COMMERCIAL.

Press, Issue XLI, 25 February 1885, Page 7

COMMERCIAL.

During the four weeks which have elapsed since our last report appeared but little alteration haa token place 4a the markets, nor have the values of goodshndergoneany material change. Although the imports are being kept well within bounds, and sufficient only for future requirements, yet

many lines of merchandise have been offered at prices which leave little or no muginto importers. Engagements throughout the month hare, as a rnle, been promptly met, not utnstandiig the rigid attitude which th»* mosey market still maintains. The tine weather which has prevailed throughout the month haa given a more cheerful aspect to the future, and when the harvest ia secured a brisker tone will no dsubt set in. The foreign arrivals have not been numerous. The dirt«t steam liners Aorangi and lonic, from London, had large and varied cargoes, many lines of which had run low in the market. Consignees anxiously await the arrival of the Norman McLeod, now overdue. In sugars a large business haa been transacted in all grades. Snowdrops are not largely held, and fetch fair prices. During the month the agent of the New Zealand Sugar Company held an auction, at which a considerable quantity of this Company's refined sugars were placed. No. 1 quality realised £39 to £30, and No. 2 £25 10s d.p. Ordinary trade sales have been made in teas; low grades are in most request. Tobacco, twist and nailrod. has been freely placed at late quotations. Nailrod is in short supply, with some enquiry. Aromatio and fancy sorts are scarce. Candles are without - change; Nationals meet with considerable demand. Dried fruits have sold quietly, currants s}d, sultanas 7id, elemes 6id; stocks held are only . sufficient tor present requirements. Tinned fiah remains unchanged, but a brisker demand is looked for shortly. Van Houten's and Fry's cocoa have met with increased demand. Refined saltpetre has some inquiry, as also have tartaric acid and carbonate of soda. Fine and coarse salt, whiting, and soda crystals fetch fancy prices. Ale and stout by first bottlers has seen fair business at holder's rates. Spirits have sold in trade lots only. Scotch whisky of the finest quality has met with some attention. Ports of medium to fine quality ! have been placed in ordinary lines at from 8s 6d to 12s 6d 1.8. Sherries remain neglected. Sales of claret and champagne have been nominal. JDKZ Geneva is not heavily held, and shipments coming forward find purchasers at importers'rates. For rum a better demand will no doubt shortly be experienced. Sales of cornsacks have been frequent throughout the month, farmers' lota are quoted at 6s 3d to 6s 6d- Binder twine has been pushed off at the reduced rates. There has been a small inquiry for fencing wire. Galvanised iron is unchanged. Cement continues scarce, spot lots command high prices, and shipments to land are readily placed.