COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2393, 3 December 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

At the usual Bitting of the Waste Lands Board, held at Christchurch on Deo._ Ist, sales were made aa follows: Ordinary: Ashley, lr 12p; Selwyn. 20a ; Akaroa, 24p; Geraldine, 126a3r32p; Waimate, 371 a 2r 20p. Deferred payments, village settlements, lr 4p. Borough of Ashburton, lr; town Arowhenna, la lr Op ; town of Sonth Bakaia, lr. Public Reserves Sale Act, snburban, 53a 2r 20p. Total acreage sold, 574 a 2r 32p. Total cash received, .£2048 10s 3d. Befunds on account of former purchases were made in the amount of .£1036 18s.

Sales during the past week have been confined to actual requirements, but beyond the quittance of a few parcels ex recent arrivals, call for little notice. Trade for time of year continues unusually dull, and the fact of clearances for shipment to neighboring markets ruling here solow as to attract attention outside confirms the idea -that there exists a total absence of local speculation. Ale in bulk and bottle has met with good sales at fair rates, shipments afloat being limited quotations are not likely to rule lower. Brandy has been quitted at nnremunerative rates,, and seemß independent of the advance -obtainable in the home markets. Sales are noted of medium Scotch whiskey at low rates, stacks being excessive. Danville's Irish finds ready sale at 17a and 5s 6d for case and bulk respectively. Porta and Bherries have been quitted at low rates. Clarets, low to medium, meet with good sales at up to 365. Champagne st present has little enquiry; stocks are considerably reduced, and fntnre shipments must command higher rates. Tobaccos now meet with more attention, and the trade are now beginning to realize the fact that a considerable advance must be paid. Twist finds buyers at la 4d i nailrod, now getting scarce, is eagerly bought up at la 9d. Fancy kinds rnle too high to secure purchasers. Teas have been neglected, and the arrival of the Bio Grande from Foo Chow with 5108 packages has tended to depress the market. Advices from China are in favor of holders, and -report an advance of two taels on medium binds. Sugars meet with good sales at late rates, which leave small margin to importers. Quotations in neighbouring markets rule much bigher, and doubtless shipments to arrive will and better soles outside, in which case quotations will be much firmer. Finest white crystal is now quoted at £3l 10s. Sardines have been quitted at 9s 6d; salmon at'7s Gd ; other sorts fish are neglected. A shipment of castor oil, ex recent arrival, is reported jto have been quitted for export. Boiled and raw oils have found buyers at 3s lid and 3s 9d respectively. Kerosene has had some enquiry, stocks being low; sales are noted at Is 9d, d.p., for low test. Bioe, ex Robin Hood from Calcutta, being unsuitable for this market, was quitted at £l9. Woolpacks are firm at 3? 3d; corn sacks are unsettled, present quotations being 9s 6d; should hopes of a good harvest be realised an advance must speedily take place, stocks not being excessive. Barb wire has been quitted at J 856 ; ordinary fencing wire has been enquired for for export, but stocks are too low to supply demand. Dried fruits have small sale. Candles nave been quitted at low rates. Salt has had enquiry, and a superior parcel of Liverpool fine found buyers at 82s 6d. The arrivals noted daring the week are the Bio Grande from Foo Chow with teas, and the City of Cashmere from Calcutta with rice, sacks and oil. The duty paid for the past month was £18,031 13s 4d, against £12,070 7s 9d last year. Trade continues sound, with prospect of improving, and money easy.