COMMERCIAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 170, 18 July 1907, Page 3

COMMERCIAL.

Auckland Star Office, CThursdar, lSth July,

andue credit" expected in some cases but this condition is always more or less. eU- £■ sS a r4 country produce w reach. tfce market more far the most important event of the week in commercial circles is the lautt Bill, which came down 1 ". 1 .f than was expected. On the whole the changes are viewed favourably especia l> the removal of the duties on dried tnt* and various other articles of food in Uailj use, which should materially reduce cost of living, and possibly lead to an increase in the consumption of. many of the "nt=. 4 reduction in the tobacco duty was looked for bat it was of course, out of the question to grant this, as well as placing Ore sugar on the free list. On the whole tue feeling is that the workers especially ha>e every reason to be pleased with, the new ta ia a 'the shipping, arrivals include the Victoria and Wanaka from faouthern ports with large cargoes of grain and produce. The Zealandia brought geaeral cargo and transhipments from Sydney. Expected arrivals include the Knmara, Indralema, and Indian Monarch, and the steamer Lord Stanley has been chartered to load at -NewYork for Australian and .New .Zealand ports The Waihora leaves Calcutta shortly with a cargo of Indian produce for New Zealand. Canned Shrimps.—The short catch has caused prices to be prohibitively high. Canned Salmon.—The scarcity of Alaska fish in the 'Frisco market has resulted in high prices being asked for arriving shipmentsf The indications are that they will arrive to a bare market, and meet with a ready sale. Sardines.—The demand continues goo<3, and local stocks are light. Canned Fruits.—The American, fruit is being quoted at enhanced prices, and tins shonld give an impetus to the sale of the Australian produce, which is of very satisfactory quality. Local tinned apples are meeting with a ready sale. Pineapples.—lndications afe that prices have reached their lowest level.

Sago and Tapioca.—Although latest ad a recovery to higher rates Is probable.

Seeded Raisins.—Prices remain firm. Motton Birds.—The good demand continues.

Prunes. —The prospect of a poor crop, and the firm state of the Californian market, indicate that high prices -will be maintained.

Tartaric Acid.—The present high quotations seem likely to continue.

Fungus.—Supplies are coming in very slowly, this being no doubt due in a measure to the wet weather preventing drying.

Potatoes.—Arrivals this week were manifested at 3200 sacks, but 1000 sacks were short shipped. The heavy arrivals of the -week before, however, left the market well supplied, and values showed no improvement, prime quality ruling at £4 15/ ex store, and £4 10/ ex wharf. The advance in the duty takes place immediately, and next week's arrivals will be subject to the new tariff of £1 per ton in lieu of the '£) per cent ad valorem duty now charged. This at present values means an increase of 0/ per ton. However, prices are rniing very low, and once the market advances beyond £5 per ton in Australia, a distinct gain to the consumer will be found. The Australian market continues to rnle very steady, and present prospects point to no ■change in.va.lues.

Maize. —Following the heavy arrivals of last ,week, very light arrivals have come forward, and the market, as a consequence, is much firmer, although there is no quotable change. The bad weather experienced recently will probably have the effect of rpducing shipments to small parcels, and the market is likely to be bare of Supplies for a few weeks to come at any rate. Onions.—The arrivals of Australian onions continue, and the local snpply is also coming forward in quantities about equal to the market's requirements. Prices are steady at 5/ to 6/ cwt. according to quality. Oats.—The s.s. Wanaka arrived from the South with 9000 sacks of oats, the balance of "ate purchases at the low rates ruling a month ago. Stocks at the Bluff are nowsmall, and prices in consequence show a firming tendency all round. B grade are offered ex Wanaia at 3/5 and 3/6 ci store. A shipment of Canadian oats due in the course of a few weeks' time is already being offered on this market, but the cost is high, and values are practically unaffected. Chaff.—A considerable quantity o< , Blenheim chaff has reached the market landing at high cost; but the quality is such that the buyers prefer to pay £1 a ton eiTra for this article, £6 10/ ex store being secured. Local chair continues to come forward, but prime lots are becoming exceedingly scarce, and difficult to secure at £5 15/ per ton ex store. Discoloured quality, Which is in rather full supply, is being cleared from £3 10/ upwards.

Wheat. —The market for wheat remains very firm throughout the colony and little business is doing. Fowl wheat is also firm, the high prices affecting the demand. The rate for fowl wheat is 4/5 ex wharf ana 4/6 ex store.

Brand Pollard.—Pollard is a little easier bat there !« an improvement on last weeK"s business in both lines. The demand is good, and is Likely to remain so throughout the next couple of months, as feed is extreice'v short at present right throngrhont the province, the cold weather effectively preventing any growth.

Bonedust and Manures—An improved demand has set in for bonednst. corresponding with thp demand for seeds of all varienei" btocks of superphosphates are low and the price remains firm. No definite advice has as yer been received from Japan regarding the sailing oi a steamer bringing a snipmen, of Japanese superphosphates to tne colony. It is expected that she will get away m a day or two. Tile dispatch of a boa. for the colony in the sprinztime has Agricultural Seeds.—An improved demand is shown for asrtdccltoral seed oats. SSi /*t ttrm .. 3/9 ex store for re-cleaned seed of the other varieties. Tartar and Dun are meeting with limited inquiry at the same figure. Seed wheat is meeting with inquiry, but as it is. early the demand is hunted Prices are Hrm at 5/6 a bushel Sf ,° c^ y T , osc!!m - Arrivals from the south of seed potatoes, Up-to-date 3 especiw f n Te i 6 6? se ' and toe marK£t is now fuOy stocted -with all varieties Upa ?. e^ar l q ? otea at 6 /- Beantv of Hcb""W Sose e/io. Northern Star 8/10. These are the only varieties in demand for marketable purposes, other kinds being merely in, demand in retail lots for private gardens.

Kauri Gum.—The production for the 17 days of tne month has been 375 tons. wpII np to the average. T he market is very firm SciisysM^ beins a strcn =' dlm^