MEL BOURNE.

Southland Times, Issue 1554, 22 March 1872, Page 2

MEL BOURNE.

The Argils of the 14th inst. reports — In the import markets, we note a very fair inquiry for merchandise, and a moderate business has been done. Transactions, however, have not been extensive, nor has anything of a speculative feeling been exhibited. The mall news regarding wool has imparted the liveliest satisfaction, more especially as the advance was so unexpected, coming, as it has done, on the back of a previous rise in the course of the year of fully 50 per cent. Breadstuffs are not in much request. Flour for trade purposes is disposed of at £12 15s to £13, there being, however, no inquiry from the larger buyers, no 'sales of parcels have been recorded. Wheat is very firm at 5s 6d for prime samples, and business is reported at the quotation. Under the hammer some 200 bags were quitted at up to 5s sd. Oats are still neglected, but we hear of sales being made at auction at 2s 9d to 3s 3d. Maize is dull ond heavy at our quotation of 3s 6d, and it is more than probable that to quit parcels less money would be accepted. Malting barley is much wanted, and as much a3 5s is offering for even ordinary qualities, the market being very b&,re of stock. An improving business is done in teas. We note a very much better demand, and though the trade only are purchasing, considerable salea are being ; effected. Low ordinary congous to medium sorts have been selling readily of late at prices ranging from lOd to Is 4d, chests as well aB half chests being run off. Susars have also met with a good deal of favor. We hear of about 1500 bags having been quitted at prices ranging, according to quality, from 34s to 395. We understand that the Pomerau, iust arrived at Adelaide with a cargo frsm Bourbon, and which was very generally expected to find her way to this port, will remain and discharge her cargo at Adelaide. The shipment of Mauritius sugar, ex Marie, will be submitted to public competition to-morrow forenoon. A line of 1700 bushels malt has been placed at 9s 4*d. In liquids we learn of the quittance of a parcel of 70 quarters Hennessy's pale and Marten's dark brandy at up to 6s 7*d. -A- parcel of rum, 10 per cent 0.p., has been quitted at 3s. We learn .by a private telegram that a considerable rise in this spirit is reported in the home markets. Late shipments of M'Bwan's bottled ale have been cleared out at close on 9s 9d.