COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2179, 18 February 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The Customs duties collected at Chriatohnrob on Wednesday, February 16th, were as follows :—Spirits, .£llO 2a 4d ; tobacco, £B6 9a ; wine, £BS 8s; beer, £52 7s; sugar, £8 15s ; goods bv weight, £l2O ss; ad valorem, 18s. Total, £470 4s 4d.

The business of the week in the import market kas not been marked by any improvement on the preceding. The tone is decidedly quiet, but with tho successful gathering in of the harvest it is anticipated that a more active feeling will shortly dovelopa itself. Cornaocks have had fair attention. Sales of foil-sized sacks have been made up to 9s for considerable parcels. The inquiry for woolpncks hne now almost ceased, beyond an occasional order for woolscoarers’ parposes. A large parcel of Gillingham’s cement has been placed, to arrive, at a price withheld. Sheet lead has been placed, in small lines, at £23 10s to £3l. Tho market is rather baro of Douglas’s pumps of No. 3 uze, and fall rates are obtainable. Other numbers 'are in overstock. Galvanised iron is unaltered, and but few transactions can bo noted. Little or no business has transpired in fencing wire, and not much is expected until the winter is nearer. The demand for binding wire baa fallen off, the cutting being pretty well over. In groceries only a trade enquiry ban passed through hands, the only item out of tho usual groove being a line of Poole’s pickles, which have been placed at 8s to 8s 3d. Fair sales of Mellor’s sauce are reported by the agents at the standard quotations. Brandies aro being pushed by holders, but without leading to business. In the face of accnmulating stocks, the price is a shade easier. Best brands range Sr am 9s to 10a 6d. Medium are quoted nominally at 7s Gd to 8s 3d. Case brandy is without much notice beyond small trade lota—--23» to 24s is the average quotation. Ports have had sales at Cs Gd to Bs. Sherry continues very dull of salo. Champagnes ore entirely neglected. Mail advices announce a further rise in soma brands, but there is little chance of it affecting rates hero. Dio and porter ore unaltered, and business has not been over brisk in either.