COMMERCIAL. Waikato Times Office, Wednesday. MELBOURNE WOOL AND GRAIN MARKETS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2211, 9 September 1886, Page 2

COMMERCIAL. Waikato Times Office, Wednesday. MELBOURNE WOOL AND GRAIN MARKETS.

Mismh Coi.mshokoi <;h and Co, lcport undue date, Alklholkxk, August 23., - Woor.— The usual cleanng-up sales, preparatory to the commencement of the new season, have been held during the past month, and although the selections were indifferent, as was to be expected, competition was very animated, and •* sl >R ht advance on low rates was established. This improvement, however, was only noticeable in merino-, and fine crossbreds. the coarser gr.idus. in sympathy with the home wools, being without quotable change. In all about 200 bales were hold. Our telegraphic advices from London speak hopefully of the future market. Since tho close of last sales a large private biwness hott beon done at an advance on closing rates of about 10 per cent for merino and ■» per cent for Hue ctossbred descriptions. Although about 7000 bales have been taken up, which number represents the quantity withdrawn during the series, and we may reasonably conclude that, as the prevailing demand is of a progressive nature, prices in next sales will, in all probability, show a still further improvement. Coarse long wools, unfortunately, do not participate to much evknt in the rise in values which, owing to the caprice of fashion, is cennned to the fine-haired varieties of the staple, the demand for quality being the chief feature of the recent auctions.

MONTHIA CX UN 11RPORT. Dunn" the past month the demand to supply shipping orders of wheat outside intercolonial requirements has been very limited, and the c\poit trade to the United Kingdom may be considered as closed for the season. The small surplus still remaining, will be all absorbed in the shape of flour to supply the wants of JNew South Wales and Queensland, which colonies have drawn heavily on our resources during the season. The slackness in the demand for wheat during the month has been followed with an easier tone in prices, and although as a rule holdeis are firm, still to effect sales a concession would have to be made ; but as stocks are now so limited, we think present prices are likely to be maintained till the jibw crop comes forward. Very seasonable weather has been experienced during the month, and the welcome rains, which have been general throughout Mie colony, have greatly improved the appearance of the growing crops, thus lendering the prospects of the coming season very satisfactorily. Wheat lias ruled at from 5s 3d, with only a limited demand, as most of the mills are now only working half-time-Flour has ruled from £10 los to ±,11 ss, according to brand and description, with a fair export trade doing with the other colonies'.— Oats have maintained last month's quotations, ruliner from 2s lOd to 3s for Calcutta* up to 3s 4d for stout and milling descriptions.—Barley continues in good demand for.all choice maltiutr samples for 3s Gd to 4s 3d, inferior and feed lots ruling from 2s i)d to 3s.