COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2350, 14 October 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Tha Customs duties collected at Christchurch in Wednesday, October 12th, were as follows :

Spirits. .£284 18s 8d ; tobacco, £lsl 14s 6d ; "wins, £6 17s ; sugar, £7O 3a 3d ; tea, £2l 17s ; goods by weight, £125 15s Id : ad valorem, £l2 3a ; other duties, £32 ISa 9d. Total, £725 18s 3d.

Tha paat week in the import market has not been marked by any revival of trade. Business generally is fist, stale, and unprofitable, though, favored with more settled weather, an improvement for the better is anticipated. The first meeting of the Timaru Co-operative Farmers’ Associa ion was held last Saturday. A report of the proceedings and balance-sheet, which have already appeared, have been the subject ol considerable comment in business circles. For general goods a limited trade is noticeable. Boiled oil has been placed in invoice lines at 4s Id to 4s 2d. Barb wire is rather scarce at the moment, and full rates have been obtained for parcels. No. 8 fencing wire has been freely bought at £l6 10a to £l7. This number is not easily got, owing to the bareness of stocks. No. 10 has also had a slight inquiry. Sheet lead is wanted, and invoice parcels have changed hands at 2's and 225. Heavier sales of tea have been made during the week than has been the case for some short time. The demand has principally on mediums and low quantities in half-chests. A few lots of Indian tea have been quitted at Is Hd to 2s 2d. Tobaccoes are steadier, the increased prices having been accepted by the trade. Dried fruits are unaltered. The extra duty on scented soap is now beginning to tell, and as stocks of best brands are running low, holders are firm in asking for the advance. Ale and stout in bottle are quiet. A better enquiry is visible for sherries of the low and medium qunlity. Ports do not meet with much attention ; a few sales of medium have been made at 11s to 14s in bond. Money is still abundant for mortgage purposes, and several large sums have found an outlet lately at current rates. Discounts are unaltered.