MELBOURNE.

Southland Times, Issue 1194, 11 January 1870, Page 2

MELBOURNE.

'The Argus of the 4th current reports : — In the import markets business throughout the day evinced anything but a spirit of liveliness. There has been no disposition whatever shown to enter upon any engagements of importance, and trade, thus left to the supply of mere ordinary requirements, ha 3 presented the usual aspect of dullness characterising the market of late. In breadstuff's, we certainly observe a better feeling in regard to flour, and many who would refuse to operate a short time ago are beginning now to show somewhat less indifference. There is a very fair demand for trade parcels of flour, at £11 10s to £12, and prices are evidently inclined to harden. 100 tons will be offered by auction to-morrow. Wheat is wanted, and 5s 3d could readily be obtained but there is no stock in hand. Feeding grains still meet with favor. We note a very good demand for maize, at from 3s 4d to 3s 6d, according to condition and quantity. Oats are very firm, and 3s lOd can readily be got for fair samples ; offers of 3s .9A for parcels have been refused. A very brisk enquiry continues to be reported for cornsacks, and 12s 3d is freely offering for moderately-sized parcels ; holders, how- j ever, are very sanguine of prices reaching 12s 6d, and evince no eagerness to quit stock at the quotation given. We understand, however, that some 50 bales will be placed on the market tomorrow forenoon through the auction mart. A shipment of tin plates was cleared off at late quotations of 12£ per cent, advance on invoice. Inquiries for Downer's kerosene oil have come under our notice, and sales can now be more easily made at 2s 3d. Candles are very firm. There are still buyers in the market at lOf d for best brands. Business in sugar has opened out very quietly ■ we learn, however, that some 3,000 bags of damaged, ex various ships, will be submitted to public competition on Wednesday.