Page 28 - 3 Persian Trade rep KUWAIT 1_Neat

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(9) Tobacco.—The falling off in this has been attributed to tlio poverty
among the smoking classes due to the fall in prices of pearls.
The consumption of tobacco has been moderate.
(10) Specie.—This is practically a return payment for wheat and barley
and therefore no great explanation is required.
(11) Tea.—This is a new entry. The amount shown is simply smuggled
to the Persian coast to avoid heavy Persian duties.
(12) The remaining items wero all included under articles not specified
in the previous year’s returns. These have now been kept
separate.
(13) Exchange.—The Maria Theresa dollar opened tho year at Us. 178
percent, its highest point and closed at the rate of Its. 144 on
31st March 190$. Tho average rato of tho dollar during the year
being Its. 1G5*6 per cent
(14) Shipping.—The number or steam vessels that entered and cleared
from the Koweit harbour during tho year is 73, representing a
tonnage of 82,074. The greater number of these were of the
British India Company. Only one foreign steam ship visited
the port, and that was the French gun-boat “ Surprise.” Four
steamers of other companies visited tho port during the year.
Three of the Bombay-Persian Steam Navigation Company and
one of Messrs. Thompson and Co.

S. G. KNOX, Major,
Political Agent, Koiceit.

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