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Grey River Argus, Volume IV, Issue 264, 21 September 1867, Page 2

Curistciiurcii. —The Press, of the 16th just, reports as follows : — Our markets show no sign of improvement; stocks of all descriptions of goods are held largely in excess of our requirements, and the hopo often expressed that as the summer season approached trade would revive is a prospect not likely to be realized. As alluded to in our last week's report, a large trade s tale was held on the 10th and 11th inst, at the stores of Messrs Walton, Warner and Co, Hereford street. The attendance tf buyers was not so large as might have been expected, and the goods sold did not realise high rates. There is an evident disinclination oil the part of buyers to burden themselves with heavy stpeks except they can be had at very low prices, and goods thrust on the market at present cannot be quitted except at a considerable reduction on invoice. Credit is much restricted, and the numerous failures which have occurred during the past twelvemonth are so far acting beneficially by iutroducing cash payments in trade transactions. We have to note the suspension of MrE. C. Latter, of Akaroa, with liabilities stated to be about L 15.000 ; but the assets are considerable, including the well-known cotisting steamer Wai'uui. All sorts of grain were dpll of sale on Saturday. Very fewsamples of wheat changed hands ; prices varied from 3s to 3s Gel per Lushel. Flour stands afc our last week's prices, with little doing. Bran and sharps are in fair demand atL4 5s and L 5 10s per ton respectively. But few samples of barley are offered, there being no demand. Oats are in good supply; ordinary feed changed hands at 2s per bushel, good seed realised 2s fad to 3s. Potatoes have been sold during the week at L2los to L 2 15s per ton ; and hay at last week's quotations. Dunedin. —The Daily Times, of the 9th inst, reports as follows : — Throughout the week, tolerably steady demand for miscellaneous goods has been experienced, but no operations of any great importance have come under notice. The value of staple goods have varied but little from those of the previous week, and markets close with prices fairly maintained, and without any immediate disposition to change. In breadstuff's there has beer no move, and the sales of flour and grain have been individually very small. The sales of sugar have been larger than might have been expected, taking into consideration that traders will again, on the 12th, have an opportunity of supplying themselves by auction ; prices remain as last quoted. The tea transactions have been smaller, the trade being at the moment supplied ; prices are firm, and on boxes, of which the market is bare, a small advance is asked. >\ll liquids have been dull —spirits particularly so, and except some trifling parcels of case goods, brandies anil whiskies, have not been selling. Wines have had a little more attention, but the sales have not in the aggregate amounted to much. The prospects for malt liquors have not mended ; and it is still impracticable to sell parcels of any magnitude, either of bulk or bottled beers. Very little has taken place in provisions, for the reascn that new cure bacon and hams have not yet ccme forward to any extent, anditis difficult to place to arrive. Butter is still plentiful,, and sinking in value. The best obtained price for prime being Is 2d." Some considerable transactions in building materials have taken place, chiefly in timber ; but reliable prices for the sales and re-sales made have not been available. Iron has been moving off rather better. There is at present very little demand for any kind of building materials for shipment; but dealers haye experienced an improved demand for loqal wants. By auction nothing of interest has occurred. The sale of preserved fish, &c, ex Parisian,, resulted in encouraging prices being realised for the different kinds, although the sizes of the packages were unsuitable.