COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 286, 7 March 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

English. Markets. Messrs Berry, Barclay and Co. report, under date London, January I2tli, ISBI : —Wheat — Since the opening of the new year we have had a very sluggish trade, both merchants and millers working from hand to mouth, with very small stocks, speculation being discouraged by the enormous “ visible supply” in America. After touching 30,000,000 bushels last week, if is quoted to-day at 28,600,000 bushels. Towards the close, however, a stronger feeling prevails, induced partly by easterly winds, which are keeping back supplies, and partly by the firmer attitude of American holders. Their shipments are very small, only 525,000 quarters for the fortnight, and it is not improbable that they may gain a temporary advantage, owing to our consumers pushing their policy of abstention too far. The stocks of wheat on January Ist at the fourteen chief ports of the United Kingdom were only 811,000 quarters, against 1,642,860 quarters at the same time last year. Nevertheless, there is a genera want of confidence, and a belief that prices will give way as the spring advances. Australian being scarce maintains its value on the spot, and there are no sellers of good quality . below 51s per496lbs. Off coast Marmionsold at 48s 9 for Havre. On passage a cargo of 6,0c0 quarters nearly due per iron ship at 4° s gd United Kingdom. For January shipment of:tlie new crop, 46s 6d paid for a cargo 9,000 quarters per wooden ship, and 6d more would be paid for iron. Of New Zealand the supplies consist mostly of ill-conditioned parcels, which sell slowly at previous prices, say 38s, 43s ; fair to good quality is worth 44s to 475, and sound long-berried 48s, 50s per 4g6lbs. Flour has been neglected, but holders generally remain firm, and little or nothing is to be had below 35s per 280113 S ex store for superfine Australian. Oats—New Zealand descriptions have been pressed for sale, and good heavy parcels weighing 47 to 481113 per bushel have been sold below 28s per 3S4H)-, but there is a rather better feeling at the close.