MELBOURNE.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 19, 14 July 1864, Page 2

MELBOURNE.

Via Launceston we hare intelligence to the 27 th ult. The Argus of that date snja : — " The despatch- of letters and advices engrossed attention on Saturday, and wo are not aware of any business having been done worth quoting. It was rumored that a firm of warehousemen were unable to meet their engagements. The amount of the liabilities was stated to be about £18,000. The fiour mai-ket continues in a somewhat excited state, and the telegraphic reports of the state of the Sydney market — where less confidence in the maintenance of prices 6eeins to be felt — have not affected things here The Sydney Morning Herald of the 22nd instant, states that the news from California had not yet caused any decline in the price of flour at Sydney, ' small sales being made to-day to meet requirements at late rates.' An advance has been established in the course of the week, and for the best silk dressed sort from £27 10a. to £28 10s. have been obtained, while £26 is now asked. Wheat of the beat quality has changed hands at from 12s. to 21s. 6d. There is no doubt that stocks are short, but there seems to bo no good reason to apprehend that prices will rule higher, at least for any length of time. The stocks at Adelaide are still far from exhausted. During the past week the whole of the flour received from South Australia consisted of 571 bags from Adelaide, 240 tons from Willunga, 229 bags from Port M'Donnell. From Warrnambool Aye had 405 bags, and from Launccston 985 bags. The quantity of wheat received was altogether insignificant, not having exceeded 234 There must still be a large quantity in store in Adelaide. ,By way of Sydney we learn that the British ship Loelsett hadbeen chartered at San Francisco, at £2 15s. per ton, to carry wheat and flour to Melbourne ; and though at the latest dates tliero wera few vessels in that port seeking freight, it was probable some o£ the ships despatched from Sydney would arrive soon after the sailing of the Forres, and take cargoes for Australian ports. The state of the market at Auckland seems to indicate th&t no great confidence is felt there m the maintenance of high rates. The cargo of the Forrea •was offered at auction on the 18th instant, but a portion only was sold at the following rates : — Flour, £24 to £25 ; maize, ss. 3d. per bushel ; and bran at Is. 9d. per bushel. ...... 9>