Page 95 - 3 Persian Trade rep KUWAIT 1_Neat

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fljrc.—Basrah rico shows an in crease in prico As!ralehans—also allow a decrease. A fow Bagh"
i-otwh tho quantity imported is less than that of dadi Christians came to Kuwait and l ough*, up all
‘year. Tho reason given is that the prices were that waj available. It is 6aid that they took the
‘ ro* favourable in Kuwait. There is an item of skins for a European firm in Baghdad.
g,. 21,000 under this head appearing for the first Coir rope.—This shows an incrcneo. There was
tiuio which represents tho quantity of rice brought n largo import of this articlo enabling merchants
by buggalowa returning from their annual trip to to export a larger quantity to other email ports
India. in tho Gulf.
Tobacco.—This Rhows an increase of very nearly Ghi—shows a largo incrcaso. Tho year was a
half a lakh. Tho uso of tobacco is increasing in prosperous ono and Bahrain people took a larger
favour in Kuwait amongst nil classes and the same quantity than they usually do. Another reason is
is the enso amongst tho Bedonins, and the increase that given above under tho same head.
is therefore not surprising. Tho tobacco is imported Specie.—What appears in these returns went
from Turkish Arabia. entirely to Persian coast to pay for wheat and barley.
irfccaf—shows dccrcaso in prico though tho
Tea.—There is an increase, which means
quantity imported is more than that of the last increased smuggling. A largo amount of tea
rear and tho reason is the came as that given for
’Barley. imported is smuggled to Persia.
IVood—for building boats—also shows decrease. 13. Openings for Trade.—Tho remarks in last
Boats returning frem tho Malabar coast return year’s report still apply, and it may bo added that it
ri'ii Bahrain, Lingah and Debai, where they dispose would be well worth tho whilo of Indian native firms
of whut they do not require and return to Kuwait opening branches in Kuwait. The cutcrprising
with tho balance. Shikarpnr Hindu and Sindbi traders to bo found
ut other Persian Gulf ports aro not represented in
Exports by Steamers. Kuwait, and ihcro is a great oponiug for tho
11. Wei dales.—The import of this commodity has general trader of this class.
b ell checked by a new import duty, and as no j Trade in Kuwait runs very much in a groove
inhale is given on export, but little 13 re­ owing to the fact that nearly all tho merchants
exported. order from one or two Arabs in Bombay, who must
Ghi—shows a large falling off hut trere is a do a splendid commission business as the local
corresponding increase in export by buggalow Kuwaiti generally accepts what these Arab agents
may seed him.
traffic. Tho reason for this diversion u that tho
Trade in sugar crystals (tho Larger and whiter
British India freights were cous: Jerod excessive. the grain tho better is it liked) and in rice offers
Pearls—show an increase of nearly half a lakh great opportunities to an Indian firm with an
of rnpccs. 't he 6eason was a good ono and prices agent on the spot who will qnoto definite prices
in Bombay were higher than in Bahrain, where for definite dates of dclivory. A very good business
nsoally more than half the Kuwait take is dis­ could also probably be dono in pearl-buying.
posed of.
14. The Shaikh’s customs duties are, when
.Specie.—-There is a respectable increase of two compared with thoso of the Persian Government,
hldis of rupees. Much of thi3 went to India to fairly light, most articles such as rice, piece-goods,
pay for goods imported. coffee, sugar, enamclware, being charged with only
Wool.—-Prices were disappointing in Bombay 4 per cent, ad valorem, whilst luxuries such as tea,
preventing Bhipmoats from Kuwait. spices, carpets, gold and silver thread aro chargod
at 10 per cent, ad valorem.
Exports by buggalow traffic.
12. Animals.—A larger number of animals (sheep, 15. Shipping.—The number of vossols (sail and
horses and camels) were exported and hence the 6team) which entered and cleared from the port
of Kuwait daring the year is 3,991, representing
uicrcase in value. a tonnage of 1,60,142.
Arms and ammunition—show a decrease owing 16. Bain fall.—Total rainfall for thj year under
to the rtringent prohibition on the traffic. What ap- report amounts to 0 86 inches.
Peare in those returns represents a portion of the
old Mocks already in the hands of merchants, and W. H. L SHAKESPEAR, Captain,
probably all went to the Persian coast. Political Agent, Kuwait,