Page 456 - 6 Persian Trade rep BUSHIRE 2_Neat

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Packing.—Dales are packed in standard deal boxes containing
50 to 50 lb. and G4 lo 70 lb. net weight respectively after the fruit
lias been properly pressed. Dates are also put up in one pound
fancy cardboard boxes which are packed into wooden boxes con­
taining from 50 to 60 cartons. Date boxes should be covered with
gunny to withstand rough handling. The extra charge for this
will amount to approximately £15 per 1,000 cases. Date boxes
and cartons are either bought locally or supplied by the buyers.
If bought locally the price works out to from £1 to 30s. per ton of
fruit plus approximately £100 per 1,000 boxes for packing
charges, cost of erecting the packing stations, known locally as
“ Chardaghs,” lighterage charges, customs duty, marine insur­
ance, &c. Freight is, of course, an extra charge. The following
are approximate rates :—
Xew York ••• ... 7s. 6d. per ton of 40 c.f.
Africa ... 62s. per ton of 16 art
Great Britain ••• • •• ... 2^5- M M

Finance.—Growers expect to be paid, six to eight months
beforehand, 20 lo 30 per cent, of the contract prices agreed upon.

Prices are always quoted for a maund of 156 lb., and in 1928
opened at 18s. for Hallawees, 12s. for Khadrawees and 9s. for
Sayers for first shipment.

The second tide shipment is usually quoted 25 per cent, cheaper
than the first and the third tide 25 per cent. cheaper than the
second.

Balance of payment is arranged by irrevocable credits, docu­
ments against cash, or other agreed method.

IV. BUSHIRE.

General.—The town of Bushire is situated at the northern
end of a low lying piece of land, twelve miles long by four wide,
which is practically an island, being only connected to the main­
land by a stretch of low sandy desert which is subject to inundation
after heavy rain. Bushire is the principal Persian town and port
in the Gulf. It derives importance from its position as an import,
export and distributing centre'for the districts of Isfahan, Shiraz
and Kazeroon. Very few of the imports are actually consumed in
the town, the inhabitants of which, except for a few rich merchants,
are miserably poor.

Bushire is the residence of H.B.M. Consul-General and
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the double duties of Con­
sul-General for south Persia and Political Resident for the Arab
coast being combined in one post.