Page 313 - PERSIAN 4 1890_1899

BESIDENCT AND MA.SKAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1895-96. 19

Silk.—Poor markets in India caused a small falling oil of some 3,000
rupees.
Tobacco shows an increased export of over two lakhs worth, but this really
resents the accumulated stocks of three years, which were shut up owing
repr
to the opposition of the mullahs to the Socioto du Tombac referred to in the
previous year’s report. This opposition was broken down towards the end of
last year and the socidte were able to buy freely with the above result.
Wool—The bad prices realised in 1894 and a scarcity of the article caused
by reckless wasto of ewes killed to procuro astrachan caused a falling off of
1,19,000 rupees.
Carpets.—The Syrian market showed an enormously increased demand
which led to an increased exportation to the extent of over 5 lakhs.

Miscellaneous.
Exchange was bnd throughout the year. It opened at 57J krans per
found sterling and fell to 53 krans in the middle of the year and closed at 63$
krans. It was lightest in February at 58} krans and lowest in November at 62
krans.
Mule-hire at the commencement of the year was 200 krans per 100
mans (77-5 lb), but fell in March to b'O krans and again rose in April to 115
krans, closing at the end of the year at 75 krans.
Freights remained steady throughout the year, varying only from 21s. to
22s. 6(/. During the year shipowners changed the tonnage rate of bagged wheat
from 20cwt. to 18 cwt. per ton.
The “Clan line” which started running in 1894 discontinued doing so, but
two new lines—“ the British and Colonial” and the “Messageries Maritimes ”—
commenced to run.
The " Messngerios Maritimes ” only run one boat which they put on the run
against tlicir own will at the orders of their Government-, and they do not seem
to be anxious or likely to cause much competition against the older lines.

F. A. WILSON, Colonel,
Folilical Resident, Persian Gulf.