SYDNEY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 487, 4 July 1857, Page 4

SYDNEY.

We find the following general commercial intelligence in the .Sydney journals of the latest date. Flotje.—The news from Melbourne as to the advance of £2 and £3 per ton has caused a spirited rise in this market, and the millers hare raised their prices £2 per ton, and are now qnoting fine flour at £20, seconds, £18, wheat 6s. to 7s. 6d.~mrald, May 30. Our markets hare been very dull during the day, owing chiefly to the intelligence received from Melbourne of a slight reaction. The sudden rise in our markets is, we fear, attributable far more to a speculative than to a hona fide demand, although the dullness in Melbourne may have been partially caused by the large - arrivals, and the occupation of writing by the Simla, which vessel was not ezpectedl;o leave prior to the 3.5th of this month, and therefore the mercantile community had been taken by surprise, and manifested a general dissatisfaction afc the movements of the European and Australian Eoyal Mail Company. We notice that some of our merchants are turning their attention to shipments to China, uuder the impression that the continuance of the war will raise a demand for provisions.

The only article, we believe, has been flour, of which about 200 tons left per Chilian ship Eloisa. A large cargo of coals is now being put on board the Lady Hodgkinson on freight. The Cronkbane has arrived from the West Coast without any breadstuff's, as none could have been procured to land here under about fifty per cent, over last mill prices. Prom Melbourne we learn that Ceylon plantation coffee had receded to about 8-kl. m bond, or 10|d. duty paid. Teas had advanced, and were firm. Although there' had been several arrivals of sugars, none had found their way into the market. Butter and candles were flatter. Colonial oats had been bought in at auction at 12s. 6d. A parcel of Otard brandy was reported as sold at 16s. Flour was not so brisk, and purchases could be made -at £22 for Adelaide, £23 having been the ruling price. From Hobart Town, May 23, we hear — "Business is extremely brisk: brandies are worth 16s. 9d. to 175.; rums, 4s. 6d., to ss. 9d. ; butter, Is. 6d.; candles, Belmont, No. 1, Is. 6d.; currants, lid. to Is.; malt, 12s. per bushel; corn sacks. Is. 10d.; teas, £7 10s. to £8 for congous. In teas considerable speculation is going on, consequent upon the recent news received from China of the disturbances in that place; we should not be surprised to see it advance from £2 to £3 before three.months." In colonial produce £18 per ton was the latest quotation for flour; wheat 75.; oats, lls. 6d., and very scarce; potatoes £6 ss. We hear of no transactions in our home markets. Flour was brisk on Saturday but has relapsed to-day; we hear of sales of colonial ground at £19 per ton without bags. £18 was offered for a parcel of Chili, but refused; there is but little anxiety to operate. Wheat is held at various and extreme rates. — Empire, June 2. We have, again to notice an inactive day; nor can we look forward to any substantial improvement in our local markets until the roads to the ulterior are fairly opened, which at present are almost impassable for teams to travel. This not only hampers our town trade but we fear must cause much distress inland. It is reported that vast numbers of sheep are dying in the northern districts; but no authentic accounts as to the actual extent of the evil have been received, and there is great jealousy evinced on "the part of settlers to make their losses public. The arrivals of the next steamers from Moreton Bay and Wide Bay ai*e anxiously looked for. As the time for the arrival of the mails per European approaches, members of the mercantile community seem inclined to think she will not make her appearance on. her due date, having been so often disappointed. Should she be overtime, the inconvenience cannot be esti^ mated; we have, however, great confidence in her commander, who is so well known in these colonies. . In our general markets everything appears flat, and no speculative or consuming demand exists. Spirits are very dull, and there are no purchases at present ruling rates. Sugars are selling in small parcels at £41 to £42 for Pampangas. Teas are in better enquiry, but the rates have not risen- very materially; some anxiety is evinced as to the news by the next mail; if England keeps sending out troops, and the war continues, prices.must rule very high. Flour is dull, and there is quite a nominal demand ; we do not imagine that the late xise will be of long duration.-— Empire, June 3.