COMMERCIAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 57, 12 March 1880, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Christchitbcu, March 4. A retrospective glence "t the transactions of the import market during the month just closed is not calculated to produce the most satisfactory of feelings in tho business mind, for nearly every department of trade dealings has been narrowed to the lowest basis, and the aggregate sales have fallen far short of the average even of the dull times. If anything were wanting to corroborate this unpleasant fact, a reference to the Customs duty returns lately published for February is amply sufficient. The returns are suggestive, while at the some time they evidence that a more wholesome regard is being paid to our trading require-, monts, and that tbe bulk of the consumers are realising the position, and are cutting their cloth according to their actual necessities. Passing from the review of last month to the business of the past week, we are glad to say- that the markets have exhibited a slight improvement; although bnt yet faint, it is pleasing to note the indications of a revival and the prospect of a healthier tone prevailing. The 4th of the month has pasded off moderately well, though tradesmen are complaining of the exceeding difficulty in collecting their accounts. With the harvest returns coming in bye«and-bye it is anticipated that, this cause of grumbling will be relieved to a great extent. During the week we have to chronicle the arrival of the Edith May with a cargo of sugar. This is cot being pushed on the nvrkefc at the moment, the consignees believing that higher rates will still rulo. Sales continue to he made at the old rates of £41 to £42 for finest whites, in bond. Crushed loaf has been sold at 50s to 525, dp. Van Houten's cocoa is being quitted at 5s 2d to 5s 3d, at which rates holders are firm. ' Soda crystals are being triod at £8 to £8 10s. Oilmen's stores of all classes have only seen the usual business. Sn.dines have been »old at us 3d and 8s 3d. Forward orders of Nelson boos are being made, but no actual transactions have come tinder notice. There is ao inquiry for boiled and raw linseed oil, stocks having worked pretty well down. The advices by the mail for all iron goods havo hardened holders in their prces. Sheet load is now quoted at £25 to £26. Fencing wire and galvanised iron are a shade firmer. Wire naiN, assorted sizes and Saleable guage, are quoted in invoice lines at 20s. The inquiry for ploughshares noted in our last has extended, and several transactions have transpired. The home price having ad vanoad in sympathy with mugh iron, holders here are not so eager to quit as forraerly. Cornsacks are firmly held at 8s to 8s 3d for ordinary size, and 9s for extra. Ale and stout in bottle present no new feature. Brandies continue on the same basis, sales being limited to trade parcels. There is nothing doinjf in whisky. Wines of all classes are dull, the only item demanded being claret. GRAIN AND PRODUCE. The rainVhich fell in the early part of the week has not done any damage worthy of mention. It has, however, retarded threshing operations and stacking for a couploof days. Business has been very active during the first half of the week, but since then a decidedly easier feeling has set in, owing to the English market showing signs of weakness, the recent advance being entirely lost there. The bulk of the business done ha* been at 3s lOd to 4», free on board export ship at Lyttelton. Farmers are willing to sell every bushel they have got at the latter figure, but buyers appear unwilling to incur heavier obligation? nntil the English market steadies, as at the present time their purchaser foot up a considerable total. A considerable trade is reported in country brandH of flour at £10; town mills still asK £11; for export, probably a lower figure would be accepted. Oats show no sign of improvement, and prices remain at Is 3d to Is 6d, according to quality. Millers have again reduced their oatmeal quotations £1 per ton. Good malting barley finds ready sale at 3s 6d, but medium and low qualities are most ! difficult to nnve at any figure. Rye gra* 8 seed ifl placed wi»h some difficulty at 2s to 2s 6d, aud cocksfoot is even worse. Early deliveries of potatoes are now commencing, the quality of which is giving satisfaction' One or two forward sales are reported at £1 6s. A fair business is reported in butter at 7d f o.b. Cheese is still being forced on the market at 4Jto 4 Jd. Hams and bacon are in very limited supply at almost retail j>nces.