COMMERCIAL.

Southland Times, Issue 1186, 22 December 1869, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

. «> ■ OTA.GO. The Daily Times of the 20th inst. reports : — The business of the week just closed has not been marked by much activity ; the transactions occurring in the import market have been limited, and trade generally so confined to the measure of immediate requirements, that it is difficult to lelect anything of importance enough to be noticed. In all the principal staples markets are without any essential variation, and although little accession of briskness can be calculated on during the coming week or two, values are likely to be well maintained. Sugars and teas are particularly quiet ; the late auction sales placed full supplies in second hands, and extended business in these goods is not to be immediately expected. We, however, note trade parcels of good medium congous at well-sustained rates. A better enquiry for ales, both in bulk and glass, has been experienced, and in consequence of reduced shipments coming to hand the prospect of the market i» improving. Little trade doing in spirits. Stocks of brandies are if anything rather reduced, but without the value being favorably affected ; no change in other spirits. Light wines have moved in moderate parcels, but for other wines, especially ports, the demand has been under the average. Both English and colonial provisions are overstocked, and difficult to place. The value of good parcels of cheese is nominally the same as Our last quotation ; but butter is not in request, and no exact value can be given. Currants have moved at 4id, and Cape rai*ina at an equal figure. Hemp goods are reported at 4s 6d for full weight woolpacks, and 13s 6d for cornaacks. Malt has also been moved, the figure not transpiring, and salt at 82s 6d to 85s. Candles, full weights, stand at lid to Hid, very moderate sales ; and kerosene equally dull at last quotations. The produce market shares in the general want of activity, and with every prospect of an unusually early harvest it is not likely that any heavier business will be doing at present. Millers have experienced a very light enquiry. Quotations are made ior fine flour, £12 to £13 ; oatmeal, £22 ; pearl barley. £27 ; bran, £5. For grain the demand is languid in the extreme. Very little wheat has been placed for grinding purposes, a -d the value not firm at 5s 3d for finest samples. Oats have declined to 3s 3d, with no transactions of size. Barley, 5s 3d to 5* 6d, only good samples for malting purposes saleable. Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. report for the week ending the 18th inst., as follows : — Flit Cattle — We yarded, one draft from middling to good quality, the prices realized were equal to frvni 20s to 2Es per 100 lbs ; prime beef is worth 25s to 27s 6d per lOOlbs. Fat Sheep — We sold 200 hall-breds at 2d per lb, and quote good mutton from l^d to 2d per lb. Fat lambs have brought from 7 b 6d to 8s 6d each. Store cattle— There are no sales to note. Quotations — Steers, 2to 4 years old, £4 10s to £5 10s; mixed mobs, £3 10- to £4. Store sheep — 4, 6, and 8 tooth merino wethers may be quoted at from 6s to 6s 6d ; mixed hoggets, 6s bd each. Horses— We sold the third draft of Mr M'Leish's shipment of light colts and fillies at from £13 10s to £21. There are enquiries for young heavy draft stock, and very few offering. Current rates are : heavy daught, irom £15 to JESO ; medium, £25 to £33 ; firstclass hacks and light harness horßes, £25 and upwards, according to quality; useful do, Ll2 to L 18; inferior nominal.