Commercial Intelligence.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 14, Issue 709, 16 August 1869, Page 2

Commercial Intelligence.

MELBOURNE. The Argus, 3rd August, thus reports of the markets : In the import markets, trade has not been characterized by much activity. In breadstuffs, sales of flour in small lots are recorded at £l4. Wheat is a trifle firmer. A small parcel of Gipps' Land was placed at 5s lid by auction, which is 2d more than could be got last week. Other small parcels have also been quitted, at from 6s to 6s 2d for best Victorian, according to terms. Maize is very firm at 4s 2d. Business in candles is still confined to the auction rooms, no sales being effected privately ; 1,000 boxes faulty were cleared off at 9jd for slightly damaged. Kerosine oil is equally neglected, and lower rates have to be taken when sales are foi ced; 500 cases Devoe's were got rid of at Is lOd. We note a small parcel of Java coffee having been got rid of at a reduction on the tralerate hitherto quoted; 700 mats were sold at 5d to Advices regarding rice are favorable; by a private telegram, we learn that none had been shipped to these colonies from Calcutta. LONDON WOOL REPORT. The second series of Colonial Wool Sales commenced on the 6th of May, and terminated on the 19th of June. The catalogue comprize.l—Sydney, 101,573 bales; Melbourne, 93,899 bales. The attendance generally was not so large as usual. Prices opened with a full reduction of one penny per pound upon the February and March rates, and as the sales progressed, the market again gave way, till it declined to 3d per lb for all descriptions; greasy flocks in proportion. Bright-haired Leicester sorts were in active demand and realized an advance towards the close of the sales, and in a few days a better feeling prevailed. The Sydney and Queensland supply was large, and for the most part composed of low medium sorts. The importations from Victoria comprized nearly one half of the whole quantity. The next sales commence on the 12th August, when about 180,000 bales will be offered. The circular of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile agency says that prices may be roughly quoted as ranging abont one penny per pound under the March rates. The arrival from New Zealand formed a comparatively small proportion of that clip, and the general character and condition of these wools so far appear fully equal to those of last year. In this respect, indeed, they present a marked contrast to the Australian flocks, which in almost every instance have more or less seriously deteriorated and their soundness of staple and general freedom from burr or other mote, has procured for them comparatively active competition, and perhaps a relatively better market. Bank rate 4 per cent. MONETARY. Thk Bank of New Zealand have given notice that they will pay the interest due 20th June and Ist July on the outstanding bonds of the Otago Eight per Cent. Loan, 1861-2 (£oO,000), the Otago Six per Cent. Loan, 1862 (£500,000), the Canterbury Eight per Cent. Loan. 1856 (£30,000), and the Canterbury six per Cent. Loan, 1862 (£500,000.)