COMMERCIAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4249, 2 November 1874, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

DUNEDIN MAEKETS. The following is the latest report given by the Times: — Considering that last week was well on in the month, business transacted was very fair, showing that despite of wintry weather still hovering about us, a feeling after the coming season's trade is beginning to show itself. We have had two homo arrivals, each with average cargoes, from which stocks here and there deficient may be conveniently filled up. Though deficiency is not the rule, there are various lines in oilmen's stores and groceries, as well a| in dried fruits, that are short. The Invercargiil, 1245, has value in London Docks, .£30,700 ; the Jessie Eeadman, 901, £25,100; together, £SS,SOO; but from which, deducting the proportion for drapery and public works plant, same as in the whole of the four ships advised as loading from 15th July to 12th August, and of which there are two, there will probably only fall to be added to stocks of general goods in the market about £20,000. In brandy we hear of no transactions, nor is the least sign of improvement being manifested. To quote were of no value, as prices without trade are only nominal. The utmost that could be referred to, were only trade parcels, too inconsiderable to point to or fix a rate. Spirits are altogether without any activity. Rum, it is expected, will move a little if the shearing was only once fairly started ; and as there is none advised by recent ships, holders may benefit by the anticipated limited demand. Geneva moves only in retailers' lots, and'whisky has not even this week maintained the demand which has existed for some time for the higher class descriptions. In ale and stout we hear of no alteration. We note that from 15th July to 12th August there were only shipped for Dunedin 30 barrels bulk, and 234 barrels in glass. Tea, pending the arrival of cargoes of new season's from China, is inert. Enquiry to supply immediate wants has lately been brisk for the finer qualities, but the market is now of these nearly bare, and as the dulness will not be relieved nor stocks much further reduced, the arrival of the fresh cargoes will alone give vivacity to this important staple import. Sugar has opened for the season. The tirst cargo of the new season's crop, ex Alexandra, and consisting of 13,509 pockets, was submitted to auction by Messrs Whitelaw and Co., at their rooms on Thursday last. The sale was a decided success ; the trade mustered well, the sugars looked well, were assorted, and 10,000 pockets were sold at the, following prices : Good yellow crystals, £23 15s. ; finest brewing crystals, £33 to £33 17s. Od. ; line yellow crystals, £3l 10s ; finest yellow crystals, £33 55.; finest white crystals, £33 ss. to £35 ; finest snowdrop crystals, from £3O ss. to £3O 7s. Od. It would seem certainly, from our advices to this date, as if we should not be favored with our usual number of sugar cargoes this year. To 18th August there has only been shipped to Australia and New Zealand, from Port Louis, 218 tons, as against 3447 tons in 1573-74, and 905 tons in 1872-73, while none had been sent to Great Britain, France, or Bombay, usually by that time in receipt of considerable quantities. It will be recollected that last year, from the arrival of the first cargo, per the Hazel Holme, on 29th October, to that of the last, per the Hopeful, on 11th of May, we had eleven cargoes in all, with advance upon advance all through. Dried fruits are still in brisk demand, all descriptions being well held. In provisions, colonial hams and bacon of good quality are not obtainable ; English cure we observe in uuviuea of- shipments, by which the wants of the market will be partially met Tobacco is advancing. We hear of 20 half-tierces Black Swan, ex Oneco, having been placed privately this week, in one line, at advantageous rates. Fencing wire is in steady demand but at very unsatisfactory prices. Flour remains unchanged in price—a good local demand, and shipping brisk. Wheat is offering very sparsely, quotations from 4s. 3d. to 4s. 9d. Oats are nominal, hardly any coming forward. In barley there is no enquiry. BY TELEGRAPH. . AUCKLAND, Saturday. Mr. Alexander Saunders reports:—Sales—Bank of New Zealand, 3005.; Beach, lis. Buyers—National Insurance, 28s. tid. ; Albion, 50s. : City of London, 245. fid. Sellers—National Bank, 70s. ; Colonial Bank, 125.; Fiji Bank, Cls.; South British, 51s.