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Grey River Argus, Volume V, Issue 363, 12 May 1868, Page 2

Th.c Bank of New Zealand has declared a tfrviiittttd of iOper centyul 5 per cent bonus, placing LBOOO to the reserve fund, Meluqubhe.— The Argus of the 2nd inst. reports as follows \—= There \s little of importance to refer to in the import markets to-day. The demand for merchandise geuerajly has been without animation, and but very indifferently sustained. In breailstuffs we are without any sales to report ; quotations of flour, however, are unaltered, L2l to L2l 10s still being the rates ruling. A few small lots of wheat have been disposed of at 9s 3d, and for a very superior sample Is Gd, short terms, was realised. Maize is much firmer, considerable parcels having found buyers at 33 s<l to 3s s|d ; some 4000 to 5000 bushels have changed hands at these figures. Sugars have been disposed of freely at the advanced rates now required, say. L 4 ovei the prices required at the close of last w e ek. Privately, few transactions have come under our notice. Under the hammer, however, 1600 mats of Java sugar were offered, this forenoon, and realised L2B for browns ; L 35 was obtained for greyish crystals. At the same time, 1188 bags of Mauritius sugars were quitted at L 34 for good and medium counters, and L 35 for yellow crystals ; grey crystals brought L 37 to L3B 10», and white crystals L395a to L4Q. The damaged portion of the IscbeUVs cargo, ponsisting of 3589 bags, was also quitted at prices fully supporting the advance now established for sound. By private sale a parcel of 500 bags of white crystals was sold at 140. The Adeline Burkes cargo will be offered by public sale on Monday. Trade parcels of Patna rice continue to be disposed at L2B. We note an improve.i inquiry for hops ; holders, however, are firm at 2s, and the market seems to have seen its lowest for the present. Sales of castor oil to hand have been made at 5s 6d and 5s 7d. in bond. Two linos of fifty tons each of pig iron—one on the spot and one afloat — have been placed at L 6. In liquors, we hear of sales of Bass's bulk ale at L 8 15s. By the Royal Oak the first shipment for the season of the Carlisle Company's ale has come to hand, Dunedin. — The Dally Times of the 4th inst reports as follows :-- The transactions of the past week have presented nothing of importance. Business in all departments has been wanting in activity, and it is not possible to refer to anything of special interest as having tiiken place. Markets close with very little of variation, and values are well maintained. The firmness with which most staples are held is aided by the tone of advices from the Australian Colonies In breadstuff's there is little to ncte. Flour and wheat stand at the rates current at the commencement of the week, viz :— Provincial flour at the mills, LI 9 10s ; Chilian, L 22 ; good samples wheat, 7s 9d to Bs. In other gran, oats are dull at 2s Bil. Barley saleable at 4s to 4s 3d. Sugars •are held firmly, particularly good yellow and grey crystals, of which kinds supplies are rather bare. F olders of teas are also looking for better price.", and not inclined to push sales at present. Malt liquors quiet. !No sales of bulk beers have transpired during the current week, and only a moderate trade done in bottled. Stouts in glass are rather better stock ; but an overwhelming supply of ales in glass keeps the value low, and renders it exceedingly difficult; to quit in even trifling parcels. (Joey's bacon is reported as placed at lid, the best price at present obtainable. Hams continue iv demand at Is 4d. Colonial cheese and butter are both in full supply, and at slightly lower prices'. In the early part of the week, a more than usually large public sale of spirits, wines, and tobaccos took place, at which good prices were obtained ; but with this exception, the business done by auction has presented nothing for remark.