COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2700, 2 December 1882, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The Customs duties collected at Christchurch on Thursday, November 30th, were as follows Spirits, .£23 17s 5d ; tobacco, .£162 15s; beer, £l9 ss; sugar, £ll6 4s lid; tea, £8 13s 4d; goods by weight, £l3 13s ; ad valorem, £Bl 3s ; other duties, £l.<Ss. Total, £474 19s Bd.

A dull depressed tone lias been the prevailing feature of our markets during the past week, and complaints are pretty general of the smallness of trade, which at this season is rather unusual. It is, however, expected that some reaction -will shortly take place, the wool season having been most favorable, and the prospects of good crops are also very promising. High rates also rule for our staple productions, such as grass seeds, dairy produce, tallow, cattle, and grain; so it may safely be premised that if no unforseen circumstance intervenes the present depression will soon be dissipated. Sugars have had some attention, and the recent shipment ex Bells hast been almost cleared out of first hands at encouraging prices. Shipments to this province this season appear to be more in accordance with requirements than has been the case for some time, while those to neighboring ports appear to be on a large scale, which may probably interfere with rates obtainable here. Mauritius advices report values of fine whites as somewhat easier, and brewers’ crystals and yellows of all kinds as very scarce and S remising to continue so. Teas are in eavy supply, and can only be quitted at a slight margin over cost. The Tea Examination Act now in force will doubtless act as a deterrent to the importation of any more common low rubbish, which has lately been so plentiful. Tobaccos have had only a slight enquiry, and quotations, though ruling low, fail to secure large sales. But little, has been done in spirits, brandy being neglected, and Scotch whiskey having only moderate sale. Dunville’s Irish whiskey has steady sale at established rates, while geneva and rum are unnoticed. Kerosene, as is usual at this season, has but little notice, though the advance lately reported from America has made it worthy of atten- ’ tion. Woolpacks have had good enquiry at an advance on the opening prices, stocks being limited, owing to the non-arrival of several shipments now overdue. Cornsacks have had no business, but in a short time will doubtless show some activity. Cement recently to hand finds buyers at low rates. Boiled and raw oils continue in large supply, and the low quotations asked for these have resulted in considerable sales. There is no alteration noticeable in galvanised iron, which is only saleable at very low rates, stocks being excessive. Fencing wire has some little notice, and is firmly held, prices ruling in favor of holders.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE. No business of any consequence has been reported in the grain market during the week. Wheat is offering at 4s, but buyers are not disposed to pay this figure, and holders are in conseqdfence shipping it away for sale. Flour is still very quiet, and price nominally .£lO. Oats are in small trade demand for town use at up to 3s 3d. In barley there is nothing doing. Potatoes are being pushed off at £4 and upwards. Butter is still in good demand at 9d, at which figure the farmer should make a fair profit. Small lots of new cheese are now offering at irregular prices. Hams and bacon continue to move off very freely at full prices. COEN EXCHANGE. The following is the report for the week ending Friday evening, Ist inst.: —The past week has been but a repetition of its predecessor. There is no alteration to note in values with business almost at a standstill. Harvest prospects never were better, and at present there is every indication of a most abundant harvest. Wheat —Although the business which is being trangacted is only of a nominal character /Solders are asking from 4s 4d to 4s 6d per bushel for prime quality ; second quality, 3s lOd to 4s ; screenings and chick wheat, 3s 3d to 3s 7d per bushel. 8 t.Oats The business which is being transacted in this cereal is of a purely local character. Prices, however, are well maintained. Prime short milling, 3s 5d to 3s 6d; feed quality, 3s 3d to 3s 4d per bushel. Barley—For prime malting samples there is little or no inquiry. Prices nominal. Feed, 3s 4d to 3s 6d per bushel. Potatoes—There is very little inquiry. Holders, however, are still looking for £5 to £5 10s a ton.

Cheese and Butter —The former, old 8d mew Cd; the latter, 8d to Bld per lb.