Page 57 - 5 Persian Trade rep BUSHIRE I_Neat

UL'SIIIKE. 13
The local consumption of Bushire for this class of goods extends
as far north as Behhcliaa and on the cai<t to Kazerun. Black
Italians of good quality are coining into fashion for the 44 chaddara ”
(the outer black garment worn by Persian women of all classes,
which covers the head and descends to the skirts) in preference
to black twills. This is an instance of the growing inclination of
the better class Persian towards luxury; the poorer classes use
dyed Mexicans. Cotton tulles depend largely upon the heat of
the year for a demand; at present the bazaars are well stocked.
Despite Continental attempts to copy British-made goods Man­
chester continues to hold its place in Southern Persia. The small
German import of 190r has shrunk and Russian piece-goods were
declared at 4,3661. instead of 11,0731. The German and Russian
agencies in Bushire have been busby employed in despatching
to Europe samples of British goods for imitation.
There can be no doubt but that a greater liking for woollens Woollen
is springing up inland, and increases of 2,7711. imports from the G°°^*
United Kingdom and 2.354/. from India are satisfactory indications
thereof. Bushire itself, by reason of its very warm climate, stands
in little need of woollens, but a thorough working of the markets
in Central Persia might produce satisfactory results. Woollens
for the Persian market should be smooth-faced and soft; socks
should have no ribs. Cheap long comforters would probably sell
inland at the beginning of the cold season amongst travellers.
And, generally speaking, the introduction of woollen goods or the
forwarding of samples should be on the late side of midsummer;
with the prospect of trying hot summers before them merchants
feel disinclined to touch thick stuils. For up-country markets it
should be borne in mind that correspondence and despatch of goods
occupy quite three to four months.
White teas show an increase of 5,915Z.; other teas a decrease Tea.
of 13,9257. There was a serious fall of 14,719/. in imports of Indian
teas, while Lamsars increased from 9,613Z. to 19,899/. The causes
of the decrease are several. It has been the custom for Persians
to buy heavily at the Calcutta auctions through their agents there,
and in 1906-07 high prices and the depletion of Calcutta stocks
by Europe and other stronger markets did not allow of such large
purchases as were made in 1903. This caused prices of Indian tea
in Bushire to mount to 21 krans (approximately 7s. Sd.) from
15 krans during the last quarter. Secondly, smuggling has notably
increased during • the past year. Local headmen along the coast
receive as much as 25 krans (95.) per bag of spices and 20 krans
(75. 3d.) for each case of tea which is smuggled into their district,
figures supplied from two only of the ports which serve as the
smugglers* emporia show that quite 175,000 lbs. of mostly and
6| anna tea, with an approximate value of 4,500Z., were smuggled
over into Tangistan, in the interior of which district there are
large dealings in smuggled produce. The above is all Indian
tea. The deflection of the import of tea into Persia by the