Commercial.

Press, Volume XIV, Issue 1862, 3 April 1869, Page 2

Commercial.

Pbesb Office, April 3,1869. A comparatively busy week has just closed, owing in a measure to the resumption of business after the holidays, but more particularly to the opening of the month. Most lines have been dealt in more or less, but no operations have taken place sufficiently heavy to alter trade values. Sugars continue in very good demand, and a slight advance has resulted, as no direct importations have been received or aro expected for some time. Crushed loaf is now offering at £58 to £60; 10, £54 to £55 ; yellow crystals, £49 to £50 j rations, £47 to £48. A few small parcels continue to arrive from Melbourne, but not sufficiently large to Bupply requirements. In teas a moderate trade has been done, but stooks have not yet worked low enough to admit of any improvement in quotations. Fine congous Btand at 2s 8d to 2s lOd; Souchong, 2s lid to 3s 2d ; Hyson, 2s 4d to 3s; gunpowder, 3s 3d to 3s 6d.. A better enquiry has recently existed for coffee ; good plantation is placed at Is 2£d to is 3_rd. Candles have also improved, several large lines having been quitted at Is o£d, while smaller lots have touched Is Id. In soap, large parcels are continuously imported from Melbourne, as it can be laid down here at a less price than our local manufacturers ask for a similar article. It is a pity that an effort is'not made by the Canterbury establishments to produces commodity at a price that will close this market to foreign brands. Kerosene is firmer and sells readily at 2s lOd to 3s. Twist tobacco is in active request at 4s 4d to 4s 6d, but flat and golden leaf are dull of sale. Cornsacks rule high, oa the market is almost bare; full weights maybe quoted at 15s 9d to 16s 6d. Building materials are in good supply at moderate rates. Mr C. C. Aikman sold the balance of Mr Joseph Bailey's timber on the Ist inst., the attendance was good throughout and satisfactory prices were obtained. Spirits are rather dull, as the season is not yet advanced; stocks are ample,and prices remain at late quotations. Ales and stouts in glass are almost a drug, except for one or two Tety superior brands. Provisions find a ready market, and large quantities continue to be exported to Melbourne and the neighbouring provinces. Good hutter fetches from lOd to 11a; hams, bacon, cheese, &c, realise favorable prices, but holders are not anxious to quit as an advance is anticipated. Wheat has been dealt in freely, and large parcels are under offer. Several hues have been disposed of during the week at prices varying from 3s 6d to 3a lOd according to quality. Advices from Adelaide are encouraging, but this market has not yet been affected by the intelligence. Oats are still being exported largely, and several heavy transactions nave been closed during the week at 2s 4d to 2s 6d. Flour is unaltered in value, and trade paresis are offering at £12 to £12 10a. The amount received at the Customs yesterday was—Duties, £150 17s 7d; light dues, 4d K {^m » Amß Act, £1 2s; total, £154 09 lid. '