COMMERCIAL SUMMARY.

West Coast Times, Issue 591, 16 August 1867, Page 2

COMMERCIAL SUMMARY.

Wo have not a very glowing account to givo of commercial matters since the departure of the last European mail. We are in midwinter, which has proved, so far, unusually severe, and consequently proved a considerable check on business, not only in the coasting trade, from the boisterous weather outside, but to inland traffic, through swollen and impassable rivers. The closing of the entrance to tho river for some time led to an accumulation of cargoes in the offing much heavier than has been known at any time. On the opening of the bar, it was 'feared so large an influx of goods on the market would materially interfere with market values. It is satisfactory to note such was not the case, the market maintaining rt buoyancy which, under the circumstances, could not have been expected, 3tocks being juieiously placed, or taken into store for current trade. There has been a slight depression in some major staples during the past fortnight from causes abovo named ; but on the whole prices, compared with intercolonial markets, must be considered satisfactory. The enhanced rates of freight charged by sailing vessels will in eouio measure be counterbalanced- by reduction made by steamship companies to this port, and lead to an extended adoption of the quicker transit.

In wines and soirits there has been un average business done.

Brandies., working low in stock towards close of last month, received an advance of 6d to 9d. This has since been lost, recent imports bringing present rates to 7s 9d and 8s 3d for MarteU's and Hcnnessy's palo ; U.V. and C.V.P. 7s to 7s 3d ; case, 24s to 28s. No enquiry for dark.

Wines have fluctuated very little. Medium ports and good sherries meet with steady sale at prices as per quality.

Geneva has slightly improved, and sells freely at 15s to 16s 6d for JDKZ.

Beer (in bulk) — English has been in better demand. Bass' Nos. 3 and 4 (new), Ll3 10s to Ll4; M'Ewan's, Ll3 to Ll3 10s; local, L 6 per hhd. Bottled ale and porter slow of sale, at — For Blood's and Furness' stout, 13s Gd to 14s 6d ; local (bottled), 11s to 12s.

Provisions arc not heavy in stock. Sinclair's and Coey's hams and bacon are worth Is 5d and Is 6d ; York, Is 3d. A parcel of " Primes " hams changed hands at about Is Id.

Cheese — English, Is 4d to Is 6d ; Colonial, Is Id to Is 2d per lb.

Buttkr has sold freely during the month, good parcels fetching Is 7d ±o Is 9d ; second class unsaleable.

Candles have decreased. We quote for R Nevas, Is 3Jd ; Behnonts, Is 3d ; other brands, Is 2d.

Oilmen's Stores are very slow of aale, prices remaining much the same as quoted the past three months, with a downward tendency.

Flour, through low stocks, advanced last month to LlB, but has sinco given way. Wo quote— For Port Adelaide, Ll7 16s to Llß— stocks not heavy ; Chilian out of the market.

Oats were placed during the month at 4s Id, and may now be quoted at — For Taieri aud Tasmanian, 4s 3d to 4s 6d.

Pollaud, Is9d ; Bran, 2s 9d to 3s : Chait, good, Lls 10s to LlB per ton. PoTATOiy, L 7 to L 9 per on.