COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 584, 3 May 1876, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

ENGLISH COMMERCIAL. Messrs Miles Brothers and Go report on March oth, as follows : WOOL. 1 The first series of colonial wool auctions for the present year commenced on the 16th ult, and terminated on the 4th Inst, The catalogue contained—- . Bales. New South Wales and Queensland 16,457 Port Phillip 36,085 Adelaide 13,796 Van Dleman’s Land 363 New Zealand 3,624 Swan Hirer 28 Cape of Good Hope ... 36,743 Total Ml in 111 Ml .. 107,101 I

About 7600 additional bales were forwarded direct from ship to the North. In consequence of the limited quantity for offer, it was expected tint rates would be firm throughout these sales, but prices have no doubt been affected by the early date fixed for the opening of the next series—viz, the 28th instant, and the consequent short interval between the two sales, for buyers did not seem inclined to give high prices, but rather preferred postponing the purchase of their heavier stock until the end of the month, when prices are expected to be somewhat easier, in consequence of heavy supplies, therefore, although each sale has been well attended, prices began to droop soon after the opening, when immediate wants had been satisfied, and this was especially noticeable in Sydney and Queensland wools, medium sorts having declined about Id per lb, while the finest parcels of fleece have receded 2d to 3d per lb, but this latter fall may be accounted for by the depression existing in the fine clothing trade. Good greasy combing, Port Phillip’s, sold well, without any alteration from the rates ruling at the last sales, but other sorts. Including faulty clothing parcels, are quite Id lower. New Zealand’s were in small supply, and consisted chiefly of scoured parcels, which brought full November rates. The arrivals for next sales to date consist of— Bales. New South Wales and Queensland... 32,091 Victoria 101,526 South Australia 46,383 West Australia 1,400 Tasmania 204 New Zealand 6,480 Cape of Good Hope 10,230 Total 198,314 WHEAT AND FLOUR. A better feeling appears to prevail in the wheat trade, and many farmers are of opinion that English wheat will shortly be scarce, and they are therefore sending supplies to market more sparingly. The shipments afloat show a considerable decrease, and cargoes recently sold have brought full prices, but we hear that very large supplies are stored at. the principal depots in the United States, and we do not therefore, at present, see any prospects of an important permanent improvement, as higher rates would no doubt entice large shipments to this country j at the same time we think that the price of wheat has touched the lowest point, and that it will improve rather than decline. A considerable quantity of Australian wheat and flour has arrived here since the date of our last re port, and the greater portion of the former article has been disposed of at 50s 6d to 51s ex ship, but flour is very dull of sale, and very little has changed hands. We quote : Australian wheat 51s to 52s 6d per 496 lbs New Zealand do, .. 49s Od to 51s per 496 lbs Australian flour, fine ... 33s Od to 36s per 280 lbs ~ common ... 29s Od to 33s per 280 lbs New Zealand do 29s Od to 32s per 280 lbs TALLOW AND HIDES; The tallow market has been very dull, and prices must be quoted Is to Is 6d lower than on the 18th ult. the present value of good to fine New Zealand mutton being 44s to 455, and fair to fine beef 42s to 43s per owt. Hides continue very dull, the tendency being still downwards, but heavy New Zealand 4jd, and light 4d per lb. NEW ZEALAND HEMP. There is very little of this fibre offering, the bulk of the quantity on hand being held off the market; but while Sisal hemp and Manilla remain so depressed, it is Impossible that any improvement can take place. [As the importations have entirely ceased we shall not again report on this article.] PRESERVED TINNED MEAT. There is little to report with regard to the meat trade, and at present stocks are very light, and many lines quite out of holders’ hands. Full rates are made for any small importations, but arrivals to any extent would cause a fall in prices.