QUEENSTOWN COMMERCIAL.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 14, 2 July 1864, Page 2

QUEENSTOWN COMMERCIAL.

The little change in the| state of business that we have to report is : not satisfactory. One house is selling off extremely low, in . consequence of a desire to close a partnership account, but the prices generally obtained by storekeepers, on the whole, show a very risky, margin. Wo have repeatedly pointed out to the commercial community the evils that must attend a too large excess of the business over, the/producing community, and the care that should be taken to guard against the fluctuations incidental to a goldfields' trade solely. The advantages of life in Queenßtown have been bo great that: all who could make both ends meet seem to have . remained. This is decidedly a wrong step, for some must leave. To a moderate trading community, Queenstown will offeran ample and remunerative field ; but a more extensive number act prejucu6ially. We are glad to say that we, have, escaped' any failures of importance, nor can we by any means say our credit is low, but it -is certainly advisable that business should not be distributed through so many hands. Tho other unsatisfactory feature is the continual rise in the price of i flour, which we now quote at from £62 10s. to £65, and no stocks. Latest advices from Melbourne quote tbe article at £28, and at Dunedin and Invercargill prices are reported to have advanced to £40. Messrs. J. Gibson and Co. announce their intention to bring their largo stock to tho hammer, without reserve. Storekeepers will probably be able to replenish stocks below town_rates, travelling expenses and loss of time considered. Messrs. J. C. Brown and Co. also mtend, wo hear, to proceed shortly to the hammer. Kerosene oil of good quality, and cigars (Manilla or Swiss), may, with the addition of flour, be said to be the only articles scarce. A reduction in the price of meat has lately taken place, and the attempt to secure a monoply has fallen through. The prices are, to the restaurants and hotels, Is. per lb. all round, and to private customers a shght advance. Steaks and chops are Is. 3d. per lb. At the Kawarau Junction competition has reduced tbe prices from 4d. to 7d. per lb. — TP akatip Mail, 25th June.