COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2237, 29 April 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Since the close of the Easier holidays business in the import market has exhibited a slightly improved aspect. More frequent inquiries have been made, and transactions completed, both in aorting-ap parcels and invoice lines have embraced nearly every description of merchandise. The only foreign arrivals have been the Mataura, with general cargo, from London, and the Sunbeam, from the Mauritius. The latter Vessel’s cargo of sugar ia divided, one portion being for Lyttelton and the other for Dunedin. Values of sugars remain about the same, although an eagerness to do business is observable. The latest advices from the Mauritius report the despatch of another cargo for this, about the 18th of this month. Teas have had considerable attention, both in boxes and half-chests. Quittances have run principally on low grades, from lOd to la 2d, and oh the beat sorts up to 2a. Van Houten’s cocoa, in £ and :ilfas., has had considerable trade attention at 4s 6d; for 11b. tins less money is taken, fry's is quoted at the usual rates of Is 3]d to la 4d. Bayers are indifferent about dried fruits not coring to give the prices asked. Importers nee equally firm, and debline to sell under 7£d for Elemes, Bid for Sultanas, and 6id to 6£d for currants in cases. The scarcity of soda crystals has been relieved, and parcels have been sold at £9 10s to -69 15s. Fine salt ia quoted at £5 and £1 12s 6d to .£4 15s to arrive ; coarse ia Belling at £4 to £1 2s 6d. Caiman’s starch has seen only trade enquiry at 4Jd todjd ; Jones’ at <tid. The agents of Mellor’s sauce report a very good enquiry at standard prices. Oilmen’s stores generally have not commanded anything outside of trade dealings. High test kerosene is notin over supply, and rates in the face of the small shipments on the way have a tendency to harden. Low test and oils just within the Government standard are in fuller stock, and rates are unaltered. Boiled and raw oils maintain the late high values. Castor has changed hands up to 4s. There hac been a alight enquiry for olive. Turps have been quitted in , small lots at 3s 9d to 3s lOd, but buyers only take for actual needs. White ’and red leads are not actively wanted. Invoiced lines of galvanised iron, to arrive, have been offered at £25 10s, to £25 15s, according to brand. During the week an active demand for yard parcels has been experienced, and pending supplies now landing prices have stood at £27 10s to £2B. The market at the moment is bare of coke plates, but stocks will soon be replenished from shipments coming forward. Orders for most sizes of standards con now bo executed, the iron now coming to hand in vessels discharging. Fencing wire has not been in much demand for any number. American barb has been selling more freely at the current rates. Iron staples are quoted at 30s. The season being pretty well over clover seeds are easier, and the demand has sensibly slackened. Stocks of cornsacks are not too large, and prices keep from 9s for the large size. Roping twine is quiet at late rates. In liquids only a moderate trade is noticeable. Stocks of brandy are not being reduced, and soles are not at all liberal. Bulk ranges from 7s 6d to 8s 6d for the brands mostly touched. Higher values, 10s to 11s. Hennessy case has been sold up to 38s 6d. Whisky, in case, remains without life, and sales are difficult to make even at the unusually low rates ruling.