COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2485, 24 March 1882, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The Customs duties collected at Christchurch on Wednesday. March 22nd, were as follows : Spirits, iU.25 6s Id; wine, .8:9 8s 9d; sugar, 7s Id ; tea, £M 10s ; goods by weight, J 6395 3< 9'-; ad valorem. v 81826 Is; other duties. XLIB 18s. Total, .82598 l£s Cd.

During the past week there has been hut llttlo aheritiou perceptible in our markets, which con inue as dull as < ver. A few sales are noted at low rates, chiefly to close shipments. Any enquiry usually existing at this season is not at ad apparent, but doubtless an improvemont will como in with th'j next month. Sugars have hud small trade sal*-a, and continue firm at J 833 lOs for white crystals. Yellows and brown are scarce ani fetch high prices. The Alexa, from Mauritius with 400 tons sugar, arrived here on tho 21st inst., to he followed by the Lorelto, wl i;h sailed on the 17th February, so requirements will bo amply supplied for sometun-' hence- Teas have not had much attention. A few aal-is are noticed of medium quality in half-chests at 14s. Tobaccos continue firm, and are not in over supply. Stocks of cheap qualities have been nearly cleared ont, and fancy sorts atill remain scarce and dear. Candles have had sales at very low rates, the colonial manufucmr-i having lately much improved now compete? against the imported article. Oorneacks are lower and with difficulty quitted, stocks being in excess of requirements. A few Bales of E» J -i im brandy have been noted at low rates. Cnampagne has had more attention, and fine qualities have been freely quitted at good figures ; inferior sorts are to ce had at very 'ow rates. Bottled ale and stout of prime quality meets with fair sales at 12? for shiproe’ ts. Salmon has had a trifling demand at 8s 3d, the enquiry for fish of all kinds has been Hnneuiil’y sm-ill for the season. Salt, on account of heavy shipments, has been offered at low rates, without, however, tempting buyers. Sales of b ilnd and raw oils ate noted at a reduction on previous prices. Kerosene continues neglected, but doubtless as the season advances a Utile enquiry may be expected. 'Dried fruits ere unnoticed, and to effect sales low prices would have to be accepted. Money continues ensy and engagements to bo fairly met. and absence of speculation prevails, bnt doubtless in a short time some improvement wiU bo noticed.