OTAGO.

Press, Volume X, Issue 1197, 7 September 1866, Page 2

OTAGO.

The " Daily Times," of the 3rd inst., reports : — The markets have exhibited but little activity during the past week, and transactions in all descriptions of imported goods have, with one exception (tbe sale of sugars by auction) been limited to current requirements. The news to hand via Panama furnished no immediate stimulus to business, nor affected the prospects of the market sensibly; but was of a sufficiently encouraging character to warrant the conclusion that in a short time trade will regain activity, and that values for all staple goods will be fairly maintained. In the meantime importers and traders are generally satisfied not to force business until after receipt of the mails via Suez. Operations in the flour market have been confined to the sale of a few small lots of Chilian and South Australian, at prices about last quoted. The auction eale of sugars on the 28th has been the only thing to note in this article. Of the 2200 bags placed, nearly the wholo were fine yellow and white crystals ; prices, ou the whole, easier than late current rates. In teas, numerous small sales have made up a fair aggregate business, without, however, any improvement in value. Stocks in importers' hands are rapidly diminishing, and tbe spring demand will soon be felt. But little business has been done in malt liquors of any kind among importers ; there have been no transactions in bulk ales, and but trifling sales of beers in bottle. Spirits and wines of fair and good qualities have been in soma inquiry, but the sales call for no special notice in both articles; the state of stocks forbids any considerable or speculative operations. Provisions without I alteration ; the transactions have not exceeded j (he placing of a few cases of bacon and hams. (