'Lord Curzon's Notes on Persia: About 1889-1890' [‎543r] (1105/1486)

BU8HIRE.
3
pectations, owing to scanty rainfall in the later months. The
quality of wheat brought to Bushire was inferior in colour and in
size, and the admixture of barley was excessive. Owing to low
prices in European markets, cultivators in Persia realised but small
returns.
The prohibition on export of grain imposed in the autumn of
1888 was never entirely withdrawn, and shipments could only be
made on payment of special fees, in addition to the regular duty.
Capricious and unnecessary prohibitions of exportation of
giains horn Persia are of frequent occurrence, and tend greatly to
hamper trade, not only in this particular branch, but in all others.
Such embargos have also an injurious effect on the country and
population. If they were strictly enforced, the results would be
ruinous to all, and, in the absence of satisfactory regulations, it is
necessary in the general interests to pass without remonstrance
irregulaiities which add to the incomes of the official classes. If
some more satisfactory system could be introduced and enforced,
it would be a boon to trade generally, and relieve it of a burden,
and constantly recurring annoyance. It is obvious how convenient
the present system is to local officials.
The opium crop of 1889 w r as a good one, but the demand for Opium
the drug in Europe has fallen off, and most of the Persian opium
w a> sent to China. Prices in Hongkong w r ere uniform through
out the year, and profits moderate.
The tobacco trade of South Persia has been chiefly in the Tobacco,
hands of Syrian merchants. It was by no means remunerative,
by all accounts, in 1889, and some losses were incurred. It is
understood that an English or European company has acquired
a concession for a tobacco “ regie ” in Persia.
The quantity of w^ool exported was up to the average. Some Wool,
shipments were made to Bombay, London, New York, and Mar-
sei.lles, but most of the wool was sent to Busrah. The exporters
paid high prices to the Persian sellers and farmers, but the trans
actions led to losses to the exporters.
The cotton trade is on the increase in South Persia, and is Cotton,
chiefly in the hands of Persian merchants, who ship to Bombay,
where the Persian cotton is bought for mixing with finer Indian
qualities destined for Europe.
The carpet trade receives more attention from European CarpeU.
exporters than formerly, and the manufacture in certain districts
is controlled by European supervision, with good results.
. " * ie . stimulation of the trade in Persian gum, which was men- Gum *
tioned in my report for 1888, has been arrested in consequence
ot la rger supplies of good qualities being obtainable in Ecrypt
and the Soudan. The Persian article has been scarcely inquired
The A rab population of the shores of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. and its Pe » rl .
islands look forward to the period of diving operations (about 100 fi8llerie, *
days of the hot season) as the chief event of the year. To them
the pearl take is their harvest, and in this all classes, from chiefs
(94o)