MELBOURNE.

Southland Times, Issue 1609, 23 July 1872, Page 2

MELBOURNE.

The Argus of the 13th inst. reports : — In the import markets to-day business has been remarkably quiet, and transactions generally have been on a very moderate scale. In breadstuff's no improvement can be reported. The demand for flour continues extremely limited, and for bakers' parcels cannot be quoted over £16 5s per ton for best brands- In wheat, no sales of any consequence can be reported. For medium to fine samples Victorian, prices range from 6s 6d to 7s per bushel. For oats there has been more inquiry, and ' we learn that 2,200 bags, ex Alma, principally good feed oats, have been placed at a very full figure. Maize is a trifle firmer, and we quote 3s Id to 3s ljd per bushel for parcels, and 3s 2d for small lots. Of malting barley there is very little offering. A line of 1,200 bushels Cape realised 4s 2d per bushel. Bran has been more in request, and prices are firmer. A parcel of 3,000 bushels brought 13£ d par bushel. In teas nothing of importance has transpired beyond the sale of some 300 half-chests low congous, at lid to 12id per lb, in bond. In sugars a line of medium white crystals was placed at £41 10s ; ■while fine yellow grainy sorts brought £39 per ton. Malt continues in active request for trade purposes, and over 40 tanks have been quitted in parcels, realising from 10s 9d to 11s 6d, according to quality. In hops a parcel of 1871 Kent brought 2s 6d per lb, daty paid. Currants have been quitted in fair parcels at 5f d to s£d per lb, duty paid. Sardines have been disposed of at 7s to 7s 3d for quarters, and 13s 6d per dozen for halves. In tobaccoes privately we hear of no transactions. Under the hammer Raven twist realised Is 7d per lb. Sales of blasting powder, to arrive, are reported at advanced rates. Arkell, Tufts, and Co., ia their circular, received by the Californian mail, report an advance of 10 per cent, on all American shovels, axes, and mining tools, owing to the heavy advance in iron ; and a further rise is expected. Of American brooms only 12 cases, were shipped by the mail, and holders are asking higher rates.