COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2599, 5 August 1882, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Ths Customs duties collected at Christchurch on Thursday. August 3rd. were « '*T Spirits, £366 2s 9d; tobacco, -£57 4s 6d, £7 10s 9d ; beer, £6 -6s; sugar, £73 ,5a Sd: tea, £lB 3a 4d ; goods by weight, £sl in. lid ■ ad valorem, £3 12s; other duties, £4B. Total. £63114s 6d.

At the usual sitting of the Waste Lands Board, held at Christchurch on Thursday, August 3rd, sales were mads as follows: Ordinary: Ashley, 467 a 2r 8p ; Akaroa, 285 a; AsSburton, 5a 3r 28p ; Geraldine, la Or oip; Woimate. 23a. Deferred payments—Village settlement, 2a 2r 19p. Total acreage sold, SOoa lr 19p. Total cash received, £lßtO 6s <od. Refunds on account of former uurohaaea were sosde in the amount *0? £lB9 5s 9d.

Business during the past week has been rather daU. but not more so than is usual at this Sales, though small, continue steady, and on absence of speculation is still notice able in all branches of commerce. Tho Customs revenue for the past month was £23.293, against £18.780 last year. The increase was principally owing to the recent arrival of several shipments, and Boms relief has been felt by the landing of •OToral linos that were getting in short supply. ale and stout has been in good request at fair rates, and any shipment to hand unds ready sale for immediate requirements, and should an absence of consignments continue, better prices may shortly be expected. Brandy, in quarter-casks, baa bad small enquiry, chiefly lor medium sorts. The demand for rum great; stocks are, however, light, and orders lor good qualities are not easily executed. Scotch whiskey had but medium sales ; shipments are now excessive, and only quitted at easier rates than formerly. Danville's Irish whiskey has had some attention at established quotations, while other sorts are neglected. Old Tom and Geneva have had good inquiry, and recent arrivals of the former, which previously was in short supply, have relieved immediate wants. Shipments of kerosene just lo hand are being offered at low rates, without leading to much business. But little has been done In dried fruits. Currants are a trifle firmer on acoannt of recent advices, having quoted an advance on previous rates, while eleme and snltona raisins have only a small business at previous quotations. Salmon has hod good inquiry, stocks of which are rather low. Shipments of new lots are, however, now due, shut must command improved rates to cover increased cost. A small inquiry has been noticed for woolpacks, stocks_ of which at present are not excessive. Galvanised iron remains neglected, while fencing wire, especially the small sines, meets with good sales at satisfactory rates.