COMMERCIAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4998, 31 March 1877, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The Customs duties received At this port on Thursday were under:-’

COLDSBROUGII’S MONTHLY CIRCULAR. Messrs. Goldsbrough and Co. report under date March 21:— WOOL. At the date of our last month’s report the season was nearly over, and the transactions since then have been comparatively unimportant, the total quantity sold during the mont ■ being about 2750 Dales. Prices have remained nearly the same, anv alteration being in favor of the buyer, the less favorable advices respecting the progression of the February and March London sales having caused a tendency towards reduced rates. The lots offered, as is usual at the close of the season, generally been in inferior to ordinary condition, consisting chiefly of remnants of clips, and parcels of scoured. ■ The telegrams received from London during the month respecting the commencement and progress of the February and March sales are not so satisfactory as was anticipated, the series having opened at a reduction of Id. to lid. per lb. on the rates current in November. Some exceptionally choice clips have no doubt realised very high figures, and good wools generally continue to meet with a fair demand at about or near the opening quotations, but inferior descriptions, also crossbreds and scoured, have become gradually lower, and may evidently now be quoted as rulingat from 2d. to 3d. per lb. below November prices. This reduction has caused disappointment to shippers, many of whom were looking forward to a continuance of the extreme rates ruling in November: however, it is satisfactory to note tha' the general indications of the trade look healthy, and it is quite possible that a higher range of prices may be realised at the next series, the quantity to be offered being moderate, and not likely to be in excess of legitimate requirements. We note that the finest wools continue in great demand, owing to the increasing consumption of superior soft fabrics for ladies' wear. Strong combing descriptions and coarse wools are not in such favor as they were a year or two ago. crossbreds especially being neglected; but the fashions are of course constantly changing, and it is possible that there may soon be a more brisk inquiry The usual annual statistics respectingthe production of wool have readied us by this last mail. We learn that the clip of the United States for 1870 is not so large as it was the previous year; for, although there has been a great increase in the production of the States west of the Mississippi, more especially California (which shows a yield for 1870 equal to 188,500 bales of 3001 b. each, being 30 per cent, more tiian for 1875), there has been more than a corresponding reduction in the yield from the Eastern States, varying from 5 to 20 per cent. The condition generally does not call for favorable comment, and it is freely admitted that America does net yet produce the better descriptions of wool requisite fer the manufacture of fine goods ; consequently imports of the choice Australian descriptions have to be continued to a considerable extent, notwithstanding the almost prohibitory tariff, whidi we regret to note has not as yet been modified. The Americans are rapidly increasing their manufacturing power, and we look forward to their being large c onsumers of our best clips for many years-to come; in fact they must either use them or relinquish the production of the better class of goods. The return of sheep in Great Britain shows a decrease of about 4 per cent, on the number depastured in 1875. As regards the continent of Europe, it is not possible to obtain complete returns ; but it is not likely that there will be a material difference from the yield of 1875, . It will be evident from the foregoing figures that the production of wool is not increasing to a large extent, and it is equally certain that with the constant augmentation of population the consumption must be progressing fully in proportion, consequently we may reasonably infer that our staple will continue to maintain-satisfactory prices for the grower. The great object should be to ensure high rates by unremitting attention to careful breeding and classing, for our choicest wools can evidently maintain their premier position against all competi tien. CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday. Wheat 3a 6d to ss. Oats,- 2s 3d. Barley, 3s lOd to 4s 6d. Flour, £ls, in sacks. Bran, £4. Sharps, £5. Cheese, 7d ; butter dull. Is. Market declining. Ryegrass, Gs.; cocksfoot, Os. ... DUNEDX N> Thursday. Produce—Wheat, 4s 3d to 5s 2d; oats, 2s 3d to 2s 7d ; barley, 4s to 4s fid. Shares—Standard Insurance Co., 14s. Other stocks remain unaltered.

Spirits 210 17 6 Winn .. 5 10 0 Tobacco 24 2 0 Ale (balk) .. 5 0 0 Tea .. 40 12 0

S«(jar .. .. 40 Goods by wgbt. 21 1 0 3 0 Ad valorem .. 2 3 0 Total .. £352 2 10