COMMERCIAL NEWS.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 8359, 19 December 1892, Page 6

COMMERCIAL NEWS.

Since our last report appeared business in the import market has been of a somewhat improved character, and, as was expected, the trads has Borted up more freely in making preparation for the Christmas aeason. The arrivals of the Wairoa Xjud steamship Tekoa from London have piN a number of lines into the hands of importers, wanted on the market at the present time. Ale and stout by first bottlers, such as Reade's, Porter's and Foster's, have all met with steady sales at agents' regular rates. A shipmsno of the well known brand of Cameron and SaunVlera', which has just been landed, has also mot with a steady distribution. Clarets of ftir quality have sold in trade parcels. Portwine at from 83 6d to 12a 6d i.b., have ouly seen a moderate demand. Sales of sheriy have been limited. Pale brandy has continued dull of sale. Scotch whiskey at from 63 6dto9a 6di.b. has been delivered in trade parcels. Sugar.? have sold freely, fine white crystals ot Queensland growth and Auckland Company's at up to £26 d.p. The small quantity of Mauritiua now on the market meet with a good demand, chiefly for preserving purposes. The latest advices from] Mauritius .show an advance of quite up to 203 per ton on cost of .present stocks held here. An ordinary trade business has passed in teas, Cbiua of low to, medium grades meeting with the greatest enquiry. The demand for dried fruits has been most marked, and, with the exception of currants, prices are lower than for some .seasons past, elemea at from s£<l, sultanas and Valencias from 6d. Tinned fish have been in slightly better request. Salmon from 8d 6d to 9s 6d, according to brand. Sardines, 4s 6d to 5s 6d for quarters and 7a 6d to 9j 6d for halves. Lea and Perrin's and Mellor's saucee have met with steady sales, and the summer season has elicited an increased demand for vinegar, and both imported and colonial have sold at usual rates. Rico, tapioca and sago have all sold in trade parcels. Kerosene has met with steady sales at the advanced rate now firmly established. In building materials the market shows a quiet tone, boiled and raw linseed oil selling at prices which show no profit to the importer, and the same remark applies to galvauised iron, with heavy stocks. j