‘Persia – especially Seistan’ [‎12r] (22/949)

5
The simple wants and general poverty of the people offer only a limited
field to foreign trade. Regular steamer service from Europe and India to
Gulf ports has decreased the coasting trade formerly centring in Muscat.
The inland frontiers, apparently bounded in great part by deserts, afford no
access to more distant markets. Little seems to be known of the mineral
resources of the interior, but some hold the country to be capable of
considerable agricultural development. Behind the forbidding rock-hound coast
there are reported to be wide and fertile valleys with fair water supplies from
the inland mountain ranges. When law and security take the place of the
disorder which now prevails in the interior, there may be considerable increase
in cultivation and industry, and consequently in purchasing capacity of foreign
commodities.
BAHREIN.
The population of the two islands under the rule of the Sheikh of Bahrein
is said to be about 70 , 000 . Manameh is the capital and commercial centre.
Foreign residents are—the Assistant Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. to H. B. M. Resident at
Bushire, numerous British Indian subjects, an American mission with staff
of five or six missionaries (usually including a male and lady doctor), a German
trader, and until recently a French trader. There is a constant immigration
from Persia, chiefly of the labouring classes.
The climate is exceedingly hot in summer, the most trying period being
the damp heat from mid-July to October, when the wet bulb thermometer
often registers 100° Fahrenheit. The months from November to April are
temperate and pleasant, midwinter even cold.
The rainfall is very scanty, and it has been surmised that the plentiful
supply of spring water enjoyed by the islands must be derived from sources
far in the interior of the Arab mainland.
Statistics.
Trade statistics are published annually in H. B. M. Consular Reports for
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , and show that trade is increasing.
Total Imports {excluding specie).
£
Average for three years, 1895-97 ... ... 341,000 per annum.
„ „ 1900-02 ... ... 472,000
Total Exports {excluding specie).
£
Average for three years, 1895-97 ... ... 379,000 per annum.
„ „ 1900-02 ... ... 534,000
Imports.
Cattle and Sheep are imported from Persia, as the islands do not rear a
sufficient supply for food.
Coffee is used much more than tea by the Arabs. Brazilian coffee is displacing
Indian, because cheaper. The average annual import of coffee for some
years past has been about 7,000 cwt., and trade is increasing.
Textiles. —The largest business is in grey shirtings of Manchester and Bombay
manufacture. American sheeting is also in demand in two qualities
(Lamp and Hawk marks) at Rs. 110 to Rs. 120 per bale of 25 pieces
of 38 or 39 yards. Indigo dyed shirtings are in some demand for the
Muharrem, Cotton prints are all cheap light fabrics from Manchester;
spotted blue and white, red and white, and check patterns were most
noted in the bazaars. The average annual import of cotton tissues has
been from 50 , 000 L to 60 , 000 L in value, and the trade is increasing.
There is a limited hut increasing demand for silk and woollen goods.
Grain and Provisions .—Rice is the most important import, large quantities
being taken by the fishing fleets. The average annual import is 285,000