COMMERCIAL.

Press, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5408, 26 January 1883, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

The Customs duties collected at Christchurch on Wednesday, January 24th, were as followß:—Spirits, .£193 15s 4d; tobacco, _67; cigars, .£l6 10s; wine, £20195; sugar, _107 4s sd; tea, .£3B 5a 4d; goods by weight, _35 6s 3d; ad valorem, £35 6s; other duties, £56 9s 4d. Total, £65718s Bd.

Only a moderate business has been the result of the past week's transactions, and that chiefly confined to the wants incidental to harvest operations, which are now in full swing. These comprise some enquiry for machine oil, binding wire and twine, and also cornsacks; the demand for the latter has been extensive, and sales are noted at various prices; no quotation has up to the present been fixed, owing to the different views of holders, some being prepared to hold out for improved figures, believing that the promising prospects of a large crop justifies their doing sp, while others, votaries of the nimble ninepence policy, are disposed to quit at a price which barely covers cost. The landing of recent shipments of bottled ale and stout has eased the demand which on account of low stocks had previously existed; quotations continue firm, holders, in face of advices, not being disposed to accept former low rates. Port wine of medium quality has had a trifling enquiry, as also have sherries and clarets, while champagne has scarcely any notice. Business in spirits has been rather dull, and that principally in Scotch and Irish whiskeys for trade requirements. Stocks of all kinds continue heavy, and though offered at low rates for parcels, yet fail to find buyers. Sugars how some animation, and sales are noted at improved rates 5 the recent shipments have been taken up as soon as to hand, these being required for immediate conj sumption. A small business has been done in currants at low figures; other dried f ruite are neglected excepting muscatels, which | have a small enquiry and fetch fanoy prices, j There is no alteration to report in tobacco, j which remains easy, both for twist and: fancy sorts. Candlea and kerosene are in heavy supply with but slight enquiry, and although ottered at low rates have but trifling sales. Some demand has lately been experienced for salmon, stocks of which are rather light } the price, however, demanded by holders has checked sales. The same features, apply to sardines, while other sorts of fish are unnoticed. Galvanised iron and fencing wire are in ample supply and'at low rates, with only a trifling business.