'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎277] (454/524)

Art. XVIII.— Extract from the Administration Report of the Politi
cal Agent at Zanzibar for the two past years ending with theSXst
May 1864.— Contributed by Government,
[Read before the Society, September 15th, 1864.]
The Administration Report of an independent country like Zanzibar,
where the 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. exercises no control or jurisdiction, except
over British subjects and prote'ges, must necessarily be little more
than a narrative of the chief political events which occurred during the
year, and a review of the state of trade.
I will commence with the latter; but first I would remark that, as
no regular books or accounts are kept at the Custom House, save of
such articles as pay import duty, it is no easy matter to obtain reliable
information. I believe, however, that the statements contained in
this report are a very close approximation to the truth. Every one
has done his utmost to facilitate my inquiries: the books of the Custom
House have been placed at my disposal, the various Consuls have
given me copies of their official returns, and individual merchants have
favoured me with statements of their transactions.
Nevertheless, these returns exhibit only the exterior trade of the
town and island of Zanzibar, and by no means represent the entire com
merce of the Sultan’s dominions. A lucrative trade is carried on by
the Northern ports, such as Lamoo, Mombassa, Magdashooa, Meska,
and Branva, with the Red Sea, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , and India; European
vessels frequently ship their cargoes thence, and produce is exported
from every part of the coast unknown to, and uncaied foi, by the
authorities, as no export duties are levied.
I have been obliged to follow the maritime era of Kudmee of Nowros,
according to which the books of the
Era adopted in Trade Returns. Custom House are made up ; the years
under review are therefore from the 1st of August 1861 to the 31st
July 1862, and between the corresponding dates in 1862-63.