‘Cyprus.’ [‎77v] (154/184)

148
CYPKl’S.
Trade.
CHAPTER XIII.
Trade and Revenue.
Cyprus has an excellent geographical position for commerce, it
lies within easy distance of all the great ports of the eastern
Mediterranean, and is almost in the direct route between them. It
also holds the key of the Gulf of Scanderoon, which may in course
of time become one of the greatest emporiums of the commerce of
the Levant A geographical area corresponding to the region around the eastern Mediterranean Sea. . The trade and resources of the island have probably
never yet been fully developed, though perhaps they were most so
during the periods of the Lusignan and Venetian governments.
A very close connection exists between the commerce of
Cyprus and its products, vegetable, animal, and mineral; the
foregoing chapters contain full details concerning the various
influences which annually cause fluctuations in the amount and
quality of the numerous products, and which have been explained
to be due to either ignorance of the art of high cultivation, want of
proper agricultural implements, droughts, mistaken fiscal policy on
the part of the government, combined with oppressive and ill-
adjusted taxation, or last, though perhaps not least, if the neglected
mineral wealth of the island be considered, the lethargic character,
and want of enterprise of the inhabitants; these influences must
therefore be borne in mind whilst reviewing the trade statistics
now given of the last few years.
The present infusion of British energy and capital, together
with the introduction of modern science and a good administration,
all of which will be the natural results of our occupation of the
island, will soon take effect, and the evils above alluded to may be
expected to disappear on the removal of the paralysing effects of
Turkish rule.
We hear that the immediate result of the Anglo-Turkish
Convention has been to quicken Mediterranean business in our
leading sea ports and to give great activity to freights. Hitherto
British merchant ships have been almost invariably sent to Cyprus
in ballast (as the table below shows), or else at prices for cargo
almost equivalent to ballast ; consequently there has been no
special inducement to embark in direct trade with the island, and
but a small proportion of exports have been shipped direct to
England in British vessels. Consul Riddell remarks upon this
fact in his Report for 1872, as follows:—
“ The want of more frequent opportunities for direct shipment to Great
Britain operates seriously against the extension of trade, yet it is easier to
state the fact than propound a remedy. The volume of the exports from