'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Historical and Political Materials, Maskat [Muscat] territory, 1872-1903' [‎113] (115/138)

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J.—TRADE AND CUSTOMS IN MASKAT.
1875.
Saltan, Turki, ^oing beyond rules established by Sultan Said in April 1846,
agreed to forego customs on cargoes of distressed vessels putting into Maskat for
repairs and landing cargo for purpose of repairs, even if cargo reshipped in
other vessels (10-2).
1876.
On 3rd October 1872 Sultan, to meet British demand for statistics, required
every vessel leaving Maskat in cargo to take out manifest from Superinten
dent of Customs House, specifying crew, passengers, cargo and destination;
laden vessels entering harbour also required to report. Fee for each manifest
$2. ^Graduated fee of Re. 1 per 50 tons now introduced: Residentdoubted com
patibility ol this with Article IX of Commercial Treaty. Government thought
exception need not be taken to new charge ; but, if raised. Agent should report
and in any case explain to Sultan that infractions of Article IX should be
avoided (2-11).
1877.
Secretary of State approved (11-1). Weighment dues, instituted by Said
early in reign, and wharfage dues, instituted by Turki in 1873, also found to
exist but not excessive (13-9).
1878.
[Weighment and wharfage papers lost (31-7)].
1879.
Weighment and wharfage charges could not under Treaty be compulsorily
exacted ; Government of India thought, however, it would suffice if Sultan were
moved to make weigbment optional (14-8). Sultan issued notice making
weighment and wharfage dues optional to British Indian subjects (9-lof.
Government of India held that Treaties of 1839 and 1840 were not applicable
to tax levied by Sultan on country produce imported from interior by land into
coast towns, British subjects therefore should pay it (S-ll).
1880.
Sultan obtained $ 2,000 to 3,000 a year by sale of monopoly of dyeing silk
for Arab market. Some banyas now objected as contrary to Article X of
Treaty (5-2). Government of India thought this long standing system need
not be interfered with (12-3). A British subject complained of levy from
him of local tax of more than 5 per cent, on tobacco imported by him from
Batina by sea to Maskat (27-9). Government of India approved Resident's
view that unless the tobacco was intended for direct re-exportation to British
port he must pay (8-11).
1881. s
Octroi tax at Maskat and Matra on goods from interior for sale and expor
tation raised from between IJ and 2^ per cent, (formerly included in customs
contract) to 6 per cent, (now purchased by farmer as separate tax for $ 15 5b0)
Did not consult British Agent. Likely to irritate Arabs and drive trade to Sur
(11-7).
1885.
Chief camel-breeders, Bedouins of Sharkiya, and after them tribes of
Dbahira; 3,000 camels, possibly many more, could be collected in these districts
in short time. Average price of really good animal $ 25 (26-4).
1886.
Sultan imposed 5 per cent, duty on dates brought from interior to
Mesnaah, Khabura, etc., payable there in case of direct exportation abroad,