COMMERCIAL.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7866, 18 May 1891, Page 3

COMMERCIAL.

Business in the import market during the past four weeks under review has been of a moderate character, and the trade in town and country have confined their purchases to the supplying of immediate requirements. Business generally continues upon a drm basis, but although the imports are kept carefully within the consuming requirements of these parts, prolitsare still unsatisfactory to importers. The steamship Duke of Buckingham has arrived, and there is a marked saving of time since the shipping of her cargo iv Loudon and its arrival into store here, Bi compared with tbe sailing vessel. Tue use of tbe cargo steamer will very shortly have, the elfecfc of causing smaller stocks being held here, which will be of great advantage to importers generally. The money market continues well supplied, and in our papers daily there are notices of largo and small sums to lend at from 0 to 7 per centum, according to security ottered aud amount required. The continued doe weather has be«n far from advantageous to our farmers, and although we have experienced some good showers, a few days of reaily heavy rain would be welcomed throughout tbe country. Latterly the wheat market, ou account of recent cablegrams, has been in rather au unsettled state, and buyers have not shown much disposition to operate. .No uoubt there is now a greater anxiety ou the part of the farmers to quit their produce, so soon as it is gathered, in this market than take the risk of shipping on their own account. The euquiries foi farm properties have oeen numerous, and a good number of transactions have taken place. The Midland Railway affairs in connection with the stoppage of the works have attracted public attention to a large exieut. In goods, sugars have met with a fair demand, and prices ruling have been steadily maintained, white crystals at from £21 10* to £22 10s, i.b. Yellow crystals have been pushed olf to close accounts at prices favouring purchasers ; browns havo met with little demand and diilicult to move. Teas have met with a moderate demand. China of low to medium grades have been in most request; Indians and Ceylons have seen ordinary business. Caudles have sold in quantity. Nationals, Beluionts, London sperms aud the various brands of wax have ail been taken at lute rates ruling. Dried fruits have not met with as good a demand as usually experienced at this season of the year, and it is doubtful if the recent sharp list* in the Melbourne market in currants will ail'ect this market iv the face of stocks hold. Eleines and sultanas have met with ordiuary sales. Kerosene has baan delivered freely and a large parcel has been placed e_ Gleneida from New York at a price withheld. Tobaccos have been placed in quantity by Cameron's aud T. C. Williams' agents ex recent arrivals. Tinned fish have been slow of sale sine** the Lenten season; salmon at from 8a to 9s Od, according to brand, sardines 1* Od to Os Od for halves, and 4s Od to 6s for quarters. Kice has sold more freely, purchasers having held oil* until arrivals of new season's. Vestas have been ttrm, and prices show an advance on last quotations. Cornllour at from 3£d to the latter for Brown and Poiso_'s, sago aud tapioca have all met with a fair trade demand. Keillor's marmalade has sold at from 7s 3d. Jama have been iv fair demand. Vinegar has sold ac agents' rates. Bluestone has met with a steady demand, aud been sold at prices disastrous to holders, viz., £27 to £_7 10s. .Fencing wire has coutiuued to meet with good demand, and heavy sale 3 have passed ex ship. Galvanised iron dull of sale. Kaw and boiled oil have met with, au improved demand. Sheet lead was sold to the trade at £21. In building materials the yards report a quiet demand. Ale and stout by first bottlers have been placed ex recent shipments at ordinary rates. Palo brandy has been dull of sale. Scotch whisky ac Irom 6s Od to 9s Od i.b. has met with improved business. The demand for rum has set in, and trade sales are reported. Old torn has seen a quiet demand. Geneva J.D.K.Z., 3 and 4 gal. size, has been iv rather short supply w-ir.b some demand. .Port wine at iroixx 8s tjJ to l_s Od i.b. haa seea ordinary sales - sherry aluioic neglected, l/uuaual' interest has been taken iv the licensing elections throughout the colony, these elections are on this occasion, and will be for the future, triennial instead of annual, but it is difficult to say if this reason has called forth such a display of interest as has been displayed.