COMMERCIAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5008, 12 April 1877, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Tli6 Customs duties received Rt this port yesterday were as under:— „ . , v _

Messrs. Arkell. Tufts, and Co. report under date February 15:—The course of business in England since our last has not been very eventful. Political matters have occupied much attention, and the still unsettled Eastern question hinders the growth of export. Many industries, therefore, still languish, and manufacturers are making next to no protit upon largo capital invested in the production of coal, iron, tin, cotton, and woollen goods. In the produce markets there have been some fluctuations in values, but as a rule no marked rises. Sugar, wheat, flour, petroleum, turpentine, and rosin have more or less dropped in price; petroleum seriously. Neither upon the Stock Exchange nor elsewhere does speculation seem active. “A spirit of reserve anddulness” may be said to characerise commercial circles. Money is still cheap, and the bank rate continues at 2 per cent In America the Presidential question has, with the exceptionally bard weather, helped to greatly trouble business. But as the first gets solved, and the second solves itself, the prospects of the near future look encouraging. Stocks of all kinds of goods are everywhere light. The lowest prices for all productions have been clearly reached. The past year's produce is being shipped off fair profits, and cheap transportation rates favor distribution. Business may be said to be finding its natural level, and to be returning to the old orthodox course of legitimate small profits and quick returns, short credits with supply waiting upon demand. The country is producing and selling more than it purchases and consumes. Money is constantly flowing in, which must find uses of a more or less profitable nature. The manufacturing interests of the United have passed their pupilage, and can now’ compete in the struggle with other nations. With a more judiciously arranged tariff, sounder revenue laws, more economy in national administration and life, specie payments, and steady, intelligent industry, the prospects of commercial prosperity are assured. We see many proofs that what is wanted and wished for is coming. Money is cheap. Good investments are numerous. Failures are less numerous and heavy. A spirit of hopeful, vigorous enterprise is reviving, Canada is, we note, alive to the requirements of outside markets, and shipments of agricultural implements, tools of all kinds, ami hardware generally, are being made or proposed for the colonies, &c. BY TELEGRAPH . AUCKLAND, Wednesday. Last night Moanataiari shares were quoted on 'Change as follows: —Sellers, £l*2 10s. The stone now being broken down is not so rich. The find in the Piakomine is improving.

Spirits .. 163 6 1 Wine .. .. 13 12 4 Tobacco .. 51 0 0 Tea .. .. 128 12 6 Sacar .. .. 239 13 5

Ale (bottled) Goods by wght 12 0 15 10 0 0 Ad valorem .. 69 12 8 Total £693 7 0