MELBOURNE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2682, 20 February 1866, Page 4

MELBOURNE.

The Aiytis of the lstiiist. reports :—: — In the import markets to-day, business has been generally characterised by much tameness, and a great want of animation. Transactions are limited, and do not excite any attention. In breadstuffs, a decidedly easier feeling is apparent. Trade sales are effected at £22 10a. for country brands of Adelaide flour, and £23 is the highest quotation for town brands, at •which a parcel of Duffield's has been placed. The demand for local purposes is moderate, and that from the country has not only entirely ceased, but we hear of new flour from the Ballarat district commencing to be senc here for [sale. A sample of the wheat grown in that quarter has also been shown to us, and it is certainly equal to the very best Adelaide, and far excels any description sent from that colony for months past. In these circumstances, it is not to be wondered at that prices should show a downward tendency. Amongst the arrivals to-day will be found the 'Record,' from Valparaiso, via Dnnedin, with, it is presumed, her original cargo, which, it is said, consisted of 600 tons of flour. We hear of trade sales of Californiaa wheat at 95., and for a parcel of Adelaide Bs. lOd. has been accepted. Maize presents a rather weaker aspect ; in some instances ss. lOd. has been accepted, though there are stillholderswhorefuse to quitunder6s. Good samples of oats are saleable at ss. 4£d. A parcel of 1,600 bushels —rather an inferior sample, however— was quitted at a shade under this figure. Sales of malt are reported at Us. 3J. and 11s. 6d. A parcel of flennessy's pale brandy, in.hb.ds., was placed at 7s. We are informed of a parcel of Brandon candles having been placed at l^d. Several shipments of Englishmade Manilla rope have changed hands ; half -inch size to four-inch, and half-inch to leveii-inch, having been disposed of at £52. Medium congou teas have been sold in bond at Is. 6d., and duty paid at Is. 9d. Sales of brown lugar in bond are mentioned at £28, and brewing crystals have realised £42. Seaming twines have been placed at 13d. By auction 1,000 cases Colonial Company's ale, in bottle, were sold, all faults, at middling prices