Page 55 - PERSIAN 4 1890_1899

BESIDE NOT AHD MUSCAT POLITICAL AGENCY IOR 1800-91. 40

£ £
Iron • . 270 bandies 200
„ bore • 908 898
Btcel • 41 kegs 1,100
Copper • 66 pieoei 80
Candles • 15 C&883 . 10
Matches 9 81
Drugs . 42 packages 80
Tea . SO cases . 160
Tobacco • 18 bags . 6
Gunny bags . 16 bales . 67

11,243

The imports being principally paid for by shipments of specie, there is no
regular rate of exchange. The currency is Persian; but the rupee is practically
current at rate of 11100 to 250 krans. The Turkish' lira is taken at about
32 krans. The above lists arc calculated at 33 krans to the pound sterling.

Shipping and Navigation.
The steamers of the British India Steam Navigation Company called weekly
to discharge cargo on their return from Basrah, and from the 9th November they
commenced calling on way up river to land mails and passengers regularly, and
cargo when it suits their convenience. The steamers of the Bombay and Per­
sian Gulf Steam Navigation Company also called regularly to discharge cargo
on the way from Bucsorah about once a month.
The grain shipped for Europe was shipped outside the bar of Shat-el-Arab,
being conveyed from here in lighters.
In the river the Euphrates and Tigris Steam Navigation Company (of
which Messrs. Lynch are agents) run a steamer fortnightly to Ahwaz in con­
nection with one running thence to Shush tar. The Nasery (a Persian) com­
pany imported a steam launch on 2nd November, which runs to Ahwaz, towing
two lighters alongside and taking about 25 ton9 of cargo.
Seven Indian baglas, under British flag, called at port during the date
season, before this Vice Consulate was opened. The number of baglas under
other flags I have been unable to ascertain.
Agriculture.
A large amount of wheat is grown on the Karun, and much more could be
grown. A certain amount of oil seeds, flax, and roses is also grown; from the
latter good rose-water is made, chiefly on the island of Khedr. Dates are the
principal crop in the immediate neighbourhood of the town.
Industrie*
A coarse woollen cloth is made for local consumption throughout the district.
Dyeing and tanning are carried on in the town, and some good silver work is
done by the Sabaen community, of whom there are about thirty families in
the district.
Public Works.
During the year the buildings commenced by Persian Government pre­
viously at the junction of the Karun and Shat-el-Arab, now called •* Bunder Saheb
Kerani 99 (viz., Government house, landing-place and stores), were completed,
and a telegraph office built, also a battery and an infantry barrack on the