COMMERCIAL.

Press, Volume XXXI, Issue 4317, 31 May 1879, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Pbkss Office, Friday Evening. The Customs revenue collected on Thursday amounted to -£428 4s 2a, as follows:—sugar, £4 4s 10d; wine, .£53 12s 9d; spirits, .£264 Ga lid; tobacoe, .£33 ss; oilman's storaa, £14 Sβ 4d ; drapery, .£9 2s; cement, £15; stationery, £5 10a; sundries, £10 14s 10s.

Sixes writing oar last report we have cot any improvement to notice in tbe tone of general business. Trade still continues exceedingly ■all, and sales of ell descriptions of goods are difficult to effect. Forehases are conducted by bsjera on a notably limited scale, althongh we are just at the end of the Jtonth. The past week has been happily free from the announcement of any stoppages calling for special mention. Although the feeling of .distrust still permeates the community, yet we are glad to observe that a healthier atmosphere is springing tip that will teed to the placing of basinet* operations on a steadier baas. It is also a matter for earnest congratulation that wool has improved to such an extent, as the difference of the present advance has a more than usual meaning to us in these times of depression. The business in teas has not been &t all extensive, and what has been done has been at former Takes. The latest telegraphic advices from China inform us that the new season will open from three to four vreeks later than it did last season, and that it is confidently anticipated the opening prices will show a considerable advance on the rates of last year. The bade having been supplied wits sugars at the late sale, we have nothing new to bring under notice. The Bio Lcge is now considerably overdue, and should arrive at any moment, Xhe enquiry for dried fruit? is anything but active, and transactions bare beta only for trade parcels. Currants are quoted at 4d to 4£d, Heme at 6d, but purchases can be made at a concession on these figures for mixed parcels. Sice is rather low in stock, traders, ia the face of a falling market, ha-ring- deferred sorting np until price 3 had apparently reached their lowest. Fair samples are 'quoted at 24s to 265. Paint dls bare sees miagre badness. A small parcel of neats* foot has been placed at 6s 6d. White and rod lead are almost neglected. Colza oH has been usksd for, although the demand is not over active, considering ihe season. Kerosene is wittont cliange, dealers being able to purchase oil of any parity as wanted. Quotations are unaltered—2s Id to 2s 3d for high j test, and Is Id for low test. Tobaccos continue doll, and sales are reduced to a minimum. '1 he fordid, under exceptional circumstances, of soma brands has interfered with ordinary transactions. The market for spirits, generally, continues depressed, and we have nothing to note bayond the ssuil trade requirements. In bottled aJes, the only brand commanding attention, and wiieh is not in over snppiy, is Bass— both pints «nd quarts. ?or the bast bottlers, 8s 3d and 12e Sd is wanted respectively. Tenoant's is being pushed, but we have not heard of sales to any great extent. _ Orders for fencing wire have been coming in more freely and executed at .£ls for No. 8, bat wo have not heard of any quittances of invoice Uses. I