COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2491, 31 March 1882, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The Customs duties collected at Christ church on Wednesday, March 29th, were as follows Spirits, JE9S 3s ; tobacco, J 516 4s; cigars, dfill 5s 9d ; cigarettes, .£ 129 16s lid; wine, £iS 15s ; sugar, J£ss is Id; tea, .£2l 4s 8d : goods by weight, 061 12s 91; ad valorem, j 854 12a; other duties, £\ 4s. Total, -Cl 10 9a 2d.

Dnlnees has been the prevailing tone of our markets during the past week, but that is usually incidental to the ond of a month, so doubtless iu a short time more activity will be noticed. Sales in most cases have been confined to supplying actual requirements, and call for little notice. The arrival of recent shipments of sugar has caused an easier tone in that article, white crystals being now obtainable at a concession on previous rates ; browns have been freely quitted at good prices ; yeTowa continue eoarcH and dear. More business than formerly has been done in candles, but at figures which leave scarcely any margin to importers. Teas have had some little attention, and considerable sales have been effected from neighbouring markets for low qualities, at prices greatly iu favor of buyers. Tobaccos have had fair sales ; good qualities have, however, lately been somewhat neglected in favor of cheaper kinds. But little has been done in cornaacks, which continue at 8s 6d and 9s, according to size. Halt has been quitted at low rates ; any hope of improvement in price is chocked by the excessive quantities to hand and afloat. Spda crystals and whiting, though offered at prices which hardly cover cost, fail to find buyers, except for retail parcels. Kerosene usnally at this season obtains some notice, bnt buyers are deterred from operating largely, even though at low rates, on account of shipments being far in excess of requirements. Ale in bottle has had good sales for tha leading brands, and as shipments are now restricted, better rates are likoly to rule. Stout in good condition, boing in short supply, has had fair enquiry; lower sorts are unsaleable. Brandy of medium quality, in case and balk, has had moderate sales. Geneva is in short supply and commands an advance for immediate requirements Scotch whiskey of good quality finds regn'ar sales at fair rates; inferior sorts are neglected. Some small business has been done in champagnes, principally of dry sorts ; the markets are glutted with low qualities, which continue unsaleable. There has been some little enquiry for low clarets for shipment; the local demand has, however, been only trifling. Galvanised iron continue; firm at a well-established advanoo on former quotations.