1 ( 74 )
2 are in excess of any previously returned. A comparison of different
3 quarters shows a progressive increase ; and indeed this traffic is generally
4 believed to be really increasing. At the present rate it may reach to
5 ‘nearly a million of maunds, or 35,714 tons in a year. If the water
6 traffic be now so considerable despite of impediments, how vast would it
7 become with the facilities of science ! In 1855, when the expectations
8 regarding flax and.linseed ran high, and when it was anticipated
9 that Government would have to despatch 2,50,000 maunds or 8,928
10 tons of produce to Kurrachee from several. depéts in the Upper
11 Punjab, there was every hope that .water carriage for this amount would
12 be procurable.
13 124, Through the courtesy of the Commandant of the Indus Flotilla
14 and the Naval Officer resident at Mooltan, returns
15 of the up and down trade of the steamers have
16 been received as follows :—
17 Traffic by steamers,
18 YEARS. WEIGHT. VALUE.
19 . Tons. Rupees or £
20 1854... ee 1,024 16,00,829 = 160,083
21 1855... ee ee 952 11,95,931 = 119,593
22 Total ...... 1,976 | 27,96,760 = 279,676
23 : |
24 125. In fine, from the Upper Punjab downwards to Mooltan, or as
25 >, far as Mithunkote, that is, down to the confines of
26 New steamers with j
27 great power and small Punjab and the junction of all the rivers with
28 a aaa aie the Indus, it is probable that land carriage, either
29 by Railway or by Road, will prove preferable to water carriage ; unless,
30 indeed, the navigability of the Punjab rivers shall be established, and
31 a number of steamers of great power, small draught, and cheap freight,
32 shall be introduced. From Mooltan or Mithunkote downwards to
33 Kurrachee, there is every reasonable facility either for Steam or Rail.