Page 56 - Gulf Precis(VIII)_Neat

PART II—CHAPTER XII.
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jrdfy.—Two or more steamers have run with corn and dates for Jeddah.
4thly.—Two Persian companies have commenced running between the
Gulf and British India. These vessels run under the British flag.
StJi/y—l understand that the British India Steam Navigation Company
have it in contemplation to run a weekly steamer between British India and
the Gulf.
6thly.—The first of a British line of steamers to run between London and
the Gulf via the Suez Canal is expected at Bushire about three months hence.
y////y.—A steam trade in dates, corn, and dried-fish with Mauritius and
Batavia is spoken of.
a. As yet all the steamers appear to have found full cargoes at rates which,
although lower than those which obtained in former years, still pay.
3. It is remarkable that the native merchants, inclusive of those now
largely interested in steamers, have from the commencement steam commu*
nication eight years ago consistently urged the inconvenience and injury that
would result to the Gulf trade from the substitution of steamers for Native
craft.
4. The fact seems to be that the Gulf trade is capable of indefinite develop­
ment, provided freights be sufficiently low to admit of produce competing
with that of other countries in foreign markets; in other words, the Gulf being
the only ocean basin for a vast range of territories, the resources of those
territories will increasingly seek the ports of the Gulf, provided they can be
exported at a profit.”

Extract from the Administration Report of the Persian Gulf Residency for
1870-71.
Gentlemen largely interested in the trade of these regions have on more than
one occasion expressed to me their satisfaction with the degree in which it has
already developed, and their confidence in its continuing to do so. The Gulf
trade indeed seems capable of indefinite development provided freights be suffi­
ciently low to admit of produce competing with that of other countries in foreign
markets; in other words, the Gulf being the only ocean-basin for a wide range
of territories, the resources of those territories will increasingly seek the ports
of the Gulf, provided they can be exported at a profit.
An interesting account of the rise and progress of the port of Lingah was
prepared by Major Sidney-Smith, Assistant Political Resident, during a recent
residence at that port. I have since submitted this report to Government. It
would appear that the average annual transactions in pearls of sundry merchants
of note in Lingah aggregated 50 lakhs of rupees, and the average transactions in
piece-goods, and general merchandize about 75 lakhs of rupees, or a gross total
of 125 lakhs of rupees per annum.
A question has recently been raised by a firm trading in the Gulf, concern­
ing draw-back. At present no rebate of duty is made on goods re-exported. It
was desired that a draw-back should be allowed and submitted the question, and
His Excellency the Viceroy and Governor-General of India in Council has
invited the good offices of Her Majesty’s Ministers in Persia in the hope of his
being able to induce the Shah’s Government to grant an adquate measure of
relief.
The drought in Persia during the past year has tended much to check the
increase of trade. Great mortality has had place among the mules, donkeys,
etc., thus at once diminishing the supply, and heightening the rate of carriage.
The coming season promises more favourably.
The trade of Bunder Abbas continues to develop solidly ; and a memorial
from certain of the principal merchants at that port and at Bushire was recently
submitted by me, praying that, a British Agent might be appointed for the
protection of our commercial interests at Yezd, that inland town of Persia being
a principal point on which the exports and imports of Bunder Abbas depend.