COMMERCIAL.

Press, Volume XLII, Issue 6304, 2 December 1885, Page 7

COMMERCIAL.

£iocs our last report appeared ia the Summary for the 'Frisco mail, but little change can be noted in the import market. As stated by the Chairman ef the Chamber ofl Commerce* business throughout Canterbury has continued quiet but sound. Prices show no improvement, and the margin for profit left to the merchant ia small. Notwithstanding the rigid attitude of the money market, engagements throughout the month have been fairly well met. Amongst the foreign arrivals may be noted the direct steam liners lonic andßuapehu, also the' barque Hudson, from London. A ll of these bring cargoes of general merchandise to a not over-stocked market, and ■ many lines have changed hands to arrive. Boßr. ftle has not been much noticed, ; and still rules at from £9 10s for Bass and £9 5s for Younger's. Ale and stout by first bottlers has moved off steadily at late quotations. The several agents brandy report only ordinary sales, and rather heavy stocks held. Scotch whiskey at from 7s 6d to 10s 6d Lb. has gone steadily into consumption. The agents for Kilmarnock and DunviUe'fl report Bales or parcels at usual rates. J.D.K.Z. Geneva has sold at from 12b 8d to * 14s 6d Lb. for large and small contents. Case old Tom has sold at last quotations; bulk has continued scarce, and shipments coming forward will be readily placed. Port wine has sold in trade lets at from 8a 6d to 12s 6d i.b. Sherry continues slow to move. Lime-juice cordial has been readily placed at late rates. Champagnes of well known branda have met with same demand, as is usual at this season, stocks held are not more than

sufficient for immediate wants Clarets ft%ve sold in trade parcels. In sugar, business has not been brisk, stocks low, and bolderb firm. The trade have only purchased to supply present wants, preferring to await the arrival of further shipments, mow almost due; £25 to £Zf 10s may be qucted for Mauritius first whites. Teas have not had much attention, buyers having laid in supplies pretty well for the present. The demand has been mostly for low leafy and medium Congou inhalf-chests, and boxes of the finer grades. Candles have bren pushed off at prices favoring purchasers. N4tibna.'s ; 9£d to 9}d; lon lons Bjd to BJd. Kerosene, high test, has sold freely for this season of the year; low test has been slow of sale. A moderate inquiry has existed for tobacco, and agents report usual sales at full rates. New season's fruits have sold fairly in trade parcels, but the demand does not warrant heavy importations. Currants. 4Jd to ssd; sultanas, 6dto6id; Valencia raisins, 7d to Tid; elemes, 6(4; bottled prunes, Is Id to Is Sd; candied peel, lid to 12d for lemon. Tinned fish has met with increased demand. Salmon has advanced to 7s 8d to 8s; lobsters, 8s 6d to 9a. Carbonate soda, tartaric acid, and cream cf tartar have met with inquiry. Lea and Perrin's and Mailer's sauce has usual business. Bice has continued scarce, and Japan dressed fetched up to 23a 6d. Tapioca and sago also have been in short supply. Vinegar has increased demandFine salt, whiting, and soda crystals are not in over supply. Woolsacks have gone into consumption in farmer's lots. Fencing wire has been almost neglected. In building materials the market ii unchanged. Galvanised iron from £20; cement, 133, ex ship.