Page 6 - 1 Persian Trade rep Bahrain 1_Neat

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9. The following remarks attempt to account for tlio moro noticeablo
variations in the trade of j articular items, comparing the present year's opera­
tions with tlioso of 1901:—
(«) Jlorscs.*—'This trade is a purely transit ono. The deorense both in
imports and exports was duo to tbo unsettled condition of
Central and Eastern Arabia, and tbo consequent borne demaud
for purposes of warfare. I
(b) Coir and coir rope.—The decrease in imports was due to tbo largo
stock on band at tbo closo of the prceoding year. The selling f
price at the same time was considerably raised, in conscqucnco of
the incroaso in rales at Malabar.
(*) Piece-goods.—The decreased import was duo to the high prices ruling
in Europe at the early part of the year.
(d) Dates.—The increase both in imports and exports was due to tho
fact that in llasa and Katif tho date crop wa9 exceptionally
good, while in Bahrein it was below the average. There was in
addition a strong demand from the Red Sea Ports, For want of
steamers a considerable quantity was on hand at the end of tbo
year.
(ic) Wheat.—The imports were much benefit ted by the low prices pre­ i
vailing in Persia and the continued suppression of the embargo.
(/) Barley.—The decrease in imports was due to tho requirements of
Jlnsa being ibis year carried direct from Basra to Ojair, instead
of through Bahrein.
(p) Bice.—The increase in imports was due to the foresight of merchants
who, receiving bad reports from India of the prospects of the
new crops impoitcd some 43,000 cwts. of the old crop at tho
end of the year, for account of 1906. The transaction is said
to be unprecedented.
(A) Ecrosinc oil.—The decrease in imports was due partly to the largo
6tock on hand from 1901 and partly to tbo high prices ruling in
consequence of ;lie disturbed state of the Russian oil districts.
(») Pearls.—The increase both in imports and exports was due partly
to the fishing season having been ihe best of the last 3 years both
in quantity and quality of pearls and in regard to tho demand in
Europe, and partly because the leading pearl-merchants of Katar
and Turkish ports have this year entored more keenly into compe­
tition with merchants in Bahreia itself and in consequence have
shipped their purchases from tho local divers direct from this port
to India.
(j) Shells.—Tho decrease in exports was due to the slightness of demand
in Europe. There was a considerable 6tock from past years
on hand at the close of the year. At the same time, the pearl-
boat-men themselves displayed little inclination to collect shells
for 6ale, in consequence of the very good pearling. ■
(A*) Timber and toood.—The decreased import was probably due to the
tension between tho Governments of India and Bahrein having
occurred at the season for this business. Great inconvenience in
consequence resulted to the general public.
(0 Specie.—The increased import wa3 for the purchase of pearls. The
enormous export consisted mainly of Turkish liras to Hasa and
of liras, dollars and rupeos to Katif for the purchaso of dates.
10 Sixty-fivo British steam-ships visited Bahrein on tho voyage up the
Gulf, and thirty-five called on tho return journey. Clearance certificates are