COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2641, 23 September 1882, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

fhe Customs duties collected at Christchurch on Thursday, September 21st. were as fol* lowa i—spirits, £SO 14s 7d ; tobacco. £7l 8s ; cigars, 6s ; wine, £6 15s ; beer, £9 7s fid; sugar £lB 7s 3d; tea, £l7 14s 4d; goods by weight, £ 3 16s 3d ;ad valorem, £174 3s ; other duties, £4l 5a 3d. Total, £424 fia 2d. At the usual sitting of the Waste Lands Board, held at Christchurch on Thursday, September 21st, sales were made as follows s Ordinary: Ashley, 29a 3r 9p; Selwyn, 19a 9k 6p; Akaroa, 190 a; Ashburton, la Or Ip ; Geraldine, 10a. Deferred payments, village Arundel, la. Total acreage sold, 251 a2r 16p. Total cash received, £sll 4s. Befnnda on account of former purchases were made in the amount of £2117s od. Our markets daring the past week have been rather quiet, and free from any large enquiry. Several firms at this season are taking stock, and consequently reducing_their purchases to tike lowest point, have somewhat contributed to Mm present doll state, which next month will doubtless give place to one cf greater activity. There have been no transactions worth noting or any that point to an alteration in previously existing state of affairs. Stocks of most lines are now more within requirements, and the feeling now most prevalent is that shipments in future must be more limited, so that paying prices may rale. Sugars, on account of recent advices showing that firm rates are ruling in Manritius, have an improved tone, especially for fine whites, which have had good enquiry, and been found to be bnt lightly held ; yellows and browns continue in short supply, and the high quotations for these check business. Teas, in boxes and half-chests of from medium to fine quality, have small but steady sales t-riod fruits have had improved business, principally in currants, fine samples of which are in request. Kerosene is being poshed off at low rates, bnt without leading to more than trifling sales Hops show a great improvement in quotations with an active demand, and in face of future prospects present rates, though high, are in favour of bay era. Several clearances of salt ex recent shipments, are noticed at low rates, the probability of the arrival of further large parcels deterring importers from holding. Candles Lave teen out very fine, and sales of best brands are noticed that leave but very small, if any, margin. Shipments of new lots ooma higher than previously, so present low rates are not likely to continue. Tobaccos ore rather dull, and there is no doubt that the present excessive duty checks consumption and induces the importation of very inferior manufactures. But little has been dona in liquids. Bottled ale continues in short supply, and is readily quitted, if of good quality, as soon as to hand. Hales of spirits have been almost confined to brandy and Scotch whiskey, at fine qualities in case and bulk, Pen ova, Old Tom, and ram being neglected. Claret already shows improved inquiry, and parcels of from .medium to fine qualities find ready sale in small lota. Champagnes of the leading brands have had a little attention; stocks are sow in few hands, and .shipments to arrive show some advance on previous rates, in the face of which higher prices than formerly ruled are now secured. Fencing wire has had a alight inquiry for Nos. 8 and 10, stocks of which are rather light. Galvanised iron is in excessive supply, and with difficulty quitted. Quotations for cement are now rather low, recent arrivals having caused some slight competition amongst sellers, who are anxious to avoid the heavy railway charges incurred if landed.