COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2200, 15 March 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The Customs duties oolleoted at Christohuroh on Saturday, March 12th, were as follows i Spirits, JCIOO 14s j wine. £32 7s 6d; Bngar, £SO 16a Id; tea, £33 16s; ad valorem, £226 15b; other duties, £l 12a 2d Total, £445 o*4d. The week has passed over without eliciting a more active demand for goods. Business continues quiet, and traders do not evince much disposition to operate outside immediate requirements. The klizibeth Graham has put in an appearance- during the week, and any moment may see the arrival of the Mabel, whioh vessel left Wellington for this port a few days ago. The Borneo at Port Chalmers, having oompleted tfco discharge of her Dunedin cargo, is almost ready to come on. The arrival of the Elizabeth Graham will partially relieve the scarcity of a few lines whioh have run very low in stock. The Orari is now considerably overdue, and several items of her cargo would be very acceptable if horo at the moment The cargo _of sugar by the Anoabell was offered at auction on tho 9th, but the sale cannot be pronounced as a success. Some lines were sold, bnt the trade did not show much eagerness. Whiteß ranged from £33 to £36, according to quality. Other descriptions did not receive much attention from buyers. Teas are being pushed both by looal houses and by Australian and interprovincial holders, at pricea which indicate a much lower level than the opening of the season. This fact more particularly applies to the higher values. Belmont sperms are quoted at 9Jd to lOd. The demand for cocoas is not over brisk, but a better inquiry ia likely to spring up with the approach of winter. Van Houten's, 4s 5d to 4a 6d; Fry's, Is 3Jd; Epps'. Is fid. Eletnes are very scarce, and command 7-Jd to 7 i d, bat the actual demand just now is not much. Soda crystals and sulphur are both out of first hands, and orders have to be filled from outside sources. Caustio Boda—76 per cent, has been placed at £23 to £24. Boiled linseed oil is etill quoted at 4s 8d; castor has had business at 3s lid to 4s, d.p. Invoices of cement to arrive have changed hands at 15s to 15s 6d, according to size of parcel and brand. Galvanized iron to land has been quitted at £25 10s to £26 10s, according to brand, for assorted lengths up to 9ft. Fencing wire is attracting more attention, the principle ocquiry being for No. 8. _ With the closer approach of winter a more animated business may be expected in this article. Cornaacks are without quotable alteration in price. Brandy continues dull, and stocks are not moving off to satisfaction of holders, who are now inclined to push business at a reduction. Whiskey is without any notable enquiry. A few sales of low to medium sherries and ports have been made at 5s 6d to 8s (id. Ale and stout in bottle do not command much notice, although holders are anxiou« to make sales. The demand for olover seeds jußt now is noticeable from the faot that autumn sowing in the Middle Island has never been carried out to any extent, hence the bareness of stocks, dealers being greatly unprepared for the enquiry. Some descriptions are not obtainable at the moment, and prices for the spot lots in hand and to arrive are consequently high.