Commercial.

Press, Volume XIV, Issue 1828, 20 February 1869, Page 2

Commercial.

Pbbss Office, Feb. 20. A sale of timber was held by Messrs Wilson and Alport, at the Eailway Station, on the 18th inst; the lot comprised a large quantity of V. D. L. scantlings, palings, and shingles; also a large cargo kauri timber, ex the Queen, and a shipment of tongced and grooved Baltic timber. The greater portion was sold, but realisedlow prices, as the timber yards were previously well supplied, and very little building ie going on at present. On the 15th ; met, Mr W.H, Hargreavee held a sale of ale and; stout at Messrs Bird. and.. Jones' bonded stores, but the prices obtained must be very unsatisfactory. For general merchandise a'verydull week has gone over, and no sales to any great extent have transpired. Sugars are perhaps the only staple for which anything like a demand exists, as stocks are yery bare. Teas can : scarcely be said to have improved, although, in the absence of any imports, stocks are becoming much lighter, and prices are inclined to advance. Other lines have hardly beein dealt in, and prices are unchanged.. The Matoaka is now discharging, and her cargo is turning out in very good condition. The Glenmark is nearly full, and will probably sail in about a week. Enquiries in the provision market have somewhat subsided, but values have not altered, excepting for bucter, as late holders are almost cleared out by the recent heavy shipments to Hokitika, Melbourne, and the north. Wheat has been offering freely in small parcels, but prices have receded, and 3s 6d to 3s 9d is now obtained with difficulty. Oats also have retrograded in value, owiog to an entire absence of speculation. Q-ood samples will not realise more than 2s 4d to 2s sd. Flour is standing at £13 for small trade parcels, but better terms could be made for cash. Barley is not yet ready, but the quality is expected to be inferior to last year's crop. Spirits are unaltered. A great trade ie being done in Hehnessy's and Martell's brandy, both in bulk and case, at 8a 6d and 29s respectively. Whiskeys are moving; off slowly, but geneva, rum, &c, are very dull of sale. The amount of Customs duties received at Christchurch yesterday was £273 16s 10d; light dues, £1 63 Id; total, £274 17s lid.