COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2173, 11 February 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The business of the post weak in the import market has shown a slight improvement on the preceding. The general tone, however, is one of marked quietness. Since onr last report the 4th of the month has passed over in a satisfactory manner, acceptances and payments having been made with promptitude. With the closer approach of the threshing of the new season’s crop, wo have to note a much firmer feeling ia comsaeks. Holders of lines have withdrawn from the market, and are unwilling to sell unless at full rates. A further rise being anticipated, offers of parcels are being made from ontside parts, but at such prices as preclude business at present. Woolpacks are only selling _in odd parcels at 3s to 3s 3d, according to descriptions. The market is now batter supplied with roping twine, and Is 3d to Is 4d ia the quotation. Cement to arrive is being tried at 15s fid to 16a for known brands. Galvanised iron, in ocnj unction with other builders’ lines, has shown symptoms of weakness, and for invoices .£23 to .£27 ia asked. Screws and nails are quoted at 02s to 6Ss. Heavy standard iron is almost wholly out of first hands, and orders are executed with difficulty. Sales to arrive are being made at advanced rates. Plain galvanised sheet iron has been placed at £l2B 10a. An invoice of ground bark has been quitted during the week at a price Withheld. Wire nails are difficult to obtain, the market having lately become completely bare- 22s to 23s has been got for assorted lota. Sheet lend is not in over request, Tho demand for lard and castor oil has been moderately active. The shortness of stocks of the former ■will be replenished by the arrival of tho Mabel from New lork, now discharging the Dunedin portion of her cargo at that port. Kerosene, lor high test, 2s Id to 2s 2d is asked. Dow test ia in plentiful supply, land rates are easier, Is 9d to Is lOd being asked. The enquiry for boiled oil, instead of slacking off in consequence of tho closing of the wool branding season, is still characterised by activity. Stocks ore unprecedentedly low, and 4s 8d to 4s 8d ia readily paid for lots. Turps are not in over-supply, and small lines are quoted at 3s 4d to 3s fid. Whiting is selling at 5a 9d to 6a. Soda crystals are wanted at j£9 10s to -CIO. Tobaccos move quietly at Is to Is 2d, according to brand. Business ia teas and sugars has not been so frequent during the week. Values of all classes remain about the same. Loaf sugar is scarce, and sales to arrive can be noted at full prices. Spirits present no new features. Brandy ia quoted, with a quiet demand, at 7a fid to 10a, according to brand, for bulk, and 24s to 30s for cases; Hennessy’s case 375. Case whisky continues dull of sale ; bulk, best brands, are selling at 9a ; Dalmore at fis ; Usher’s old at fis to fis 4d ; Long John at 5s 3d to 5s fid. For common aorta 4s fid to 5a ia being paid. A better demand can be noted for ports ; sales of ordinary sorts bave been made at 6b fid to 8s fid. Sherry is without inquiry. Champagnes are entirely neglected. Ale and porter, in case, are without the slightest alteration.