Page 252 - PERSIAN 2C 1890_1899_Neat

22 ADMINISTRATION REPORT ON TUB PERSIAN GULP POLITICAL
the cultivators being afraid of the return of the locusts which had ruined tl *
previous year's crop, were very sparing in the amount they laid down, and t\\
crop was proportionately small.
The export of tobacco was impeded by the fact that the Turkish Sociiit
du Tombac, which is the best customer of the Persian producers, unable
to purchase owing to the opposition of the Mullahs and the pressure they
brought to boar on the producers. The Soci6t6 has now managed to break
down this opposition, and there should be no impediment in future to the
export of tobacoo.
With regard to another cause which would ordinarily be regarded as of
paramount efficiency in restricting export, a strangely contrary result is dis­
closed, shipments of wheat having, in spite of the embargo which was in oper­
ation for three-fourths of the year, increased enormously.
The “ Clan Line " of steamers instituted a service during the year between
London and the Persian Gulf, and the results are said to be sufficiently satisfac­
tory to induce them to continue it. The increased competition among the
carrying companies had the effect of lowering the rates of freight from 28 and
30 shillings per ton in January to IS shillings per ton at the end of the year,
so that a continuance of this stimulus to trade may be anticipated.
As far as can be foreseen now there seems reason to hope for a fairly
prosperous import trade this year; but unfortunately prospects as regards
exports are not much improved. The locusts have made their appearance again
and done much damage, and the embargo on wheat is again in force, to produce
possibly less favourable results Ilian those which attended it last year.

Imports.
Cotton goods.—A distinct improvement on the previous year is noticeable
in this branch of trade, statistics showing that the value of cotton goods im­
ported has increased from £471,781, the figures for 1893, to £592,962, or nearly
25 per cent. It is asserted, however, that, owing to the abnormal rise in the
rate of mule hire between Bushire and Shiraz which touched 200 krans per
100 Tabriz* mdns in the months of Nov­
• One Tabriz man ii eqnat to 7{0>. approximately.
ember and December, bales of cotton
goods in large numbers were left lying at Bushire either within the custom
bouse precincts or slocked in their owners’ godowns whence they would not
be removed until conditions more favourable to their despatch up-country
presented themselves. Prices during the year are described as being good;
but the persistent fall in the exchange value of the kran rendered the realisa­
tion of a profit a matter of extreme difficulty.
Copper and Iron.—High prices occasioned by the fall in the exchange
value of the kran and enhanced rates for mule transport caused the demand
for these metals to be restricted. Imports did not in consequence come up to
the average of former years.
Candles.—'The trade in candles has not flourished during 1894, and a
marked decrease in the value of the stocks imported is noticeable when the
year’s results are compared with those for 1893. Unfavourable exchange, and
increased cost of mule transport have no doubt contributed in a large measure
to bring about this result
Arms and Ammunition.—A vastly increased importation is believed to
have been made during the year. It is very difficult, however, to obtain re­
liable information on the subject of this trade, as there is theoretically a°
embargo on the importation of arms and ammunition into the country; but