COMMERCIAL.

Southland Times, Issue 1170, 24 November 1869, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Times Office, Tuesday Evening,

The commercial world wears a more pleasant aspect at the present moment than it did at the departure of last mail. Several small failures, and other indications of a scarcity of cash, occurring about that time had caused considerable anxiety in business circles, and given rise to fears of further and more important difficulties. During the month, however, these doubts have been fully dispelled.and a much improved tone now pervades the mercantile community. The prosecuti >n of public works on the part of the Government, the launching of new industries by private companies, and the sanguine anticipations entertained as to the discovery of auriferous quartz reefs by prospecting parties now out, hare in a great measure restored confidence, and given a hopeful impulse to the operations of all classes. The advent of summer, and the consequent activity in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, has had a favorable influence on country orders, and farm and station stores are being forwarded in considerable parcels. Merchants had, however, timeously provided for this increased demand, and staples are in full supply. With one or two exceptions, stocks generally are well assorted, and tolerably heavy. Flour is held in considerable qnantity, and stands at former quotations. Sugars, owing to the arrival at a neighboring port of several direct shipments, are heavy on hand, and slightly easier. Dried fruits, especially CUXrantß, are bare, and an advance in price ha 9 taken place in that line. In apiries theea is not a great deal doing. Several brands of brandies, geneva, and whiskey are scarce, but no great demand exists, the principal article of consumption at this season being beer, which is now almost entirely supplied by local manufacture. Importations are now effected principally through colonial houses, and consequently arrive only as required to fill up stocks. The amount of Customs revenue collected during the month was £2,032 19s Bd.

Mr Osborne reports the sale of Section 19, Block 14, InTercargill Hundred — 98 acres unimproTed land— for the sum of £75 ; aIBO, one-half of Bection 11, block 64, town of Invercargill, with four-roomed house, for £60 ; and section 5, block 72, town of Invercargill, with 8-roomed house, for the sum of £160.