"تقارير إدارية لسنة ١٩٤٧" [و‎‎٤‎٧] (١٢٨/٩٣)

10
Imports consisted chiefly of cereals, textiles and tea, whilst fish,
dates and limes were the main exports.
(b) The exchange rate of the Maria Therese dollar proved to be
very unsteady throughout the year, opening at Rs. 236/- to 100 M*T.
dollars in January and closing at Rs. 216/- to 100 M.T. dollars in
December. The rate -was never constant over a long period and contiinued
decreasing in value as the year drew on. The reason for this deflation of
the dollar was the decrease in the value of sdates exported and hence the
consequential loss of purchasing power of the M.T. dollar. Banking
regulations issuing from India governing the operation of non resident
accounts and the discontinuation of the ,, Hundi n transfers also
contributed to the loss in value of the dollar. The highest rate
reached during the year was Rs. 268/- to 100 M.T. dollars in July
and the lowest ?jas Rs.. 216/- for 100 M.T. dollars reached in December.
(c) The date market opened satisfactorily, the price of the
superior quality being 440 M.T. dollars per bahar of 1800 lbs in July,
but dropped drastically to 195 M.T. dollars for the same quantity in
December. The price of the inferior quality opened at 330 M.T.
dollars per bahar in July and dropped to 160 M.T. dollars per bahar
in Decembei’. The import restrictions in India which is practically
the only market for dry dates were responsible for the phenomenal
decrease in the price of dates and the future of Muscat dry dates
is none too cheerful as far as can be seen.
5. CUSTOMS
Mr. M.A. Rashid continued as Director General of the Muscat
Customs throughout the year, although he was granted one month’s
leave in India,during which time Mr. Jethalal officiated.
6. AIR.
(a) South Arabian Air Route - The airfields at Masirah and
Salalah were in use throughout the year. These airfields are operated
on a care and maintenance basis and are available to aircraft for landing
and refuelling but the airlines must provide their own personnel to refuel
and no maintenance or servicing facilities for aircraft are provided.
/ (b)