COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2344, 7 October 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The Customs duties collected at Christchuroh on Wednesday, October sth, were aB follows : Spirits, .£449 13s 7d ; tobacco, .£l6B 10s 6d; cigara, JS3I 16s 6d; wine, £34; beer, J 243 8s 6d ; sugar, £3O 0s 3d; tea, £l3 8s 2d ; goods by weight, i!333 9s 6d ; ad valorem, ;C197 7s ; other duties, .£52 3s 3d. Total, .£1343 17s 3d. The week has just shown a slight improvement on the previous. The slightly better tone, however, is mostly due to the sorting up lines that take place about this period. The 4th of the month has passed over favorably, bills and engagements having received satisfactory attention. Mauritius advices report that the weather experienced rendered an early commencement of sugar making impossible. Only a fow parcels of the new crop had arrived in town, but another fortnight or so would see all in full operation. The yield, as far as was ascertained, was considered satisfactory, and the bulk of the production would run on whites. Prices opened at about 15 to 16ra, but as soon as the first few orders were supplied, lower rates were looked for. Exchange on New Zealand stood at 14 per cent. At date bo charters were reported for New Zealand. Deliveries of woolpacks, both for shipment and locally during the week, have been frequent. Prices stand the same aB last week. The arrival of the Robin Hood from Calcutta is now -anxiously looked for. Spirits of turpentine has lately exhibited a lively inquiry, and the bulk of stocks here have been bonght up for export to Australia. This has been brought about by a sudden advance in the States. A few Bales of Indian teas have been made at rates ranging from la 7d to 2b 2d d.p. Candles have hardened, and some holders now ask, for quantities, i& to Ad advance on previous rates. Spot lots et 130 test kerosene have been asked for, bat nothing of importance has transpired. There has been a more active demand for No. 8 wire, rendered more noticeable by the paucity of stocks. Sales have been made up to .£l6 10s to £l7 for country lots. Galvanised iron has been sold freely out of the yards at an advance cm last week's quotations. A better feeling is noticeable' in this line and kindred goods. A clearing line of ironmongery has been taken up at cost and charges. Cemtnt is very quiet, and difficult to move excapt at low rates. GEAIN AND PRODUCE. Business during the week has been quiet in all cereals, and only minor transactions can ho noted. Good sound samples of milling wheat have been placed at 4b 6d, and choice lota a trifle higher. Flour is quiet at an advance of 10s per ton, Bay'£ll 10a f o.b. for best brands. Oats are offering pretty freely, but buyers do not evince much disposition to operate, except at a alight reduction on late prices. The barley market' is much firmer, owing to a reported advance in Europe and the small acreage which is being sown with that cereal this year. In potatoes nothing is doing, owing to recent shipments to neighbouring markets not having done more than cover freight and charges. Dairy produce ia without alteration.