COMMERCIAL.

Press, Volume XXII, Issue 2720, 28 April 1874, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Melbourne, April 21. Breadetuffs remain unchanged and dull. Owing to telegraphic advices from Mauritius of the partial destruction of tne sugar crop by a severe hurricane, sugars have advanced in this market from £20 to £30, and holders' terms have been nearly responded to, offers beiug made close up to the advance. Teas are in considerable favor ; several large lines have been disposed of. Heunessy's case brandy has been sold up to 29s 3d. Dried fruits have been in demand, at slightly increased rates. Oats are very firm ; New Zealand milling, 5s 9d, and very scarce in the market. A telegram, dated London, April 18th, states that New Zealand hemp is £1 lower.

Auckland, April 27. Bank of New Zealand, £17 17s 6<i ; Alburnia, 47s 6d ; New City of London, 22s ; Old Whau, 115s. Buy era : —National Insurance, 33s 6d ; Standard, 17s; Tookey, 95s ; Freedom, 87s 6d ; Beach* 19s. The Supreme Court case against Mr Brogden for wages of workmen employed by a sub-contractor, was determined in favor of Mr Brogden. The Chief Justice held that a contractor is only liable for the Jdebts of a sub-contractor to the amount of money due by him to the sub-contractor; when all money due has been paid to a sub-contractor the liability of the contractor ceases. Workmen must look to their actual employer for

wages. criminal information for libel should not be filed against the proprietors for certain remarks on Mr Fraser, R.M., Thames. The rule is returnable ou Monday. The Judge proceeds South on Wednesday. The Coronet, from Tahiti, reports that the ship Durham, 1400 tons, was wrecked off the Island of Varatea. The captain and crew made their way to Papeatea, 700 miles, in an open boat, the thermometer during the voyage standing sometimes at 120. The.wreck and cargo was sold for £800. * Grahamstown, April 27.

The Ohinemnri correspondent of the Auckland " Star " repeats the statement as to the recent purchase of a block of land in the Ohinemuri district by southern capitalists. It farther states' that the Government had already bought 7 the same from four grantees, and that a serious difficulty was threatening between two) parties of natives, as the land ia said to be auriferous.

The great feast commenced to-day. Profound regret is felt here, at the death of Father Norris, who was much respected. New Plymouth, April 27. The Carlyle Hotel, at Patea, was burnt down on Saturday morning. It is said to be iusured. An inquiry will be held to-day. The Superintendent arrived last night by the steamer.

There is a vacancy in the Provincial CouncJ. caused by the appointment of Mr Wbitcohbe as a Land Commissioner. Messrs KellT ) M.H.8., and Brown, are talked of to stand «or the seat. Wellington, April 27. Arriveu-Lnna, from Timarn.. A large -essel has been signalled outside, and is supped to be the M'Callum Mohr. The Luna batgone to tow her in. <

• Wellington, April 27. Advices have en received from Sydney that the March miq 8 f rom London reached Boston at least twx days late. The New South Wales Government has telegraphed and written to the authorities, urgiDg that fast steamert should be selected for sending the Ban Fran^ sco maile acrO sß the Atlantic. :

~ , . ? Ol F**A. April 27. The town was lighted withg, f or the first time on Saturday. , : • .

Lyell, -prii 27. Patrick Ferry, of Hall's railw*- surTey party, ran into the Buller river on tyurday evening, and was, drowned.. bou, n as not been recovered.,