Commercial.

Evening Star, Issue 3480, 18 April 1874, Page 2

Commercial.

Markets during the week have undergone little variation. The general demand is good, and is only checked by the high rates of cartage which are now fully double those asked a few weeks back. Scarcely any alteration in prices can_ be quoted, although in certain of imports the tendency is upwards. Brandies, although nominally unchanged, are held for extreme rates. Bottled ale has not titered, but m porter there is a desire to press sales, and prices may be said to bo somewhat easier. Candles are very firm at . last quotavans, and kerosene has an upward tendency. Kfry produce commands higher prices. Butter •pact be had under Is 2d to Is 3d, and cheese Mtamands 7d to 7sd.

SHARE AND LABOR MARKET.

19V Hooper reports This week’s transaotions nave exceeded those of former weeks Business has been_ exceedingly brisk, a large finmber of shares in the different companies having changed hands, generally at advanced rates. In share market reports, both here and elsewhere, two prices are generally quoted, one for sellers and another for buyers. This system Mems to me to be extremely absurd, and rightly expounded means no business at all. Thus BeUers 60s, buyers 45s—hero is a gulf across wiicn sellers and buyers cannot shake hands because there is a difference of 5s between them! WUch reaUy means no transactions. I have thought it right to break through this absurd system, and shall, therefore, in my quotations give the figures at which sales are actually effected, thus placing before the public the real market value ef the different stocksGreymouth Goal Company, 6s. Shotover Terrace Gold Mining, 13s; freely inquired for. Bw Gold Mining, 6s, Guardian Printing, 26s to 27s 6d. Mosgiel Woollen .Factory, unsaleable, unless below par.* National Bank of New Zealand, 755. National Insurance have not advanced this week, but are very firmly held; expected to rise; present price, 32s 6d. South British Insurance have advanced from 2s to 3s per share; present pnce, B2s. Standard Insurance shares, as anticipated m my former reports, have made a respectable advance, and are now worth 15s, and firmly held. The success of those insurance companies will doubtlesglead to the formation M other local msurane^ompanies.

THE LABOR

W* Hooper reports t-The labor market is exceedingly satisfactory: good wages are obtainable for almost all lands of labor. Good general servants and housemaids are very BCftr *® : *be demand greatly in excess of the supply. General quotations about same as last week.