Commercial News.

Southland Times, Issue 1169, 2 June 1869, Page 2

Commercia l News.

H. E. Osborne, Auctioneer, reportß the sale of section VIII., Block 1., Invercargill, with buildings, &c, for £220. The "New Zealand Herald "of May 10, reports : — The past month has witnessed little animation in business. The opening of the Thames goldfields has induced an amount of competition out of proportion to the requirements of the town - and province, complaints, therefore, of the small amount of business doing and the reduced profits obtainable are very frequently expressed. The - cause of complaint, however, arises entirely from the undue increase in the number of traders, as the amount of business doing ia quite equal to what might reasonably be expected, even in the present improved state of the province. Stocks of most articles continue in excess of requirements. Exception may bo made in the case of hardware goods, some of which are in demand ; and invoices now to hand per Portland, and due per Lancastria and Mary Shepherd, will probably find purchasers at remunerative prices. Kerosene has decidedly improved in value ; a month ago, parcels of Cozzens' and Downer's brands changed hands at 2s lOd to 3s, now 3s 6d is the current quotation, although it is doubtful if more than 3s 3d would be realised at auction. Su^.-irs appear to be getting slightly firmer, hl'it a long period of depression. Sydney Comjvmy's No 1 is now held for sid ; but three tODs were sold at auction, on the 4th inst., at s£d, cash, and at present actual selling values have advanced very little, considering the higher rates ruling in Australia. The cargo, ex Princess Alice, from Mauritus, has been landed in fine condition, and comprises a good assortment, especially adapted to the wants of this market. She takes about 3000 mats to Lyttelton, where ebe will load wheat, probably for this port. With the exceptions we have noted, and a few items of oilmen's stores, the market is overstocked, and in face of the shipments now due, low prices are anticipated during the winter season. Buyers are generally supplied at auction sales, and there is no disposition to puchase beyond immediate requirements. The demand for produce continues brisk. Potatoes are firm at £4 10s per ton, wholesale. A parcel of Hobarfcon seed, per Bella Mary, found a ready market. Butter is held for Is, but buyers are unwilling at present to give more than lOjd to lid. Maize has fallen in price, owing to the arrival of large consign men ts per Koyal Duke and Alice Cameron. It may now be quote. 1 at. ss, but, as considerable shipments are expected, that price is not likely to be maintained.

Times Office, Tuesday Evening. The following are the Customs returns for — Monday, May 31. Brandy, 63 gals £37 19 0 Whisky, 51 gala 30 10 9 Geneva, 14 gals ... ... 8 6 11 Old Tom, 9 gals 5 6 11 Tea,32olbs 8 0 0 Sundries 4 12 3 £94 15 10 Tuesday, June 1. Whisky, 52 gals £31 13 6 Brandy. 56 gals 33 19 2 Wine, 42 gals 8 12 1 Beer, 138 gala 8 12 6 Tea, 2201bs 5 10 0 Sugar, 19201bs 8 0 0 Tobacco, 2281bs 28 10 0 Sundries 10 19 11 £135 17 1