MELBOURNE.

Southland Times, Issue 1226, 22 March 1870, Page 2

MELBOURNE.

The Argus of the 12th inst. reports : — In the import markets business continues, to. maintain a quiet aspect, and transactions, generally speaking, are of a very minor character. In breadstuff's, flour finds buyers for trade purposes at £10 15s to £11, but only small lots are disposed Of, and no indication of an improved demand can be observed in the market. Sales of wheat toa moderate extent are reported at 4s 9d, 4s lOd, and ,4s 10£ d. There is more doing in maize. We hear of a considerable quantity having been cleared out of importers' fiands at 3s 4d and 3s 4Jd ; small trade parcels are disposed of at 3s 5d to 3s 6d. The Mary Campbell, just telegraphed, brings 2,000 bags. The market, notwithstanding, is very firm. Oats of fine quality are stilly barely supplied, -and as a good inquiry is experienced, parcels can readily be quitted at prices rising from 3s 3d to 3s 6d ; actual sales have come under our notice at 3s sd. Sugars are affected by the general want of animation. Dealers are very cautious in purchasing, and limit .their operations to supplying immediate wants. Sales of browns are mentioned at £31 10s. Candles do not attract any notice whatever; sellers do not expect to get over 10Jd for best brands. Cornsacks have for the time dropped out of notice, and no transactions have been reported of late; quotations are in a measure nominal at lis to lis 3d. An irregular demand for woolpacks is met by occasional sales at up to 3s sd. A shipment oflfoifler's confectionery has changed handsat 9|d, duty paid.; The auction sales have likewise been of trifling account. The sale of a small parcel of S. O. P. and gunpowder, the damaged portion of the Whirlwind's shipment from Hong Kong, consisting of 328 packages, which realised middling prices only, is reported.