Commercial.

Evening Star, Issue 3691, 21 December 1874, Page 2

Commercial.

The amount of revenue received at the Oua tom-house on cleared for consumption taw dav waa L 1,608 2s 6d. _ At the Government land sale to-day Mr Jas. Milner, Government auctioneer, sold five quarter-acre sections in the town of Port Chalat the following prices. The upset price

fot each was Ll2 10s :—Section 166 realised L2o_>; section 335, L 4 9; section 330, L 5 5; section 341, L4O; and section 344, L7O. On the whole business has been fairly active during the week just closed ; demand for most classes of produce having been steady. In sugars an improved feeling has been manifested, buyers having been compelled to concede an advance on previous rates. Best yellows command L 34 10s for lines. We have to report the sale of several lines of teas of the red dragon brand ex George Noble, which have been taken by the trade at fair prices. The quality is good. In spirits, whiskies are moving off freely. Notwithstanding a full supply, prices are fully maintained. Brandy has at last acquired an upward tendency in Melbourne, hor months past we have been unaole to account for the best brands of brandy selling in Melbourne so much below London quotations that it would have paid a speculator to buy in Melbourne for export to London. As must be the case in the long run, an equalisation of prices is taking place, and may be considered nearly established. The market is overstocked in bottled beer, and prices are somewhat easier. A sale of general merchandise at auction was held at the rooms of Messrs M'Landress, Hepburn, and Co. The trade mustered well, but biddings were not brisk. Twelve quai ter-ca ks of Glen Grant whisky realised os 3d; Otard’s brandy, in case, 255. Some excellent samples of ale and porter found no buyers. New cheese still comes in very slowly, and prices are exceedingly high. Of old cneese, there is none in the market. There is a fair supply of butter, which commands former rates. Hams and bacon are still scarce, and prices are advancing. The booths in connection with the forthcoming Caledonian games were this morning let by auction by Messrs M‘Landress, Hepburn and Co. The attendance was large and the bidding spirited. The prices realised were as follows Booth No. 1, L2O 10s, George Crickmore; Nos. 2 and 3, L 39, J. Richmond ; Nos. 4 and 5, L 49, J. Donaldson ; Nos. 6 and 7, L6l, Elson and Co ; Nos. 8 and 9, L 62, Harold and Bain; No. 10, L 24 10s, Mr Fidler. The total amounted to L 256, showing an increase over last year’s prices of L 52. The right of selling cards is to be disposed of privately by the Society. THE LABOR MARKET, Mr Skene reports there is a good demand for people of most kinds at present, and in many lines the supply is short. Good farm hands are very scarce, and dairy people are much needed. Carpenters are busy, and many other skilled trades have their hands full. There is a regular run for female servants at present, but very few fit for ordinary useful work can be got. Ordinary laborers are wanted in e very direction, and every man who can shear a sheep is in full swing. Wages: Ploughmen and experienced farm hands, from L 55 to L 6 5; couples, L 75 and L 8 0; milkers, 15s and 20s per week ; smart girls, from L 26 to L 36 ; cooks, barmaids, and housekeepers, from L4O to L 52, and more; carpenters, 10s, 12s, and 13s per day; wheelwrights not to be bad; day laborers, 9s and 10s per day; boys and girls, 6s, 7s, and 8s per week ; if educated, 10s to 15s.