S of the exports and
supplied the same percentage of the imports.

(iii) Cereals and textiles were the main imports, dates
and salted fish by far the most important exports#

(iv) The Maria Theresa thaler, the local currency,
appreciated steadily during the year reaching the highest
figure of 234 rupees for 100 thalers in December. At the
close of the year it had never reached lower than 145

3 rupees for 100 thalers. Prices of local products have
all to be paid for in this currency and the poor,
especially those on low rupee salaries- have accordingly

suffered# The thaler has a greater silver content than
the