COMMERCIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2712, 18 December 1882, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Business during the past week has been somewhat* restricted, and without the activity usually noticeable at this period. The tight state of the money market, together with the sudden conservatism of hitherto liberal financiers, have somewhat limited the operations of those in the habit of relying on such capricious resources otherwise trade, though small, may be said to be sound. Bottled ales and stout have lately been somewhat reduced in stock, and sales ex recent shipments have therefore been freely made at former quotations. The rise established in the home markets has up to the present been quite ignored, but when realised on account of its considerable advance, viz., 15 per cent., must tend to check sales. Sugars continue to be freely quitted, especially finest white crystals, the demand for which on account of a bare market has been somewhat considerable. Supplies lately to hand have satisfied present requirements, and quotations for parcels to arrive are somewhat in favor of buyers. Yellow crystals and low browns have a small enquiry, ' stocks of the latter being rather slight and held for better prices than formerly ruled. Wines of all kinds are rather quiet, the only item having any attention being claret of from low to medium quality. A slight enquiry has also been noticed for fine sherries, but without leading to any business, stocks being light and firmly held. Brandy, both case and bulk, has but moderate notice. Case Hennessey, though but little enquired for, now commands an advance on previous rates. Scotch whiskey of all qualities is in excessive supply, and has only small sales. The arrival of the Thurso from Calcutta with woolpacks and cornsacks has made the markets for. these easy. Several other shipments are now due, quotations for which are rather low, and in face of ample supplies, buyers are not disposed to operate except at tempting figures, and then only for small parcels. Dried fruits are in ample supply and at low rates, except muscatel raisins, which are rather scarce, and fetch extreme prices. Candied peel, as is usual at this season, has good enquiry, and shows improved quotations. Galvanized iron continues obtainable at low rates, stocks being rather heavy. Sales of wire nails ex recent shipments are noted at a decline from previous quotations. Soda crystals continue in heavy supply, and though offered at a very small margin, have some difficulty in finding buyers. Kerosene shows no alteration, and the business done has only been of a retail character. GRAIN AND PRODUCE. Another very quiet week has passed in the grain market. The quantity offered was small and of somewhat irregular quality, so that prices realised would be little guide as to general values. In butter there is less doing, consequent upon the withdrawal of some Australian orders, and the absence of any demand for neighboring provinces. New cheese is scarcely fit for shipment yet. but the local market is well supplied at 6d to Gfd. Hams and bacon continue to move off in trade parcels at full rates.