COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2431, 20 January 1882, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Business during the past week ba3 been dull in nearly all quarters, and complaints are very general of the Blackness prevailing at this season, a good deal of which, however, is owing to tho firmness of importers, who are unwilling to accapt rates previously ruling, on account of tho advance established in the Home markets for several leading articles, which must shortly oauee a rise here to cover extra cost. Candles still rule low, tho colonial manufacture competing againßt the imported, and improving also M quality. Quotations are unaffected by the rise maintained by shippers, and remain as before from B}d to 9id. according to brand. Kerosene has Been but little business j stocks are amole, and shipments afloat rather heavy, prices therefore, likely to continue low._ Fish has had small enquiry, principally for sardines, which are scarca and high. Salmon finds buyera at 8s 3d. Oysters are cleared out, but if tohandcould ba wall placed. Fresh herrings are offered at low rateß. Lobsters have email sales at 9s. Dried fruita remain quiet. Eleme raisins are lower and now worth 7Jd. Bultanas are easier. Musoatels command good figures for prime quality, which continue in small supply. Currants meet with little notice. Salt to land has aeon fair business at low rates ; shipments on the way being heavy, prices will probably continue easy. Soda crystals are being offered at £7 to close shipments without leading to business. . Woolpacks are now neglected, the demand being nearly over. Cornsaaks have more attentionrand are firm at 9s 6d, as stocks are not in excess of requirements. Sugars show considerable improvement, and the prospects of holders are brighter than formerly. Orders for several shipments having been cancelled, stocks will now be more within reason. An advance of £1 10a may be stated to be seonred from tho lowest rates of white crystals, whioh are now worth £33. Yellow crystals are almost cleared out, and command exoasßive rates. Brown rations are well held. Crushed loaf has trifling sales, fetching up to 523 for beat quality. Teas have had but little notice, stocks are rather heavy, and sales only effected at a small margin to importers. Tobaccos continue firm, and to be quitted at good rate 3 ; the beat twist is now worth Is 4d ; Nailrod is getting soarce, and will shortly command an advance; fancy sorts continue high, and although wanted have few sales,- and thoae only for actual requirements. Port wine of good quality has had a little inquiry; stocks of this are not excessive, lower sorts are in oversupply. Sherry meets with little attention. Champagno of best brandß has sales at an advance ; inferior kinds are a drug, and fait to find purchasers at any price. Spirits have not had much attention ; the markets are fully stocked with low to ordinary brandy, which meet with fair sales. The leading good brandß rule very high, and can only be quitted at a loss to importers. Whiskey of good quality finds buyers np to 9s 6d ; inferior sorts are neglected. Advices to hand reporting an advance on galvanised iron has made holders firm. Stocks are not excessive, and future lots must come out at a much higher figure. Fenoing wire has had small inquiry ; sales of No. 8 are noted at .£l7 10s. Barb wire is firm and in favour of holders, as advices from New York report that the faotories, both in the States and Canada, have been secured by one company, who have considerably advanced quotations. Oil meets with little notice except for agricultural purposes, which sells freely at 4s 6d. Money continues abundant, and engagements well met. Doubtless, as the harvest progresses, more activity will be perceptible.