MELBOURNE.

Southland Times, Issue 1246, 3 May 1870, Page 2

MELBOURNE.

The .Argus of the 25th ult. reports : — Business in the import markets has not shown •igns of activity ; and we have, in consequence, little to report of any, special interest* There is, however, a promise of better things, and it is now fully anticipated that after the departure of the mail steamer trade will assume a more healthy and satisfactory tone; Breadstuff's are steady, though sales of either flour or wheat are on a very moderate scale. Trade parcels of flour are quitted at £11,109 to £11 15s ; but offers of 5s and under for larger lines would not be refused. Wheat «omes forward too sparingly to admit of anything like transactions of an extensive character ; moreover, the millers now do not show much disposition to purchase more than is requisite to keep their mills going. • The arrival of Californian hreadstuSa in Sidney -has not bad much effect here, though it is' evident that there is less prospect of a renewal of shipments from Victoria to Hew South Wales. Fine Victorian wheat is saleable at Ss to 5s Id. Maize is quiet, owing to the high prices demanded. Only 700 bags have come forward by the steamer from Sydney, and under the circumstances, from 4s 3d to 4s 4d is not considered too high to aßk. We have not heard of any sales at our quotation. Oats are easier if anything. Holders would not object to offers of 3s to 3s 2d for fair samples- Cornsacks are Btill in favor atr 10s 6d to 10s 7id in bond ; . thereis, however, lessinquiry for duty-paid parcels. Candles are in good : request, : chiefly . for export,but the stiffness cf holders in many instances acts .as a check upon business in that market. In liquids, we hear of sales of Hennessy's case . brandy at 26s 3d.