COMMERCIAL.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7262, 23 January 1889, Page 3

COMMERCIAL.

Business in the import market during the past four weeks under review has continued to be of a fairly satisfactory character, and the turn over has been greater than during the same period' twelve months back. The increased cost of all descriptions of merchandise, caused b/ the extra duties and advance in freights, has now been fully realised by importers. Prices have consequently been advanced, and next month will see the uniform scale of terms adopted, which have for some time back been under the consideration of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. In sugarsagood business has passed, and the Thornhill'scargo, which came to an almost bare market, was readily placed at an advance on last quotations, some heavy sales of Chinas have also been made at from £21 Lb. Moderate transactions have passed in teas, Congous of low to medium grades having met with most attention. Ceylons and Indians also met with increased demand. In tobacco, black work has seen good sales; aromatic was also placed In quantity, ex direct steamers, at agents' rates. Golden syrup has sold to the trade at 20s. Crushed loaf sugar has been scarce, and 33s has been readily obtained. Kerosene has been delivered in fair quantity considering the season of the year. Rice, dull of sale, from £18 10s to £19. Tapioca and sago have had moderate enquiry. Currants have experienced a quiet demand at 4Jd to sd. Elemes 5Jd and upwards, according to sample. Sultanas od to6sd. Van Houten's cocoa has continued to be sold at prices which have left no margin of profit to importers. Fry's has sold at regular rates. Vestas have seen moderate sales, 250's 18s to 19s, 1000's at 67s 61. Tinned fish have claimed increased attention, as is usual at this season of the year. Salmon has sold at from 10s to lis 3d, according to brands. Sardines 8s 6d to lis 3d for*** and 4s 6d to 5s 3d for is. Lobsters have been neglected Vinegar has seen Increased business at Is 9d to Is lid ; the local manufactured article has also been sold in quantity. Hops have seen only a grocer's business at 5d to 6d for past season's. White starch has met with good demand at from 50s to 52s 6d for best brands. Marmalade has sold at 7s up to 7s 3d. Jams have seen regular sales. Corn flour has sold at 6gd to 7d for B. and P.'s; other brands from 34d to 4d. Imported candles have been dull of sale, and shipments coming to hand will show an increase on late costs. The colonial manufacturers have been doing a good business at the advanced rates, viz., from s£d upwards. Carbonate of soda has sold at from lis 6d to 12s; tartaric acid, 2s to 2s Id; soda crystals and whiting have only met with a quiet demand; fine salt has been scarce, and spot lots have latterly commanded £5 10s, whilst coarse has had only moderate sales at £5 ss. Cornsacks have sold freely at up to 7s 3d for farmers' parcels. Binder twine has fetched from 7d to Bd, with a large demand Castor and machine oil has seen good sales. In building materials only a moderate business has passed. Galvanised iron has sold at an advance on last quotations. Boiled and raw oil has been placed at 3s 2d to 3s 3d for invoice lines. Bulk ale has only received moderate attention. Ale by first bottlers has seen usual sales at from lis 3d to lis 9d, stout, lis 3d to llsfid: second class brands of ale and stout have been placed at 8s 6d to 10s. Pale brandy has sold in trade parcels only. Hennessy's case at 37s Lb., other brands 20s to 24s Lb. Scotch whiskey at from 5s 6d to 9s fid L b.(has met with fair sales. In case whiskey, Lome at 18s 6d, Kilmarnock at 21&, Rob Roy 17s 6d, Royal Blend at IBs 6d have all seen ordinary sales. Geneva and Old Tom have only had moderate business.- Port wine has had limited sales at from 8s 6d to 12s 6d Lb. Sherry has been neglected There has been an improved enquiryforclaretat from Ils6d to 12s6di.b. for low quality. Ginger wine, sarsaparilla, and lime juice cordial have all attracted increased attention.