COMMERCIAL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 210, 3 October 1874, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

AMOUNT of duties collected at the Port of Gisborne, for the month ending 30th September, 1874

TRADE REPORT FOB SEPT., 1874.

Standard and People’s Advocate Office. 2nd October, 1874.

TIMBER AND BUILDING.

There has been a tendency to dulness, compared with recent activity, in general business under this head. Importations consist, of 6000 feet mouldings, 1000 feet arch.itrwv<*s, 12 doors, and 30 sashes, while the exports we-e* equally limited in extent, although this-fact is largely due to the impossibility of getting tim ber into town from the mill, on account, of the state of the roads. The Presbyterian Church is now out of the Builder’s hands ; and has a neat unpretending appearance. The Church of England building is now in frame, and will possibly be open fo” service about Christmas time. Mr. Wvllic’s new house, and conservatory on the north side of the Taruheru river, is also progressing towards completion. There are sev nil private residences still in course of erection ; and in the Argyll Hotel large improvements ar’ also contemplated, all of which serve to improve the architecture and size of the town. In outlying districts there are aho buildings in hand, which will be finished dur-

ing the present month. At Tologa Bay Mr. Trimmer’s hotel and other buildings, are near completion; as also a schooner, which tHis enterprising sett ler has had on the stocks for some time, and which will be shortly launched. Mr King of the Makauri Saw Mill, is about to open a timber yard in Gisborne. The stock of seasoned timber 6n hand in Mr. Morgan’s yard is in plentiful supply, and quite equal to current demand. LOCAL INDUSTRIES. Messrs. Whitson and Sons’ brewery was opened in the early of the month ; and is now in full swing. Ales and Porter being both turned out, and cellared, in large proportions. This firm deserve all possible patronage for their pluck and enterprise in giving the Bay a chance of having their own home brews ; and from the quality of their productions there can be no doubt that outside competition will find little or no favor here in future. Hird’s JErated Water Factory has, during the winter months, been considerably enlarged and improved in anticipation of the coming season, and the large accession of numbers to the tea-total league. 'The new machine has been placed in better condition for working, through the ingenuity of the proprietor, who, with his brother recently arrived from England has brought his large experience to work in, simplifying and improving the arrangemants connected with the business. We understand t hat ice will soon be produced here also, which will be a treat, indeed, to the parched throats of Gisborne on a hot dusty day. Mr. King’s Saw Mill has been practically closed at least so far as delivery is concerned, owing to the roads which until lately have been untravellable. Timber, however, is being turned out with the usual business-like activity, and the supplies quite equal to the demand. Fell mongery and wool-scouring have, also, been actively developed during the past month. wages. Quotations remain unchanged in the market rate of wages, except where, perhaps, superior attainments, or more skill are employed. The demand for domestic servants is still unsatisfied, several families have been compelled to send, on private account, for some of this class ; the Government still refusing to send any immigrants to the Bay. The following may be accepted as about the average Good Domestics at from 10s to 12s a week ; Brick-

layers, 12s per day ; Painters, 10s per day ; Carpenters, 10s tu 12s per day ; Blacksmiths, 10s to 12s per day ; Plumbers, 10s per day ; Laborers, 6s to 8s per day. COLONIAL PRODUCE. The market has been kept fairly supplied owing to steady arrivals coming to hand. Potatoes are run out, the cargoes from Canterbury and other markets being quickly absorbed. A shipment now would command almost any price above £l2. Flour is in good supply at 18s for Oamaru ; 20s Crown Brand ; and 22s Adelaide ; oats and maize, 6s 6d to 7s; Canterbury hams, 13d to 14d, and bacon, lOd to Is ; cheese lOd to Is ; Guinness’ and Pig Brand Stout, IGs quarts, 10s pints ; Tennants Ale, 16s and 10s case spirits in moderate supply and maintain old rates.. Hennessy still commands late high quotations./ Best loaf sugar 7id to 8d ; tobacco 4s 6d to 5s ; best twist, 6b ; cut tobacco, 7s. A shipment of Australian Wines have arrived during the month, for which there continues to bean increasing demand. AUCTION SALES

Have been more active since the weather and roads have improved. Fat cattle and sheep are in enquiry on butcher’s account, but difficult to obtain except at rates commonly quoted as “ ruinous.” Horses of a fair and superior stamp quit at very good prices, the enquiry being large for hacks. BANK RATES Are according to previous quotations, viz., Discount.

Bill under 95 days 7 per cent „ over 95 „ 8 „ Overdrafts 9 „ Interest on Deposits. 3 months ... ... 3 per cent 9„ 4 „ 12 „ 5 „ EXCHANGE ON LONDON. 90 days dis 1| prem. 60 „ j dis : i „ 30 „ i dis „ At sight par 2 „ WOOL STOCK. In the country districts there are signs of general activity as the wool season advances. Shearing has commenced on one or two stations, which causes enquiry for good labor hands skilled to this kind of work. There has been but one shipment of live stock, outwards, during the month, Mr. Kelly having deported 500 sheep per Pretty Jane on the 21st ultimo, to the Auckland market.

AMUSEMENTS. Though not coming under the head of Trade we are glad to note a stir taking place in this direction, which will be a relief to the monotony of the past few months. We have to chronicle the successful inauguration of the Gisborne Rowing Club, which promises to be a very prosperous institution. On several occasions lately crews have manned the new and only boat the members at present possess. It

is a four-oared gig. and pulls well. The crews appear in uniform, and exhibit much enthusiasm at their work We understand another boat, is to be obtained at once from Auckland. The Ormond Garrick and the Turanganui Dramatic Chibs are again on the Boards, and purpose beginning the season during the present month. The Presbyterian Church Soiree is to take place on the 19th inst., which gives promise of great success. A Musical Society has been formed on what is considered to be a sound basis, and an early concert is promised. The Bachelors have issued their second invitation to entertain the Benedicks at a Ball, on the 7th, and a Tradesmen’s Ball is to take place on the 9th inst. Cricket, too, is receiving some attention at the hands of the lovers of t hat national sport.

£ 8. d. Snirit’ 189 17 6 Kew Zealand Distilled 21 19 2 Tobacco 7 7 6 Wines 16 16 0 Ales in bottle 4 15 0 Sugar 33 19 6 Ad Valorem .. ... 2 8 10 277 3 6 Amount collected for the quarter ending 30th September, 1874 : — £ s. d. Spirits 709 14 4 New Zealand Distilled 86 1 3 Tobacco 164 5 0 "Wines 51 16 8 Alee in bottle 4 15 0 Tea 41 1 0 Sugar 68 2 5 AH Valorem 20 0 10 Other duties 0 12 0 1146 8 6 Fees under Anns Act 7 5 0 Steam Navigation Act 3 3 0 Distillation 1 0 0 Miscellaneous ' ~0 0 6 1157 17 0