Page 81 - 1 Persian Trade rep Bahrain 1_Neat

REPORT

OB TUB
TRADE OE THE BAHREIN ISLANDS

for the year 1908-09.

The total valuo of trade daring tlie year under ! In general merchandise the imports exceeded the
report was Rs. 2,21,49,921 (£1,476,661). This is 1 exports by Rs. 16,09,000 (£l33,933) this year, by
less than the year 1907-08 by Rs. 96,83,712' Rs. 57,22,000 (£381.466) in 1907-08 and by Bs.
(£045,5S0) and less than the year 1906-07 by : 59,92,000 (£399,466) in 1906-07.
Rs. 2,51,68.281 (£l,677,b85). Considering the enormous decrease in the valne of
We therefore have a fall of some 33 per cent, on j pearls 6old, it would appear wonderful how the im-
last year and 54 per ceqt. on the previous year. j ports of general merchandise have held their own in
The total imports amounted to Ra 1,18,51,176' comparison with the two preceding years, hut this is
(£790,078) jagainst Ra 1,53,23,160 (£1,021,544) explained by the above figures which shows that
in 1907-08; and Ra. 2,45,55,392 (£1,637,026) in , (exclusive of pearls and specie) much larger
1906-07. * ; amounts have been exported than in previous years.
Of this total Rs 23,07.000 (£153,800) consisted of I The decrease in quantity of imports retained in
specie against Ra 32.70,000 (£218,000) in 1907-08 : Bahrein clearly shows how the purchasing capa-
and Ra 72,96,000 (£4S6,000) in 1906-07. I citJ of the place has been depleted, and the only way
Enpeea 21,00,000 (£140,000) worth of warts j? 5° Tffrt3 ba™ ^ tePl nearl7 DP
wero imported 03 against Bs. 4281,00. (£285,400) lte standards uf the prevooos two jears was by re-
%0lla™8 “* ** 85’67'000 (£571^ “ j sZTn'Z tST“x6celUnt s^oT^r81. whoh
' facilitate this operation.
Deducting these two items from the total imports
we have imports of general merchandise equal to Owing to these heavy transhipments the trade
Rs. 74,44.176 (£496,265) this year, Rs. 77,72,160 statistics are inclined to be misleading. It must also
(£518,144) in 1907-08 and Rs. 86,92,392 be remembered that the volume of trade here not
(£579,493) in 1906-07. This shows a decrease of ooly depends on the financial state of Bahrein itself,
about 4 per cent, on last year and of about 14 per but also on the inhabitants of the mainland. Con­
cent, on the preceding year. sidering the wretched pearl season, the trade returns
are most re-nsauring and point to large further
My object in deducting these two items of pearls increases in good years.
and specie here and elsewhere is in order that ficti­
tious ideas of the quantity of trade may not be enter­ At the same time it is wrong to rely too much
tained, and also that the condition of general mer- on these figures, as it is very difficult, at present to
chandise may be clearly seen, so that where possible obtain accurate estimates. .Moreover, the retention
steps may be tahen to improve the p&its which affect of pearls from one year to another, and the continnal
Indian and British traders. existence of large outstanding debts (which vary
The total value of exports amounted to Ra. 102,: according to the quantities of pearls found, and the •
98,745 (£686.5S3). This included Ra. 34.30,0001 prices at which they are sold) render somewhat
(£228,666) worth of pearls and Rs. 10,33,365' erroneous conclusions that may be deduced as to the
(£68,891) worth of specie. Deducting these two I financial condition during any particular year.
items from the total exports we obtain for exports of A British firm (Messrs- Gray Paul & Oo.)
general merchandise during 1908-09, a value of and a German firm (Messrs. Robert Wonchhau*
Rs. 58,35,380 (£389.025) against Bs. 20.50.473 A Co.) have done business throughout the year,
(£136,698) in 1907-08, Bb. 27,01,000 (£180,000) 1 exporting oyster shells and importing piece goods,
m 1906-07. This gives an increase of ]90 per cent. coffee, sugar, oilman's stores, chinaware, hardware,
last .year and of .114 per coni, on the previous etc. A Bunniah and five Arab merchants are the
year. only ether exporters of ahtflls.