COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 811, 27 January 1877, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The recent unsettled weather has retarded harvest operations, and consequently few farmers are sufficiently forward with their work to make ■ales, so that we are unable to give reliable quota* tions. The rush for early deliveries of wheat is over, and buyers are now settling down to think of future prices. Last English quotations will barely net 4s in Christchurch, and with this in view it is generally understood the opening price will be about that figure. The gross yield of wheat this season is estimated to be some 30 per cent in excess of last year, aud this in itself is sufficient t 6 steady prices. Should a European war be averted a dull and heavy market is certain after the first excitement is over, but should peace be broken, speculation may upset all calculations, and it would be difficult to speculate as to how prices may range. Large sales of new oats are reported at us; very few samples have, however, yet appeared in the open market. No new barley has been offering, farmers being busy securing their other crops now that the weather appears to have become more favorable for harvesting. Millers’ quotations of flour continue unsettled, considerable quantities of the recent Adelaide importations being still in the market. During the week the Otago millers have reduced their prices £3 a ton. Grass seed of clean quality is well, enquired for, and worth 4s, large lots more or less damaged by wet have been offered at less money. Dairy produce continues at last quotations of 8d for butter, and 6Jd cheese. Hams and bacon are quiet, but firm at 9sd cloth. Business has been brisk in the Import markets during the past week. A large trade has been done In sugars; several large lines of whites, yellow crystals, aud brewer’s crystals have been taken up at the iollowing rates— Whites, £36 to £33; snowdrop, £39 to £4O; yellow crystals, £33 to £34; brewers’ crystals, £33 Iss to £34 Ss i.b; holders are very firm in their quotations, and appear not at all anxious to force sales. The Sea Belle arrived with 330 tons of Mauritius sugars on the 23rd inst. This venture comes to a very good market. Teas—Several large parcels of teas exKassaand Wagrien have been takeu up at la to Is 10-Jd i.b., boxes meeting with most favor. We have a few sales of Hennessy’s and Martell’s pale and darkbrandy to record at 9s 6d,1.b; holders find it Impossible to get equivalent prices to those obtained In other colonial markets. Hennessy’s case can b'j purchased at 33s to 345. A small parcel ot Isb Z whiskey has been disposed ot at 6s 3d. Crm>' ae( j loaf sugar—We hear of a line of Dutch quitt ed at £SO, but understand holders now refuse an’ thing under £53. Candles--A lair demand has b' jen ex . perienced for Price’s make ; large sales b 'j.ve come under our notice at IOJd. Musc-tels nave been quitted freely at llsd to is. Kellie , r > B confectionery commands good sales at Newcastle, N.S.W., coal has been offering at 3'/ a 6d per ton alongside wharf, or 35s at Christe’aureh railway Btation. We hear of a line placed a few days since at much lower rates than these. English steam coal, a rare article here, has been placed we hear at 35s at Christoh ui ch station. W e have nothing new to report in cement, galvanised iron, and fencing Wire; rates remain as last quoted. Cornsacks are moving off at 10s per dozem.J Bottled ales and stouts —A fair sale has been reported in these lines. The lines. The following ships arrived from London With full and valuable cargoes Crusader on the 13th inst, and the Waipa on the 24th inst.