'File 27/4 Miscellaneous Trade Reports' [‎121v] (247/702)

the country, however, they were unable to dispose
ot their stocks and at the end of the year there
was a large balance in hand. Prices in Muscat,
however, ruled high A bag of rice was sold
at 12 dollars or over Rs. 18.
Wheat ;—Also shows a very respectable increase
of Rs. 34,136 or 28 per cent, over last year’s
imports. Imports are all from India, as "those
from Kuwait and other Gulf ports have c eased
with the traffic in arms and ammunition to pay
for which, wheat, in large quantities, was for
merly imported from Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ports.
Bar, Silver This is an illicit trade. This
year's imports have amounted to the enormous tigure
of Rs. 3,45,750 showing an increase of Rs. 2,84,050
or nearly 83 per cent, over the imports of last
year which stood at Rs. 61,700, thus showing
that a considerable amount of smuggling to
Cutch ports has been going on. The trade is
being watched and cases of smuggling which
come to the notice of this Consulate are promptly
brought to the notice of the authorities concerned
in India. ,
Coffee ;—Also shows an increase of Rs. 88,683
or 22 per cent, over last year’s figures. Imports
are all Malabar coffee which is preferred to
that from Brazil. It is largely consumed by
the Bedouin.
Kerosine Oil :—Shows an increase of Rs. 93,548
or 66 per cent, over last year's impoits. Of the
total import of Rs. 1,42,588, Rs. 47,510 worth of
oil was supplied by the Anglo-Persian Oil Com
pany of Muhammerah who have now established an
agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. in Muscat and have occasionally brought
consignments in their own steamers. The Stan
dard Oil Company of New York supplied oil
to the value of Rs. 95,000.
Oilman’s Stores Under this head there is a
good increase of Rs. 1,66,805 Dr 66 per cent, over
the previous year’s figures. The bulk of those
imports was for the use of His Majesty’s ships
engaged on blockade operations in the Persian
Gulf.
Twist and yarns Show a considerable
increase of Rs. 1,19,580 or 34 per cent. The
increase in this article shows that the trade in
Muscat manufactured cotton goods is reviving and
that notwithstanding the disturbed state of the
country it has maintained its own and that Muscat
was able to export a little more than last year.
Decrease in Imports The following items
show decreased imports amounting to
Rs. 28,72,063, of which arms and ammunition
alone were responsibe for 25,57,963 and cotton
goods for Rs. 1,95,604 :—
Rs.
Arms and ammunition . . , . 25,57,963
Waras (Ochre) 19,270
Ohee 12,868
Sugar (soft) 55,905
Vermicelli ...... 9,729
Cotton goods 1,95*604
Box boards (Shooks) .... 20,724
Total . . 28,72,063
Arms and Ammunition :-The decrease of
Rs. 25,57,963 or 12-66 percent, noticed under this
head needs little explanation. With the establish
ment of the Arms Warehouse in 1912 and the
rules and regulations brought into force in connec
tion therewith, combined with the strict vigilance
of the Navy, the diminution under this head
which was anticipated has taken place. Within a
year the trade has dwindled to the very low figure
of Rs. 2,U2,902 as compared with Rs. 27,60,865
last year. Of the total imports Belgium sent
the largest portion, viz., Rs. 1,90,677 and
the United Kingdom Rs. 12,225. The cause of
the decreased imports in the other articles noted
above is attributed to the continued disturbed
state of the country which prevented Bedouins
from visiting Muscat and exporting to the interior,
thereby discouraging fresh imports from India.
Waras (Ochre) This is an article mostly
used bv the Bedouins but owing to the continued
unrest in the interior they did not visit Muscat.
The demand for Waras was consequentlv less.
Ghee ;—No ghee came from Turkey in Asia
during the year and what appears in these returns
was imported from India.
Soft (sugar) :—The decrease under this head is
also due to the disturbed state of the country.
Demands for sugar from the interior were small,
discouraging large imports from India. Sugar of
the value of Rs. 1,58,768 was imported from
India, and Belgium supplied Rs. 15,200 worth
of this commoditv.
Vermicelli : — The decrease under this is due to
the large balance of last year’s imports.
Cotton Goods :—The reason for the decrease
is the same as that given above under " Waras”.
No piece goods were imported direct from
America during the year but what appears under
Aden represents American goods. It is said
that a large stock of American piece goods is
always kept in Aden by a Jewish firm which
supplies Muscat demands. Indian piece goods
have similary suffered to th e extent of Rg. 46,704
and those from United Kingdom to the extent
of Rs. 89,050.