COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2338, 30 September 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Notwithstanding the end of the month, when forward purchases are the rule, business in the import market has not been of a very encouraging nature. On every hand complaints of the quietness of trade aro current, and purchases of general goods have been of the most sparing character. Favored with leas changeable summer weather will see a brisker and more confident tone imparted into dealings. On and after the Ist of October the several alterations made in the ’ Customs tariff during the last session of Parliament ceme into operation. It is the generally entertained opinion that_ it wonld have been better to have allowed section 4 of the Customs Act |to have remained in force. As the alteration is of such a sweeping nature, we do not think it just to the trading community that auoh immediate tffect should Lave been given to it. When the danse was brought into operation six months’ notice was given to permit merchants and others to regulate their business orders, and though not affecting matters bo vitally, yet the same latitude should have been allowed when repealing the clause. At g.ny rate, there can be only one opinion held as to this too often tinkering of the tariff. It is not only objectionable and detrimental to trade, but is undeniably unfair to the mercantile community. Aa this clause particularly affects wine and spirit merchants, we would draw their attention to it. For goods prices are without much appreciable alteration, and transactions in most descriptions of merchandise have been extremely limited. A few sales of clarets to arrive at 11s to 12s are reported. Spot lots are not obtainable in quantity. Further business has been done lately in woolpacks at last week’s quotations. Pending the arrival of supplies by the Robin Hood, outside inquiries have been frequent witbin the last few days. A speculative move in candles may bo noticed, consequent upon the increased price of tallow in the London market. Sugars have been selling more freely. The demand is now setting in for turnip seeds, and prices ruling in Christchurch are less than the seed is now quoted at in the homo markets. Mr C. T. Ick reports sales of farm and dairy produce at auction during the past and current week. Chick wheat, good sample, 3s lOd per bushel; middling ditto, 3s 3d, and bags extra ; field peas, 3s per bushel; sharps and barley meal, 6a 6d to 7s 6d for bags of seven bushels; feed barley, 2s 6d per bushel. Butter in kegs, 24d to 4d per lb, and no demand; bams and bacon if sweet and moderate size, 5d to 6d; taints, 3d ; fat sides only nominal, say Id to 2d per lb, and hard to quit; cheese, old and dry, 2d to 3d; good and moist, 31d to 4d per lb; onions, very scarce, 2d per lb. Potatoes a complete drug, and only saleable at nominal prices for pigs.