‘Persia – especially Seistan’ [‎13r] (24/949)

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only be^innin" to acquire fair proportions, nearly all business is clone
throu^^Bembay and falls largely to British Indian traders with agents or
correspondents there. The regular steamer service with Bombay at low fares
for deck passages has been availed of by many petty traders to make selection
of goods there personally.
The prosperity of Manameh as a trading port is not due to demand from
the limited area and small population of the islands of Bahrein, but chiefly
to its position as the rallying point of the pearl Ashing fleets of the Gulf,
which lay in 'supplies and dispose of pearls there during the fishing season,
and before dispersing for home at its close provide themselves with stores for
the winter.
The island markets of Arabia have as yet less influence on the trade of
Bahrein, but it is in this direction that increase of commerce may be looked
for Manameh is the natural emporium for commerce with El Katr and
El Hassa. The coast towns of these districts have facile communication with
Bahrein by sailing craft, but it is said to be difficult for ocean steamers to
approach El Katif or Ujair, the two larger seaports from which caravan
routes run to the inland parts of El Hassa, and in times of peace to Biadh
and even more distant markets in the interior of Arabia. This incipient trade,
mostly piece goods business, is at present constantly blocked by local wars
and feuds, but is persistently renewed when circumstances permit, and some
day may * develop into an important commerce with these wide but little
known regions.
There is some trade with ports on the opposite Persian coast, such as
Kangun and Tahiri, which are more accessible to sailing craft from Bahrein
than Bushire.
KOWEIT.
The channel and inner harbour of Koweit have been buoyed recently by
the British India Steam Navigation Company. The steamers of their
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. line from Bombay have maintained a regular service at this
port since the summer of 1901 , and now call fortnightly. The frequent
overcarrving of cargo on account of rough weather in the outer bay, which
has been hitherto a source of much inconvenience, should in future be less
experienced.
A strong fleet is sent to the pearl fishing, but both pearls and shells are
disposed of in Bahrein. Some hides and skins are exported to India, and
lamb skins are bought for the Russian market.
Rice is largely imported from India, also other grains spices, and coffee.
The demand for textiles, chiefly cotton piece goods, is partly for account
of Busreh, to which goods are forwarded overland from the Core Abdullah.
All business is done through Bombay, as at Muscat and Bahrein. Trade
to inland parts of Arabia is hampered by the disturbed state of the country.
An interest attaches to this port as a possible terminus for the projected
Bagdad Railway, but the town itself is not likely to be that terminus, as it
is on the further side of the bay from Busreh, with a wide expanse pf shallow
water in front, while on the north side of the bay the deep water is said to come
nearer shore, and to be of much greater extent.
PIRATE COAST.
The ports of the Pirate Coast, such as Sharkah, Debai, Abu Dhabi, at
present trade chiefly with Lingah, the nearest port of call for ocean steamers.
Sailing craft from these ports can generally both make Lingah and return
therefrom on the prevailing wind. Steamers occasionally call at Debai, lying
in an open bay with indifferent anchorage.
Pearls and shells are the chief source of wealth of these coast villages,
and are disposed of in Bahrein or Lingah.
Rice, wheat, ghee, spices, coffee, and other provisions from India, and in
textiles, grey and white shirtings and cheap Manchester prints of light fabric,
with some canvas and coir rope for the sailing craft, are the principal
tmports.
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