COMMERCIAL.

Southland Times, Issue 1185, 20 December 1869, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The remarks made last month, with very slight alterations, would exactly describe commercial affairs at the nresent moment. On the whole, thnre is a gradual improvement in the amount of business being done consequent upon the commencement of the wool season, the generally good prospect.9 of the farmers, and the approach of the festive season of the year, when orders for a great variety of goods are wont to come in pretty liberally. The prospects of an early and prolific harvest, common to the whole of the colonies, has had a depressing influence on breadstuff's, flour being some £2 per ton over all easier than at last; quotations. Sugar is plentiful, but as holders manifest no anxiety to lighten stocks, transactions are only for immediate requirements, and prices remain unaltered. The Christmas demand for dried fruits has caused a scarcity in that line, and the advance noted last month is etill maintained. Several lines of case spirits which were getting short have been again fully made up by the arrival of the Sea Wave from Loi.clon with a well assorted cargo, comprising several heavy consignments of brandy, geneva, &c. Country produce of all descriptions is in full supply at low rates, importation being entirely superseded # by local growth.