MELBOURNE.

Southland Times, Issue 1560, 5 April 1872, Page 2

MELBOURNE.

The Argus of the 28th ulfc. reports :- - In the import markets to-day a moderate amount of business has been transacted, and notwithstanding the approaching holidays a very buoyant fueling is abroad. On the aspect of the , breadstuffs market a sudden change appears today in the auction room— a country brand having brought £12 15s— though the feeling has not been responded to as yet outside, and we are unable to quote 6ver £12 12s 6d to £12 15s. We learn, however, that the millers intend raising the price to £13. On wheat a decided improvement, has taken place; about 700 bags were quitted by auction, and a small lot of fine quality was run up as high as 5s S\A, while medium brought 5s 4d, an advance of 4d all round having thus been obtained. We understand that the Loch Tay clears out for England with 12,000 bags wheat and 1000 bags flour. In oats there is nothing whatever doing ; feeding qualities are quoted at 2s 9d to 3s. Maize is without alteration, but there is no business reported. At the sugar sale this forenoon, a good deal of excitement was caused. Owing to the jealousy of importers, and to the manner in which the market »oa offowintorl *« K~ ~- I~<3, - J"U- •»* 1O» to 20s per ton had to be submitted to before sales could be effected; but everything considered, the wonder is that prices did not go lower. The cargo of the Isabelle was offered as advertised, but only 1700 bags were disposed of out of the 4387 of which the shipment consisted. Browns sold at £29 10s, low counters at £32 10s to £33 10s, medium counters at £35 ss, fine counters at £36 1 5s to £37 ss, and fine soft whites at £38 10s. The cargo of the Chateaubriand, though not previously advertised for sale, was submitted to competition at same time, and some 3500 bags were got rid of. Low counters were quitted at £33 15s, medium counters at £35 ss, fine at £36 15s to £37 15s, and £38 10s was accepted for middling white crystals. Our dates from Mauritius by recent arrivals reach to 9th February, and Messrs Ireland, Fraser, and Co., in their circular of that date, state that it was estimated that not more than 30,000 tons remained to meet the demand until the new crop comes in, in July or August next. The total shipment from Ist August to date amounted to 87,124 tons, as against 57,693 tons in 1871, and 93,314 tons for 1870. The quantity of sugar fit for Australia remaining in shippers hands was well nigh exhausted, and stocks were so low that it was fully anticipated that any demand of importance would send prices up. Purchases of whites for Bom* bay were expected to be resumed. Finest white crystals were quoted at 7.85d0l to 8dol ; good to fine crystals at 7.50d0l to 7.75d01 ; yellow crystals at 7.25d0l to 7.40d01 ; finest yellow counters at 6.70d0l to 7dol ; middling to good afc 6.50d0l to 6.70d01. The only charter effected during the fortnight was the Ocean Monarch, which was loading for Hobart Tjwn. There was an inquiry for a vessel for Johanna, to take a cargo of about 350 tons of sugar therefrom to Melbourne. The Emile and the Gabrielle Alice had been chartered at Reunion for Australia, the former for Melbourne direct. The Etienne and Laurence (just arrived) was said to be loading at Nossi-Be. Exchange on London was quoted at 1£ to 2i per cent premium. British sovereigns were worth 5 per cent and Australian 3 per cent to 4 per cent premium. The balance of the E. J. Spence's shipment of Patna rice was offered by public auction. There was nothing, however, done from the box, though a considerable portion was subsequently disposed oP. The Saigon rice, per Hesperus, offered at same time was all withdrawn, the bid lings not proving satisfactory. Flowers of sulphur attracts notice ; we hear of sales having been made at £14 10s to £15. Teas are in moderate request; a parcel of boxes of medium congous was placed at Is 7d to Is Bd. A brisk inquiry for half-chests is also reported. Further sales of Diamond kerosene oil came under our notice at Is 91. In liquids, wo continue to note a good demand for brandies. Hen— nessy's meets with most favor, but we also learn of the quittance of 200 quarter casks Associated Vineyards' pale at 5s l^i. Sales of Otard's brandy have also been effected at 6s. A parcel of 300 cases IT. V. P. brandy has been placed at 235. Sales of O'Brien's Dagger stout are made at prices supporting our quotation of 9s 9J to 10s.