COMMERCIAL SUMMARY.

West Coast Times, Issue 254, 16 July 1866, Page 2

COMMERCIAL SUMMARY.

Our last resumeof tho commercial transactions of the month referred to the satisfactory prices obtained by importers, which was owing in a great measure to the extreme lightness iv stocks of nearly every s'aple class of goods. Since then shipments have come forward "more freely, in quantity just sufficient to ease the pressure ou the market, but npt to produce a glut or, except in a few instances, to materially alter quotations. It is a hopeful sigu of the increasing stability of our commercial relations that these unexpected importations have so slightly affected us. We believe wo havo seen the last of the days when heavy consignments cleared at auction would reduce ruling figures to less than cost, and it is no less satisfactory to note that we are, to a very considerable extent, regulated by the condition of the Melbourne markets, from which the greater portion of our supplies come. This fact becoming generally accepted by importers, a certain firmness is assumed that has long been -wanting. Yet the remark that oftener than once has been repealed, cannot be too closely adhered to by sliippers to this port — that we pannot receive heavy consecutive consignments without los 3to consignors. This has been fully exemplified during the last month in sales of produce which during the earlier portion ruled fifty per cent higher than it did a few weeks later, iv consequence of numerous forced auction sale 3. Export shipments to one or two places along the coast, more especially Okarita, have considerably fallon off during the last four weeks, caused by direct importations being made by traders rosident there. In other portions of the country districts tho demand seems to increase as tho winter progresses and new outlying gullies are developed, while the present satisfactory aspect of raining affairs, combined with an expected early increase to our population from the fields of Victoria, have given confidence to the operations of tho country storekeepers.

Spirits. — Stocks of bulk brandy have increased very considerably since wo furnished our bonded stocks last month. Holders, however, havo been firm, the trade demands brisk, and last month's remunerative prices but slightly altered. It ii a notable circumstance that certain brands of brandy, hitherto almost neglected, are receiving marked attention. This is more especially the case with Otard's, in bulk, which, for the country trade, now ranks close to Hennessy's and equal to Martell's. The explanation doubtless is in the well-known fact that the depth of color and greater strength of this peculiar brand allows of more freedom in its preparation for use than the finer qualities admit of. Case Irindy lias not advanced in proportion to other markets ; our requirements in this line are limted, and present stocks moderate. Dark brvndy goes slowly into consumption at low quotations. Whisky, both bulk and case, is dull of sale, and only at prices that must leave importers a slight loss. Old torn and gin have very limited sale in this market. Geneva continues unaccountably to remain at quotations ruinous to importers. It will be seen that our present prices are but slightly advanced on original cost in Melbourne. Rum is occasionally enquired for in Hunted quantities. Winks. — The consumption of port, in bulk — particularly a heavy sample — during the present season is considerable. Stocks are vory inodorate, yet quotations are barely remunerative. In sherry a Tery limited trade is done, and only a very fiuo light article saleable. Claret and hock receive some notice, but tho consumption is confined to a very limited number of our population. Colonial wines are gradually, winning their way to public favor, and likely to create that taste which a long familiarity with bad imitations of good wines have destroyed.

Beer. — The severity of the weather dui'ing the past month has materially affected the sale of aft beers. Good samples of bulk ale, such as the favorite Bass' No. 4, find a ready sale at fair prices. Stocks of this staple have been allowed to run low, owing to the low quotations which have hitherto been offered. Local beer in bulk continues to supply a great portion of the trade, and prevonts the English import making way. Bottled stout is in* much less demand than formerly, and only favorite brands in first-rate condition saleable.

Tobacco. — Signs of an early improvement are not wanting iv this staple. The enormous stocks held have beon materially reduced, aud further importation stayed some time ago. Tho present demand is mainly for light aromatic, made up in pocket-pieces. Candies.— Late advices from Molbourno havo affected our quotations towards a decline. Stocks are easy, considering the season and the existing demand. It is expected that tho

reduction in Victoria will groatly iucreaso our importation. CiGAEsi. — Unless of inferior quality, Havana cigai b aro totally unsaleable at remunerative quotations. Swiss are more sought for, but only at extremely low prices. Sttgab. — In this staple, as others, tho advance in Melbourne markets havo not affected proportionately our ruling prices owing to tho numerous parcels of medium that are to be procured. The favorite descriptious in this market are — for town trade, Victoria Company's No. 2 ; and for the 1 country, a light Java crystal, in small mats. Stocks of sugar are light, considering our roquirmontg, so that an early advance is more than likely, yet much depends on Victorian advices. Tka.— Superior congous are difficult to placo at importers prices. Tho extreme figures obtained in other markets aro not to be had here for the liner teas. The trade refuse to look at tho prices sought, although in many cases these are under cost. Stocks of all descriptions of tea aro rather light, and, like the last item mentioned, seem bound to experience an early and considerable advance in present quotations. Floue. — In last month's report we mentioned that stocks of Adelaide were considered low ; sinco then several parcels have come forward and roliovod the market ; prices have in ( onsequence* Buffered a slight decliuo. still, however, leaving a fair margin for importers. Chilian is rapidly going out of demand. is rapidly going out of demand, owing to the low figure at which Adelaide can be quoted. Advices have been received of considerable parcels coming forward, that will place stocks on an easy footing. Geain. — Oats continue firm at quotations. The upward tendency elsewhere and falling off of supplies pomt to an immediate advance on the prices. Stocks are extremely low and held in very few hands. Bran is still in eager demand at a good price. Chaff has suffered a very heavy decline within the last few days from excessive importations. It may be considered steady at the price we quote. Maize is seldom sought for at the high price ruling at present. PepvisiOns. — Hams and bacon are unaltered from last month. The Bupply being far in excess of our demand, especially at the extreme rates now asked, has forced sales at very unreasonable prices. English cheese is not to be procured, stocks being long ago quite exhausted. The place of the imported articles is, however, well supplied by Canterbury produce, which has become a general favorite here aB well as over the entire colony. Butter of first-rate quality continues to command high prices, although leaving to the importer but a nominal profit. Oatmeal, rice, and barley have but limited sale, but secur3 fair prices. Oilmen's Stoees. — The extreme pricos ruling in the Australian markets, together with the fact that this is not the season for preserved fish of any description being in demand, havo.- caused oilmen's stores to suffer neglect. Being but seldom asked for, importations have become exceedingly light, a state of matters that we expect to see greatly altered as the season advances. StrxDEiE3. — Hardware of all descriptions is kept in full supply by the trade. Mining tools are now in limited demand, as the n9w arrivals are but moderate and stocks plentiful in the country districts. Kerosene has of late received some attention, which soon abated, and now may bo considered slightly on the advance, without any speculative movement interfering. ' The healthy condition of the up-country trade has inspired better confidence in our market, than we have ever experienced before. The large and regular export of gold has also improved our position with neighboring colonies ; and this has gone far to add to our present generally prosperous condition. The influx of miners have" been moderate, yet we are not without hopes of seeing large numbers on our shores when the coming spring has set in