WESTLAND.

Press, Volume X, Issue 1144, 9 July 1866, Page 2

WESTLAND.

HOKITIKA. We have our advicesj to July 5. The " Leader," of the 2nd instant, reports :— The continuance throughout the week of most tempestuous weather, which at present shows no signs of mitigation, has had the effect of putting an almost entire stop to business of all descriptions. The bar has ■ been, and continues, impassable. We have literally no additions to stocks to report since our last from arrivals from colonial ports. Owing, also, to the impracticable l character of the roads, very few parcels have left town since the departure of the Bruce on i Monday, by whioh steamer a general cargo of merchandise was conveyed to Okrrita. At the close of last week, prices had begun to show a downward tendency, the market having been sensibly affected by the arrival of several cargoes in lump, under hammer, at the ship's side. Oafs, hay, chaff, butter, cheese, potatoes, were amongst the principal articles that sustained a decline. Owing to the stoppage of imports, however, during the week, and the uncertainty that prevails as to the facilities for landing goods likely to be offered during the ensuing month, stocks are beginning to be more firmly held, and the chances are that in mo9t ruling goods a considerable advance in prices may be expected, and doubtless storekeepers will be anxious to add to their stocks as a provision against any contingency. We can hardly with any safety under the circumstances give quotations. GBETMOUTH. The "Argus," of the 3rd, gives the following report: — The amount of revenue received at the Custom-house, on Saturday, on goods cleared for home consumption, was £37 18s 2d, making for the month ending the 30th June £4070 18s lOd. The amount received to-day was £16 4s. The export duties paid on gold during the month amounted to £2404 15s 4d. 1 OKARITA. ': The "Observer," of June 30th, gives the following report for the week :— Business has been at a standstill during the week, owing to the roughness of the weather, and the impassable state of the roads. The appearance of the town during the past few days has been sufficient to throw a damper on the prospects of those importing, with an uncertainty as to the safety of shipping outside, and a dull market after arrival. There have been several inquiries for flour during the week. The stocks of good Adelaide are very limited, though the price has not yet advanced much. Stocks of Chilian, though small, are more than sufficient for the demand; and as considerable shipments are known to be on their way, the price is not likely to improve much. Good Adelaide may now be quoted at £32 ; and Chilian at from £21 to ■ £24. Four tons of Otago flour were offered at auction on Thursday, but the highest offer obtainable was £14 10$ for one ton, the balance being withdrawn, and we hear a considerable advance on that price has been obtained privately. Horsefeed, as w_ predicted lost week, has already fallen from 12s to 9s 6d per bushel, and chaff to 37s per cwt; and doubtless, in a few days, when stocks will be more divided, there will be another fall. Brandy, in bulk and case, is still in fair demand; and porter of first-class brands is scarce. The price of butter is not likely to advance much, as supplies are increasing, and the market pretty well stocked. Cheese seems a drug in the market, notwithstanding the high prices elsewhere, and indeed some might be bought here to pay the exporter. We hope the weather of next week will enliven our commercial community, and permit us to report more favorably of trade and prices. BXPOBT OF GOLD. The following appears in the " Observer," of June 30:— The following is a statement of the quantities of gold shipped to Hokitika by the Banks at Okarita since the 23rd of February last—

OZ. DffT. OE. Feb 23 March 9 „ 19 „ 26 April 1 » 8 „ 18 JHay 2 „ 13 „ 19 June 3 » 11 „ 23 4000 0 0 1750 0 0 3430 0 0 1350 0 0 2573 11 11 2000 0 0 5267 17 0 4082 6 20 3613 5 10 1000 0 0 3221 12 0 6213 13 0 2676 1 0