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Grey River Argus, Volume V, Issue 338, 14 March 1868, Page 2

Christchurch".— The Prcnt of the 9th inst reports as follows : — The transactions in import goods during the past week have been very dull, considering it was the fi,rst week of the month. It is usual at that time for second hands to purchase freely ; as by so doing they pain the advantage of three months longer credit — all trade bills being drawn on the first of each month. But the uncertain state of our commercial prospects does not warrant prudent dealers laying in large stocks at present — an uncertainty which, no one can tell bow Jong it will continue. No doubt as soon as the bulk of our wheat is placed, a slight reaction from our present dullness will result ; but the price of wheatas yetquoted will not do much more than cover the expenses of the grower ; any surplus to con.c will therefore not tend to materially increase our prosperity. The late demand for hops has been met by recent arrivals, and prices have receded ; malt is also in less enquiry, as this season's barley is now freely offered. For flour the demand is exceedingly light, and prices remain at our last week's quotations. Wheat is at os per bushel delivered in Christchurch, and os 3d in Lyttelton. Barley remains at from 3s 9d to 4s 3d, according to sample. Oats are only saleable in quantities at Is 9d. but few transactions are taking place, as growers refuse to sell under 2s. Peas and beans can only be quitted in small lots at 3s 9d for peas, and Is 6'd for beans. Hay continues to be delivered at L 3 10s per ton. Potatoes may be quoted at L 4, There seoms to be very little desire to investin farm produce to any extent, although the quotations in this market are lower than in any other of the Australian colonies. We understand that Messrs Laurie and Gannon have been obliged to suspend business for the present, owing to heavy losses sustained, A circular has been issued calling a meeting of their creditors. Tt is understood that if their assets can be realised at anything like their value the estate wUI pay a large dividend. Dunedin.— The Daily Times of the 4th inst, reports as follows : — The week has commenced with a want of activity. In the import market, transactions have been few and unimportant, and in no department of business is there any stir. A few orders from the country and coastwise have been received ; but notwithstanding the advent of fine weather, up-country afcorekeepers are purchasing but few goods.: At Messrs M 'Landress, Hepburn and Go's rooms ' the cargo of the Fairy Queen, offered this morning, sold but moderately well. Some lines of whiter, and part of the dark suears, werepaased. The finest crystals reached L3B ; slightly lower realised L 36 to L 37 ; good yellow crystals, L 32 to L 32 15s. The major part of the cargo was understood to have been placed. Melbourne. — By way of Christchurch we have one day's later commercial advices. The Argus of the 25th ult, reports as follows : — In the import markets to-day business on the whole maintained a position of great quietness, comparatively little enquiry being experienced for general merchandise. We note a more active inquiry for flour, and in consequence of the market being so barely supplied a trifling advance on Saturday's : quotations has had to be submitted to by buyers ; Ll6 10s net has been paid for Vic- \ tonan brand?, and for terms holders ask LI 7, though we have not heard of any sales at the : latter price. Wheat is wanted, and, 7s to 1 7s 3d can be obtained, for prime samples in good condition. The advance reported in maize is now fairly established, sale? being i readily made at 4s. A considerable inquiry i for oilmen's stores is mentioned, and sales . have.been made of assorted invoices embracing pickles, jams, salad oil, red herrings, . sardines, lobsters, oysters, &c, at satisfactory figures. There is more demand spring- : ing up for candles, notwithstanding that the trade show a determination to hold back as long as it is in their power to refrain from purchasing. A parcel of, 1000 boxes was taken up in one line at 12|d. Teas meet with a good deal of favor : we hear of equal to SOO chests, in cheats and half-chests, of various qualities, having been purchased at from 8d to 9d for low dusty, and up to Is 8d : for good medium congous. We understand that the sale of the portions of the Emma

Gladstone's teas advertised for auction toincrtQ.v, is postponed to Friday next .Sugars are being moved otf quietly to the trade at well sustained rates. Brown crystals have been disposed of. at L 32 10s, while sales of white crystals have been made at L 35 }0s to L 37. The Formosa's shipment of Mauritius in sound co.nditi.on, will be pffered for public sale <m Wednesday. A parcel of woolpaek3 has changed hands at 3s (id. In geneva, the actual sales reported to-day have bpen trifling, a tew hundred cases of outride brands only having been quitted. We learn, however, that some large transactions in this spirit are pending. Borthwick's stout has found buyers at 8s Gil to 8s 9d according to Quantity.