MELBOURNE.

Southland Times, Issue 1519, 5 January 1872, Page 2

MELBOURNE.

Tbe Argus of the 30th ult. reports : — In the import markets, business to-day has been exceedingly quiet, and in the way of sales little of a special character has been allowed to transpire. We note a better inquiry for flour, and trade sales continue to be effected with more freedom, at slightly better prices, nothing being offered now under £12 15s to £13. Wheat is in moderate request; we hear of a line of 2,000 bushels, a prime sample, having been placed at Ss lid. A smal parcel of new Victorian wheat, * grown at Lake Cooper, about 1,000 bushels, has been placed af 5a 9J for immediate delivery, and other parcels, for forwardgdelivery, have found buyers at 5s 6d to 5s 7d fSthe quality is very good. Up to 6s, we understand, is offering for Tery fine old Adelaide. In oats, there is nothing whateTer doing. Quotations, however, •re very firm and steady, ruling at from 3s 3d to 3s 7d, according to quality. Maize is dull ; sales , are effected at 3b 9£d to 3s lOd. There is a good inquiry for corasacks, and 12s is freely offered without leading to sales. Hops are inquired for, and business is pending in Tasmanian as well as Kent. Teas are moving slowly in trade parcels for the supply of actual requirements. Sales of fine congous are reported at Is 9d ;~ a parcel of Foochow pekoes has also been sold at a full price ; 2s Id it now asked for such qualities. Brandy still meets with favor, and in addition to the ■ales already reported, we learn that equal to 200hhd9 more of Hennessy's and Martell's have changed bands, in all close on>4sohhds since the mail's arrival. Holders are now very firm, and ask up to 6s 9d to 7s for these brands, the latter price having already been obtained for dark Martell's ; 6s 6d is required for Champagne Vineyards, and 6i 3d forvfOtard's. A shipment of Machen's new brand of stout — " Pelican " — ex Theophane, has been taken up on private terms.