COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2356, 21 October 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The Customs duties collected at Christchurch on Wednesday, October 19th, were as follows: Spirits, -£62 9s 9d ; tobacco, £7B 16s Gd ; wine, £34 4s ; sugar, £ls 5s 3d; tea, £24 13s 4d ; goods by weight, £1 Is 4d ; other daties, £3 19s. Total, £252 4s 2d. The week jast closing has exhibited a much livelier feeling than the previous, and if the weather was not quite bo changeable, a farther improvement would likely develope itself. Importers are looking anxiously for the arrival of the Bobin Hood, from Calcutta, now considerably overdue, and the American vessels Littlefield. Tongay, Ac. The fir-tt sou-waster in»r be expected to bring them close at hand, 'ihe mail, via San Francisco, brings extended advices to the end of August. The shipments to Canterbury daring the four weeks display a farther decrease of £ 22,900, which is satisfactory; but against this it may be noted that Otago shows an enormons increase of something like £75,000, while Wellington follows with £26,000 New Tork advices report a much brisker feeling in the freight market considerable quantities of cargo having been offering. Values of many lines of merchandise have also increased in price, the moat noteworthy of whioh are lard oil and tobacco. The former has not had a slight rise, but has Jumped to 90 cents. Mauritius cablegrams advise the first probable shipments of sugars to Canterbury. Their tanor confirms. Ihe advices respecting the approaching season bb regards yield and the anticipated opening rates. From all appearances, it at present looks as if the market will be decidedly in favor of buyers. Sales of whites loyally are being made at previous rates. Teas ore being _ pushed slowly. A Btea'iy trade has passed in moat lines of groceries. Wire nails are rather scarce and 22s for assorted lots has been given. Cement has not improved, and remains rather difficult to quit unless at a reduction. The Helen Scott has 2400 barrels for this port. No. 8 fencing is very scarce, and until shipments come to hand prices will be firm ; £l6 to £l6 10s is wanted for five to ten ton lots. Invoices to arrive can be had for less money. Barb wire is passing into use considerably, and galvanized is not obtainable at the moment. Spirits of all kinds do not show any alteration. Spot lots of low clarets are scarce, and sales up to 12s i.b. have been made within the last day or two.

GKAIN AND PRODUCE. The markets during the past week have not shown any material alteration. Wheat, of good sound milling quality, being still worth 4s 6d, with a trifle more for choice lots. Tho quantity offering ia small, bnt on the other hand there are no anxious buyers. The result of English shipments must be exceedingly satisfactory to the growers, who are, we understand, getting in every rase cheques for considerable Bums along with their account sales. Flour is quiet at £lllos for town brands. Oats show no alteration in value, and although the offerings have been light, there has on the other hand been no important demand. Barley is considerably firmer, and the reported sales of ordinary Canterbury grown at 42s in the London market has had the effect of improving the local value. Molt has also participated in the improvement, and is now held for more money. In dairy produce there is nothing doing.