COMMERCIAL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 52, 20 January 1872, Page 10

COMMERCIAL.

Ota&O. —The “Daily Times” of Jan 15 reports : —Most of our traders, having got over the annual balancing time, have during the last day or two shown more disposition to transactions, and the business of the past week has exhibited some improvement upon that of the preceding. Likewise the mail advices received proving favorable, both with respect to some considerable items of import, and to the principal articles of produce, the markets wear a very buoyant look, and it is anticipated that the trade of the coming few weeks will be raai-ked by a fair amount of activity. In most liquid goods, there is noted a continued quietness. Ales and stouts, both in bulk and in glass, having been moving slowly, and only some light sales of the latter have occurred, prices showing no alteration. In spirits, the only sales making have been a few brandies. For Hennessy’s, holders demand 7s 3d to 7s 6d, and though these prices are not reported as having been obtained, yet the last mail advices confirming those previously received, there is little doubt but that now business will be done. First brands of case are in better request, but the stocks are rather full than otherwise. Transactions in sugars have been light, but such operations as have taken place show values to be fairly sustained. For teas there has been a good current demand, but in small parcels chiefly ; one or two good lines of half-chests and boxes of medium congous were quitted in the early part of the week at an average of Is 7)d. In English malt, sales are reported at 10s ; and for a parcel of rather indifferent color, a shade lower than this ; for Otago malted, there is a good enquiry at 7s to 7s 6d ; Canterbury has been placed at 6s. Hops of 1871 growth are now in the market, and sales are said to have occurred, but without prices transpiring. In the meantime, advices are still more favorable to holders, and very full rates are likely to be current for the present. In candles and kerosene there have been few sales ; for the former there is a firmer feeling, but no change. Dundee goods have been favorably affected. Holders of cornsacks are declining to sell under 15s. Taking into account the approaching season, with the moderate stocks, there is every probability of buyers having to pay this or a better price. Woolpacks are not now in much request, and at 4s 9d steady. Advices also report an advance in the value of galvanized iron, wires, and other metals, in the home markets. The recent sales here have mostly been of parcels to arrive, and though known to be at full rates, particulars have not in any important transactions transpired. The continuance of extremely dry weather has had an

effect upon the produce market. Improved inquiry for both grain and flour has been apparent during the past two or three days, and prices have decidedly strengthened. Yery few good old wheats are now obtainable, and 5s 3d is realised without difficulty. Good feeding oats have been quitted at 2s 2d, and barley of a quality fit for malting purposes commands a high figure. Fine flour is quoted at £l3, the millers not caring to execute large orders below this figure. Oamartx. —The “ Times,” of January 12, reports :—The wheat of the old crop being entirely cleared out of the market, and the new crop being not yet on arrival, we can give no quotations for this grain. Barley, none. Oats, Is lOd for good bright feed. Flour, £l2 10s to £lB. Pollard, £4. Bran, £3. Harvesting operations have already commenced, and will be general next week. The dry weather still continuing, the yield will be light.