CANTERBURY.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3018, 29 March 1867, Page 4

CANTERBURY.

This portion of the year is generally considered to be the dullest, as the demand for station requisites is npw over, ,and, being between seasoup^-tbe^ trade purchases are generally at their lowest ; but the past, week or ten days has been without exception the most unsatisfactory time we have experienced f orsome years. The suspension of Messrs. Hilton and Co.j and Thiel, Mytton, and Co., both with very heavy liabilities, and the meeting of the creditors of Mr. T. M. Gee, of Lyttelton, with rumours of all kinds (many of them without the slightest foundation), have all combined to create a feeling of great uneasiness, and to shake credit considerably. Trade is in a very unsettled state, and there is but little or nothing doing. We anticipate, however, an improvement shortly in the demand for goods, as the winter season advances ; and we think the severe lesson which importers must have been receiving for so long a time from overimporting will have the effect of checking indents. Our stocks on hand are sufficient for at least twelve months' consumption," and very unprofitable prices are now ruling. With the exception of pale ale in bulk, there is scarcely an article out what is amply supplied. Cornsacks have been rather more inquired for, but it is difficult to obtain over 17s per dozen for them. Considerable speculation has taken place in wheat, for shipment to England and the colonies, induced by the unusually low rates ruling ; 3a per bushel is the present quotation. Oats have been purchased at from 2s 9d to 3s per bushel. Candles do not advance ; and while they are quoted in Dunedin, Sydney, and Melbourne at Is 4d to Is 5d per lb., here they have been quitted »t Is Id to Is lid. We, however, anticipate much higher prices for candles as the winter advance?. Kerosine is quiet just now, and stocks are moderate, but large quantities are expected shortly. Hams and bacon are a shade firmer, but there is little business doing. A new regulation issued by the Collector of Customs, to the effect that removal entries (transferring gooda from one bond to another) shall not ;be passed except on the first Tuesday in each month, is causing much dissatisfaction, as being 'highly prejudicial to the mercantile interest. Wo hope the low rate of 3 per cent, discount now ruling in England will induce the banks to lower the very high rates charged here. Exchanges and discounts are unchanged. — lY'jnw, March 23.