Commercial.

Press, Volume VII, Issue 687, 11 January 1865, Page 3

Commercial.

AUCKLAND. The Southern Gross of the 31st ultimo reports as follows:— This is usually a dull season in commercial circles, and the present Christmas has been no exception to the role in Auckland. Goods for immediate use hare sold freely; hut we have heard of no speculative purchases. The market is -well supplied with stocks in general request, and the -withdrawal to Wanganoi of Such a large body of troops will tend to create a glut, until the extra bulk has been worked off. Sugar is in low stock ; but a carjro of Mauritius, which is due, will meet the requirements of the place. Bacon is scarce. Pry goods and general merchandise are in heavy stocks. Liquids in demand; but with large supplies and such enormous increase on the customs impost, we think consumption will be checked. ' The new tariff (which was wholly uncalled for by the circumstances of the country) will inevitably lead to smuggling along the coast of spirits and tobacco ; and it will be out of the power of the Government to prevent contraband traffic. A coast-guard service would be too expensive and inefficient. We may mention an instance of the unfair operation of the tariff. Australian wine, bought at 20s. per dozen, pays 50 per cent duty; and the highest priced foreign wines pay the same duty—los per dozen. The effect of the tariff will be to shut out English bottled ale and porter from the markets of the colony; and lead to an increased consumption of colonial ale, which does not pay duty. In breadstuff's we are living from hand to mouth. Wheat is in request for grinding purposes; and we may remark that recently we have had proof that wheat is a better speculation than flour in this market. There is a tendency to lower prices, but quotations are unaltered —£25 for fine flour, and £20 for seconds. The cargo of Califoraian wheat, ex Mystery, from Liverpool j and of the Constance, from Adelaide, being prime samples, were quitted at 9s and 9s 6d respectively. .Oats, unsaleable; maize, a retail trade at 9s 3d. Timber, plentiful at the mills; picked kauri, 16s to 18s per 100. Hobart Town timber largely imported, and quitted at auction for what it brings. Business is sound, and engagements have been punctually met. MBSSBS. HTOTEB AM) CO.'S WEBKLT KKPOKT. Messrs. Hunter and Co. (late. Styak and Hunter), report that they have done a fair amount of business this week, both in the cattle and horse market. At the Newmarket Sale Yards, a lot of steers and heifers, the property of Messrs. T. and C. Shepherd, were sold at an average price of £7 per head. Fat bullocks are much the same price as last week. Medium quality ranging about £14 per head. Dairy Cows, of good quality—Market barely supplied. Inferior, qualities have fetched £11 to £12 per head. , . . Calves —None in the market, except of inferior Working bullocks are in demand, and would sell readily at £30 to £40 per pair. Fat Sheep—Market has been rather bare of good qualities, and have sold a shade lower than last week, ranging from 24e to 37s a head, hut really nothing offering. Fat lambs sold at from 20s to 275, but not of first qualities. Three hundred Sydney store sheep have been sold at 19s to 20s each. i Hones—A large show of horses appeared in our yard last week, which were mostly disposed of at fair prices, considering the description of stock, consisting chiefly of hacks and light harness horses of inferior quality. A lot of 22 head, from Poverty Bay, realised satisfactory price*: hacks, from £8 to £20 • one medium draught horse fetched £44. A lot from ttoe Bay of Plenty found buyers at feir prices, the description consisted of hacks and medium draught horse*. Boyal Artillery horses ayeragea £8 isTper head. Wβ have still to report a dullness in the hone trade, but the class of stock generally offering is very inferior. Stock xstd Shake Market, kb. h. p/stabjc's bkpobt. A very limited business has been done in the share market during the holidays.

Bank of New Zealand shares have paseed at £4 15s prem, being a reduction of 5s since my last report ; the demand still remains dull. Bank of Auckland are firm and enquired after at 10s prem, but very few sellers. New Zealand Insurance shares have advanced £2 per share, business having been done at £20 per share.