COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2688, 18 November 1882, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The Customs duties collected at Christchurch on Thursday, November 16th, were as'.follows :—Spirits, .£l7l 11s 8d; tobacco, .£144 11s ; cigars, 4s 2d ; wine, £32 5s ; beer, £79 15s; sugar, £ll 11s sd; tea, £43 14s; goods by weight, 8s 2d; ad valorem, £27 6s; other duties, £lB 13s 4d. Total, £530 Os 9d.

Commercial matters during the past week have had more attention than previously, though trade continues rather contracted. A few station orders have contributed to break the monotony of the prevailing dullness, but beyond this sales have been in most cases on a small scale. Stocks of sugar, lately somewhat reduced, will now shortly be augmented by the arrival of a shipment par Bells, which vessel is now discharging part cargo at Port Chalmers, the balance being for Lyttelton. An enquiry has been pretty active for finest whites, for which some advance on previous rates is freely given; lower sorts show little alteration, and are obtainable at a trifle over'cost. Advices from Mauritius report that no fresh charters had been secured for this port, also that quotations were likely to be easier after execution of immediate orders. Teas of from medium to fine quality have been quitted at satisfactory prices ; lower sorts are in heavy supply, and with difficulty find buyers. A small trade has been done in tobaccoes, which show no alteration in prices. Fancy sorts are rather scarce, but quotations outside rule too high to induce importations. Kerosene has only retail sales at low rates. Telegraphic advices from America quoting a rise of four cents per gallon have failed to make any alteration on current rates, stocks being ample, which, together with heaifr shipments shortly due, make buyers indifferent to future quotations. Business in salt ex recent shipments has eventuated at low rates. Soda crystals are in heavy supply, and are offered at low figures without leading to business. Woolpacks have lately shown some activity, stocks having been found to be much lighter than was expected, and the absence of shipments overdue has made holders rather firm. Sales, therefore, effected have been at an advance on former quotations. Hops have now been nearly all cleared out at first hands, and recent sales noted have been effected at exorbitant figures. The changeable weather lately experienced has affected the demand for wines and spirits, sales of which (considering the season) have been unusually small. A slight enquiry has been noticed for fine champagnes, but the high figures required to cover increased cost somewhat checks business. Clarets have as yet had but trifling sales. Other wines are unnoticed. Bottled ale of good quality finds ready sale at fair rates; inferior sorts, though offered low, fail to find buyers. Salamn and dried ling are in request ; the laflK shows some considerable advance on faM|ar quotations, and is in rather short seWly. Dried fruits have only moderate sales, currants finding buyers at 5 jd, and raisins up to 7£d ; muscatels are unobtainable, but if to hand would fetch extreme rates. Building materials continue quiet; stocks of galvanised iron being rather heavy, quotations are in favor of buyers. Recent shipments of cement find ready sale, but at prices which must leave slight (if any) margin over cost. UNITED INSURANCE COMPANY. We have received from Mr J. S. Jameson a copy of the United Insurance Company’s report and balance-sheet for the year ending 30th September 1882. The total premiums received amount to £68,113 0s sd, showing an increase of £4064 14s 4d, as compared with those of the corresponding period last year. The balance available, £28,105 Ss Bd, it has been determined to appropriate as follows: To reserve fund ... ... £5,000 0 0 ~ The formation of a re- insurance fund ... ... 5,000 0 0 ~ Dividend of 2s xiur share for half year ... ... 2,500 0 0 „ Undivided balance carried forward to next year ... 13,605 8 8 £26,105 8 8 The reserve fund will now stand at £45,000. Following the practice adopted by many of the best companies of making provision in their accounts for re-insuring outstanding risks, it has been resolved to establish a re-insuranco fund, and for that purpose the sum of £SOOO has now been set aside as a first instalment. With a view to increasing the comnany’s business in Loudon a combination has been effected with the Adelaide, National, and South British Companies for the establishment of a joint branch in that city, from which very satisfactory results are anticipated.