COMMERCIAL NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1918, Page 4

COMMERCIAL NEWS

CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 2. Business generally during the week lias been on the quiet side, owing part- . ly to the influenza epidemic and more largely to the extraordinarily rapid and sensational developments in Europe. The position undoubtedly demands care and thought, but in' some cases .the result in the markets of the declaration of peace is being exaggerated. No one, of course, knows exactly what will happen, Imt all the probabilities are against a sharp drop in prices, and in ibe case of a large number of commodities against any .noteworthy fall foi some time to come. It is indeed quite possible that persons limiting, or as has happened in a few instances, suspending altogether their purchase's in the expectation of a sudden drop at the end of the war, may find themselves confronted with a rise in prices, due.to the sudden rush of orders. Extensive clearings from bond have been taking place recently, in view, oi course, of the possibility of the Government dealing with the tariff this session. Tobacco and tea are two of the commodities of which large clearances have been made, and in both cases holders are absolutely sale, lor in neither instance is there the least chance ol the duty being reduced, while both are regarded as being at least able to beat a heavier impost. There has not been so much doing in cigarettes as these are now bearing the additional duty ol 8s per 1000. The commercial situation in the United States, despite the restrictions . imposed by the Government, is highly satisfactory. The August bankruptcies numbered only 720. with liabilities totalling less than eight million dollars. Only in one previous year have the failures in August been so small, enh | in four years has the total indebtedness been lighter.