Page 254 - PERSIAN 4 1890_1899

u ADMINISTRATION REPORT ON THE PKRSTAN GULP POLITIOAL

Shells.—As prices in London offered no encouragement to the importer, the
export of shells from Persia was very greatly reduced, and fell to quite an
inconsiderable figure.
Oum.—In spite of the fact that the London market was well stookod with
gum and that considerable quantities remained unsold, native traders exported
largely. Prices have been firm through,
* 1S4 (ba approxiutolj.
out the year at krans 80—35 per Hashem
maund.*
Hones.—The number of horses shipped to Bombay shows a slight decrease
on former years. Good prices were not realised and the season is not believed
to have been a profitable one for horse exporters.
Cotton.—There has been an extraordinary decrease in the export of cotton
from the Gulf ports during the past year. This may he partly ascribed to the
fall off in the supply occasioned by the curtailed sowings of the cultivators
who, it is said, dreaded that the visitation of locusts which had such disastrous
effects in 1892 and 1893 would be repeated. But there has been, so it is assert­
ed, a still more powerful cause at work. It was stated in last year’s report
that there was reason to believe that the Persian cotton trade with Russia
might be made to assume considerable proportions ; this prediction has now
found its verification, for a considerable quantity of the cotton which was con­
signed by Ispahan merchants in former years to Bombay, is reported to have
been despatched during 1894 to Russia, finding in that country a favourable
market. This exportation to Persia's northern neighbour naturally entailed a
proportionate diminution in the amount exported rid the Persian Gulf.
Dates.—The yield was less than normal, accompanied by a fall of prices
in India. Dates form, however, an unimportant item in the Persian export
trade.
Almonds.—Fall of prices in Europe, increased exportation to Russia, and
enhanced cost of transport in Southern Persia may be specified as the chief
causes which brought about a large decrease in the export of almonds from the
Gulf ports in 1894.
Silk.—The production of silk was much below the average of former
years, owing to the prevalence of disease among the silk-worms, aggravated by
the neglect of the breeders. A considerable decrease in the amount exported
as compared with the results for 1893 is consequently noticeable.
Wheat.—In spite of plentiful crops, the embargo on the exportation of wheat
which had been removed by the Governor of Bushire in January was in April
re-imposed by order of the Persian Government, who feared, it was said, a
renewal of the bread riots of 1892 in Shiraz, where the price of grain was
abnormally high. Shipments from the Gulf ports were nevertheless carried on
with the most transparent secrecy under the cognisance of the local authorities,
with the result that the export enormously exceeded that of the preceding year,
the figures for the values being £21,299 as against £1,157*
Tobacco,—Tobacco was exported in greatly reduced quantities during
1894* The attempted interference with the purchase of tobacco in Persia by
the Turkish ** Socidti du Tombac” mentioned in last year’s report, has ended
in failure, and the free sale of tobacco to the agents of the Society is now
allowed.
Carpets,—Exports have been very heavy, and results, most satisfactory to
the exporters, are reported.
Miscellaneous.
Exchange,—T\\q year opened with exchange at 45} krans per pound ster­
ling, but rose steadily until it touched krans 51J in April. This rate was main-